Mason Mount distraught as Man Utd star lasts just 12 minutes against Man City with fresh injury

Mason Mount suffered the latest injury setback of his frustrating Manchester United career within the first 12 minutes of Sunday's derby against Manchester City. The Red Devils midfielder was forced off the pitch after finding himself on the ground early on, with Ruben Amorim bringing on Kobbie Mainoo to replace him on the bench.

Mount made his fourth Premier League start of the season at the Etihad Stadium in a significant show of faith from Amorim.

But he looked distraught after hitting the ball with a fresh problem, and the 25-year-old was helped into the tunnel by a member of United's medical staff.

Mount's teammates will understand the anguish he has suffered since his £60million move from Chelsea in 2022.

Bruno Fernandes was the first to console United's number 7, who wore a devastated but accepting expression on his face.

Since arriving at Old Trafford, Mount has only amassed 32 appearances, managing to complete a full match just once.

He has missed a total of 30 matches through injury and could face his final spell of absence during the hectic winter period.

Amorim introduced Mainoo in place of Mount, pairing him with Manuel Ugarte in midfield and pushing Fernandes into a more advanced role alongside Amad.

The Portuguese head coach made two seismic decisions by completely excluding Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford from his squad for the day.

United shook things up by communicating that neither striker was injured, confirming that Amorim had dropped them both for the blockbuster clash.

The 39-year-old then explained his bold decision, insisting the two trained at Carrington in the morning and understood his reasoning.

“I pay attention to everything, the way you eat, the way you put on your clothes to go to a match. Everything,” Amorim told Sky Sports.

“I do my assessment, then I decide. There was communication after the last practice. They are doing well. They practiced this morning and I was there. They practiced very well.”

Amorim may have harbored regrets when he noticed Mount needed help, but he will understand that these are the games where he will live and die by his decisions.

United were building in a first half that produced a distinct lack of quality from both sides before Josko Gvardiol put the hosts ahead in the 36th minute.

The Red Devils were undone by another corner routine, albeit from a deflected cross from Kevin De Bruyne, to give City the lead going into the break.