After completing his transfer from Chelsea to Manchester United on Wednesday for a rumoured sum of £55 million (or $70 million), England midfielder Mason Mount has declared his intention to compete for big trophies with his new club.
Mount is Erik ten Hag’s first significant close-season acquisition, and the agreement he reached with United to sign a five-year deal with a further year of club option makes him United’s first major offseason signing.
The 24-year-old graduated through Chelsea’s junior school and went on to make 129 appearances for the Stamford Bridge side in the Premier League, during which time he scored 27 goals.
“It’s never easy leaving the club where you grew up, but Manchester United will provide an exciting new challenge for the next phase of my career,” Mount remarked after making the decision to join Manchester United.
“Having competed against them, I know just how strong a squad it is that I’m joining, and I can’t wait to be a part of this group’s drive to win major trophies,” she said. “Having competed against them, I know just how strong a squad it is that I’m joining.”
Mount helped Chelsea win the Champions League in 2021 by giving the pass that split the defense and led to the game-winning goal scored by Kai Havertz in the championship match versus Manchester City.
At Old Trafford, United boss Ten Hag will be hoping that Mount can offer United with energy and goals from both a central midfield slot and from the wings.
Mount states that he is “hugely ambitious” and that he cannot wait to begin the next phase of his professional life.
“Everyone can see that the club has made big steps forward under Erik ten Hag,” Mount, whose cost may climb by a further £5 million in add-ons, stated. “Everyone can see that the club has made big steps forward under Erik ten Hag.”
After having a conversation with the manager about his next plans, I am quite enthusiastic about the upcoming seasons, and I am prepared to put in the effort that is required of me here.
“I have a tremendous drive to succeed. I am familiar with the incredible joy that comes with winning significant awards as well as the work that is required to achieve such success. I will do all it takes to live through that moment once again while playing for Manchester United.
‘It’s the appropriate choice for me,’
Mount had a rough year in terms of his performance on the field in the previous campaign, after having established himself as an important member of the Chelsea squad first under Frank Lampard and then under Thomas Tuchel.
He suffered throughout a volatile season that was overshadowed by the firings of Tuchel and his replacement Graham Potter. He was hampered by ailments, which made his struggles much more difficult.
It has been stated that Chelsea have made a number of contract offers to Mount in an effort to retain the homegrown star playing for them at Stamford Bridge.
Mount had given hints about his impending transfer to United by writing a heartfelt goodbye letter to the supporters of Chelsea on Instagram late on Tuesday night.
“I feel you deserve more than just a written statement, so I wanted to tell you directly how grateful I’ve been for all of your support over the last 18 years,” he added. “I feel like you deserve more than just a written statement.”
“I am aware that some of you won’t be pleased with my decision, but I believe it to be the best choice for me at this juncture in my professional life.”
Mount has represented England on 36 occasions, including in the World Cup in Qatar in the previous year and the European Championship final in 2021, which the Three Lions advanced to thanks in large part to Mount’s contributions.
Mount was called a “extremely intelligent footballer” by Manchester United’s football director John Murtough, who added that Mount would be a “perfect fit” at Old Trafford if he were to join the club.
He stated, “We have admired his talents for a long time, so we are delighted that he has chosen to take the next steps in his career here at Old Trafford.” “We are delighted that he has chosen to take the next steps in his career here at Old Trafford,” he continued.