REVEALED: Erik ten Hag wants Mason Mount because of THREE key attributes

Mason Mount is going to be Manchester United’s first signing of the summer transfer window and Erik ten Hag is keen to work with the midfielder.

The England international is set to have his medical in Manchester on Monday after United and Chelsea agreed to a fee for the player last week. The deal will cost £55 million plus an additional £5 million in add-ons.

Mount, 24, will bolster a midfield that consists of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Fred, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek. It seems likely that he will play alongside Casemiro and Fernandes in a midfield three.

However, what specific attributes will Mount offer United? Latest reports from The Athletic have explained that there are three main reasons why Ten Hag and the club have splashed the cash.

Firstly, it was mentioned that Ten Hag was fully behind the move for Mount, having tracked the player since he spent the 2017/18 season on loan at Vitesse Arnhem in the Eredivisie.

The report then stated that one reason the Dutch manager wants to bring Mount to Old Trafford is because of his technique on the ball. But also, importantly, his application off the ball. He is seen at United as a modern midfielder, capable of carrying out specific tactical instructions and leading the press, a key component of Ten Hag’s approach.

Christian Eriksen has been criticised for his defensive work despite a positive debut campaign at United. Mount would be a huge upgrade in terms of pressing and out-of-possession.

Another attribute that appeals to United, according to The Athletic, is Mount’s versatility. He can play as a no.8, no.10 and has played from both flanks previously too.

Ten Hag has not been shy in using players in different positions during his first campaign at the club; Luke Shaw, Wout Weghorst, Marcus Rashford and Tyrell Malacia have all played various roles and positions.

United will hopefully be moving onto different targets once Mount has signed. A goalkeeper and striker are both priorities, however, budget restrictions seem to be making things difficult.

Andre Onana appears to be the first choice option between the sticks and 20-year-old Rasmus Hojlund has been linked to play as the striker, but his inexperience make a deal slightly worrying if United do not purchase any other goalscorers.