Michael Carrick Explains Reason for Mason Mount's Absence vs Fulham

Michael Carrick has moved quickly to calm concerns over Mason Mount after the midfielder was a surprise omission from Manchester United’s matchday squad for Sunday’s clash against Fulham.

Mount’s absence raised eyebrows among supporters, especially given his recent return to form and improved fitness record this season. However, Carrick explained after the game that the England international had picked up a minor issue in training, insisting it is not serious and should not keep him sidelined for long.

Speaking candidly, Carrick said Mount suffered “a bit of a knock” during the build-up to the Fulham game, forcing the club to take a cautious approach.

“He took a bit of a knock in training. It is nothing serious,” Carrick explained. “Obviously disappointing he is not with us today but he will be back with us very, very soon.”

Those words will come as a relief to United fans who have watched Mount’s time at Old Trafford repeatedly disrupted by injury since his arrival. The midfielder has struggled to build momentum in previous campaigns, often missing key periods of the season through fitness issues. This term, however, there has been a noticeable improvement.

Mount has featured in 19 matches across all competitions this season, contributing three goals and adding energy and pressing intensity to United’s midfield. While those numbers may not be headline-grabbing, they point to a player gradually rediscovering rhythm and confidence after a difficult spell.

What made Mount’s absence more surprising was the fact that there had been no mention of a problem in Carrick’s pre-match press conference. The midfielder had even been an unused substitute in last weekend’s dramatic 3-2 victory away at Arsenal, suggesting he was fully fit and available. It was only later revealed that the injury occurred during training ahead of the Fulham fixture.

United’s decision to leave Mount out entirely appears to be a preventative measure rather than a response to a serious setback. With a demanding run of fixtures on the horizon, Carrick and his staff were unwilling to take risks, particularly given the club’s recent injury problems.

Patrick Dorgu is the latest addition to United’s injury list, with the defender ruled out for up to 10 weeks due to a hamstring issue. That blow has already forced Carrick into changes, with Matheus Cunha handed a start against Fulham following his stunning match-winning goal against Arsenal last weekend.

Cunha’s inclusion highlighted United’s growing reliance on squad depth as injuries continue to test their resources. While the Brazilian impressed with his impact in recent games, Mount’s absence was still felt, particularly in terms of ball retention and movement between the lines.

Carrick has repeatedly spoken about the importance of managing players carefully, especially those with recent injury histories. In Mount’s case, the club appears determined not to repeat past mistakes.

Mount’s struggles since joining United have been well documented. Periods on the sidelines have disrupted his rhythm, making it difficult for him to settle into a consistent role. This season, however, he has enjoyed a longer run of availability, and his fitness record has been one of the positives in an otherwise mixed campaign.

That context explains why Carrick was keen to downplay fears and stress that the midfielder’s return is imminent. With key fixtures coming thick and fast, United will need all their options available.

The schedule ahead offers little respite. United face Tottenham at Old Trafford next Saturday, before travelling to West Ham on February 10. A trip to Everton follows on February 23, a run of games that could have a significant impact on their league position.

Having Mount available for those matches would be a major boost. His work rate, pressing ability and experience at the top level provide balance in midfield, particularly in games where United are expected to control possession.

Carrick’s comments suggest Mount could be back sooner rather than later, possibly even in contention for the Tottenham game depending on how he responds in training this week. The manager’s calm tone contrasted sharply with the anxiety that initially surrounded the player’s absence.

For now, United’s priority will be ensuring Mount returns fully fit rather than rushed back. Given the loss of Dorgu and the physical demands of the upcoming fixtures, squad management will be crucial.

Mount’s situation also serves as a reminder of how fine the margins are at elite level. A minor training knock can be enough to rule a player out, especially when clubs are taking a more careful, long-term view of fitness.

While Sunday’s focus was on the result against Fulham, Carrick’s reassurance over Mount may prove just as important in the weeks ahead. If the midfielder does indeed make a swift return, United will feel they have avoided another prolonged injury setback — something they can ill afford at this stage of the season.