Michael Carrick Responds to Gary Neville’s ‘Trade Him In’ Claim Over Manchester United Star

Michael Carrick views Mason Mount as a useful and versatile squad option for Manchester United, with no indication he plans to “trade him in” despite Gary Neville’s suggestion that the club could sell the midfielder to fund other signings. Mount has struggled to fully justify his move from Chelsea, but Carrick is said to value the 27-year-old’s ability to cover multiple roles across midfield and attack, especially with United returning to the Champions League and facing a heavier fixture load next season.

United are expected to strengthen their midfield in the summer, with at least two central midfield additions planned to compete with Kobbie Mainoo and Mount. Casemiro is set to depart, while Manuel Ugarte may also leave, opening up space in the squad for new arrivals. Even so, Carrick is believed to see Mount as part of the solution rather than a player to move on, particularly after the midfielder showed encouraging signs in his recent appearances under the new boss.

Mount has made only a limited impact since joining United, with seven goals in 72 appearances, and injuries have affected his ability to build momentum. He has featured just seven times under Carrick and has accumulated around 200 minutes, but his recent performances suggest he could still have a role to play if he stays fit. Carrick’s early priority has been stabilising the team, which has limited his chances to use Mount consistently, but the midfielder’s adaptability may become more valuable as United manage a demanding schedule.

Neville, by contrast, has argued that United’s main priorities are elsewhere. He believes the club need a left-back, a centre-back and two midfielders, saying those four positions should be addressed first. While he did not rule out Mount’s usefulness, he suggested that if United could “trade” him for a more flexible player, it might be worth considering. His comments came after United’s recent win over Liverpool, when he stressed the need for the squad to be rebuilt in key areas if the team are to compete properly under Carrick.

United are expected to spend heavily in the transfer market, with several midfield targets linked, including Elliot Anderson, Ederson, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Sandro Tonali. Any arrivals are likely to trigger departures as the club reshapes the squad. Ugarte, Andre Onana, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford are among the names tipped to leave, while fringe players such as Joshua Zirkzee and Altay Bayindir could also be considered for sale.

For now, Carrick’s stance suggests Mount remains part of United’s plans, and a summer exit appears unlikely unless circumstances change.