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Manchester United transfer news RECAP Erik ten Hag sends Mason Mount message as Harry Kane plea made
Keep up to date with all of the day’s Man United transfer rumours, takeover latest and breaking news.
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by John McDougall, George Smith
Andre Onana, left, and Sofyan Amrabat, right, are possible further additions after Mason Mount’s move was announced(Image: Getty)
Mason Mount was officially unveiled as a Manchester United player this morning, with the midfielder stating he “can’t wait” to challenge for major trophies with his new club.
United finally got the breakthrough they had been waiting for last week as they reached an agreement with Chelsea for the transfer of Mount. Three bids had been rejected for Erik ten Hag’s top midfield target but a compromise was met with a guaranteed £55million fee and a potential further £5m in add-ons.
Mount has agreed a five-year contract, completed his medical on Monday and returned to Carrington on Tuesday for his unveiling photoshoot. The official announcement came at 11am on Wednesday morning.
Meanwhile, United have identified Inter Milan’s Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana as their top goalkeeper target should an agreement with David de Gea over a contract renewal not be reached.
Stay tuned for the latest United news throughout the day.
Key Events
Onana ‘hopeful’ of United transfer
21:08
Mount awarded No.7 shirt
12:05
Murtough explains why United have signed Mount
11:45
Mount: ‘I couldn’t be more excited’
11:06
CONFIRMED: United complete Mount signing
11:01
United hint at Mount arrival
10:40
United settle on Onana as top ‘keeper target
10:00
Inter ‘anticipating first bid’ for Onana
09:15
WATCH: Mount confirms Chelsea exit
08:45
22:57John McDougall
Signing off
We’ll sign off from today’s live blog at this point – thanks for following our coverage throughout the day.
We’ll be back early tomorrow morning with another live blog bringing you all the latest updates from Old Trafford in the transfer window.
See you then!
22:49John McDougall
OPINION: Three things have stopped Donny van de Beek reach United potential
Since joining United, his injury history has been poor. He has missed 60 games in total since joining the club through injury and was ruled out for the rest of the season due to an injury that he sustained in January.
Throughout his time at United, Van de Beek has had to play a far more rigid position, usually sitting behind the attack-focused Bruno Fernandes when he has had the opportunity to play, as a result, he has come nowhere close to registering the same attacking output that he did at Ajax, registering just one goal and one assist throughout his entire time at the club.
Lack of manager confidence, constant injuries and a lack of output have made Van de Beek an almost certain disappointment at United. If he leaves this summer, fans will be thinking about what could have been.
Read the full piece here.
Donny van de Beek working his way back to fitness at Manchester United(Image: Man Utd)
22:22John McDougall
ANALYSIS: How United beat off Liverpool and Arsenal for Mount
United faced competition from both Liverpool and Arsenal for Mason Mount’s signature, but were able to get the midfielder’s signature despite them not being the only side interested in the midfielder’s services.
But Erik ten Hag managed to get his prime target to strengthen central midfield as United kicked off their summer transfer business with Mount’s capture.
Here is some analysis on the deal and Ten Hag’s view of the England international that made him want Mount at Old Trafford.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JULY 05: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Mason Mount of Manchester United poses after signing for the club at Carrington Training Ground on July 05, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)
21:44John McDougall
Ferdinand pinpoints United’s next transfer target after Mount
After securing Mason Mount’s services, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes bringing in a striker should be the club’s next move this summer.
Mount has become the first signing this transfer window and more are expected in the next two months. Former United captain Ferdinand believes a new centre forward ought to be the priority.
He said:
Really pleased with Mount coming in. Young, talented and hungry. He has the experience of big games with pressure which comes when playing for United.
As a player he will bring us goals, creativity, a work ethic and a willing runner into the opposition box. He definitely adds to what we have in the squad and is different from the others in midfield.
I actually think in time Chelsea will regret selling Mount. Now for a No.9…
Rio Ferdinand. (Image: Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE YouTube channel)
21:08Key Event
Onana ‘hopeful’ of United transfer
Andre Onana is United’s top target to strengthen the goalkeeping position this summer, amid the uncertainty over David de Gea and if he will sign a new deal.
