Does Mason Mount Make Sense For Manchester United Next Season?

Perhaps a player that Manchester United fans were not expecting to see themselves so heavily linked with going into this summer transfer window, but it is clear to see now that Mason Mount is a name to look out for.

It has become increasingly clear that Mount will look for pastures new this summer, and with only one year left on his current contract, Chelsea know that this is the time to cash in on their academy starlet.

Widespread reports suggest that the Blues are holding out for a fee of £80 million, but with just 12 months to run, Manchester United – and other interested parties – will be hoping for a fee nearer to £50 million.

Potential suitors know that if the West London club do not sell Mount this summer, they take a monumental risk in losing out on a prized asset for free next year, and so a palatable transfer fee should be made before the window closes in September.

Erik Ten Hag has a big summer ahead of him in terms of incomings and outgoings, with the midfield area being one of a priority alongside goalkeeper and centre forward. Scott McTominay and Fred are likely to be moved on this summer, and so the need for at least two midfielders coming into the squad is of paramount importance.

The Dutch manager has got through this season playing a mashup of different formations and styles, becoming a pragmatic team, rather than one of formulation and a permanent system. But for next season, the former AFC Ajax boss will want something closer to that of the possession-orientated he game he prefers.

It is more than likely, should Manchester United bring a player of Mount’s profile in this summer, that the Red Devils will line up next season with Casemiro as the holding midfielder, flanked by two offensive number eights in Mount and Bruno Fernandes.

The England international is certainly more of an attacking player than he is defensive-minded, but has shown his qualities in the box-to-box role and ability to break down defences and operate within the half spaces.

While this season has gone horridly for not only Mount but the whole Chelsea squad, the midfielder’s statistics the year before were compelling. In all competitions, he picked up 13 goals and 16 assists in 53 appearances. However, he was playing off the centre forward in a very advanced position.

There is no denying that Manchester United also need a defensive midfielder to swap in and out with Casemiro next season if they are serious about challenging on all fronts, but with the current tussle over ownership and the process dragging its feet, they might just be forced to lose out on a player such as West Ham United’s Declan Rice.

It is said that Mount’s preference would be to join Manchester United over Liverpool and Arsenal, who will also look to bring in new additions to their midfield this summer.

Ten Hag constructed one of the best midfields in the world at Ajax with players unknown, at the time, to the masses through the way he managed his team within the system.

Mount is clearly a system player with the Dutch manager believing that he can get the best out of him operating in between the lines as an advanced eight. Time will tell whether Chelsea decide to play hard ball or eventually part ways with Mount this summer, but one way or another, Manchester United will be filling the position.