The Manchester Evening News analyzed Mount's situation at Manchester United, where he has fallen into a similar predicament to Mainoo.
After the formation changed to 4-2-3-1, Mount has to compete for a starting position, and his competitor is Bruno Fernandes. No matter who the coach is, Bruno Fernandes will be the starter. He has no place to play at Manchester United now. If sold for around £20 million, Manchester United would be able to avoid losses under financial fair play rules. This price might attract buyers, but his injuries and salary may deter potential suitors.
The current face of Manchester United is very different from the team when Ruben Amorim left after a 1-1 draw with Leeds United last month. Since Michael Carrick's return, the formation has changed, the style of play has become more watchable, and the players have been placed in positions that suit their characteristics.
Bruno Fernandes is a typical example. The Manchester United captain and core player previously played poorly when partnered with Casemiro in a deeper midfield position, but now he is playing as a No. 10 in a more advanced position, with more freedom to control the game. Before his injury, Patrick Dorgu struggled when playing as a wing-back under Amorim, but has shone on the left wing.
The current Manchester United is brand new. On the surface, it seems that everyone is a beneficiary, but there is one person who has to think about his future. Under Amorim, Mason Mount was an absolute core player and performed very well.
Two of his three goals this season were scored in three consecutive games, which also allowed him to firmly occupy a place in the starting lineup of the former coach. After scoring the second goal in the 4-1 victory over Wolves, Amorim specially praised Mount's performance.
"He can defend, he can attack, and he has excellent ability to handle the ball, so I am not surprised to see him perform well," Amorim said. "He is a different type of leader. Unlike Lisandro Martinez, he is the kind of leader who leads by example."
"No matter what the situation, Mason Mount is consistent - training, communication, and getting along with people at the Carrington base and around him. This is not easy, so he is a very, very good player."
Fast forward two months, and Mount's career at Manchester United is suddenly in great crisis again. After the formation changed to 4-2-3-1, Mount encountered a similar situation to Kobbie Mainoo earlier this season.
The former Chelsea player now has to compete for one starting position instead of the previous two, and the competitor is Bruno Fernandes.
No matter who the coach is, Bruno Fernandes will always be the first name on the team sheet.
So, if Mount cannot start as an attacking midfielder, the question becomes: where should he play? Although he has played on both the left and right sides, he currently does not have the advantage of competing for a starting position on either wing.
Matheus Cunha and the current Dorgu are on the left; Amad and Bryan Mbeumo are firmly in control of the starting position on the right.
This puts Mount in a situation where he has no place to play.
At 27 years old, he is at the peak of his career, but even if he is healthy, he cannot get a stable position in the team.
Manchester United's schedule is not tight this season, which raises the question: how should Manchester United deal with Mount? He has two years left on his contract, and if sold for around £20 million, Manchester United would be able to avoid losses under financial fair play rules.
This price may attract buyers, but his recent frequent injuries, coupled with his salary at Manchester United, may deter potential suitors.
However, it is now difficult to see him continuing to stay at Manchester United, especially if he is likely to waste the best years of his career as a substitute.
Just last December, no one would have thought that Mount would be facing the prospect of considering leaving the team. Now, it seems to be the only way out.