De Gea has left United after his contract expired, though further talks are planned and he could yet remain at Old Trafford. But regardless of if the Spaniard stays or not, United are firmly in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer.
And according to 90min, the Cameroonian shot-stopper has rejected advances from Saudi Arabian clubs because he has his heart set on a move to Old Trafford.
Andre Onana of FC Internazionale is a transfer target for Manchester United. (Image: Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
20:44John McDougall
Takeover latest
Though United have made progress on the transfer front today, the club’s takeover saga continues to rumble on with no conclusion yet in sight.
Reports earlier in the week suggested it was ‘only a matter of hours’ until Sheikh Jassim signed paperwork to seal his takeover, but there has been no official update since. Indeed, reports on Wednesday suggested Sheikh Jassim now has doubts over whether the Glazers will sell at all.
While it has also been claimed the lack of progress is impacting the club’s work in the summer transfer window.
Here’s the MEN’s latest daily takeover digest.
Manchester United bidder Sheikh Jassim(Image: Getty)
20:14John McDougall
Big FA Cup changes on the cards
It seems a long time ago now since the FA Cup final when United lost at the hands of City.
But this season’s competition will begin in the early stages of the campaign with pre-qualifying rounds in non-league, before the Premier League and Championship sides join at the third round.
However, next season’s competition is poised to have some big differences and could impact United when they enter it and throughout their involvement.
Here’s what is in the pipeline.
Man City beat Manchester United 2-1 in the 2023 FA Cup final
19:38John McDougall
Transfer money left at United ‘should go straight on Kane’
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince believes after the outlay on Mason Mount, any money the Old Trafford club has left ought to go straight to Tottenham Hotspur to bring Harry Kane to the club.
The Spurs captain has only a year left on his deal at his current club, like Mount did at Chelsea, but the North London side insist their talisman is not for sale. Though it may seem unlikely with that in mind, Ince is clear that United should go all out on Kane and if he was added to the squad would make Erik ten Hag’s side serious Premier League challenges next season.
He told Betway:
For me, if Kane was to leave – and you don’t like to talk about players while they’re still at another football club – but any money left at Manchester United would go straight on him, without a doubt.
If you can get Harry Kane, that makes them serious challengers next year. They definitely need a striker, that’s for sure.
Harry Kane’s future with Tottenham Hotspur remains uncertain.(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
19:08John McDougall
Ex-United striker believes Mount isn’t a guaranteed starter
Former United striker Louis Saha believes that Mason Mount is not a guaranteed starter but admits it is a ‘brilliant signing’ for the Old Trafford club and will add to the options Erik ten Hag has at his disposal in the final third.
He told Paddy Power:
Mason Mount isn’t necessarily going to go straight into the Manchester United team. It’s such a long season coming up and he’ll have to fight for his place.
It’s a big transfer fee for someone who’s only got a year left of his contract but he’s going to bring diversity to this team because he’s a very smart, active and busy player. He’s also very creative and those are things that Manchester United have sometimes missed recently.
They need creativity, but also mobility and only Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes had that last season. Mount can do it but from midfield, rather than from someone like Antony or Rashford. He’s like a playmaker but a bit more mobile and he’ll open up the way they play and give more options.
He’ll create more one-on-ones for the strikers and it’s a brilliant signing.
Mason Mount signing for Manchester United (Image: Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)
18:42John McDougall
Ten Hag’s message to Mount after joining United
Erik ten Hag warmly greeted Mason Mount’s arrival at Manchester United as the Reds boss got his priority central midfield target this summer into the building.
Mount has put pen to paper on a five-year deal at United, which also includes an option for a further 12 months on top after United paid Chelsea an initial £55m for his services. The midfielder has also taken the famous number seven shirt, which has been vacant since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure last November.
Ten Hag spoke to Mount after the duo posed for photographs as part of the club’s announcment the midfielder had joined and the United boss made it clear what his plans for Mount are at Old Trafford.
