Mason Mount Joins Manchester United: Ten Hag Wants Him to be ‘Very Important Player’
Manchester United have made their first move of the summer transfer window, signing Mason Mount from Chelsea in a £55million deal plus £5m in add-ons. The 24-year-old midfielder has been handed the club’s no7 shirt, vacated by Cristiano Ronaldo last year and previously worn by club legends George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and David Beckham.
Mount signed a five-year deal with the option of a further 12 months and was presented to the media on Wednesday. Speaking for the first time as a United player, Mount pinpointed his conversations with manager Erik ten Hag as a big factor in his decision to head to Manchester.
Ten Hag told his newest recruit with a smile: ‘I want you to be a very important player for this team’. Mount responded: ‘Everyone can see that the club has made big steps forward under Erik ten Hag. Having met with the manager and discussed his plans, I couldn’t be more excited for the seasons ahead, and am ready for the hard work expected here. I am hugely ambitious; I know how amazing it feels to win major trophies and what it takes to do it. I will be giving everything to experience that again at Manchester United.”
Mount began his career at Chelsea, joining the club’s academy in 2006. He spent the 2018-19 season on loan at Vitesse Arnhem in the Netherlands, where he caught the eye of ten Hag. He returned to Chelsea for the 2019-20 season and made an immediate impact, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in all competitions.
The England international was a key player for Chelsea last season, making 43 appearances in all competitions and helping the Blues win the Champions League and FA Cup. His performances earned him a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2020.
Mount’s arrival at Old Trafford is a major boost for ten Hag’s side as they look to challenge for major honours next season. The Dutchman has been determined to secure Mount’s services, having tracked the midfielder ever since he first caught his eye during a loan spell in Netherlands with Vitesse Arnhem as an 18-year-old.
The signing of Mount is a sign of United’s ambition and intent to compete at the highest level. The club have made no secret of their desire to challenge for major honours next season and with Mount in their ranks, they will be confident of achieving their goals.
Mount’s arrival also adds depth to United’s midfield options. The 24-year-old is versatile and can play in a variety of positions, giving ten Hag more tactical flexibility. He is also an excellent passer of the ball and can create chances for his teammates with his vision and technique.
United have made an excellent start to the summer transfer window with the signing of Mount and they will be hoping to add more quality players to their squad in the coming weeks. The club are reportedly interested in signing Thomas Partey from Arsenal and are also looking at Bundesliga goalkeeper Andre Onana as a cheaper alternative.
With Mount now in their ranks, United will be confident of challenging for major honours next season. The 24-year-old is an exciting talent and will be looking to make an immediate impact at Old Trafford.