Mason Mount Joins Manchester United: England International Highlights Role of Erik ten Hag in Decision
Manchester United have completed the signing of Mason Mount from Chelsea for a fee of £60 million. The 24-year-old England international has signed a five-year contract with the option of a further year and has highlighted the role of Erik ten Hag as a major factor in his decision to join the Red Devils.
Mount has been at Chelsea since the age of six and has gone on to become a two-time Chelsea Player of the Year, scooping the award in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. He was also instrumental in the club’s Champions League success.
Arsenal and Liverpool were both eager to sign Mount while new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino identified him as a key part of his side were the club able to resolve his contract stand-off. However, it was Manchester United who won the race for his signature.
Speaking after being officially unveiled by United, Mount said: “It’s never easy leaving the club where you grew up, but Manchester United will provide an exciting new challenge for the next phase of my career. Having competed against them, I know just how strong a squad it is that I’m joining, and I can’t wait to be part of this group’s drive to win major trophies. 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.”
John Murtough, Manchester United football director, said: “Mason is an extremely intelligent footballer and has so many fantastic technical qualities that will significantly add to our squad. We have admired his talents for a long time, so we are delighted that he has chosen to take the next steps in his career here at Old Trafford. His style of play and attributes are a perfect fit for this squad, and we all believe that he will only improve further working with Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff. Mason himself is a world-class player but he also has the ability to improve the players around him through his game intelligence and tactical awareness. We were particularly impressed by his strong desire to join United, and his thirst for further success, as we push to drive up our performance levels next season and beyond.”
Mount is confident that he can help Manchester United to success under ten Hag’s guidance. The Dutchman has already made an impact since taking over at Old Trafford in December 2020, leading United to a second-place finish in the Premier League and guiding them to the Europa League final. With Mount now in their ranks, they will be hoping to take the next step and challenge for major honours next season.