How Cristiano Ronaldo's acrimonious exit from Man Utd helped convince Mason Mount to join the club

Cristiano Ronaldo’s acrimonious Manchester United departure helped convince Mason Mount to join the club, it has been claimed.

Last week it emerged that United had agreed to sign Mount on a five-year contract for £55million, plus £5million in add-ons.

And as per Fabrizio Romano, Mount, who joined Chelsea aged six, has passed his United medical and will be announced imminently.

The England international will become Erik ten Hag’s first summer signing, as United look to bolster the squad following Champions League qualification.

Indeed, Chelsea were reportedly reluctant to lose Mount but could not successfully tie him down to a new contract, with the midfielder’s current deal set to expire next year.

The 24-year-old, who has scored 33 goals in 195 Chelsea appearances since making his senior debut four years ago, was being pursued by Liverpool and United.

He opted to join the latter, however, partly because of how Ten Hag dealt with a turbulent first season at United.

Mount convinced by Ten Hag's handling of Ronaldo exit

According to Sky Sports News, Mount opted to sign for United over remaining at Chelsea or joining Liverpool due to Ten Hag’s strong pitch.

Moreover, the United backroom and coaching staff pulled together a video showing how Mount slotted into Ten Hag’s system, how he could influence the side’s midfield, and the areas of his game Ten Hag could help fine-tune.

The report also claims the Mount was encouraged by how Ten Hag has changed United in a short period while navigating a turbulent off-pitch spell, that has included takeover uncertainty, Ronaldo’s departure and an internal investigation into Mason Greenwood.

Mount will be United’s first summer signing. The club will now turn their attention to a goalkeeper and striker as a priority.

However, it is thought Ten Hag is working to a net spend of about £100million, which will be difficult in an inflated market.

The club will look to sell well to raise funds, with Fred attracting interest from Fulham and Dean Henderson a Nottingham Forest target.

Topics: Football, Transfers, Premier League, Mason Mount, Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Cristiano Ronaldo

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.