England international, Mason Mount, is says to be keen on a move to United with Chelsea's valuation of him being the only stumbling block.
Manchester United have sent messages to Mason Mount confirming intention to insist in the next days. Personal terms, not an issue as player’s keen on the move. 🔴 #MUFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 11, 2023
Chelsea keep asking for €80m fee, this is why deal was not progressing this week but it’s not over. pic.twitter.com/2xms5Flgwy
With Manchester United reportedly making contacts with Mason Mount, as well as the news that he is willing to join United, a move to Old Trafford seems to be high on the cards for the Chelsea Academy graduate. But what could his arrival mean for Manchester United?
Here are three things we think his transfer could change at Manchester United.
A Single Pivot Midfield
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| Mount could be a midfield maestro for United |
Mason Mount has been deployed in various roles at Chelsea, most notably the #10 and #8 rules and sparingly as a winger. And throughout this season, Erik ten hag and Manchester United have worked with a 4-2-3-1 formation that includes a double pivot of mostly Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.
While this has mostly been done because of Manchester United’s defence’s inability to to play from the back and beat the high press of teams—Eriksen drops back to function as a deep-lying playmaker that will make the long passes that stretch opposition defences, that could be set to change with the introduction of Mason Mount.
While it could be argued that Mason Mount has a long passing range in his locker (although not on Eriksen’s level), it can also be said that some of his greatest midfield strengths are his ball-progression abilities, high press, and attacking threat.
And these strengths will be put to the next use when he's deployed as a #8 for United, ahead of Casemiro and alongside Bruno Fernandes.
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| Mason Mount could move from foe to friend for United in a few weeks |
His introduction would mean that Manchester United would have an alternative midfield trio setting different from the one that we've seen for the most part of last season.
They can now set up in the usual 4-2-3-1 formation, with Eriksen and Casemiro as the pivots (this would mostly work against low-block teams that United will dominate in possession); as well as also have the option to set up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, with Mount and Bruno ahead of Casemiro (this would be the better option against evenly matched teams or teams better in possession).
Mount’s energy, high press, and attacking output would prove fruitful in such a situation and could further increase Manchester United expected goals statistic (xG).
Winger Departure
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| Sancho could leave United this summer |
Like I said before Mason Mount has been deployed as a winger on certain locations for Chelsea and that could come into play at Manchester United. His versatility as a winger and Tottenham Hotspur’s reported swoop with Jadon Sancho could all signify a role as a winger.
Also there have been reports about Manchester United looking to sign a new left-winger, with Rashford seeming more like a striker for United next season. So, if Mason Mount comes to United, he could see some games as a winger, instead of the usual midfield role.
Uncertainty for Van de Beek
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| McTominay and Van de Beek’s future at Manchester United are unclear |
While Manchester United have certainly confirmed that they will be in market for a new midfielder with their interest in Mason Mount, Adrien Rabiot, Enzo Le Fee, etc, it is still unclear what would happen to the likes of Donny Van de Beek, Fred, and Scott McTominay.
Al though McTominay and Fred have been slated for departures with interest coming from Newcastle and Fulham for both players respectively, the future of Donny Van de Beek still remains unclear as at this time. Whilst he has struggled to make an impact in Ten Haag’s first season, he has also struggled with an injury that has kept him sidelined for months.
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| Scott McTominay and Fred are some of the names of United’s “FOR SALE” list |
And if current information is credible he could be headed out for either alone or a permanent departure. With Mount (and other midfielder) coming in, even the likely departure of Fred and McTominay would not give room or game time for Van de Beek and that could end up making him leave Old Trafford.
Overall, Mount has been predicted by many to be a sign in that's good idea go very well or very badly for United. But with the tactics and development that we've seen Erik ten Haag splurge on players, there is rising confidence that the qualities and strength of Portsmouth-born man could be put to great use at United.