Manchester United midfielder Mason Mount suffered yet another injury blow, being forced off within the first 15 minutes of Sunday’s Manchester derby against Manchester City.

Mount, who has struggled with injury issues since joining United, had recently shown promising form in training and matches. As a result, manager Ruben Amorim chose to start him at the Etihad Stadium ahead of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.

Reacting to the setback during Sky Sports commentary, former United captain Gary Neville described the situation as “demoralising.” He suggested Mount might feel as though he’s “letting everyone down,” adding, “It’s tough losing a player just 12 minutes in, but for Mount, you can see that resigned look of someone who’s spent too much time rehabilitating. It’s crushing for him.”

BBC Radio 5 Live pundit and ex-England midfielder Leon Osman echoed these sentiments, noting Mount’s visibly devastated reaction. “The look on his face says it all—he’s gutted. This was his chance to establish himself under Amorim, and he’ll be frustrated it’s been cut short. Almost all the United players went over to console him, showing how much they sympathize with his plight.”

The injury, which did not appear to result from a challenge, occurred off the ball. Mount slumped to the ground and was clearly emotional as he made his way off the pitch, trying to hold back tears.

Manager Ruben Amorim gave him a consoling hug before bringing on substitute Kobbie Mainoo.

Rashford and Garnacho, seemingly natural replacements for Mount, were absent from the matchday squad.