Erik ten Hag is eager to complete the signing of Mason Mount for a number of reasons.
The Dutchman is eager to get started on his other Manchester United transfer plans, which include a striker and a goalkeeper. But he also knows that if United takes his time, more sharks will come after the fish on the end of his line.
Mount is eager to join United and has agreed to personal terms, but United is finding Todd Boehly to be a more difficult nut to crack and has had their third proposal for Mount rejected.
The Reds have proposed a package worth around £55 million, but are wary to give any more with only a year left on his contract.
Mount has won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup, and he is now playing in the Euro 2020 final. He has made 195 Chelsea appearances and has contributed 70 goals, including 33 goals.
RelatedPosts
Despite his dependability, Mount has never received widespread recognition from football fans. Perhaps that is the cost of being an all-rounder.
Mount does not specialize in one area in particular, making it difficult for some to pinpoint where he belongs, a classic midfielder in a modern inventory. Mount is rarely seen in the age of YouTube goal montages and five-second TikTok video.
But it’s worth listening to the veterans who understand how the principles of the game function and how important it is to maintain high standards. During his career, Roy Keane was arguably the pinnacle of that.
Sky Sports has managed to extract the homely lovable rogue element from Keane’s stoic persona, which remains as strong as ever. Rewind a few years, and praise from the scorned former Manchester United captain was an uncommon TV experience.
People took notice when he stood up for Mount in the face of widespread online criticism in 2020. “This boy (Mount) I really like, he’s got so much going for him,” he continued. “He always advances to the next level.” I appreciate everything about him: he scores goals, assists, and sees passes.
“Apparently, there are critics on social media; I don’t follow social media, thank God, but I really like the look of this kid.” Keane, by the way, tried Instagram for a little over a year before abandoning it.
Mount might be decorating the social media pages of his former club after two and a half years. Keane emphasized an essential aspect of Mount’s career: he is constantly improving.
He is a more mature player than when he won the Champions League, and he has been a regular presence amid the ins and outs in the years since. Ten Hag can only help him grow further.
Mount has played at least 35 games in each complete season as a senior footballer, which is a lot at the age of 24.
Despite his 10 assists this season, Christian Eriksen is 31 years old and will only get slower. Mount has more goals for Chelsea than both Fred and Scott McTominay have for Manchester United combined.
His link-up play would be ideal for Casemiro and the attack-minded Bruno Fernandes. It’s possible he’ll need some time to adjust to his new role, which is another reason Ten Hag wants him in early.
