Mason Mount has admitted “frustration” after being ruled out by a muscle injury in the latest setback of his injury-plagued Manchester United career.

The attacking midfielder sustained the problem during the first half of Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Brighton and was taken off at the break.

In a social media post, Mount said: “During the last game I picked up a minor muscle issue. I’ve had it checked and it looks like I’ll be out for a few games. Leading up to and during pre-season, I worked hard to get my fitness back to where it needs to be and I felt re-energised, sharp and ready. I wanted you [fans] to hear it directly from me how frustrated I am, as I expect you are too. I will do everything possible to be back in the best shape and help the team.”

Mount was making his third consecutive start of the season and had hoped to put a disappointing first year at United behind him. After being signed from Chelsea for £55m last July, he made only 20 appearances in 2023-24, missing 38 matches owing to two injuries.

Leny Yoro, Rasmus Højlund, Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelöf are also out and Tyrell Malacia is not yet back from the serious knee injury that has made him unavailable for more than a year. Erik ten Hag, the manager, had to contend with 66 injuries last season.

United expect the €50m (£42m) plus €10m add-ons signing of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain and Scott McTominay’s €30m transfer to Napoli to become official during Friday’s transfer deadline day.