Many suitors for Mason Mount, United's door shut

One of the notable decisions of Manchester United's summer transfer window has become clear. According to the report, the Red Devils have decided to keep Mason Mount despite intense interest from across Europe. Head coach Michael Carrick is said to have made it clear to the club hierarchy that he wants the English player to stay.

The list of suitors was a long one. The club is reported to have rejected enquiries from Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Fulham, while Inter, Napoli and RB Leipzig also explored the possibility of a move. However, United delivered the same message to every interested club: Mason Mount is not for sale.

Behind the decision lies Carrick's clear stance. The manager is said to be a huge admirer of the 27-year-old's intelligence, work ethic and versatility. Both the club and the player want Mount to rediscover at Old Trafford the pre-transfer form that made him one of England's leading midfielders. Although the spell of the player, who arrived from Chelsea for £55 million (rising to £60 million with add-ons) in 2023, has been overshadowed by injuries, he found an encouraging upturn in the second half of last season, starting 12 league matches — his highest tally in three years.

The timing of the decision is also meaningful. At United, whose midfield has been depleted by Casemiro's departure and Manuel Ugarte's ACL injury at the World Cup, and whose Ederson transfer was called off over his medical, a deeper midfield role is reported to be planned for Mount. At the Red Devils, who surged under Carrick after his January arrival to finish third and return to the Champions League, the new season could be a turning point in the career of Mount, whose contract runs until 2028 with a one-year option.

Source: TeamTalk
Image: BBC Sport