Manchester United are facing an unexpectedly severe squad crisis at a crucial point in the season, and Ruben Amorim may be forced into bold tactical decisions ahead of the Boxing Day showdown with Newcastle United at Old Trafford.
What was already shaping up to be a demanding fixture has now become even more challenging, with the Red Devils potentially missing up to seven experienced first-team players.
International commitments and injuries have hit United simultaneously.
Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui are all unavailable after departing for the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving Amorim short of key options in wide and defensive areas.
On top of that, Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire have been sidelined for several weeks, with their fitness status still unclear ahead of Amorim’s next press briefing.
The situation worsened further when captain Bruno Fernandes and young midfield standout Kobbie Mainoo were both ruled out through injury.
Their absences have created a significant problem in the heart of midfield, an area that already lacked depth.
While United have issues across the pitch, it is the shortage of midfield options that poses the biggest tactical headache for Amorim.
With no room to dwell on misfortune, the Portuguese coach must now find creative solutions within a depleted squad. One unexpected option gaining traction could involve Mason Mount being deployed in a role United fans have rarely seen him play.
The £55 million signing has mainly been used as a left-sided attacking midfielder or, at times, as a false nine during the current campaign. However, the present circumstances may force Amorim to rethink how Mount is used.
There is growing speculation that Mount could be asked to operate as a number eight alongside Casemiro. Fernandes had been filling a deeper midfield role recently, tasked with breaking lines and supplying passes to the forward players.
Mount could be trusted with similar responsibilities, using his intelligence and movement to link midfield with attackers such as Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Šeško.
Despite enduring a difficult spell since arriving at Old Trafford, Mount has quietly put together a respectable 2025–26 season.
He has contributed three goals in 14 league appearances and has shown signs of regaining confidence and sharpness.
A deeper midfield role would demand far more defensive discipline and positional awareness, but Mount’s energy, pressing ability, and willingness to work off the ball suggest he could adapt, at least in the short term.
For Mount, this could be a defining opportunity.
After two challenging years marked by injuries and inconsistent form, stepping up during a crisis may allow him to justify the faith United placed in him and reconnect with a fanbase eager to see him succeed.
Lisandro Martínez has already shown he can fill in as an emergency midfielder, impressing in that role against Aston Villa, but Amorim is likely to prefer using the Argentine in his natural position at left centre-back.
Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte’s struggles since joining the club mean he is unlikely to be trusted with a starting role in such a high-stakes match.
Should Mount be moved into central midfield, it could open the door for another attacking reshuffle.
Joshua Zirkzee or highly rated youngster Shea Lacey may be handed the right-sided number 10 role, offering fresh energy and unpredictability as United attempt to overcome their mounting challenges against Newcastle.
