Mason Mount could potentially solve three key flaws at Man United if Erik ten Hag can finally get the coveted signing over the line.
United have already had two bids rejected for the Chelsea midfielder, and are set to table a final offer in the region of £60million. Mount is reportedly keen on a move for Old Trafford, with his career at Stamford Bridge seemingly stalling last season as he failed to hold down a regular place under three different managers.
Ten Hag is desperate for reinforcements amid a return to the Champions League in the 2023/24 campaign, but the much touted summer spending spree is yet to begin. His desire to land Mount is understandable though, given the issues his side had last season despite winning the League Cup and securing a third placed finish.
Jaden Sancho has ultimately failed thus far to bring creativity to United following his big money move from Borussia Dortmund two years ago. Doubts also remain over the consistency of Antony, who often combined the sublime and the ridiculous after signing from Ajax last August.
And Mount's unerring ability to find room in condenses spaces, as well as his vision to open up defences, are qualities that Ten Hag craves as he bids to get more service to his strikers. Marcus Rashford was the only player to hit double figures in the Premier League last season, a stat the Dutch boss is keen to improve on.
England manager Gareth Southgate, who took Mount to Qatar for the World Cup despite an apparent drop in form, has also regularly praised the 24-year-old's diligence in defence. Resolution is another area United need to address, having suffered some humiliating defeats in 2022/23, most notably a 7-0 loss at Liverpool.
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And with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen both north of 30, the presence of Mount would allow the workload of the Dane in particular to be managed. Eriksen missed a portion of the campaign with injury, and struggled to recapture his form after returning to action in April.
But the ball appears in the court of United as to whether any of the potential positives come to fruition. Despite the Blues initially wanting £70million, the fact Mount's contract expires in 2024 could be decisive in him moving from London for a lower fee.
He has already stated his intention not to extend his current deal at Stamford Bridge, meaning he could leave for free in 12 months time. Mount has come through the youth ranks at Chelsea, first joining in 2005 aged just six-years-old.
