A new development has occurred regarding Manchester United’s pursuit of Chelsea star Mason Mount…
What has Mount to Man United been up to lately?
The 24-year-old England international is reportedly “making a big push” for United manager Erik ten Hag, according to journalist Alex Shaw, who posted the information on Twitter. Recent rumours indicate that the Red Devils are prepared to make a £55 million offer for the player.
According to the attached Daily Telegraph article by Jason Burt, the former head coach of Ajax is “confident” that he can persuade the 36-cap wonder to join him at Old Trafford this summer, as the midfield guru’s current contract with west London has just 12 months left on it.
The Portsmouth-born star, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, is ‘leaning towards’ a transfer to the Theatre of Dreams at the moment. Ten Hag is rumoured to have been keeping tabs on the player’s progress ever since his time spent on loan at Vitesse Arnhem of the Eredivisie in 2017–18.
At Man United, where might Mount fit in?
As Burt’s most recent report stated, Ten Hag is reportedly prioritising the purchase of a “dynamic number eight” this summer. Mount could certainly fit into that role, even though he normally lines up as an attacking midfielder or on the flanks.
The fact that the midfield “machine,” as described by journalist Nizaar Kinsella, ranks in the top 12% of players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles made, suggests that he has the defensive ability and willing work ethic necessary to succeed in that deeper role.
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However, given that he consistently ranks in the top 7% for progressive passes over the past 365 days, with an average of 5.93 per 90, the £80k per week man’s creative ability would be the main advantage of using him as a box-to-box alternative.
The sought dynamo had a dismal season at Stamford Bridge this year, producing just three goals and two assists in the league, but the contract rebel had double digits in all of those categories in the top tier in the 2021/22 season.
Bruno Fernandes, a Portugal international who finished the season having created 32 ‘big chances’ in the league – the most of any player in the division – may see his creative workload lessened by this capacity to contribute in the final third.
The 28-year-old, who has contributed to 28 goals in 58 appearances this season across all fronts, is a great master at making incisive, forward passes, as seen by the fact that the former Sporting CP star has averaged 7.04 progressive passes per 90, according to FBref.
Given what he said back in 2021: “The part-time United captain would seem to relish the prospect of lining up alongside the Chelsea player next season.”
“I really like Mason Mount – he’s been steady from the start of the season, but, if people watch numbers, he hasn’t had as many goals or assists as other players, but, for me, as a performance, he’s been really, really top,” the commenter said.
This gushing endorsement is additional proof of Mount’s skill, and Ten Hag has Fernandes and the 5’11” ace all set to form an electrifying team.
