Gary Neville has already highlighted Manchester United’s biggest Mason Mount challenge
Gary Neville has question marks over whether Mason Mount will tactically fit into Manchester United’s midfield.
Erik ten Hag’s number one target is on his way to Old Trafford after United agreed a £60million package with Chelsea for the Englishman. After drawn-out negotiations, United finally have their first summer signing.
Mount has been earmarked to play next to Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in Ten Hag’s 4-2-3-1 system. The 24-year-old’s work rate off the ball is seen as a major factor that has convinced Ten Hag he can play as a number eight.
However, Neville has doubts over Mount’s suitability for that role, alongside Fernandes. Indeed he thought pushing the boat out for Jude Bellingham or Declan Rice would have made more sense.
Neville, as quoted by the Metro, said: “I am surprised about the Mason Mount one, to be honest with you. For the reported £60million fee… he is a very good player, that isn’t a question for me.
“But I look at the players United have got already in terms of Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Fred and Scott McTominay. Do I think Mount is the player to go in and sort all that out? I’m not quite sure.
“I think you would have been better off going and playing £100million plus on Jude Bellingham or £80-100million on Declan Rice and getting something you think can be the real thing. Mount would be a very good addition to United’s squad, but it is a lot of money for a squad addition.
“Does Mount, Casemiro and Fernandes work as a midfield three? Spending £60million, you have got to get that jump towards winning the league from third place.
“United, at this moment in time, they haven’t got the money and they haven’t got the promise of the new ownership to be able to throw the big money at players.”
