Erik ten Hag has claimed that Chelsea made several attempts to retain Mason Mount, but the midfielder had already made up his mind on a move to Manchester United.
A Portsmouth-born lad, Mount, joined Chelsea’s youth academy aged just six, making his debut for the Blues’ Under-18s as a 15-year-old in 2014, and it was clear that the midfielder was destined for greatness.
Having spent over a decade at Chelsea since the age of 12, Mount started his professional club career with the Stamford Bridge side.
From 2017 to 2019, he was on loan at Vitesse and Derby County, and in the subsequent years that followed, he solidified his position as Chelsea’s key player and helped the team win the FIFA Club World Cup in 2021, the UEFA Super Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.
Mason Mount decided to leave the club as he entered the final year of his contract, despite Chelsea’s efforts to extend his stay in London.
Erik Ten Hag on why Mason Mount left Chelsea to join Manchester United
Erik Ten Hag said: “I don’t think they wanted to sell him.
“They wanted to keep him and offered him a new contract many times. But he wanted to make this step up.”
Ten Hag revealed that Mount was determined to join Manchester United, and he ultimately sealed a £55 million move that could rise to £60 million in the summer of 2023.
Erik Ten Hag expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition of Mason Mount, highlighting his exceptional abilities and predicting a significant role for him at Manchester United.
“We are very pleased he is a Manchester United player because he has great abilities and will contribute and become a big player for Manchester United.”
Mount hasn’t really showcased his abilities since arriving at the Theater of dreams, as he was saddled with the responsibility of linking up play between the defense and the attack.
Mason Mount has been tasked with progressing the play between defense and attack but he hasn’t been able to do that, due to several factors including injury.
Which match did Mount score his first goal for Manchester United?
The former Cobhams academy graduate, who returned to action during Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Brentford on Saturday, March 31, 2024, after a lengthy time out, scored his maiden goal in the clash as he broke the deadlock against the Bees in the 95th minute.
However, Thomas Frank’s side restored parity with a last-gasp equalizer to snatch away important points from the Red Devils.
The England international expressed “mixed reactions” after the match as he sent out a message to fans and thanked them for their support, sharing that he was also elated to score his first-ever goal for the club.
Mount has made 14 appearances for the Red Devils across all competitions, scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist in all competitions.
Moreover, Mason Mount is poised to make an impact against his former employers, Chelsea, as Manchester United visit Stamford Bridge to clash with the Blues on April 4, 2024.
Despite United’s mixed performance this season, with 21 wins and 16 losses in all competitions, Ten Hag remains optimistic about the team’s progress.
He emphasized the importance of consistency and highlighted the challenges posed by injuries, which have disrupted the team’s rhythm on multiple occasions.
Erik Ten Hag confident of the Red Devils turning the corner in the remaining matches this campaign
Acknowledging the need for improvement, Ten Hag stressed the importance of continuity and expressed confidence in the team’s young talents.
Additionally, despite the tough competition in the Premier League, Ten Hag remains committed to striving for success and maintaining high standards, with the ultimate goal of securing qualification for the Champions League.
He said in a presser ahead of the game: “I have high standards and I would be disappointed if we didn’t qualify for the Champions League.
“I know it will be very difficult because we are not in a good position, but we want to win every game, that is the standard we have here among each other.
“We will keep going and keep believing in those standards. That will be the approach in every game. We will keep fighting until the end.”
The Dutchman will be hoping for a good outcome when his side square up against Mauricio Pochettino’s side in an important premier league affair, which has become featherweight in recent years due to the fortunes of both teams.
