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Mason Mount explains why he left Chelsea in £60m Man United transfer & talks up his role in Red Devils’ plans.
Mason Mount cites “became clear that I wasn’t in Chelsea’s plans” as the reason for his £60 million ($76 million) transfer to Manchester United.
The Stamford Bridge academy graduate, who represents England, is moving on to a new challenge after spending 18 years with the Blues, during which time he made 195 appearances. Although Mount played in 35 games last season, he only managed to score three goals and was not a lock to start.
He had already reached the last year of his contract in West London when he made the choice to move to Old Trafford in an effort to rekindle his professional zeal.
Mount has told MUTV of leaving his comfort zone: “Several months ago, it became clear that I wasn’t in Chelsea’s plans moving forward. Once I knew that United were involved, my decision was made up. A massive club, huge iconic players have played here, and I wanted to be a part of that from the beginning. Getting in early and ready for pre-season to start was a main objective of mine as well.”
Mount, who has been given the renowned No. 7 shirt at United, is confident he can have a significant impact on the Red Devils’ offensive line.
He added on his role in Erik ten Hag’s plans: “I’ve always seen myself as a midfielder or a number eight that can obviously get forward, attack, try and score goals, create goals, but also be able to do the other side as well and defend and help the team when we’re under pressure. That’s obviously a massive focus of mine, being able to come here and help the boys in that situation and I know what I can bring to this team and now it’s about going and doing it on the pitch.”
In order to help Mount get comfortable, United will play a number of friendlies this summer against teams including Leeds, Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid, and Borussia Dortmund before the start of the 2023–24 Premier League season on August 14 at home against Wolves.