What should Manchester United fans expect from Mason Mount?

Manchester United’s capture of Mason Mount for £55m plus £5m in add-ons is a great deal considering the age and talent of the England midfielder.

He arrives Old Trafford after spending 18 years at Chelsea – he’s been with the Blues since he was six. Without a doubt, United have signed one of the most brilliant young midfielders in the league.

Some sections of Chelsea fans have been displeased to see the energetic player leave the Stamford Bridge but they just have to live with it.

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The main reason for securing the services of Mount is not far-fetched – squad depth. Aside adding numbers to the United squad considering the number of competitions the Red Devils will be participating in next campaign, Mount’s aura, hard work and goal contribution abilities are some of the reasons Erik Ten Hag has decided to look his way.

When Ten Hag’s Ajax side faced Vitesse in March 2018, an 18-year-old Mount scored a fantastic free-kick. This goal proved to be the winner as Vitesse narrowly beat Ajax 3-2. That was Ten Hag’s first encounter with the player.

And it is interesting to know that the Dutch manager must have had his eyes on the player ever since. Mount scored 14 goals and created 10 assists in his first full campaign of senior football that season. He largely operated from central midfield.

So, why has Mason Mount joined Manchester United?

United need depth in the midfield and Erik Ten Hag realises that. The addition of Casemiro in the 2022/23 season was a much needed one. The improvement in midfield and overall play of the Manchester club was evident following the arrival of the Brazilian.

Christian Eriksen also joined on a free from Brentford. This made United’s midfield more solid and more creative. Their arrivals also helped United explore midfield varieties other than the Fred-McTominay-Fernandes trio option.

Due to their qualities, Casemiro and Eriksen were preferred starters over McFred (combination of McTominay and Fred). The trio of Casemiro, Eriksen and Fernandes was so solid that it lost only once when played together last season.

However, United need more than that. Truth is, despite Eriksen being a midfield genius, his work rate calls for questioning. And you can’t complain much. He’s great with the ball but does not last long in matches.

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During the second half of last season, the Danish player completed just one of the 15 games he started. This is where Mount comes in.

The 24-year-old is younger, sharper, experienced, tenacious, energetic and a good passer of the ball. In short, he offers almost everything Eriksen provides, and more.

Mount produces “full energy and positivity and a wonderful approach.”

Mason Mount’s work rate on and off the ball is quite exceptional. His movement with or without the ball distinguishes him from most of his fellow midfielders.

In 2021, former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel stated that Mount “brings a certain attitude and an aura and a mentality on the field.”

He also said “it is very hard to drop him even if he has a not-so-good game.” Tuchel praised him, stating that one will always get full energy and positivity and a wonderful approach from him.

Goal scoring and creative abilities

Another beautiful thing Manchester United fans will be excited about is Mason Mount’s attacking abilities. As an attacking midfielder, Mount possesses not just the ability to assist goals but also to score them.

This is demonstrated in his 44 goals contributions in 105 league games across his first three seasons at Chelsea. Of course, this excludes the latest league season. Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne (74) and Fernandes (61) were the only midfielders who had more.

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It is clear to most Premier League fans that to win the league, you need goals, and lots of them. Therefore, you’d agree it is safe enough to bring in Mason Mount to the Manchester United setup at this time.

How will Mason Mount fit into the Manchester United lineup?

Mount can play in several positions on the field. He can play both the central and attacking midfield roles and also on the wing.

The former Derby County player has the ability to supply crosses or play in the tight, half-spaces.

Ten Hag’s approach with Manchester United looks like a well-suited one for a player of Mason Mount’s skill set. As more matches come in and intensity grows, it is only great to have a squad with depth and quality. This will allow for proper rotation among Eriksen, Fernandes and now Mount.