Newly appointed Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is believed to be a big fan of Chelsea player Mason Mount, having tracked him ‘for years’.
Ten Hag is planning a busy summer ahead at United as he looks to make huge changes to a squad that has put in some dreadful performances in the season just gone.
United confirmed yesterday that midfielders Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard will depart the club as their contracts reaches the end.
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With two midfielders departing, ten Hag will be looking to strengthen in the middle of the park.
One of the names United could look at is Chelsea star, Mason Mount. Mount has been thriving at Stamford Bridge since Frank Lampard gave him his debut back in 2019, since then he has been a key component in the Chelsea side, wining the club’s Player of the Year twice.
He is now entering the final two years of his contract at Chelsea, and that has attracted interest from around the continent, United are set to register their interest as it has been reported that ten Hag is a massive fan of the Englishman.
The Sun reported that ten Hag ‘first became aware’ of Mount during his loan spell at Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem back in the 17/18 season. Mount was a standout player in that team, scoring 13 goals and had 10 assists to his name.
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The impressive performances from the then 18-year-old caught the eye of ten Hag, who was in charge at Ajax. The Dutchman got to see Mount live and close up as he played the full 90 minutes for Vitesse against ten Hag’s side, Vitesse claimed a surprise 3-2 victory.
Ten Hag is believed to have ‘tracked Mount’s progress closely ever since’ and with the player’s contract situation up in the air, United are ‘considering a move’ and ten Hag would ‘jump’ at the chance to sign him.
Mount earned a place in the Eredivisie Team of the Year and was named Vitesse’s Player of the Year during his time in the Netherlands. Mount has often looked back to the loan spell as a turning point in his young career.
He told The Independent back in 2020: “Vitesse was a brilliant decision and a brilliant loan. To go out and learn about a different kind of football.”
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“It’s different playing out there. I had to grow up so I learned a lot while I was out there.”
He added: “I am so grateful for what they did and for the player I have become now. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea. It won’t suit everyone to go abroad at such a young age.”
“I chose it. I was dedicated and focused out there. It was definitely right for me but for others it might not be. It really set me up to develop for the next season at Derby.”
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Mason Mount, Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Chelsea
