According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United midfielder Mount hopes to seize the opportunity in pre-season to secure a more significant role in the new season.

Manchester United will begin their pre-season campaign in Helsinki this week, and Mount hopes to use this summer, with many key players participating in the FIFA World Cup, to prove that he still has an important role under Carrick.

With no other midfielders returning for summer preparation, Santos and Mount might even start together in the Wrexham match. However, both are aware of the fierce competition they will face this season. Mainoo returned from North America with a competitive spirit after being overlooked by Tuchel during the FIFA World Cup, Tielemans joined from Aston Villa for £35 million, and another midfielder is expected to arrive before the transfer window closes.

Santos, 22, has a five-year contract, so time is on his side. But Mount does not. At 27, he has been at Old Trafford for three years, joining from Chelsea three years ago for £60 million, but has failed to make the anticipated impact.

Mount performs best as a No. 10 in Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system, so it's no surprise that Mount was linked with a move to AC Milan after Amorim took over. Manchester United rejected initial inquiries this summer, insisting the player was not for sale.

Like Santos, Mount also signed a five-year contract, but with only two years remaining, his best position and how he fits into the team remain unclear. Towards the end of last season, he earned several starts under Carrick in a deeper midfield role, and he may appear there again during pre-season this summer. If so, it's likely a signal that he will be considered a defensive midfielder this season.

Since joining Manchester United, Mount has been plagued by injuries, missing 70 games over three seasons due to various issues. But at the end of the season, he insisted those problems were a thing of the past. If Mount wants to make an impact at Old Trafford, he really needs to avoid injuries.

After three years, he has only made 72 appearances, with only 25 Premier League starts. When the deal was made, then-football director Murtough called Mount a "world-class player," but for various reasons, Manchester United has consistently failed to see Mount perform at that level.

If Mount had performed well enough, he should have been at the FIFA World Cup this summer. But the reality is that despite Tuchel's appreciation, he is currently far from the England squad. Most coaches like Mount because he can link up play and improve his teammates. Carrick also admires Mount, having described himself as a "big fan of Mount" when he first took over, praising his "attitude and personality" and lavishing praise on Mount's midfield performance in the season's final away win against Brighton.

Mount will get playing time this summer, and a full pre-season should prepare him for the start of August. Manchester United are back in the Champions League, and there will be enough games throughout the season, but if he wants to be more than just a rotation player, Mount needs to perform exceptionally well in the coming months.

AF's PC site is now live! Browse full news, comments, match details and stats on your computer. Visit: www.allfootballapp.com