Nicky Butt has urged Manchester United to sell Mason Mount in the summertime transfer window.
Mount joined United in a £55 million deal from Chelsea in 2023 but has struggled with injuries during his time at Old Trafford.
This season, the 27-year-old has began just 10 Premier League games and has made just two appearances instead under Michael Carrick.
Butt has praised Mount’s ability on the pitch but believes United must money in on the midfielder because of his injury record.
‘He’s a improbable footballer, I’m an enormous fan of him when he’s fit,’ Butt told Paddy Power.
‘On his day, he’s an actual top, top footballer and one that will suit Man United’s way of playing.
‘I like him when he’s playing well and he was good when he played at Chelsea. But he’s just not fit.
‘He’s been there nearly three years, I find it hard having to pop at individuals who have been injured. But if you have a look at what’s the input – £55 million – and what’s the output, especially with regards to renewing contracts. You possibly can’t keep these lads.
‘You’ve just got to maneuver them on. It’s sad but they need to.
‘United need players that they’ll depend on, especially in the mean time.’
Butt also believes that United at the very least five latest signings in the summertime transfer window, including two central midfielders.
‘The most important issue next season is that they might be in Europe, little question about it,’ Butt said.
‘The massive picture is the recruitment. They’ve got a large job.
‘Should you’re trying to try to get straight back into competing within the Champions League, to get into the late stages of the FA Cup after which challenge for the Premier League, they need rather a lot.
‘Two centre backs, two centre midfielders, a top centre forward and perhaps even a right back.
‘It doesn’t matter if they offer Michael the job, even in the event that they got Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp, they still must get the recruitment right or they’re going to fail.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the newest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Cole Palmer sends message to Chelsea over Manchester United transfer link
MORE: Manchester United squad vs Chelsea revealed with latest injury blow
MORE: Nico O’Reilly injury update ahead of Manchester City vs Arsenal