Mount the mentor and leader

Although he is not a veteran in any sense, Mason Mount has taken his responsibilities as a senior professional in this summer's opening pre-season games extremely seriously.

The 27-year-old midfielder has spent time with the younger players. It was noticeable before the Rosenborg match that he sought out Shea Lacey, whose fine opener in a 5-0 win must have nudged him closer to a permanent place in Michael Carrick's squad.

Speaking in April, Mount, whose contract runs to 2028, looked ahead to a campaign that would include a return to the Champions League and what contribution he could make.

"Next season we have a lot more games, which is what you want at a big club," he said at the time.

"Having the pressure of performing and winning games is what we love as players. If it's a start or coming off the bench, I'm ready.

"You have different types of leaders. You have ones that are very vocal, but I see myself as one who leads by example and never stops working.

"I've been captain previously, years ago, so I love the role.

"Especially with a lot of younger players on the pitch, and off it as well, being able to speak to them and make them feel comfortable, it's something I really like."

It is the kind of attitude managers adore.