Mason Mount has reportedly had a very telling conversation with Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag that may explain why the Chelsea star was so intent on a move to Old Trafford. The Blues had their hands tied as Mount had just one year left on his contract and unlikely to renew, while United quickly emerged as the frontrunners for his signature.
Liverpool had been thought to be the favourites to sign Mount as he was tipped to lead Jurgen Klopp’s midfield revamp, but the Red Devils emerged as the 24-year-old’s preferred option. Personal terms were quickly agreed upon but negotiations surrounding a transfer fee proved difficult.
However, a total package of £60m was finally agreed between the two clubs and the final touches are all that is left before pen is put to paper on a deal. The England midfielder will be excited to link up with his new team-mates, but also work under Ten Hag as their private conversation shows exactly why he pushed for a move to United.
Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy claimed that Mount was ‘wowed’ by the Dutch boss’ in-depth knowledge of the Chelsea star’s game and his appreciation for it. The incoming new signing is said to tick all of Ten Hag’s boxes for what he wants in a midfielder after the head coach introduced 83 principles upon his arrival at Old Trafford a year ago.
Mount’s work-rate coupled with creativity and ability to attack the box will no doubt impress Ten Hag, though his arrival in midfield would mark a big contrast from Christian Eriksen alongside Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro. His place in the team has been questioned, but Mount himself has previously stressed that he can play in a deeper role – which may need to occur in order for him to fit alongside the likes of Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.
“I am always trying to improve,” Mount told The Guardian in 2021. “I feel like I am versatile and can play in a deeper role and obviously in a more forward role. I’m always learning. I’m still young and I’m still learning.
“In terms of the formation, we [England] are versatile as a team. In the modern game, you have to be ready to change if the other team are tactically different to what you have prepared for.
“We are ready for that definitely. I feel like I can play in any position and I just want to understand, more and more, different positions.”
Mount’s view on his own game will be music to Ten Hag’s ears as he looks to improve on last season’s third-placed finish, with the belief that his new signing can play a big part in that.
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