Paul Ince believes the signing of Mason Mount is a 'great bit of business' for Manchester United.
United have signed Mount from Chelsea for £55 million on a five-year deal bringing an end to months of speculation surrounding the English midfielder's future.
The 24-year-old made almost 200 appearances for the Blues and played a key role in their 2021 Champions league success under Thomas Tuchel.
An influx of new signings over the past 12 months coupled with a loss of form saw Mount slip out of the first team picture at Chelsea, but despite this, Ince believes United have picked up a player of real quality.
"I think it's a great bit of business for Manchester United," Ince told Betway, "He’s a very good player. He can create, he's energetic, and technically he's very, very good."
"He went through a bad patch of form last season, like we all do, and it looked he lost a little bit of confidence. He didn't seem to be getting a lot of game time under Graham Potter, and he went from being a regular for England and Chelsea to a bit-part role. But he's still a very talented player.
"I think this is the right move for him, he needs a fresh start. He needed to go to somewhere he's going to get game time, because at this age, he needs to be playing regular football. There's a lot of players who are happy just to sit on the bench and take their money, but Mason, he wants to play football."
Throughout his career, Mount has played in a number of positions including central midfield, attacking midfield and on the wings. Ince believes this level of versatility will stand to Mount as he begins his adventure in Manchester.
"It's going to be interesting to see where Ten Hag sees him playing, because he’s a bit like Eriksen. I think they’ll probably share that role. Bruno Fernandes likes to go forward and you'd think he'll play most games. Can he play on the left-hand side and play Rashford up top? The thing about Mount is that he's very flexible in the roles that he can play."
The transfer of Mount is the first in what promises to be a busy window for United. A new goalkeeper could well be on the way, and Ince himself admits he is a big fan of Andre Onana. The Inter Milan goalkeeper has been heavily linked with United in recent days as rumours swirl on David de Gea's future.
"First and foremost, he's a fantastic keeper. He's young, he's got loads of potential, he's great with his feet.
"A lot depends on what the situation is with David De Gea. Obviously, his contract is finished and there's ongoing talks. I presume that De Gea will be saying, "Listen, if I'm going to sign then I need to be the No. 1.
"But if they're going to cut his wages and he doesn't agree to terms, I think Onana will be the next one to come in. The ball's in De Gea's court. He knows he's going to have to take a reduction in his wages, and if he does that, I can see him back between the sticks come the start of the season."
Striker has been a problem position for some time at Old Trafford, and with Wout Weghorst's departure and Anthony Martial's tendancy to pick up injury's, Ince believes there is only one man who United should target to lead the line.
"Harry Kane's name keeps getting brandished about. Kane's been absolutely unbelievable for Tottenham. He's a world-class player and has proved it year in and year out. Whether Daniel Levy would let him go to a rival club like Manchester United, I'm not sure.
"I know there's a lot of talk about Bayern Munich. These things only happen when the club has spoken to the agent, so there’s obviously been some kind of interest for Bayern to keep pursuing him.
"For me, if Kane was to leave – and you don't like to talk about players while they're still at another football club – but any money left at Manchester United would go straight on him, without a doubt. If you can get Harry Kane, that makes them serious challengers next year. They definitely need a striker, that’s for sure."
Ince was talking to Betway about Manchester United ahead of the new Premier League season.
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