MAN UTD ‘TO ALLOW MASON MOUNT TO LEAVE’ AS HUGE CALL MADE ON £60M MAN

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to sell Mason Mount this summer just a year after signing him for a £60 million fee. The former Chelsea man was hailed as a major addition when he arrived at Old Trafford last summer, but his debut season with the club proved an underwhelming one.

Amid two separate injury lay-offs, Mount featured in just 20 club games in all competitions, scoring once.

His struggles were tempered though by winning his first major trophy with the club, appearing as a late substitute at Wembley as Erik ten Hag’s side beat Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final. But his lack of form and fitness saw him drop out of the England fold under Gareth Southgate. Having previously featured at both Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Mount has now not played for the Three Lions for over 18 months. Despite his lack of impact, the 25-year-old appeared certain to be given the chance to prove his worth in the 2024/25 campaign, having been handed a lucrative deal until 2028. However, according to HITC, United have performed a u-turn on the player and will now sell if the right offer comes in.

Since the arrival of new sporting director Dan Ashworth, the club has splashed out on teenage defender Leny Yoro and Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee. The combined £88.5 million spend now leaves them needing to make sales to balance the books, with Mount and Brazilian teammate Antony two of the players outlined to be released. The decision follows reported discussions between Ten Hag and club chiefs about potential departures. Casemiro is another player whose future appears in doubt, with the Brazilian linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.

Speculation around Mount has been further exacerbated by United being linked to Dutch star Xavi Simons. The PSG winger, 21, looks likely to leave the French giants, having been loaned out to RB Leipzig last season. Manchester United’s decision to potentially sell Mason Mount just a year after his £60 million move from Chelsea indicates a significant shift in strategy under the new sporting director, Dan Ashworth. Despite Mount’s initial promise, his debut season was marred by injuries, limiting him to 20 appearances and one goal. His form and fitness issues also saw him fall out of favor with England manager Gareth Southgate.

Mount’s brief highlight was winning the FA Cup, where he played as a late substitute in the final against Manchester City. However, his lack of impact and form have led the club to reconsider his future, especially after heavy spending on new acquisitions like Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee, which necessitates balancing the books.

The potential sale of Mount, along with Brazilian winger Antony, who is also listed as a possible departure, reflects the club’s need to generate funds. Additionally, Casemiro’s future is uncertain with links to a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.

The speculation around Mount is heightened by United’s interest in Xavi Simons from PSG. The 21-year-old Dutch winger, who was loaned to RB Leipzig last season, is likely to leave the French club, and United’s interest in him could be a factor in their willingness to offload Mount.