The problem with using a phrase like “final bid” is that you can end up seeming a little ridiculous if you make another one anyhow.
That is the problem Manchester United are now facing; Chelsea rejecting a third and reportedly ‘final’ offer from the Red Devils on Saturday night as Erik ten Hag’s pursuit of Mason Mount continues to drag on.
According to The Athletic’s all-seeing, all-knowing David Ornstein, Chelsea are holding out for £65 million; £58 million up front, and an additional £7 million in bonuses. Only time will tell if United bite.
Whatever the case, speculations linking long-time target Adrien Rabiot with a belated move to Old Trafford have disappeared with all eyes on Mount and Moises Caicedo of Brighton now emerging as Ten Hag’s first-choice alternative.
Much to his own “surprise,” the man.
Adrien Rabiot of Juventus might not get a chance at Man United
According to Dean Jones of Give Me Sport, “the player himself is quite surprised there hasn’t been more fuss over the fact he could move.”
“This is a player who might improve just about any team. Additionally, he would improve most starting lineups.
After all, Rabiot’s contract with Juventus expires next week and he becomes a free agent. Ten Hag continues to support the France international, who was on the verge of joining United last summer before a deal collapsed due to issues with personal terms Gazzetta dello Sport).
Rabiot also had possibly his best season of his career in 2022–2023. Legendary Juventus striker David Trezeguet praised the ‘amazing’ form of a ‘world-class’ talent as the rangy midfielder scored 11 goals and assisted six more.
Rabiot has fallen below Mount on the list of desired players for the Red Devils due to Ten Hag’s desire to replace him with established Premier League quality.
Mason Mount is a player who coaches like.
“The fact that Mason Mount is a goal for many managers is not surprising to me. Although (Ten Hag) wants midfielders, I don’t think it would be a top priority here, United icon Gary Neville says Sky Sports.
“You consider the Dutch coaching approach. They desire control over possession. Ten Hag desires that fashion. Eriksen, Frenkie de Jong, and Bruno Fernandes are all people he adores.
“He excluded Fred from the team. Scott McTominay hasn’t been on the team very much since he prefers more technical players. Additionally, Mount is an available technical player.
“Mason Mount is a coaches’ player,” Neville continues. That, in my opinion, best captures who he is.
“I’ve seen plenty of football players in my lifetime who are given more credit for their work by their coaching staff than they do by the fans because they don’t produce as well as they would like in terms of goals, assists, tackles, or other less obvious stats.
“However, they essentially bind teams together. They bridge the gaps. They are aware of when to initiate presses, recover the ball, and launch a counterattack.