Here’s what he said to his new signing.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag speaking with new signing Mason Mount(Image: Twitter / @ManUtd)
18:12John McDougall
Amad and Williams train with ex-United player
Pre-season training is under way and United’s players are being put through their paces prior to the 2023/24 campaign.
Amad Diallo is back at United after a successful campaign last season in the Championship with Sunderland. Erik ten Hag faces a key decision over whether to give Amad another loan spell somewhere or include him in his first team plans.
Amad has been busy training with Brandon Williams, and the United duo have been keeping their fitness levels up along with a former Old Trafford player.
Here’s who they have linked up with.
Manchester United pair Brandon Williams and Amad Diallo. (Image: Amad Diallo/Instagram)
17:41John McDougall
Chelsea legend Drogba responds to Mount departure from Chelsea
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has shared his heartbreak after Mason Mount chose to leave the ‘club of his life’ for Manchester United.
Mount has signed an initial five-year contract at United after a £55m move from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford. It ended an 18-year association Mount had with Chelsea, where he came through the youth team ranks at.
And Chelsea legend Drogba has not hidden his disappointment at Mount’s exit to Old Trafford.
Here’s his clear verdict on the move.
17:03John McDougall
Mount’s first words as a United player at Old Trafford
Mount has become the first signing of the summer at United and now can call Old Trafford his home.
Of course, the midfielder is no stranger to the stadium and has played there several times with previous club Chelsea. But he will now be stepping into the home dressing room every other weekend rather than the away one.
Mount has now been to the Theatre of Dreams for the first time since officially joining the club and gave an exciting message as the move began to truly sink in for him.
Here is what he had to say.
Mason Mount on the pitch at Old Trafford as a Man United player. (Image: Manchester United/Instagram)
16:24John McDougall
Fans react to Mount being given number 7 shirt
Mason Mount has been given United’s famous and iconic number 7 shirt after joining from Chelsea.
The England international will be the latest player to don the most famous number in United’s squad which has been worn by the likes of George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo over the years.
This surprising squad number news has, however, not gone down well with United supporters who were keen to see youngster Alejandro Garnacho receive an upgrade.
Taking to Twitter, the fanbase made their feelings clear.
15:36John McDougall
Bruno’s brilliant Mount message
Bruno Fernandes was one of the first United players to react to Mason Mount joining the club today – and he gave a great tongue-in-cheek view.
The midfielder joined the club officially this afternoon after weeks of reports and speculation surrounding the transfer. He has penned a five-year deal at Old Trafford.
And the length of time it took United to secure Mount’s signature appears to have light-heartedly frustrated Fernandes, who will no doubt relish added competition for places in the engine room. That is because the Portuguese ace took to his Instagram page to react to the England international completing his move to M16.
Here’s what his funny reaction to the move was.
(Image: Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images.)
15:02George Smith
OPINION: Six ways United could line-up in midfield in pre-season
“Just like pre-season is for any club, it will be a period for United manager Erik ten Hag to experiment and take risks that he would not usually be able to in a competitive environment. It will also be a period for players to build up their fitness levels and any new signings to adjust to a new way of playing. As things stand, Mason Mount will be the only new addition United take to the States with them, with his move from Chelsea now finalised. Further signings, however, could be made prior to the tour.”
Click here to read more.
(Image: Getty Images.)
14:30George Smith
Latest odds on McTominay’s future amid exit links
United midfielder Scott McTominay is continuing to be linked with an exit from Old Trafford this summer.
United, ideally, need to reduce the size of their midfield pool, particuarly after completing the signing of Mason Mount earlier on today. With that said, here is a quick look at what the bookies are making of the Scotland’s future and where he could move to this summer:
Newcastle United – 7/4
West Ham United – 4/1
Everton – 7/1
Celtic – 10/1
Nottingham Forest – 18/1
Crystal Palace – 25/1
Leicester City – 33/1
Odds are provided courtesy of Betway.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
14:05Samuel Luckhurst
OPINION: There is a clear plan for United to sign Onana
“Andre Onana is eminently gettable. Sell Dean Henderson and bid farewell to David de Gea and United bank the best part of £30million for the former and save around £390,000 in wages on the pair. That frees up funds for Onana with Inter Milan’s finances so dire they posted losses of almost £340m for the last two years. Instead, United are even pussyfooting over Henderson, not shy in expressing his antipathy towards the club’s treatment of him. It has been suggested United want to speak to Henderson to gauge whether he wants to stay or go. They needn’t waste their time: he wants to go.”
