Mount feels 'brilliant' as Manchester United prepare for new season

By Callum Ashford — 25 July 2026 — 3 min read

Mount’s Pre-Season Progress and Fitness

Mason Mount has expressed feeling “brilliant” as Manchester United continues its preparations for the upcoming season. The 27-year-old midfielder, who joined United in 2023 from Chelsea for a £55 million fee, is aiming to be in optimal condition for the start of the new campaign. His comments followed United’s 5-0 pre-season victory against Norwegian side Rosenborg in Trondheim.

Mount acknowledged the importance of pre-season matches for working on various aspects of play, both technically and physically. He noted that playing against a team like Rosenborg, who are in the middle of their season and sharp, provided a valuable challenge. He also highlighted the significance of winning, stating it was a “step up from the last game” and that winning is “the most important thing.”

Injuries have impacted Mount’s time at United, with reports indicating that it was not until his third season that he completed a full 90 minutes in a Premier League match. Despite these setbacks, he has maintained the confidence of his managers, who appreciate his value when fit and playing. Mount is also recognised for his versatility, being able to operate in several midfield positions.

Leadership Role and Midfield Partnership

During the second half of the match against Rosenborg, Mount was given the captain’s armband, a role he admitted he “loved.” He had previously served as captain years ago and relishes the responsibility, particularly with younger players on the pitch. Mount sees himself as a leader who sets an example through his work ethic.

He discussed the different types of leaders, noting that while some are very vocal, he prefers to lead by example and through continuous effort on the pitch. His experience with the armband involved speaking to younger players to help them feel comfortable during the game and off the pitch. This leadership quality has been praised by former managers, with Ruben Amorim reportedly commending his leadership during his tenure, and Michael Carrick expressing admiration for the midfielder.

Mount also spoke about his developing partnership with new signing Andrey Santos in midfield. He has known Santos for some time, having observed his progress since he broke into Chelsea’s first team. Mount described Santos as a “really good player” who reads the game effectively. He noted that Santos’s more defensive style allows him to push further forward, a position Mount enjoys and sees himself in. Both players are described as aggressive in winning the ball back and making tackles.

Looking Ahead to the New Season

Mount’s focus is firmly on building momentum from the end of the previous season, where he finished strongly by playing in several games. He described his break as good but stated he was eager to return to training and get back into the rhythm of playing. He feels “strong and ready to go” for the challenges ahead.

Before joining United, Mount had a more consistent playing record at Chelsea, where he was named the club’s player of the season in 2020/21, the year they became European champions, and again the following term. He also scored more goals at his former club, including 13 in the 2021/22 season, during which he was a full England international. One of the reasons for his acquisition by United was his perceived goal threat from set-pieces, though goals have been less frequent at his current club. He has not added to his 36 England caps since 2022.

Manchester United’s next fixture is scheduled against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm on Saturday. Following that, the team will play against PSG the subsequent weekend in Gothenburg, continuing their pre-season schedule.