Mount and Heaton injured in PSG draw as Carrick offers Rashford olive branch and United's midfield hunt splits the boardroom
Mount was taken off as a precaution and Heaton suffered a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw in Gothenburg. Carrick confirmed Rashford, Mainoo and Martinez will rejoin next week. Behind the scenes, Vivell and Wilcox disagree on the club's next midfield signing.
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Manchester United drew 1-1 with Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg on Saturday in their fourth pre-season friendly, but two injury concerns and a boardroom split over the midfield search dominated the headlines.
Mason Mount was withdrawn in the first half after being kicked, though Carrick played down the severity. "We just wanted to be careful and look after him," the head coach told Scandinavian broadcaster VG. "We've been lucky with injuries so far."
Mount later said he was "all good." Tom Heaton was not as fortunate, suffering a right hamstring injury early in the second half while rushing out to make a clearance. He was replaced by Dermot Mee.
What did Carrick say about Rashford?
Carrick offered an olive branch to Marcus Rashford, confirming the forward will return for pre-season training in Ireland next week alongside Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo.
"I've played with him. I played in the game he made his debut, so we have a history," Carrick said.
What is the boardroom disagreement?
The club are understood to favour a profile closer to Aurelien Tchouameni or a Premier League-proven alternative rather than Manu Kone for their third midfield signing. Recruitment director Christopher Vivell is among those who have put the Roma midfielder forward as a potential option, while director of football Jason Wilcox has highlighted other targets, contributing to the slow progress of any deal.
The split helps explain why United's midfield search has dragged on despite personal terms reportedly being agreed with Kone weeks ago.
Who is Kaua Elias?
In attack, Brazilian forward Kaua Elias has emerged as a new name on United's radar. Scouts watched the Shakhtar Donetsk striker after his hat-trick against Kudrivka on Monday. He is valued at around £30 million.
United are also "patiently waiting" on Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, with Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest both bidding for the Senegal international.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much did Middlesbrough pay for Radek Vitek?
- Middlesbrough signed the Manchester United goalkeeper in a deal worth up to £14 million, setting a new record for a Championship goalkeeper transfer.
- Was Mason Mount injured against PSG?
- Mount was substituted during the 1-1 pre-season draw with PSG as a precaution after taking a kick, though head coach Michael Carrick indicated it was not a major setback.
- Who are Manchester United targeting in the transfer market?
- The club is reportedly scouting Shakhtar Donetsk striker Kaua Elias and Racing Santander left-back Jorge Salinas, while internal discussions continue over midfield options like Manu Kone.