When Mount, who has played most of his career as an attacking midfielder, joined United from Chelsea for £55m in 2023, his ability to play in midfield was seen as one of the attractions.
Despite much of his first two seasons at Old Trafford being spent dealing with injuries, the 27-year-old has managed to make a consistent impact in the last quarter.
Although it is still very early in this pre-season, on the evidence of the first two games, Wrexham in Helsinki and Rosenborg’s limited team in Trondheim, there are definite signs that Mount and Santos can form a very productive partnership.
It has become clear that Santos are happy to stay deep, take the ball away from defenders, see gaps in passing lanes and pressurize the opposition.
That allows Mount – who won his last 36 England caps four years ago – to use his undoubted skills on the ball, help him find space, and lift United up the field. It’s not something he’s usually known for, but Mount isn’t afraid to make a tackle either.
“I’ve known Andre for a while,” said Mount. “I watched him from afar as he entered the first team at Chelsea.
“He is a good player and he reads the game well.
“He’s a little defensive, so it allows me to go a little bit further and take him away.
“Defensively, we are both players who want to move around, get involved, win the ball back and be aggressive.
“I enjoyed it a lot. It’s a position I played for many years when I was young. It’s a position I like and see myself in.”
While not a veteran by any means, Mount took his responsibilities as a senior in this summer’s opening preseason games very seriously.
He spent time with the younger players, and it appeared before the Rosenborg game that he spent time with Shea Lacey, whose excellent opening performance in the 5-0 win must have brought him closer to a permanent place in Carrick’s squad.
Speaking to reporters in April, Mount, who is out of contract in 2028, looked ahead to the campaign which will include a return to the Champions League and what contribution he can make.
“Next season we have a lot of games, which is what you want in a big team,” he said at the time. “Having the pressure to perform and win games is what we like as players. If it’s starting or coming off the bench, I’m ready.”
It’s the kind of attitude that managers love.
Carrick showed what he thought of Mount by captaining him briefly in the second half in Norway, after Harry Maguire came off at half-time before more changes after the hour.
“You have different types of leaders,” said Mount.
“You have those who talk a lot, but I see myself as someone who leads by example and does not stop working.
“I was a captain years ago, so I like the job.
“Especially with a lot of young players on the field, and besides, being able to talk to them and make them feel comfortable, it’s something I really like.”
There are five weeks left before the transfer window closes and United will continue to be linked with many signings.
But Mount made a strong case to show that the club already has what it takes in midfield.
