Mount explains Ten Hag's impressive role in him joining Man Utd from Chelsea

05 July 2023 , 10:08

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Mason Mount says the strides Manchester United have made under Erik ten Hag are a big part of the reason he joined the club.

The England midfielder completed a £60m switch from Chelsea on Wednesday, and straight away hailed the Dutch boss, who won the Carabao Cup in his first season as manager.

"It’s never easy leaving the club where you grew up, but Manchester United will provide an exciting new challenge for the next phase of my career," he said.

"Having competed against them, I know just how strong a squad it is that I’m joining, and I can’t wait to be part of this group’s drive to win major trophies.

"Everyone can see that the club has made big steps forward under Erik ten Hag.

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"Having met with the manager and discussed his plans, I couldn’t be more excited for the seasons ahead, and am ready for the hard work expected here.

"I am hugely ambitious; I know how amazing it feels to win major trophies and what it takes to do it. I will be giving everything to experience that again at Manchester United."

United football director John Murtough said: “Mason is an extremely intelligent footballer and has so many fantastic technical qualities that will significantly add to our squad. We have admired his talents for a long time, so we are delighted that he has chosen to take the next steps in his career here at Old Trafford.

Mount explains Ten Hag's impressive role in him joining Man Utd from Chelsea

Mount has completed his switch to United (Getty Images)

“His style of play and attributes are a perfect fit for this squad, and we all believe that he will only improve further working with Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff.

Mason himself is a world-class player but he also has the ability to improve the players around him through his game intelligence and tactical awareness. We were particularly impressed by his strong desire to join United, and his thirst for further success, as we push to drive up our performance levels next season and beyond.”

Mount had confirmed he was leaving Chelsea in an emotional statement on his Instagram account on Tuesday night.

"Given the speculation over the last six months, this may not come as a surprise to you. But it doesn’t make it any easier to tell you that I’ve made the decision to leave Chelsea," he said.

"I felt you deserve more than just a written statement so I wanted to tell you directly how grateful I’ve been for all of your support over the last 18 years. I know some of you won’t be happy with my decision, but it’s what’s right for me at this moment in my career.

Ten Hag is a fan of Mount, and the feeling is mutual (The FA via Getty Images)

"I joined Chelsea when I was six years old and we’ve been through a lot together. Winning the Youth Cup, my Player of the Year awards, the Super Cup, the Club World Cup and of course that unforgettable night when we won the Champions League.

"I want to say thank you to the academy, Jim (Fraser) and Neil (Bath) for being so influential to me from such a young age. The managers I’ve worked under, Frank (Lampard), Thomas (Tuchel) and Graham (Potter). The backroom staff, the unsung heroes of Cobham, all my teammates over the years that have become my brothers, my family for the continuous love and support, and most importantly, you guys for sticking with me throughout. Wish you all the best."