Mount's Man Utd move dubbed "a mistake" as Erik ten Hag leaps to his defence

10 November 2023 , 15:53

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Mount's Man Utd move dubbed "a mistake" as Erik ten Hag leaps to his defence

Mason Mount will be the first to admit his start to life at Manchester United has hardly gone to plan, but some feel the move shouldn't have happened at all.

The England international called time on his Chelsea career in the summer to make the move to Old Trafford and burn a lot of the bridges he had back in west London in the process. The Red Devils forked out £55million to bring Mount to the club, but he has done very little to justify such a price tag so far.

A large factor behind that is injuries, with Mount spending far more time than he'd have liked on the treatment table. However, he hasn't exactly set the world alight when on the pitch and is yet to register a single goal contribution in 11 games across all competitions.

This dismal return has led to criticism from many, including former Chelsea defender William Gallas, who has claimed the decision to join United was a mistake from Mount in the first place.

Speaking to Lord Ping, the Frenchman explained: “I think people understand why Mount left, even if his transfer to Man United was a mistake. His performances haven't been great. Mount was a Chelsea boy, but they couldn't find a solution. It was a mistake."

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While there is still plenty of time for Mount to turn the tide on his United career, given the fee and his high profile as a Three Lions international, the scrutiny surrounding his form hardly comes as a surprise. It has been the topic of debate and Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag has had his say.

Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday's home clash against Luton, the Dutchman was asked if expectations around Mount have shifted since joining. "Not at all," Ten Hag claimed. "He started the season and got injured.

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Mason Mount has had a difficult start to life at Man United

"It is the worst moment for a new player to get injured because it stops the integration process and that was a step back for us all. He now has to find his place back."

Pressed for comment on why Mount has found starts to come by in recent weeks, Ten Hag added: "He has had some starts recently, last week against Newcastle, for instance. There are always reasons. The injury and other players coming in and doing well, and then you have to wait for your time to play."

Josh O'Brien