Mason Mount finally looks set to become a Manchester United player and the midfielder's past comments on his winning mentality will be music to Erik ten Hag's ears.
United have been in pursuit of Mount for several weeks, with the 24-year-old going into the final year of his contract at Chelsea and looking set to leave. Three bids worth up to £55million had been knocked back by those in charge at Stamford Bridge, however, with frustration growing.
But fresh talks earlier this week look to have made headway, and the Manchester Evening News understands that a £60million fee has been agreed for the England international. Mount has been given permission to undergo his medical and finalise the personal terms that were originally agreed in May.
Ten Hag has made a point of improving the mentality within his squad during his first season in charge, with the signings of Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez hoped to have a positive influence on others. The Dutchman will want to bring more silverware to Old Trafford and challenge in every competition.
BREAKING: United to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea after agreeing £60m fee
Second place was not good enough for Ten Hag last season, with his disappointment clear at being beaten by Manchester City in the FA Cup final. And Mount has mirrored that mentality, admitting in the past that he keeps his runners-up medals for motivation.
“I always keep everything,” Mount admitted in February of last year. “Obviously the winners ones obviously take top place on the mantelpiece, the Champions League is definitely No.1 I think. Hopefully on Saturday this one [the Club World Cup] will be up there.
“But I think you look at the second place ones for memories and experiences, the Euros one, the FA Cups. You look at them and think how distraught you were after the game and they bring back that kind of feeling when you look at it.
“I know a lot of players, as soon as they get a second place medal, they throw it to the side but I kinda like having them. They’re not in the trophy cabinet. They’re in the side. You can use them as motivation.
“You can use them to remember that feeling you had after the game. That you never want that again. Then you look at the trophy cabinet and see the winners’ medals and that feeling of winning and you remember that as well.”
Mount is no stranger to the disappointment of losing a final, having picked up an FA Cup runners-up medal three times at Chelsea and a European Championship one with England. The midfielder has felt what it's like to win, however, enjoying Champions League glory back in 2021.
