There may not be many games played during the summer, but it’s still a frantic period for the football world, as clubs scramble to strengthen before the new season. The best players are sought after, while the less talented are cast off and left to find pastures new.
There are always one or two transfers that dominate the headlines, and Manchester United’s purchase of Mason Mount certainly falls into this category. Let’s take a closer look at the signing and discuss whether or not it’s a marquee signing for United.
Mason Mount Signs
On the 5th of July, Manchester United confirmed that they had completed the signing of Mason Mount, in a five-year deal valued at around £55 million, which could rise to £60 million if certain conditions are met.
Mount signed from Chelsea, where the midfielder had spent the past five years, winning the Champions League and two Player of the Year accolades. He had a host of clubs after his signature, but it was United that finally secured the Englishman, as the club looks to regroup and push for the title this season.
Will He Strengthen the Team?
Manchester United’s troubles over the past few years are no secret. They’ve been through a number of managers and the player turnover has been high. The on-field performances have been no better, leading to an extended trophy drought, unlike anything the club has seen in modern history.
Man United are one of the world’s biggest clubs. They have supporters all over the world, and the club regularly features in media such as TV, film and in some of the best Mac games.
This has made United’s recent struggles all the more shocking and more difficult for fans to accept. It was only this year that the trophy drought ended, as manager Erik ten Hag led them to a cup victory, the club’s first piece of silverware in six years.
Despite their struggles, United is not a team without talent. The side is packed with stars, including Marcus Rashford, Raphael Varane, Christian Erikson and Casemiro.
It’s been reported that ten Hag has long been a fan of Mount and that he knows exactly how he will utilise him in the upcoming season. It’s thought he’ll come in to replace Eriksen, who’s getting on in years, as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder. Mount is particularly well-known for his defensive capabilities, so he should help to support the United backline while also offering more attacking options.
Is He a Marquee Signing?
We heard the term ‘marquee signing’ banded about a lot during the transfer period. A marquee signing is usually a top target that the club spends big to secure. They usually come with a reputation and bring hope for better things to come.
Is Mount a marquee signing for Man United? It depends on who you ask. For some, he doesn’t come with the fanfare you’d see if you signed a Modric or Ronaldo, but he does bring talent and an unshakeable work ethic, which is perhaps more important.
