Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has hailed Manchester United’s signing of Mason Mount, insisting that the former Chelsea ace ‘could be a star’ at his new Premier League employers.
When Graeme ‘Casemiro is not a great player’ Souness is hailing Manchester United’s transfer business, you know Erik ten Hag, John Murtough and co have done something right.
Mason Mount, United’s new number seven, was Ten Hag’s number one midfield target right from the start of the window. And, after seeing a couple of bids rejected, the Red Devils boss finally got his man at the start of July, agreeing a £55 million fee with Chelsea.
And while Souness insists that Mount needs to add more goals to his game on a consistent basis – he scored only three in 35 games last term – the former Newcastle manager cannot see any reason why the Chelsea academy graduate cannot rediscover the form that has seen him earn nearly 40 England caps at the age of just 24.
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Mason Mount already impressing at Manchester United
“I have always liked Mount,” Souness tells the Daily Mail. “There is nothing to dislike about him. He has great technique and works his socks off. He is also leaving a big club to join, arguably, the biggest club.
“But he has shown he can handle the expectation of playing for Chelsea and England. And, if he takes to his new surroundings at Old Trafford, he could be a star.”
Mount’s best is yet to come
Mount has impressed during his initial pre-season performances. He may be yet to open his account for Ten Hag’s side – one horror miss against Lens making headlines for all the wrong reasons – but Mount’s energy and intensity on and off the ball should make him the perfect foil for Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in United’s midfield triumvirate.
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“He needs to get more goals playing that far up the field. And he can, because he’s cute enough in those areas,” Souness adds.
“His record at Chelsea was one in six, which is good. But the challenge is to make that even better. I think he will be a very good player for Manchester United.”
United have also signed Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund from Inter Milan and Atalanta respectively. Sofyan Amrabat looks likely to arrive too, especially with Fred on his way to Fenerbahce.