Manchester United have finally reached an agreement to sign Chelsea star Mason Mount for a fee of up to £60m. But after a disappointing season, United fans are worried that the fee may not be money well spent.
The England international recorded just four goals and three assists in 35 games last season, a dismal return by his high standards.
The United faithful do not have to look far into the past to see the quality that Mount possesses. In the 2021/22 season, he recorded 13 goals and 12 assists and earned his second Chelsea Player of the Season award.
Want to join our MUFC Pro club for a totally ad-free version of the MEN’s Man United app packed with premium features? Click here
ALSO READ: Andre Onana, Justin Bijlow and five other goalkeepers linked with United
United scored the fewest goals out of all of the sides who finished in the top six last season and Erik ten Hag will be hoping Mount can add goals to his side in the forthcoming campaign.
The 24-year-old has recorded 65 goals and 62 assists in a little over 300 games throughout his career, proving that he is an effective attacking threat.
Goals and assists are not, however, just what Mount is about. According to Thomas Tuchel, who won the Champions League with the midfielder in 2021, he is the “full package”.
Just before Chelsea captured Europe's top prize in 2021, Tuchel said: “It's a pleasure to have him, be at his side and guide him and support him. It's impressive, he's not affected by all the praise. This is maybe the most important part.
"He has the full package. Mentally, in terms of talent and physically and the most important part is his character, he has his feet on the ground and he's a nice guy.
"He comes to Cobham every day to learn something new and have new experiences.
"He seems to be a guy who likes the sport, and feels an obligation to make the most out of it and he wants it absolutely badly, so it's a top mix."
There is a reason why Tuchel, Gareth Southgate, Frank Lampard and Graham Potter have all made Mount virtually ever-present in their sides since his loan spell at Derby County ended in 2019.
The England manager labelled Mount as “very underappreciated” back in 2020 and during the midfielder’s poor run of form this season, Lampard called him a “top player” and questioned whether those who doubted the England international’s qualities really understood what they were watching,
Christian Eriksen won the hearts of the Old Trafford faithful with a string of glittering performances last season, but he also proved he cannot be relied upon to play every game in a campaign that will once again include European fixtures.
Mount has played over 50 games in three of the last four seasons for Chelsea, while also winning 36 England caps and playing at a European Championship and a World Cup.
He only missed five games through injury throughout his entire Chelsea career before his season was cut short through injury in April. He is undoubtedly a player that Ten Hag will be able to rely on.
Mount’s defensive contribution should also not go unnoticed. Throughout the season, he won more tackles and more aerial duels than both Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes.
The former Vitesse loanee will also be a huge help when United are out of possession.
In the 2020/21 season, he ranked in the top 10 per cent of midfielders for tackles won in the attacking third and the top 20 per cent for passes blocked. He will add a certain level of intensity to Ten Hag’s pressing side that was sorely missing last season.
The 24-year-old’s defensive tenacity will also free up Fernandes to play an attacking role similar to the one he played when he joined the club, hopefully leading to more goals and assists from the Portuguese ace.
For just £60m, Ten Hag has secured a young, talented England international who will become a vital cog in a world-class midfield three that may just take United back to the top.
Follow the MEN's United coverage on TikTok and YouTube, and subscribe to the Manchester is Red podcast
