Since Erik ten Hag\u2019s arrival as the new Manchester United manager back in the summer of 2022, the former Ajax coach has always been desperate to bring in different midfield profiles and qualities to further strengthen his side.<\/p>\n
Having quickly acquired Christian Eriksen on a free transfer, Ten Hag prioritised the ultimately unsuccessful recruitment of his former Ajax pupil Frenkie de Jong. The Barcelona midfielder possessed ball playing and ball carrying qualities, which Ten Hag saw as vital to enhancing his new look United side.<\/p>\n
However, with the inability to capture De Jong, Ten Hag felt there wasn\u2019t any viable alternatives that were worthy to wear that famous red jersey. Thus, United swooped in for Casemiro, following the disastrous opening two losses against Brentford and Brighton.<\/p>\n
This signing was like finding a crucial piece to connecting a complex puzzle. Casemiro provided genuine \u2018destroyer\u2019 qualities, in a naturally positioned defensive midfield slot. This role had been absent since Nemanja Matic began to age.<\/p>\n
A huge part of Ten Hag\u2019s ideal midfield was defensive actions. The Dutch coach wanted his midfield to work equally as hard off the ball, as they do on it. However, despite Eriksen\u2019s superb quality on the ball, his inability to keep up with the defensive side of some games, was a major vulnerability in United\u2019s midfield at times. Thus, this summer, with Eriksen\u2019s legs beginning to grow wearier in the big games, Ten Hag wanted to bring in a more energetic midfield option who could play on the ball, but also be equally as effective off the ball.<\/p>\n
This is why Mount was the number one candidate.<\/p>\n
After years of United signing players who would only join because of the huge salaries offered, bringing in players like Mount is a huge positive step as it illustrates the complete change in transfer strategy and approach from the club.<\/p>\n
Mount\u2019s signing is ever sweeter due to Liverpool\u2019s major interest, but the Englishman found his home at the \u2018theatre of dreams.\u2019<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI think it [#mufc<\/a>] is one of the clubs informed of Mason Mount\u2019s situation. From what I understand, for Liverpool, he is a priority.\u201d [@FabrizioRomano<\/a>, United Stand YT]<\/p>\n
\u2014 The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) April 24, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n