Rio Ferdinand has claimed Chelsea will "regret" selling Mason Mount to Manchester United this summer after the midfielder's switch was confirmed. The 24-year-old ended an 18-year association with the football club this summer as the Red Devils sealed a deal worth up to £60million.
It comes after a long saga that led to many questions surrounding the future of Mount, with his contract status drifting further and further. With just 12 months remaining on his deal, an extension seemed unlikely and the end result was a transfer that seems to work for all parties.
“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," the England international told the official Manchester United website. "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. I am hugely ambitious; I know how amazing it feels to win major trophies and what it takes to do it. I will be giving everything to experience that again at Manchester United.”
With such a big move being confirmed, former United defender Ferdinand believes that Chelsea could regret letting go of their academy graduate. He said on Twitter: "Really pleased with Mount coming in. Young, talented & hungry. He has the experience of big games with pressure which comes when playing for Utd.
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"As a player, he will bring us goals, creativity, a work ethic & a willing runner into the opposition box. He definitely adds to what we have in the squad and is different from the others in midfield. I actually think in time Chelsea will regret selling Mount. Now for a No.9…."
It remains to be seen if that will be the case for Chelsea or if the new squad will change direction and thrive under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
