Manchester United have finally made their first signing in the ongoing summer transfer. The Mason Mount saga has finally come to an end. Here is how Manchester United can line up with Mount
According to football pundits, Chelsea and Manchester United have finally reached an agreement regarding the transfer of Mason Mount. The 24-year-old is poised to join Manchester United in a deal worth £60 million. After rejecting a bid of £55 million, representatives from Manchester United and Chelsea met in person to resolve the difference in valuation. The player will now sign a five-year deal with the Old Trafford outfit.
"Manchester United have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Mason Mount in a deal worth up to £60million ($75.7m).United had a third bid worth £55m rejected last week but have now agreed to pay an initial fee of £55m plus £5m in difficult add-ons.(Via: The Athletic)"
The lad from Cobham had one year remaining on his contract, but he was unwilling to sign an extension as he had set his sights on joining the Old Trafford outfit. Despite the initial obstacles, Manchester United remained in the race and have successfully secured his signing. Mason Mount becomes Manchester United’s first summer signing of 2023 and their second June signing in the last three seasons.
With the addition of Mason Mount, Manchester United has strengthened their midfield options. Here are two possible ways Manchester United can line up with Mason Mount:
#1) 4-3-3 with Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes in central midfield (both as #8
This formation appears to be the most preferred formation for Erik ten Hag if he intends to field both Mount and Bruno Fernandes. Mount would serve as a direct replacement for Christian Eriksen in this setup, while Casemiro would continue as the lone sitting #6. This will be a high-risk high-reward formation for Manchester United as there will be no Eriksen to provide the defensive cover that he provided whenever Bruno Fernandes ventured outside of his position.
#2) 4-2-3-1 with Mason Mount in an attacking midfielder role
While it may be unlikely, Erik ten Hag might prefer to deploy Mason Mount in his favored attacking midfielder role, with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro playing in a double pivot. This arrangement would allow Bruno Fernandes to utilize his experience playing in the double pivot, a role he was comfortable with during his time at Sporting CP and in the later part of the 2022/23 season.
#3) 4-2-3-1 with Mason Mount playing on the left flank
During the 2022/23 season, Bruno Fernandes faced difficulties when playing from the left flank whenever Rashford started as a striker and players like Garnacho or Martial were unavailable. This situation resulted in a significant gap in the midfield and the team struggled to create scoring opportunities. However, Mason Mount’s versatility and his previous successful performances on the left side of the pitch provide an alternative option for the manager. If Manchester United fails to sign a striker in time, Mount can be deployed on the left wing, helping to fill the void and provide attacking contributions.
(GK and ST are left blank as Manchester United continue to negotiate for multiple players)
Which are the other transfers that Manchester United have to get done before the start of the next season?