Gary Neville is not convinced that Mason Mount should be viewed as a priority transfer target for Manchester United, but understands why Erik ten Hag is eager to sign the Chelsea star. The former United captain believes Mount’s qualities would greatly appeal to the United boss, as he helps ‘glue teams together’ even if some of his best work goes unnoticed by supporters. Neville said: ‘Mason Mount is a coach’s player, I think that is the best way to describe him and there have been many I have seen in my lifetime in football where they get more respect from the coaching staff for what they do than they do from the fans that are watching them.’
United are now leading the race to sign the England international, who has refused to sign a new deal at Stamford Bridge with his current contract set to expire next summer. Arsenal and Liverpool are also interested in signing the midfielder but Mount is currently favouring a move to Old Trafford, believing ten Hag’s system provides the best fit for him. Neville added: ‘You think about Dutch coaches, they want to dominate possession, he [ten Hag] wants that [Frenkie] de Jong, he wants players who can handle the ball. He loves [Christian] Eriksen, he loves [Marcel] Sabitzer, he loves [Bruno] Fernandes. He’s left Fred and [Scott] McTominay out of the team more often than not because he loves more technical players and Mason Mount is a technical player who is available.’
Just how much United have to spent this summer remains uncertain with the club’s takeover still unresolved. Recent reports suggest Chelsea want at least £55million for Mount with United reluctant to go that high.
