Gary Neville has suggested Manchester United should consider selling midfielder Mason Mount this summer as part of a squad rebuild under Michael Carrick. Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast after United's 3-2 win over Liverpool, the club legend outlined four priority positions for the upcoming transfer window but indicated that moving Mount on could facilitate a fifth signing.
Neville identified left-back, centre-back, and two midfielders as the essential areas for reinforcement, with Luke Shaw's fitness a concern and the midfield set for significant change. Casemiro is confirmed to be leaving, while Manuel Ugarte is also expected to be sold after an underwhelming two-year spell. Within this context, Neville proposed that United could benefit from trading Mount for a more versatile operator. "Look, if you could, then maybe trade Mason Mount for someone else who maybe can play in and out and can be a bit more flexible across the midfield and forward line, then I would say go for a fifth," Neville said.
The former England international has become a peripheral figure at Old Trafford, particularly under interim manager Carrick. Despite making 20 Premier League appearances this season, Mount has played just 27 minutes across four games since Carrick took charge, often finding himself an unused substitute even when fit. Injuries have plagued his three-year stint at United following his €67.7 million move from Chelsea in 2023, severely limiting his impact.
His overall contribution paints a stark picture of a failed transfer. Mount has managed only 69 appearances in three seasons, mostly from the bench, accumulating just 2,650 minutes of competitive football. This season, across 22 games in all competitions, he has not yet reached 950 minutes. Such limited output stands in stark contrast to the expectations that accompanied his high-profile signing, which saw him arrive as a Champions League winner and established England international.
The potential departure aligns with a broader midfield clear-out, signalling a decisive shift in strategy. With Carrick almost certain to be appointed permanent manager, his apparent reluctance to use Mount suggests the player does not fit his long-term plans. Selling the 27-year-old would free up significant wages and potentially generate a transfer fee to reinvest, though his market value has undoubtedly depreciated from the original €68 million outlay.
For Mount, a move would offer a chance to revive a career that has stalled dramatically since leaving Chelsea. Regular football elsewhere could reignite his prospects of returning to the England setup ahead of the 2026 World Cup. For Manchester United, following Neville's advice would represent a pragmatic, if expensive, admission that a major signing has not worked out, allowing resources to be redirected towards players more suited to Carrick's vision for the club's future.
