Mount serves as Manchester United captain for the first time and confirms he is staying. He expresses his love for the defensive midfield role and is willing to guide younger players even from the bench.

In United's second pre-season friendly, Mason Mount continued to partner new signing Andrey Santos in the defensive midfield position. When captain Harry Maguire was substituted, the 27-year-old English midfielder wore the captain's armband for the first time. Mount is certain to stay at Old Trafford this summer, seeing himself as a leader in the dressing room and ready to mentor juniors even if he starts on the bench.

For most of his career, Mount has operated as a number 10 or a wide attacking midfielder. After joining Manchester United from Chelsea for £60 million in 2023, he mainly played in those positions, especially thriving under Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 formation.

However, now that Carrick has returned to the 4-2-3-1 system, there is ample depth in every forward position. As a result, starting from the final two matches of last season, the manager has deployed Mount in the defensive midfield role, where his performances have been promising. In pre-season friendlies against weaker opponents like Wrexham and Rosenborg, the English midfielder also proved he can handle the position in such games.

Santos, also a Chelsea product, can form an effective partnership with Mount. Santos prefers to defend deep, win the ball back, and then pass to teammates. Meanwhile, Mount uses his ball control to help the team progress forward and occasionally joins the attack. Surprisingly, although Mount is not a defensive specialist, his tackling has been at least very proactive.

Santos joined Chelsea in January 2023, before Mount moved to United, so the two had a brief stint together at Stamford Bridge. However, it was very short-lived because in March of that year, Santos was loaned back to his former club Vasco da Gama. After returning, he was loaned to Nottingham Forest, while Mount had already joined the Red Devils.

Mount recalled: "I've known Andrey (Santos) for a while now. Ever since he joined Chelsea, I've been watching him from afar. He's a very good player, with an excellent understanding of the game. He's a bit more defensive-minded, which allows me to push forward more aggressively and try to break through the opposition's defense. Defensively, we both like to intercept, win back possession, and we're both attacking-minded players."

Regarding playing as a defensive midfielder, Mount said he enjoys it. "I really like this position. I played it for many years when I was younger. It's a role I love, and I feel I suit it well," Mount said. He will turn 28 next year, and while he's certainly not an old veteran, he is happy to act as an experienced player and guide the younger ones.

In United's 5-0 win over Rosenborg, fans saw him frequently alongside 19-year-old Shea Lacey, who scored the opening goal. Both will be on the bench for United next season, and Mount expressed his willingness to contribute to the team. "Next season we'll have more games, which is exactly what a top club should have. Handle the pressure, fight to win—that's what we players enjoy. Whether I start or come off the bench, I'm ready."

This is an attitude that management appreciates, but of course, Mount's £250,000-a-week salary won't please owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Ratcliffe wants high earners to be starters, not benchwarmers. Mount's contract runs until 2028, and if he doesn't contribute more and stay injury-free, he will eventually be sold.

But manager Carrick, like Amorim, admires Mount's professionalism, which is evident from his decision to make Mount temporary captain on the pitch. "There are different types of leaders," Mount said. "Some people like to talk, but I see myself as someone who leads by example, never stops working. I've been captain before many years ago, and I really like the role. Especially when there are many young players on and off the pitch, being able to talk to them and help them feel comfortable is something I really enjoy doing."