Transfer Centre

Manchester United player 'claims Mason Mount signing was not for football reasons'

By Carter White | 15 March 2024

Man United player 'claims Mount signing was not for football reasons'

An unnamed Manchester United player reportedly states that Mason Mount's £60m summer move from Chelsea to Manchester United was 'not for football reasons'.

An unnamed Manchester United player has reportedly claimed that Mason Mount's move to the club was 'not for football reasons'.

The Champions League winner made the high-profile switch from Chelsea to Old Trafford ahead of the 2023-24 season, becoming Erik ten Hag's first signing of the summer window.

Arriving for £60m, there was plenty of expectation placed on the performances of Mount in the opening months, however injury has severely hindered his maiden campaign at the club.

The England international has only managed 12 appearances across all competitions due to fitness issues, including a four-month lay-off since late November.

According to Manchester Evening News, a Manchester United player has stated that Mount's transfer to the Red Devils was 'not for football reasons'.

Manchester United's Mason Mount in action September 26, 2023 © Reuters

The report claims that the midfielder is still sensitive concerning his exit from Chelsea, where he spent 18 years during his time in the academy and as part of the first team.

Mount is yet to speak to any media outlets outside of Man United's official channels, meaning that it has been difficult for outsiders to gain a perspective on how the attacker is settling in at his new club.

After joining the Blues at the age of six, Mount was unable to agree fresh terms at Stamford Bridge last year and left for Old Trafford in the summer.

Ten Hag's side were not alone in their fondness of the 36-time international, with Arsenal and Liverpool also said to be chasing his services in 2023.

Ultimately, Mount opted for a switch to the red side of Manchester United, putting pen to paper on a five-year deal, earning £250,000 per week.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag on March 3, 2024 © Reuters

It is believed that the 25-year-old was convinced by Ten Hag's vision at The Theatre of Dreams, however fitness problems have prevented the midfielder from featuring heavily so far.

Mount last turned out for the Red Devils in the 1-0 win at home to Luton Town on November 11, before suffering a serious calf injury in the aftermath of the Hatters victory.

Man United confirmed on Tuesday morning that the former Chelsea man has returned to first-team training, with Ten Hag hopeful of having his number seven available following the international break.

If Mount's rehabilitation from injury continues to go smoothly, he should be available to face Chelsea when Man United travel to Stamford Bridge on April 4.