Manchester United's midfield setback might be the ideal preparation for their next two games

Erik ten Hag will not have to ruminate over Manchester United's midfield this weekend. Christian Eriksen will come in for Mason Mount.

In the latest perplexing communiqué from United, they did not state what Mount's injury is. United are so nebulous about injuries it has become an in-joke among the journalists who ask about them.

United have described it as "small" yet the implication is Mount will not play again until Brighton visit Old Trafford on September 16. From the time of impact against Tottenham, that is a four-week lay-off. Hardly "small".

Still, Mount is unlikely to be missed, whatever the final score against Nottingham Forest. If United triumph, his absence will be cited as key. If they don't, then their midfield was already a muddle. It's lose-lose for Mount even if United win.

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United have still not exorcised the demons that have possessed the number seven. Mount failed to complete 90 minutes in either of his starts against Wolves and Tottenham and his pre-season was distinctly underwhelming. The only highlights so far have been in his hair locks.

The midfield imbalance was raised at Ten Hag's press conference last Friday and Jamie Carragher analysed it insightfully on Monday Night Football. United's midfield was rarely scrutinised so scathingly last season.

Mount's recovery could coincide with Kobbie Mainoo's. Mainoo left Houston on crutches with an ankle injury on July 26 and was given a two-month timeframe to return.

United have to hope the 18-year-old is slightly ahead of schedule. Mainoo was accommodated in the same midfield as Mount and Casemiro against Real Madrid until he ended up as the collateral damage from a tackle by the