Manchester United have signed Mason Mount from Chelsea for initial £55m, as reported by Sky Sports. In this article we will take a look at why Chelsea let him go, what will he bring to Man United and where he will fit in under Erik ten Hag’s system?
Why did Mason Mount leave Chelsea?
Mount and his representatives kicked off contract talks with Chelsea owner Todd Boehly in the summer of 2022 as the 24-year-old entered the final two years of his contract, reports Sporting News.
However, despite initially appearing to be a relatively routine negotiation, based on Mount’s preference to remain at the club he has been with since he was six, talks failed to progress.
The main issue which saw the situation deteriorate focuses on Chelsea’s stance over wages and contract length which Mount was reportedly unhappy with.
Mount’s salary was lower than other Chelsea stars, and he also supposedly wanted assurances over playing time, as the club continued to trade managers in 2022/23.
Why did Man Utd want Mount?
Earlier in the 2022/23 season, following the arrivals of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen last summer, the midfield looked to have become an area of strength at United, at least in terms of first-choice options.
Ten Hag’s go-to trio of Casemiro, Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes lost just once last season when starting together which backs that up. However, when Fred, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek were called upon there was a marked drop-off in quality.
Since leaving the Amsterdam club for United, Ten Hag has wanted a mobile No 8 who can add attacking edge and defensive nous, and he sees Mount as a modern midfielder, who is good on and off the ball. United’s recruitment department backed up the view of the 24-year-old as a player with the right profile and character, as per The Athletic.
Mount’s arrival will certainly address the issue of quality and depth in United’s midfield. His work rate in and out of possession makes him the type of player that the manager can rely on.