How Man Utd will line up with Mason Mount

James Shearman

5 Jul 2023 10:39 BST
3 min read

Mason Mount of Chelsea over the Manchester United badge, set against a backdrop of a panorama of Old Trafford in red — © ProShots

Manchester United have officially signed Mason Mount for £60 million from Chelsea.

Article continues under the video

Chelsea rejected two initial bids, totalling £50m and £55m, before finally agreeing to sell for £60m.

Mount is not said to have wanted to leave Stamford Bridge but, with one year left on his deal and no sign of an extension, he decided that a move to United was best for his career.

How Man Utd will line up with Mason Mount

United still have plenty of summer transfer spending to do, especially if a new owner comes in, but as things stand, the above is how United are set to line up in 2023/24.

David de Gea won the Premier League's Golden Glove last season with 17 clean sheets, but his ball-playing ability is suspect at best.

De Gea is currently a free agent after his contract expired but it is still expected that he will pen a new deal and return. If not, then Andre Onana of Inter is the favourite to take his place.

Erik ten Hag's preferred back four currently consists of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw.

The Red Devils are reasonably well equipped in this area of the pitch, but another centre-back would be welcome.

In midfield, Mount will most likely be used alongside Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, with Christian Eriksen providing fierce competition.

The England international rarely played as a 'number 8' in his Chelsea days, a role he will have to master at United with Fernandes allowed the freedom to venture forward at will.

Alejandro Garnacho and Antony will take up positions on the wing, with Amad Diallo also in the running after proving himself on loan at Sunderland last term.

While Marcus Rashford may be forced to lead the line, even though he prefers starting on the left, unless United sign a first-choice striker.

Rashford's 30 goals in all competitions last season suggest he is at least clinical enough.