An unnamed player from Manchester United has purportedly asserted that Mason Mount’s transfer to the club was motivated by factors beyond football considerations. The acquisition of the Champions League victor from Chelsea to Old Trafford marked a significant move ahead of the 2023-24 season, representing Erik ten Hag’s inaugural signing during the summer transfer window.
Despite a transfer fee of £60 million and high expectations surrounding Mount’s performance in the initial months, his debut season at the club has been severely impeded by injury. The English international has participated in only 12 matches across various competitions due to fitness setbacks, including a four-month hiatus since late November.
According to a report by Manchester Evening News, a player from Manchester United has voiced that Mount’s transfer to the Red Devils was not solely driven by football-related reasons. The report suggests that the midfielder remains emotionally affected by his departure from Chelsea, where he spent 18 years in the academy and first-team setup.
Mount has refrained from engaging with media outlets outside of Manchester United’s official channels, thereby limiting external insights into his adaptation to the new club. Following his tenure at Chelsea since the age of six, Mount departed Stamford Bridge last year after failing to reach agreement on new terms, subsequently joining Old Trafford during the summer transfer window.
Notably, Ten Hag’s team faced competition from Arsenal and Liverpool, who also reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the services of the 36-time international player in 2023. However, Mount ultimately opted for Manchester United, signing a five-year contract worth £250,000 per week. It is understood that the 25-year-old was swayed by Ten Hag’s strategic vision for the club, although persistent fitness issues have limited his involvement on the field thus far.
Mount’s last appearance for Manchester United was in the 1-0 victory against Luton Town at home on November 11, after which he sustained a significant calf injury. The club announced on Tuesday morning that the former Chelsea player has resumed first-team training, with Ten Hag expressing optimism about his availability following the international break.
Assuming Mount’s rehabilitation progresses smoothly, he is anticipated to be fit to face Chelsea when Manchester United visit Stamford Bridge on April 4.