Ten Hag: Why I signed Mount
Erik ten Hag has outlined the reasons why he signed Mason Mount for the first time, as he spoke to MUTV during our live build-up for the opening pre-season friendly against Leeds United.
The midfielder makes his first appearance for the Reds after being named in the starting line-up for the Oslo encounter, and the boss is clearly delighted to have landed his man in time to participate in all of our preparation for the 2023/24 campaign.
After being linked with other top clubs during the latter part of his stay at Chelsea, there is a great deal of satisfaction that Mount is now our man, as well as excitement to see how he will fit into the manager's plans, in terms of his role and output.
Ten Hag explains the line-up v Leeds
📽️🇳🇱 Erik joined us live on MUTV to discuss the line-up and his plans for the game...
"I'm sure he will contribute to the success of United because he is a quality player," Ten Hag told MUTV, when asked about the player by former Reds defender Ronny Johnsen.
"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."
The fact the deal was concluded in order for Mount to quickly get to know his new team-mates is an obvious boost for the boss.
"That's a big advantage," he added. "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."
In a separate interview, with host broadcaster Viaplay, Ten Hag revealed he had to beat off other clubs to clinch the England international's signature.
"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."
Johnsen, who is watching the Leeds game in his homeland and was part of the build-up on MUTV, also expressed his admiration for Mount, and what he can bring to the Reds.
"Mason Mount is somebody I'm really looking forward to seeing play in the midfield," our former defender enthused. "What he did at Chelsea as well, especially offensively, I really enjoyed watching.
"He didn't play much in the Chelsea team after the World Cup. But I think for him to come to Manchester, that's going to be very good for the squad."