After weeks of speculation and negotiations, Manchester United have finally agreed a deal with Chelsea for the transfer of Mason Mount. The England midfielder is set to undergo a medical at Manchester United's training ground, Carrington, in the coming days before signing a five-year deal at the club.
With Mount heading to Old Trafford, Erik Ten Hag has got his number one transfer target in time for pre-season which will no doubt please the Dutchman. United enjoyed a good season last time out, ending their six-year trophy drought and finishing in third place in the Premier League. However, next season, Ten Hag will have his eye firmly set on mounting a legitimate title challenge.
Although the club undoubtedly still need more additions, the signing of Mason Mount certainly makes their midfield stronger than it was last season. It is assumed that he will come straight into the starting lineup but whereabouts in midfield will he play for the club? Let's take a look at the most likely scenarios.
Mount as a number eight
Given Erik Ten Hag has chased Mount for several weeks, it is likely that he simply wants to play the 24-year-old in his best position. While Mount has played in several positions for Chelsea over the years, the position where has consistently performed at a high level has been as a number eight.
Mount is a highly-energetic number eight who operates at an incredibly high level off the ball. His pressing ability is considered to be one of the best in the Premier League which is why he has proven popular with every manager he has played under. As a number eight for United, Mount will be responsible for getting up and down the pitch to link the play between Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes is another player who is highly efficient when it comes to pressing which could make the United midfield difficult to play against while Casemiro can patrol the space behind the pair. Last season, Christian Eriksen was Ten Hag's preferred option in this position but sometimes looked out of his depth in games that became stretched. This certainly won't be the case with Mount.
In many ways, Mount is a better version of Fred. His off-the-ball work is similar to the Brazilian but Mount offers more on the ball in terms of chance creation and goals. All-in-all, a midfield three of Casemiro, Mount and Fernandes could prove to be fruitful for the Reds.
Mount to play as a number ten
While Mount is likely to play primarily as an eight, there is also the possibility that he sometimes plays as a number ten for the club. This situation could arise if Bruno Fernandes picks up an injury, something that is yet to happen in the playmaker's career, or if Ten Hag wants to give him a rest.
Additionally, Ten Hag may sometimes elect to drop Fernandes deeper and play Mount higher up if he wants a more technically-gifted player to sit next to Casemiro. Fernandes showed last season at times that he is capable of playing in a deeper role for the club, and exceeded expectations there.
Mount played many games as a number ten for Chelsea and has always chipped in with goals and assists regardless of where he has played. The further up the pitch Mount plays, the more effective his pressing ability will be which is why playing him as a ten could be of interest to Ten Hag.
Mount to play off the right
One final possibility for Mount in a Manchester United shirt is to operate from the right-hand side. Mount likes to work in the half spaces on the right-hand side of the pitch, much in the same way Kevin de Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes do and this could be a tactic that United deploy next season.
Last season, Ten Hag used Fernandes as a right winger on occasion and this a role Mount could also play when needs be. Antony is expected to be the first-choice right winger next season but if United are defending a result late on, then don't be surprised if Mount ends up on the right wing to provide more support defensively.
