Mount to Manchester United? On deeper reflection, it makes sense, which may have more effect than the arrival of another star

The much-discussed Mason Mount has a big decision to make in recent weeks, and according to Sky Sports, he has already made it. The player would like to leave for Manchester United, only now the Red Devils are facing negotiations with Chelsea, who will want to properly monetise their midfielder if they have to give him up. But would this transfer make sense?

The Comet that started to fade away

Mount has been a very valid player for the Blues since the 2019/20 season when he has traditionally been one of the best men on the pitch. He was highly praised by the coaches and his stats were good too. After his opening season at Stamford Bridge, he was even Chelsea’s best ever footballer in the following two.

He put his qualities perfectly on display during the Champions League final match against Manchester City, when he won a number of important balls thanks to his high pressing. Only, last season saw a big decline followed by injuries. On the other hand, it must be added that the whole Blues team was shaky and had a tough season.

Manchester United:: Change for the better?

The Red Devils legends including the fans did not take the speculations regarding the arrival of Mount at Old Trafford positively. Most agree that the English midfielder is a good player, but certainly not a difference maker.

Indeed, Mount is not perceived to be like Bukayo Saka or Declan Rice in this regard. On the other hand, he is an honest to goodness hard worker whose work may not be seen as much, but brings a lot to the team when set up correctly.

It’s just that here we run into the first problem, as in Erik ten Hag’s current 4-2-3-1 formation, the best position for Mount would be the sub, where the great Bruno Fernandes plays. So with the arrival of the 24-year-old midfielder, there could be some change in the formation.

Mount could start alongside Casemiro, but where his main strengths wouldn’t stand out as much. In this case, one would expect a much more variable role, which would change depending on whether the Red Devils have the ball or have to press.

Accordingly, the England international would switch roles, especially with Fernandes, who could be more involved in the midfield when Christian Eriksen is not on the pitch. We should also definitely mention the versatility of Mount, for which he is highly regarded.

The trio of Casemiro – Eriksen – Fernandes had great results last season when they started together. It’s just that when one dropped out of the lineup, the Hag had virtually no adequate replacement available. Thus, the arrival of Mount would certainly have raised the competition in the team tremendously, which for example Fred or Scott McTominay failed to do.

That being said, the Portsmouth native is highly praised by coaches for his approach. The fact that he wouldn’t be first choice might not bother him so much, which would be very positive for team spirit. Indeed, this is what perhaps all coaches have struggled with in recent years since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.

Is £70 million for Mount too much?

Chelsea are understandably not interested in selling their players to the competition. So, according to the Daily Telegraph, it rejected Manchester United’s first offer, which was reportedly £40 million. But if an offer of £70 million landed on the table, the London outfit could probably do nothing but give the nod.

Mount is out of contract next year and has already turned down a new deal on several occasions. The implication is that he wants to “reboot” his career after a disappointing last season. Old Trafford certainly makes sense, but the question is whether £70m would find someone with a real difference.

On the other hand, it is important to remember that the Red Devils have a lot of such players and someone like that will be needed especially to the ST or RB/LB. So stability is definitely in order!

Source: Daily Telegraph, Transfermarkt