Click here to read more.
13:23Ross Jackson
Why is Mount No.7?
MEN Sport can reveal that Erik ten Hag offered Mason Mount the No.7 shirt after he completed his Old Trafford switch.
Alejandro Garnacho had been under consideration as United looked for a new No.7, but that honour has been taken away from him as Mount has been handed the iconic number.
Read more here >>>
(Image: Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images.)
13:05George Smith
United’s first five Premier League fixtures
There are now less than six weeks to go until United’s Premier League opener at home to Wolves on Monday, August 14.
With that in mind, MEN Sport has taken a quick glance at the Reds’ first five matches:
United vs Wolves – August 14, 8pm
Tottenham vs United – August 19, 3pm
United vs Nottingham Forest – August 26, 3pm
Arsenal vs United – September 2, 3pm
United vs Brighton & Hove Albion – September 16, 3pm
*Fixture dates and kick-off times are subject to change.
(Image: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
12:50Tyrone Marshall
OPINION: United need to remember Ten Hag’s transfer message from May
“United haven’t expanded on their reasons for concerns around meeting FFP requirements and on the face of it they look to be in reasonable enough financial health. Their wages-to-turnover ratio has fallen from 67% to 50% with the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and revenue is back on the rise. There is some scepticism among industry sources about how tight United really are with FFP compliance. They went over budget in spending £225million last summer, but there is also a feeling that it is partly a negotiating ploy, with the club determined to avoid the ‘United tax’ they often feel is added on to a deal.”
Click here to read more.
(Image: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images.)
12:20George Smith
Ince reacts to Mount transfer
Former United midfielder Paul Ince has welcomed the club’s decision to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea.
The midfield ace has joined the club on a long-term deal for a fee understood to be worth £60million.
Ince told Betway:
“I think it’s a great bit of business for United. He’s a very good player. He can create, he’s energetic, and technically he’s very, very good. He went through a bad patch of form last season, like we all do, and it looked he lost a little bit of confidence. He didn’t seem to be getting a lot of game time under Graham Potter, and he went from being a regular for England and Chelsea to a bit-part role. But he’s still a very talented player. I think this is the right move for him, he needs a fresh start. He needed to go to somewhere he’s going to get game time, because at this age, he needs to be playing regular football. There’s a lot of players who are happy just to sit on the bench and take their money, but Mason, he wants to play football. It’s going to be interesting to see where Ten Hag sees him playing, because he’s a bit like Eriksen. I think they’ll probably share that role. Bruno Fernandes likes to go forward and you’d think he’ll play most games. Can he play on the left-hand side and play Rashford up top? The thing about Mount is that he’s very flexible in the roles that he can play.”
12:05Key Event
Mount awarded No.7 shirt
United have announced that new signing Mason Mount has been awarded the iconic No.7 shirt.
The England international was unveiled as the club’s first signing of the summer transfer window earlier today, being snapped up from Chelsea for £60million.
(Image: Manchester United Football Club.)
12:00George Smith
Why United signed Mount
Our chief United writer, Samuel Luckhurst, has outlined why the Reds have chosen to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea:
“Erik ten Hag came across Mount during his season-long loan with Vitesse Arnhem in 2017-18 when he was appointed as Ajax coach midway through the campaign. Mount’s coach at Vitesse, Henk Fraser, likened him to De Jong. Well-placed sources at United say Mount’s style is suited to Ten Hag as he oversees the second phase of United’s squad rebuild. The recruitment department also approved of targeting Mount. Although Mount has been accused of prioritising finances over football after Chelsea refused to meet his salary demands, United are adamant they have recruited another player invested in playing for the club.”
Click here to find out more.
11:45Key Event
Murtough explains why United have signed Mount
United football director John Murtough has described Mason Mount as an ‘extremely intelligent footballer’ after
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