“It’s a massive blow. He’s the one player who always delivers in this fixture, and now he’s out. I don’t know how we replace that impact” – Terrible news for the Red Devils as Michael Carrick reveals a shock injury to the midfielder who historically destroys Crystal Palace.

The optimism that has surrounded Manchester United’s resurgence under Michael Carrick has been dealt a savage blow. Just days before a crucial Premier League clash with Crystal Palace—a fixture that has historically been defined by one man’s influence—Carrick has been forced to confirm that his midfield talisman will be missing from the action.

**”It’s a massive blow. He’s the one player who always delivers in this fixture, and now he’s out. I don’t know how we replace that impact.”**

Those words, delivered with the weight of someone who understands the significance of the moment, have sent a chill through the Old Trafford faithful. The player in question? Mason Mount—the £55m midfielder whose winner at Selhurst Park in November has become part of United’s recent folklore against the Eagles .

## The Mount Factor: A History of Hurting Palace

The statistics are unequivocal. When Manchester United face Crystal Palace, Mason Mount delivers.

In the reverse fixture at Selhurst Park earlier this season, Mount scored the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory, continuing a personal tradition of influencing this fixture . His ability to find space between Palace’s defensive lines, his clever movement, and his composure in front of goal have made him the Eagles’ tormentor-in-chief.

**”He’s the one player who always delivers,”** Carrick reportedly admitted, and the numbers back him up. Mount’s intelligence in attacking positions, his work rate out of possession, and his knack for arriving in the box at precisely the right moment have proven consistently problematic for Palace’s defensive structure.

## The Injury Confirmation: Mount Ruled Out

Carrick’s pre-match press conference at Carrington delivered the devastating update that United fans had feared. While the interim manager was able to provide positive news on other fronts, the Mount situation cast a long shadow over the proceedings .

**”Mason is getting closer, he’s on the grass, he’s looking to be around it pretty soon,”** Carrick explained, offering a glimmer of hope for the longer term. But the crucial detail followed: **”We’ve had to be patient, he’s a good player, so we’re looking after him and making sure he’s ready for a big finish to the season”** .

The translation is clear: Mount will NOT be available for Sunday’s visit of Crystal Palace. The man who has haunted this fixture is watching from the sidelines.

## The Timeline: When Can United Expect Him Back?

According to multiple sources, Mount has missed the last four games under Carrick and has played just one minute of Premier League football since the interim manager took charge . The change in formation has also reduced his chances to start, but the immediate concern is purely medical.

The Manchester Evening News reports that Mount has been sidelined with a knock, and while he is closing in on a return, the Crystal Palace fixture has arrived too soon . The most optimistic projections suggest he could be back for next Wednesday’s trip to Newcastle, with the Aston Villa home fixture on March 15 a more realistic target .

For a United side locked in a four-way battle for Champions League qualification, every game without Mount is a game without their most potent weapon against this specific opponent.

## The De Ligt Situation: Another Defensive Concern

As if losing Mount wasn’t devastating enough, Carrick also provided an update on Matthijs de Ligt—and the news was equally concerning .

The Dutch centre-back has been absent since November with a back injury, and his return remains frustratingly uncertain. **”Matthijs has had a back issue, which has been a bit slow to progress, it’s something we’ve been working through,”** Carrick revealed. **”He’s in the right direction, but a bit further behind”** .

The manager admitted that the nature of the injury makes it **”difficult to pin down time-wise”** . For a player who has now missed 15 consecutive matches, the lack of a clear timeline is deeply troubling .

## The Positives: Martinez and Mbeumo Provide Hope

It wasn’t all doom and gloom from Carrick’s press conference. Lisandro Martinez, who missed the Everton victory with a minor calf issue, is expected to return for the Palace clash . His presence alongside Harry Maguire—who Carrick described as **”fantastic”** against Everton—would provide defensive stability .

Equally important, Bryan Mbeumo has been training without issue after briefly hobbling off earlier in the week . The Cameroon international has been one of United’s most consistent performers, and his availability is crucial with Mount sidelined.

## The Replacement Question: Who Steps Up?

Carrick’s admission that he doesn’t **”know how we replace that impact”** is the most concerning element of this entire saga. Mount’s specific qualities—his understanding of space, his timing, his history against Palace—cannot be easily replicated.

The options available to Carrick include:

– **Christian Eriksen**: Offers creativity but lacks Mount’s defensive work rate
– **Scott McTominay**: Provides physical presence but different attacking qualities
– **Facundo Pellistri**: Brings youthful energy but unproven in this specific tactical context
– **Bruno Fernandes dropping deeper**: Would sacrifice his advanced position where he’s most dangerous

None of these solutions perfectly replicate what Mount brings to this fixture. Carrick’s tactical nous will be tested to its limit.

## The Palace Threat: A Dangerous Opponent

To compound United’s concerns, Crystal Palace arrive at Old Trafford in resurgent form. Oliver Glasner’s side have lost only one of their last six matches, winning three, and are coming off the back of their first-ever European knockout victory .

The Eagles have **”great, great memories”** of winning at Old Trafford, as Glasner himself noted, having triumphed 2-0 last season . Jean-Philippe Mateta, who scored twice in that fixture, is unfortunately unavailable due to a knee injury—a rare piece of good news for United .

But Jorgen Strand Larsen, signed on deadline day from Wolves, has already scored twice and will lead the line. Jefferson Lerma and Eddie Nketiah are also absent, but Palace’s confidence is high .

## The Top-Four Context

This fixture takes on added significance given the Premier League table. United sit level on points with Chelsea and Liverpool, with all three clubs locked in a ferocious battle for Champions League qualification .

Chelsea face leaders Arsenal this weekend, while Liverpool host West Ham . The opportunity to gain ground on both rivals is tantalising—but only if United can overcome the absence of their Palace specialist.

Carrick has built momentum with five wins in six league matches. The system is working, the squad is cohesive, and the belief is growing. But losing Mount for this specific fixture feels like fate intervening at the worst possible moment.

## The Verdict: A Blow That Tests Depth

**”He’s the one player who always delivers in this fixture, and now he’s out. I don’t know how we replace that impact.”**

Carrick’s honesty is refreshing but also deeply concerning. When a manager admits he doesn’t know how to replace a player, it speaks to the unique qualities that player possesses. Mount’s understanding of Palace’s defensive vulnerabilities, his movement in the half-spaces, his ability to arrive late in the box—these are not easily replicated.

United’s squad depth will now be tested in the most public way imaginable. A home fixture against a confident opponent, with Champions League qualification at stake, and without the man who has made this fixture his own.

If United find a way to win, it will be a testament to Carrick’s coaching and the squad’s resilience. If they struggle, the absence of Mount will be the obvious explanation.

Either way, the devastation is real. The man who always delivers against Palace is watching from the stands. And at Old Trafford, a massive blow has been confirmed. 😨🔴💔