Why Mason Mount was substituted by Manchester United vs Brighton

Manchester United midfielder Mason Mount was forced off with an "issue" in their 2-1 Premier League defeat to Brighton.

Mount started for the third game running and excelled during the first half but was replaced by Joshua Zirkzee at the interval.

United manager Erik ten Hag is unsure how severe Mount's problem is. "It was forced," Ten Hag said. "He had an issue, he mentioned an issue and I didn't want to take a risk. I don't know how much of a worry it is in this moment.

"But we have a good bench. If you can bring Zirkzee and don't hesitate, bring him off and you bring a player who has an impact and we see Josh had a great game."

Mount suffered two major injury lay-offs last season that reduced him to 20 appearances in his maiden campaign for United. Only eight were as a starter.

READ MORE: United player ratings vs Brighton

READ MORE: United pay the price for midfield and attacking issues

Mount is bidding to return to the England squad, having last played for the national team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. England play the Republic of Ireland and Finland in the Nations League under interim coach Lee Carsley next month.

Ten Hag picked an unchanged team for the third match running at Brighton but changes are inevitable for the visit of Liverpool next Sunday.

Marcus Rashford was substituted shortly after the hour mark and he is still without a goal since equalising against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final in March.

Harry Maguire was culpable for Danny Welbeck's opening goal at Brighton, which could lead to a full debut for Matthijs de Ligt at Old Trafford. Alejandro Garnacho is also pushing for a start after another impressive performance off the bench.

"We have a squad, from the squad we will pick the best