After sixteen posts in eleven hours on Twitter, it is fair to say there is certainly a level of excitement at the club regarding the £55m signing of Mason Mount. However, the same level of excitement can’t be said online.
The new midfield arrival appears to be causing division among the online community and whether the player is of the required level to get Manchester United playing for the major honours that have eluded the club over the last decade. The shirt number he was given have only added to this debate.
What fans should remember is the only important part of the shirt is the badge that’s on the front of the shirt and to not get involved with what’s on the back. If any player plays for the badge, only then will what’s on the back be remembered for the right reasons.
For a player entering the final year of his contract it could be argued that his price tag is a little on the expensive side, nevertheless, Mount was a player identified by Erik ten Hag as someone who will help embed his way of playing into the squad and allow his ideas to flourish on the pitch.
In a season like Marcus Rashford’s during the horror of Rangnick, Chelsea and Mason Mount appeared to struggle in a season filled with multiple managers and a new owner trying to find his feet at the club, not to mention the small spend of £600m. What happened last season shouldn’t overshadow the talent of Mount and the attributes he brings to any side.
Ten Hag’s ability to get the best out of players was clear last season and there is a strong feeling he will be able to do the same with Mount. The manager identified what was needed in midfield.
A goal threat and a creator in midfield to help Bruno Fernandes was paramount. With Eriksen in the starting eleven he had an XG of 5 goals only converting once. Mason Mount would be a certain improvement on this, ever since his debut for Chelsea nobody at the club scored more than the Englishman.
Among his goal threat, he also can create goals. He ranks first for goal creating actions at Chelsea in the last two seasons and is an excellent set piece taker, something the reds have notoriously been known to struggle to score from. Mount’s tendency to always look forward and either pass or carry the ball into the penalty box allowing United to be more dangerous in front of goal.
However, it is his work out of possession that will be the most notable area of improvement particularly on Eriksen. There have been times Eriksen has found himself notably overrun in midfield, especially against the stronger and physical sides.
This isn’t to say Eriksen hasn’t been brilliant for us this season, providing 8 assists in the league.
The difference between the two is his work off the ball. Mount is a player who can recover the ball on a more consistent basis. An area Eriksen lacks in comparison.
The recoveries and interceptions that Mount provides would be a significant improvement in the middle of the pitch. In addition, Mount likes to press in the final third recovering the ball high up the pitch allowing Ten Hag to implement his aggressive high press.
Mason Mount is an exceptional midfielder who looks to always play into the final third. A player wanted by Arsenal and Liverpool and the reasons why he was so coveted are evident.
The former Chelsea player will be a remarkable improvement to the side and will contribute a notable difference in the way the team plays. More is needed to challenge for the major honours, but the signing of Mason Mount is certainly a step in the right direction.
