The perfect partner for Santos?

Manchester United's midfield has been the topic of intense discussion all summer.

Mason Mount, who has played most of his career as an attacking midfielder, joined United from Chelsea for £55m in 2023, his ability to play in central midfield was cited as one of the attractions.

Although too much time in his first two seasons at Old Trafford was spent dealing with injuries, the 27-year-old was able to make a consistent impact last term.

While it is still early days in this pre-season, from the evidence of the opening two games, there are definite signs Mount and Andrey Santos could form a very productive partnership.

It is already clear Santos is happy sitting deep, taking the ball off defenders, spotting gaps in passing lanes and pressurising opponents.

That allows Mount - who won the last of his 36 England caps four years ago - to use his undoubted abilities on the ball, helps him to find space and move United up the pitch. It is not something he is generally noted for, but Mount is also not scared to make a tackle.

"I've known Andre for a while," said Mount. "I've watched him from afar, since he broke into the first team at Chelsea. He's a really good player and reads the game very well.

"He's a little bit more defensive, so it allows me to push on a little bit more and work off him.

"Defensively as well, we're both players that want to get around it, put tackles in, win the ball back and be aggressive.

"I've really enjoyed it. It's a position I've played for many years from a young age. It's a position that I love and I see myself in."

Michael Carrick showed exactly what he thinks about Mount by making him captain for a short time in the second half in Norway, after Harry Maguire had gone off at the break before the bulk of changes just after the hour mark.

There is over five weeks yet before the transfer window closes and United will continue to be linked with big-money signings.

But Mount is certainly making a strong case to show they already have what they need in midfield.

How important a role do you think Mount could play for United this season? Where do you see him fitting into Carrick's system?

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Read more on Mount's potential role here