Mason Mount: Man Utd midfielder Michael Carrick hopes his side can be Premier League title contenders next season. football news

Mason Mount believes Manchester United boast the quality and mentality to challenge for the Premier League title next season.

The 27-year-old is coming to the end of his third season at Old Trafford, where injuries and competition for places have reduced him to just 69 appearances since joining from Chelsea.

Mount knows United have yet to see his best, but he boasts an unwavering belief in the United team’s ability that Michael Carrick is on the brink of Champions League qualification.

The midfielder became European champions with Chelsea in 2021 and believes the Red Devils “have the quality” to challenge for the domestic title next term, even with big decisions to make on manager and more.

Asked what trophies or accolades he would like to receive before he retires, Mount added: “The Premier League and I think we can do that.

“I dreamed of it as a kid. I dreamed of winning the Champions League.

“To win the Premier League, a domestic title, not many can say they’ve done it. If we keep working hard, it could be a possibility.

“There were some results that didn’t go our way this year and we found ourselves in third place.

“There is a long way to go and a lot of hard work in pre-season but it will be a special target.”

Asked if there was a confidence that could happen, Mount said: “I think you have to be realistic, but there is a big confidence behind it.

“The few games we’ve played this season – away to Arsenal, Liverpool – we know it’s about consistency throughout the season.

“If we can get it right, we’ll be right there.”

Mount’s praise for ‘brilliant’ Carrick

United are aiming for a league title to celebrate their 150th anniversary in 2028 and Mount’s comments highlight the renewed belief Carrick has instilled after Ruben Amorim’s rocky reign.

The England midfielder believes the head coach’s “calm confidence” complements his knowledge and experience of what it takes to be the best, while also praising his personal management.

“It was tough in the beginning because Michael came in and I was injured, so I missed a few matches,” Mount said.

“But he was brilliant with me and spoke to me and just said ‘look, I want you back, you’re a massive part of the team and the squad’, and ‘you’re definitely a big influence when you’re around the boys’, so I know where I stand in the group.”

Mount Target England withdrew after this summer’s World Cup

Meanwhile, Mount says Thomas Tuchel knows him inside out and believes he could break into the former Chelsea manager’s England squad after the World Cup.

Mount last played for England in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, losing to France and knows he will not get the chance to add to his 36 caps at this summer’s finals in North America.

Instead, the midfielder is focusing on earning a recall before the home European Championships in 2028.

“I spoke to him (Tuchel),” said Euro 2020 final starter Mount. “He goes to a few games, so I’ve talked to him a few times after the game.

“I know my relationship with Thomas. He knows me as a player, as a person, inside out.

“The amount of playing time I’ve had this season and a few setbacks, I think I was probably close to playing at one point and then I had a bit of a setback, and then it’s the rhythm, the momentum.

“It pushes you back a little bit, and then you’re trying to chase it back, so listen, I totally understand that.

“But, as a player, I’ve got 36 caps for England, I always want to get back into the squad. To play for your country and represent your country in a big tournament is the pinnacle of being a player.”

When you’re not in the squad, it hurts. I have the experience of going to the Euros and of course going to the World Cup. It’s a special occasion to be around and you’ll never take that for a second.

“Like I said, when you’re not in the squad and you’re watching, it’s hard. But for me, I was an England player, but I’m also an England fan. I grew up watching the team when I was young. And if I’m not there, I’ll support the lads, support the manager to go and do the job.

“We don’t know (about) this summer, but I’ll be ready for next season. (I’m) fired and I want to go back. It’s definitely my goal to get back to the national team. So, yes, I have some work to do.”

Mount continued his comeback off the bench in Monday’s 2-1 win over Brentford before hot-footing it to St George’s Park for a special event in partnership with Make-A-Wish UK.

After 18 months of planning with his brother Lewis, 11 children living with serious illnesses got the chance to eat, sleep and train like footballers in an immersive two-day event that culminated in a special match.

Mount funded the event and managed Wish United, assisted by team-mate Luke Shaw, to a 32-2 victory over Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp’s mascot team.

“I’m a footballer but there’s more to life than just football,” he said, having previously worked with Make-A-Wish on Disney projects.

“You just see the smiles on the kids’ faces, how much it means to them, and obviously the families as well.

“Sometimes brothers or sisters and moms and dads, especially brothers and sisters, they can be a little bit forgotten, so to have them involved and be here and continue the process along is Make-A-Wish. It’s something that really means a lot to all of us.”