Three reasons Mason Mount gives United what has been missing

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Mason Mount is set to become a Red Devil after Manchester United and Chelsea agreed a £55million + £5m in add-ons deal.

The agreement was reached as both clubs met face to face on Thursday keen to complete a deal.

Manchester United previously walked away from a deal for the 24-year-old last week with the Blues refusing to compromise on their £65m valuation. However the Old Trafford side have ended up paying closer to their valuation, £55m plus £5m in “difficult” add-ons believed to be reliant on silverware.

Here are three reasons Mason Mount will bring United what they’ve been missing.

Where Mount will play at United

Erik ten Hag’s latest acquisition is one he has seemed adamant about, with midfielder being a key area of concern last season.

The lack of depth was apparent for a period after Christmas with Christian Eriksen and Casemiro both absent. Along with this, Bruno Fernandes played far too many minutes due to ten Hag not trusting his other options.

Mount will likely directly take Eriksen’s place in the starting XI, with it possible Fernandes is given a deeper role with Mount given license further forward.

Therefore we expect a midfield of Casemiro, with Mount and Fernandes either side of him to line-up against Wolves in August.

Versatility will be a huge plus for ten Hag

According to Simon Stone for BBC Sport, it is understood that ten Hag values Mount’s versatility.

However he views the England international primarily as an attacking midfielder, putting him in direct competition with Eriksen.

Importantly it adds another top class player into a position which has struggled with rotation in recent years.

Fernandes played over 5,100 minutes for the Red Devils last season, a rate of play nobody can sustain. So having the option to rest him will be hugely beneficial to ten Hag.

So Mount’s versatility while not solving the issue of having a singular defensive midfielder, brings a starter and also a versatile option cross the midfield.

Mount’s key qualities make him perfect for United

Mount had a poor season at Chelsea, however it was a year which saw everyone at Stamford Bridge struggle in a 12th place finish.

We expect Mount to thrive and get back to his excellent best. He is a player who has been favoured by most bosses in his career.

England boss Gareth Southgate who is a huge advocate for Mount said, “He is an exceptional player,”. He added, “He finds space intelligently, he manipulates the ball very well, he creates chances and he scores goals.”

Mount is favoured due to his tenacious attitude and high work rate. Two aspects important for ten Hag’s vision at United with the high press he demands. These qualities will compliment Fernandes as the two will both be tireless pressers.

Also two qualities which contrast from the type of player that he has been brought in to replace. Eriksen had often last season been critiqued for his invisibility off the ball.

Mount will offer a great deal more, receiving passes between the lines before turning quickly and progressing play with his top ball control and passing range.