Manchester United kick off their pre-season in Oslo today with a game against newly relegated Leeds. Mason Mount gets his first opportunity to play in United’s no.7 shirt and Erik ten Hag has spoken about his relief in getting the deal over the line.
Speaking to Viaplay, Ten Hag has revealed there were several clubs looking to secure the Mount signing.
We worked so hard to get this done. I think so many clubs were looking out for Mason, to sign him, and we succeeded. We are happy with that, he brings something in the midfield department. He’s a great team player as well and he knows how to win.
Talking to MUTV, Ten Hag revealed the reasons behind wanting to bring Mount to Old Trafford.
I’m sure he will contribute to the success of United because he is a quality player. His vision is to play the offensive [midfield role]. But also he wants to be multi-functional, he wants to be complete.
When you’re playing in midfield, you have to attack, but you also you have to defend. I’m sure he will bring dynamism into our game and that was one of our analysis conclusions we made after last season. We need [to be] more dynamic in the midfield department.
United have historically struggled to get new signings completed before the pre-season so Ten Hag has spoken about his happiness at having Mount from the very start of the campaign.
That’s a big advantage. You always hope, as a manager, that you have the players in the first moment because then, across the pre-season, you can work on the routines and our way of play.
