Mason Mount returns to training in injury boost for Manchester United ahead of pivotal run of games

Manchester United have confirmed that England international Mason Mount has returned to full training ahead of a push for the Champions League places.

Mount has made just 12 appearances for United since his blockbuster move from Premier League rivals Chelsea for an initial fee of £55 million.

The 25-year-old has struggled immensely with injury and hasn’t played since coming off in the 1-0 win over Luton Town back in November.

However, the club have now confirmed that the England international is back in training with the club facing a pivotal few weeks.

After beating Everton 2-0 live on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Saturday, United will now face arch-rivals Liverpool on Sunday in the FA Cup quarter-finals, although it’s not clear whether or not Mount will be included in the squad for that game.

After that, United then go away to Brentford and Mount’s old club Chelsea before once again hosting Liverpool, this time in the Premier League.

They also still have to face Arsenal and Newcastle United before the season is out.

Erik ten Hag’s side currently sit sixth in the Premier League table and will be pushing hard to try and close the gap on Aston Villa in fourth.

Villa currently have an eight-point gap over United with Tottenham Hotspur sitting in between them, six ahead of United and two behind Villa.

One additional wrinkle is the two additional UEFA Champions League spots for next season that will be awarded to the leagues with the best coefficients.

The Premier League is in prime position to earn one of those, currently in a three-way battle with Serie A and the Bundesliga.

Despite United still being in the race, speaking as part of the TNT Sports panel for the game against Everton, former Old Trafford great Wayne Rooney said that he doesn’t believe his old club will qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

"I don't think Manchester United will make the top four, because they almost have to win every game, and they're very inconsistent, so I can't see them doing that," he said in the TNT Sports studio after the game.

"It's going to be very difficult. There were no clear-cut chances for Everton, but there are too many gaps, and it's too easy for teams to create chances against them."

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