Mason Mount became Manchester United's first signing of the summer transfer window on Wednesday, joining the club from Chelsea in a £60million deal.
The England international, who has signed an initial five-year deal at Old Trafford, was identified by manager Erik ten Hag as his ideal midfield signing several weeks ago. The Dutchman had made it one of his primary missions to strengthen his midfield options this summer, despite adding both Christian Eriksen and Casemiro to that area of the team a year ago.
However, it was evident towards the end of last season that United were in desperate need of fresh legs in that area. Eriksen, clearly impacted by the Reds' demanding and intensive fixture schedule, was running on empty and a lack of sufficient quality in reserve stopped Ten Hag from being able to mix things up.
The addition of Mount, who is seven years Eriksen's junior, should ease that problem. He is a versatile operator and adds a wealth of quality and experience to United's midfield options, despite being only 24.
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Mount has been a key player for Chelsea over the last few years, particularly under former bosses Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel. The England ace produced his best football under the latter and will be hoping to replicate similar standards at Old Trafford.
Mount is expected to slot straight into Ten Hag's preferred midfield trio, replacing Eriksen to join forces with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro. Mount views the No.8 berth as his best position and has already detailed what he will bring to the role.
"I've always seen myself as a midfielder or a No.8 that can obviously get forward, attack, try and score goals and create goals," Mount told MUTV. "But I am also able to do the other side as well and defend and help the team when we're under pressure."
He is also capable of operating as an attacking midfielder in the No.10 position, meaning he will provide Ten Hag with the flexibility to mix up his midfield combinations. That is one of several traits that the Dutchman will have no doubt spotted when identifying him as his preferred midfield target, as well as his work rate and pressing ability out of possession.
And those likely thoughts are shared by Jose Mourinho, who waxed lyrical about Mount's all-round game back in June 2021. He hailed the former Derby County loanee's ability, both with and without the ball.
Asked what Mount's best position is, Mourinho, speaking to The Times, said: "Everywhere. I have to be honest, I watched him two seasons ago in his first [Premier League] match, Manchester United against Chelsea at Old Trafford, and I saw the talent but I didn't see maturity or consistency.
"I put a little bit of a question mark over how long this boy would need to develop and become a complete player. He didn't need long.
"I think he has to thank Frank because even with results not being wonderful he was always keeping faith in that kid. He gave him incredible conditions to develop.
"I believe he is an attack-minded player, a creative player, but he has the tactical discipline. Mount is a team player. We see him now with Tuchel coming from the sides, when with Frank he was more of a No.10.
"When they play with a back-five he can be the third attacking player or the third midfield player. I think he is very, very intelligent on the pitch. From what I see, he has a very good understanding of the game.
"He has goals, which is an important thing for a midfield player. I like him very much."
Mourinho's comments highlight why Mount is a Ten Hag-type player. The Dutchman is a firm believer in players working just as hard without the ball as they do with it, meaning his tactical discipline and collective effort will be crucial.
On paper, he has the necessary traits to be the perfect foil for both Casemiro and Fernandes, providing both defensive and offensive qualities. He has an expert understanding of the game and Ten Hag will be hoping his determination to sign him will pay off.
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