Mason Mount is currently undergoing his medical, with only the formalities left to finalize his move to Manchester United. The deal, initially valued at £55m, is considered advantageous for the club as Chelsea had originally set their starting price at £70m. Moreover, Mount perfectly embodies the qualities that Erik ten Hag desires for his midfield.
Upon arrival at United, the manager introduced a set of 83 principles to the staff and squad, covering various aspects including discipline, accountability, and particularly emphasizing actions taken when not in possession.
In terms of lacking possession, Mount fully meets Ten Hag's requirements in terms of pressing skills, work ethic, movement, and adaptability to facilitate swift transitions. Additionally, his ability to shield the ball, versatility, proficiency with both feet, and aptitude as a playmaker resonated with the manager.
Mount chose to join United instead of Chelsea or Liverpool because of the convincing pitch made by Ten Hag, who has been closely tracking him since 2018.
The video created by the backroom and recruitment teams demonstrated the compatibility of Mount's playing style with Ten Hag's principles. It also highlighted how the 24-year-old could take on a leadership role in midfield and improve specific aspects of his game under the Dutchman's coaching.
Mount opted for United over remaining at Chelsea or joining Liverpool due to the strong pitch Ten Hag, who has followed him closely since 2018, made to him.
Melissa Reddy, Senior Reporter, impressively noted the positive transformations achieved by Ten Hag at United amidst a challenging off-pitch period marked by takeover uncertainty and concerns surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo and Mason Greenwood.
United is on the verge of securing Mount, a crucial acquisition amidst the challenging summer faced by the recruitment team due to uncertainties surrounding the takeover and Financial Fair Play [FFP] regulations. The club is aiming for a net expenditure of approximately £100m. Considering the inflated market, United's desire to strengthen their attacking lineup and goalkeeping department is posing a dilemma. They must either find a solution or excel in an area they have struggled with in the past - selling players effectively to generate funds.
Fred is garnering attention from Fulham and may provide an opportunity for financial gain, while Nottingham Forest has expressed interest in acquiring Dean Henderson.
Regarding the goalkeeper situation, although David de Gea's contract has expired, the club intends to hold discussions with him upon his return from vacation.
United is currently analyzing the figures following discussions with various potential options to determine the most effective way to distribute their budget while also acquiring the right personnel. The dilemma lies in whether to prioritize a prominent forward or a new top goalkeeper. Is it feasible to pursue both options simultaneously? The outcome regarding De Gea will heavily influence their decision-making process.
In particular, United, led by Ten Hag, holds a strong interest in Andre Onana from Inter Milan. Beppe Marotta, Inter's CEO, has publicly acknowledged that they are anticipating an offer from United within this week. Inter has set a price of approximately £43m for Onana, along with additional fees. Additionally, United has also conducted evaluations on Justin Bijlow, the goalkeeper from Feyenoord, and has thoroughly assessed the capabilities of David Raya and Diogo Costa.
De Gea's decision to stay could provide an opportunity for a new goalkeeper to establish themselves without excessive pressure. Alternatively, it would allow the club to prioritize bolstering their attack in the upcoming season. While all options are being considered, Manchester United acknowledges the need to make intelligent and strategic choices due to FFP regulations.
United's top priority has always been improving their front line. Ideally, they would love to have Harry Kane leading their attack, as it would greatly accelerate their goal of becoming title contenders.
Unfortunately, Tottenham has made it clear that their captain, who is also the captain of the England national team, is not available for transfer, especially not to a rival in the Premier League. Despite Bayern Munich receiving some positive signals from Kane's representatives and attempting to test Tottenham's determination, United cannot afford the complications and expenses of a prolonged negotiation. Consequently, they have been actively considering alternative options for quite some time.
Content: Talks with Atalanta regarding Rasmus Hojlund have taken place, but there is a significant valuation discrepancy. If an agreement can be reached on the fee, United will proceed. Meanwhile, they are exploring various 'dynamic options,' such as Randal Kolo Muani, while also monitoring the developments surrounding Kane. The club has not provided a clear indication of Greenwood's future, as he is garnering interest for a potential loan.
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