On August 3, according to Man Evening News, Carrick may have determined Manchester United's three-man midfield combination against Hull City.

Manchester United fans are full of praise for Mount's excellent performance in preseason once again. Mount's performance is not surprising - he played strongly at the end of last season and trained individually abroad before Manchester United's preseason officially began, which has been his consistent preparation habit for the past few years.

Since Carrick took over, Mount has been playing in a deeper midfield role, and the 27-year-old has appeared comfortable, impressing with precise passing and defensive contributions. A chemistry is developing between Mount and Andre Santos, and the two are working well together. "I've known Andre for a while," Mount said in Norway, "I've been watching him from afar, ever since he came into the Chelsea first team. I think he's a very good player. I know he's young, but he has a lot of experience on loan and playing in the Premier League. He reads the game very well, and is a bit more defensively oriented, which allows me to push forward more in the last two games and play with him."

Mount praised Santos' defensive abilities and admitted that he enjoys the deeper midfield role. "On the defensive side, both of us want to be involved, actively competing, winning possession, and staying aggressive, so I'm really enjoying it," he added, "I've played this position for many years since I was young, so I'm very used to it. It's a position I love and feel I'm suited for."

Carrick now faces a sweet selection dilemma before the season opener against Hull City on August 22. Bruno Fernandes is expected to return to Carrington this week. He is almost certain to start against Hull City at the end of the month, but the remaining two midfield starting spots will be competed for in the coming weeks.

Mount and Santos are currently the frontrunners to partner Bruno Fernandes in the starting lineup. They have the advantage of having trained together since the beginning of preseason and being in better match condition. While more playing time benefits them, both have also seized the opportunity and delivered performances. Santos showed signs of rust in his debut against Wrexham but has since improved in matches against Rosenborg and Atletico Madrid.

Manchester United still have three preseason friendlies this summer, against Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds United, and AC Milan. Tielemans reported to Carrington last week and will be available for selection against Paris; Bruno Fernandes, returning this week, may also be included in that match's squad. England reached the World Cup semi-finals, so Mainoo will return a bit later, but he will still make it to Dublin for the match against Leeds United. Tielemans will have three games before the first Premier League match to fight for playing time and impress Carrick, while Mainoo will have a maximum of two preseason opportunities.

All indications are that Carrick is likely to field a midfield trio of Santos, Mount, and Bruno Fernandes in the season opener, as Tielemans and Mainoo still need to build up their match fitness. Even if both are fully fit before the new season, Mount and Santos' performances in the first three friendlies are enough to put them in a strong position to compete for the two midfield spots behind Bruno Fernandes.

Carrick relied heavily on Bruno Fernandes, Mainoo, and Casemiro last season, but the midfield configuration now looks healthier, and the club is also expected to sign another midfielder before the transfer window closes. Tielemans' performance in the coming weeks will be very interesting to watch - because he returned earlier than Mainoo for preseason preparation, he is more likely to snatch a starting spot from Santos or Mount in the season opener. This kind of sweet problem is exactly what Carrick wants.

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