- 18 hours ago
Man Utd unwilling to meet asking price for Ten Hag's 'high priority' target
James Shearman
- Updated: 11 Jun 2023 09:45 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United are reportedly unwilling to pay £60 million for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.
Mount is one of manager Erik ten Hag's top transfer targets, according to GIVEMESPORT, but it will not be easy to get a deal over the line.
Despite having just a year left on his contract, the Blues value Mount very highly.
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The England international had a poor 2022-23 season, much like the entire squad, but he is a two-time Chelsea Player of the Season winner in his short career.
Not only that, the Blues' new boss Mauricio Pochettino would like to work with Mount next season.
The 24-year-old's work rate and pressing ability suits Pochettino's high intensity style of play.
How does Mount fit in at United?
Over the years, Mount has been deployed as a central midfielder, 'number 10' and on the wing.
He would likely replace Christian Eriksen in the centre of United's midfield if he were to sign.
The Dane is pushing 32 and looked very leggy in the final few games of a season in which he played over 40 games.
People forget how good Mason Mount is, I know his form has dipped recently but if there’s anyone that can get him back to his best again it’s going to be Erik Ten Hag pic.twitter.com/d8jemMGQdO
— 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐫 (@UtdEra_) June 10, 2023
Although Mount can play the role, he is not a natural deep-lying midfielder.
His 31.95 passes, 75.2% pass completion rate, three passes into the final third, 5.35 progressive passes, and 1.8 tackles P90 are great numbers for a winger or attacking midfielder, but are some way short compared to the best 'number 8's' in Europe.
That is not necessarily an issue yet as Eriksen also started as a 10, but was able to successfully transition to a deeper CM role.
If Mount can do the same, he would be an upgrade on the Dane, with better pressing and dynamism.
