In Focus: United can Mount trophy challenge with Mason in their ranks![Copy icon](/ls-web-assets/svgs/common/link-471b4.svg)
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![Mason Mount has signed a five-year deal with Manchester United](https://uk1.sportal365images.com/process/smp-image-api/livescore.com/05072023/523c123a-501a-4bed-be96-21b9bc867f45.jpg?operations=fit(707:)&w=707&quality=100)
Mason Mount's much-publicised £55million move from Chelsea to Premier League rivals Manchester United has finally been completed.
The England star, 24, ended his 18-year association with the Blues and now hopes to look ahead to a bright future with Erik ten Hag's Red Devils after penning a five-year deal at Old Trafford.
We look at what the talented midfielder will bring to United and where he will fit into the Dutch manager's system.
Multiple roles
United football director John Murtough described Mount as a "perfect fit" for Ten Hag's squad and there are a number of areas he could slot into the starting XI.
His favoured No10 position is currently held by Bruno Fernandes but Mount offers an elite alternative to the Portuguese — far superior to the lesser-suited loanee Wout Weghorst who deputised there last term.
But given United have spent a reported £55m on the Three Lions ace, a regular starting spot alongside Bruno seems more likely.
A deeper midfield role that would see Mount feature next to Casemiro — similar to where Christian Eriksen played in 2022-23 — could allow an exciting midfield trio to form.
Alternatively, the playmaker is more than capable of impressing on the left or right of attack, where he would offer a different proposition to Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho or Antony.
Goal threat
![Despite an underwhelming 2022-23, Mason Mount still boasts impressive statistics in the last three seasons](https://uk1.sportal365images.com/process/smp-image-api/livescore.com/05072023/d27109da-1f2a-4f76-91ee-a996ba4ef452.png?operations=fit(707:)&w=707&quality=100)
Though Mount struggled for form during Chelsea's disastrous 12th-place finish last season, he has proven ability to contribute with goals and assists in the Premier League.
The Portsmouth native notched 11 goals and 10 assists in the top flight in 2021-22 during a campaign in which he was named his side's Player of the Year for the second successive season.
Since the start of the 2020-21 season, he was the West Londoners' most creative player, laying on 175 chances for his team-mates, while his eight assists from set-pieces during that time period is another welcome attribute.
Press to impress
![Mason Mount has a tendency to press high up the field](https://uk1.sportal365images.com/process/smp-image-api/livescore.com/05072023/9812c46d-45c2-4fd4-bd95-c9503289e8ed.png?operations=fit(707:)&w=707&quality=100)
While Mount's ability in possession will boost United, his work off the ball is arguably a key reason why Ten Hag was so desperate to land him.
While not renowned for his physicality, the 36-cap international intelligently leads the press from the front — a strength which has also made him a regular for England boss Gareth Southgate.
He topped the charts among Blues players for possessions won in the attacking third across the last three seasons (55), while only N'Golo Kante (154) and Jorginho (163) made more tackles (149).
Mental strength
![Mason Mount will wear Manchester United's famous No7 jersery](https://uk1.sportal365images.com/process/smp-image-api/livescore.com/05072023/91fc0fbc-c742-4f56-8208-71f4ebe4a4f3.jpg?operations=fit(707:)&w=707&quality=100)
Having spent much of his club and international career facing questions over his selection, Mount has a knack of proving critics wrong.
Speaking about the midfielder in May 2021, former boss Thomas Tuchel said: "He has the full package.
"Mentally, in terms of talent, physically, and — the most important part is his character — he has his feet on the ground and he's a nice guy.
"He seems to be a guy who likes the sport, and feels an obligation to make the most out of it and he wants it badly, so it's a top mix."
Donning United's famous No7 jersey, Mount will surely not be without similar moments of criticism during his time at the club.
But like he has done so many times in the past, it would be no surprise to see him prove doubters wrong and make himself an Old Trafford hero.