Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has backed Mason Mount to be a roaring success at Old Trafford - but has warned him that he will not automatically secure a spot in Erik ten Hag's first-choice starting line-up.
The England international finalised his move to M16 on Wednesday, joining the Reds in a possible £60million deal from Chelsea. United agreed to pay £55m up front and an additional £5m in potential add-ons for the 24-year-old.
Mount strengthens Ten Hag's pool of midfield options, adding quality, experience and no shortage of versatility. His qualities both with and without the ball are believed to be what attracted the Dutchman to his signature.
The former Chelsea ace, who is capable of operating as either a No.8 or as a No.10, will hopefully increase United's attacking output from the engine room, in terms of both goals and assists. For Saha, Mount has the potential to unlock United's attackers and get even more out of them.
Want to join our MUFC Pro club for a totally ad-free version of the MEN's Man United app packed with premium features? Click here.
READ MORE: Sir Jim Ratcliffe issues United takeover update
"Mason Mount isn't necessarily going to go straight into the Manchester United team," Saha told Paddy Power. "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 only had 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 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."
Follow the MEN's United coverage on TikTok and YouTube, and subscribe to the Manchester is Red podcast.
