Mason Mount has agreed to move to Man United for a few of 55 mill+5 mill add ons. The Red Devils decided to target him as the midfielder they needed in their ranks. With Chelsea not being averse to selling their academy graduate, with Mount himself keen on the move, it was just a matter of time.
The Mason Mount project that United have decided to take on is not an easy one. Mount was one of the mainstays in Chelsea, Poch would've likely wanted him to stay, and he doesn’t visibly solve any problems United have currently. While he labels himself an #8, Mount’s greatest utilization has been in the #10 position whether it be for Chelsea or England.
United already have a world-class 10 in Bruno, with multiple back-ups that can operate there exceptionally well. They also have enough midfielders, in Fred, Eriksen, Casemiro, VDB, and youngsters like Mainoo. He also comes with a good price tag.
So why do United want him? Isn’t it too much of a hassle? Are United falling back into the pattern of signing big-name players with no clear need, like Ronaldo? Well, there is a reason to sign him, and a very good one.
If you observe teams that excel in possession, often there is a player besides the #6 to help with cycling possession as well as offering a quick passing option. If this player isn’t present, #6 is isolated, which is highly dangerous. Usually, it is the #8 who carries out that role. This is, of course, more familiarly known as the Double Pivot.
But, in the modern game, with increased use of inverted full-backs, as well as high-positioned centre-backs in possession, the need for a midfielder to constantly stay beside the #6 has decreased very much. Instead, the #8 only comes back when the full-back or centre-back cannot invert, like during the initial build-up from the back, or to cycle possession after a failed attack. This is what Ten Hag wants to take advantage of.
While Mount isn’t exactly an #8, he does possess a few qualities, including quick turning ability as well as a high number of attempted passes per 90 for a #10. If trained well, he can replicate what Mac Allister, Curtis Jones and Gundogun do for their respective teams. This is exactly as described- stay behind to help build possession, then move up to increase the number of attackers.
Given the fact that Ten Hag has developed a lot of players, and Mount has been a managerial favourite under every manager in Chelsea’s roulette over the past few years, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to say Mount will quickly learn what Ten Hag needs and operate in the desired role.
Signing Mount also helps United in other ways. With the departure of many English players looking likely, United need to sign English players or promote English academy graduates to maintain the quota of English players. Signing Mount means signing a quality player while helping with the English quota.
It also allows Ten Hag to play multiple tactics, and edge closer towards the chameleon-like team that City is. With midfielders of very different profiles, it allows Ten Hag to change the play style as and when needed. Mount is an all-round midfielder with a great attacking threat in terms of scoring and operating between the lines in the final phase. Adding him to the diverse profile of midfielders United already have will make for an amazing watch for United fans.
Mount is also already accustomed to the PL and is also very close with his England teammates Shaw, Rashford, Sancho, etc. He will not need any time to get used to playing here.
Lastly, with Chelsea having a bloated squad, Mount will be available at a much cheaper price than he would have been usually. 60 million is a very good deal to move one of Cobham's finest away from Stamford Bridge.
Signing Mason Mount looks to be a smart move for Manchester United. Despite not being an exact fit for their midfield, he can be trained to act as an #8. Additionally, his versatility and familiarity with the Premier League make him an attractive option for United.