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Jesper Blomqvist has said he is hoping Mason Mount can stay injury-free for Manchester United this season after a striking pre-season campaign.

Mount caught the eye as Manchester United defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 in Sweden on Saturday, operating in a deeper midfield role alongside summer signing Andrey Santos.

The midfielder fashioned three chances and won four ground duels in an energetic display, one that particularly impressed former United midfielder Blomqvist.

He explained that he hopes Mount can put the fitness problems that have disrupted his Old Trafford spell behind him, with the 27-year-old having started only 25 Premier League matches across three seasons.

Blomqvist also said head coach Michael Carrick would have been satisfied with what he has seen from his midfielders during the summer.

“Mason Mount, the way he played both offensively and defensively,” he said.

“He played for 90 minutes and looked really sharp, which is really, really positive. Shea Lacey also made a really good impact on the game. There were a lot of others but, for me, these two in particular.

“I think he [Mason] really just needs to carry on the way he’s going and avoid injuries to build some momentum for himself. In the end, he produced one nutmeg near the finish which was fantastic and you had to stand up and applaud. He’s getting into really good shape.

“He [Carrick] must be happy with the way the central midfielders have performed.

“Of course, there is going to be fierce competition there for places when everyone is back. It’s good that some have played 90 minutes, some have played 70 minutes – that means they are in good shape and ready to go to the next level. The other players still to come back will need to work hard to get back into the team.”