Manchester United midfielder Mason Mount is expected to miss Wednesday's pre-season friendly against Leeds at Croke Park after picking up a foot injury during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Paris St-Germain in Gothenburg. The 27-year-old was withdrawn early and has not trained since, making his involvement in Dublin unlikely.
Mount had impressed in United's first three pre-season outings, playing in the number eight role just ahead of new signing Andrey Santos. However, he was caught by a challenge to the foot in the opening minutes of the PSG match and was replaced by Tyler Fletcher, with the club's official account of the game noting the change came after 20 minutes.
What exactly happened during the PSG game?
Mount was forced off early after taking a knock to the foot, though accounts of the timing differ slightly. While United's own reporting placed the substitution at the 20-minute mark, ESPN reported that he lasted closer to 18 minutes before Fletcher came on in his place.
According to Manchester Evening News, Mount himself said he was “all good” following the match, despite the early withdrawal. He is also said to have joined the squad's travel to Dublin afterwards and signed autographs for supporters before boarding the team coach, per the same report.
How has Carrick addressed the injury concern?
Head coach Michael Carrick has publicly framed the substitution as a precautionary measure rather than a serious issue. Mount was seen walking freely to the team bus after the game, without any protective boot or support, according to ESPN, which also reported that Carrick said the club had been “careful” with the midfielder.
Speaking to Norwegian outlet VG and cited by Football365, Carrick gave a brief explanation of the incident:
He got kicked.
Carrick added that the club simply wanted to “look after him,” underlining that the withdrawal was about managing risk rather than responding to a significant setback. It remains unclear whether Mount will be fit enough to feature in United's final pre-season fixture against Ruben Amorim's AC Milan.
Who else is available for the Leeds game?
Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez has been training since joining United's six-day camp in the Republic of Ireland, having sustained an injury during the first half of the World Cup final. England internationals Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo have also returned to training this week, though it is not yet known whether Carrick considers they have had sufficient time on the pitch to be involved against Leeds.
Rashford's situation carries added significance given the uncertainty already surrounding his long-term future at Old Trafford. United are currently weighing decisions over his role at the club amid reported interest from Arsenal, Tottenham and Barcelona, as detailed in earlier coverage of Manchester United's transfer plans.
Why is this match significant?
Wednesday's fixture will mark the first occasion on which two English football clubs have played each other at Croke Park, the historic home of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The setting adds an extra layer of interest to what is otherwise a routine pre-season encounter.
What happens next?
United are scheduled to face Leeds in Dublin on Wednesday evening before meeting AC Milan, managed by former United boss Ruben Amorim, in Wroclaw the following Saturday, according to Daily Post and ESPN. United's competitive campaign is then set to begin with a Premier League opener away at Hull on 22 August 2026, per ESPN's reporting.
- Mason Mount was substituted early in United's 1-1 draw with PSG on Saturday after being kicked in the foot.
- He is expected to miss Wednesday's friendly against Leeds at Croke Park but has not been ruled out of facing AC Milan the following Saturday.
- Carrick has described the withdrawal as precautionary, saying the club wanted to “look after” Mount.
- Lisandro Martinez, Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo have all returned to training during United's camp in Ireland.
- United's Premier League season is scheduled to open at Hull on 22 August 2026.
