Former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi has encouraged Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to downgrade Mason Mount to create way for Joshua Zirkzee in their next match against Brighton.

Mount started in Manchester United's Community Shield defeat to Manchester City last week.

The England international also began in the Red Devils' 1-0 Premier League victory over Fulham on Friday.

Mount was replaced by Zirkzee, and the Dutch attacker scored the winning goal after 87 minutes to give Ten Hag's side all three points over Fulham.

Mikel, speaking on beIN Sports, requested that Mount make way for Zirkzee in the next game.

"He scored the goal and he played okay coming on," the coach added.

"For me, perhaps yes [he starts against Brighton]. I keep repeating Mason Mount needs to have a great season, and he didn't do it again today. So you consider starting Joshua and progressing Bruno [Fernandes] a little further. "You want to see United play with a striker."