Gary Neville disagrees with Roy Keane over Man Utd’s pursuit of Chelsea star Mason Mount

Gary Neville and Roy Keane have taken different positions on Manchester United’s pusuit of Mason Mount.
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Gary Neville disagrees with Roy Keane over Manchester United’s move for Chelsea star Mason Mount.

Mount has seen his game time decrease at Stamford Bridge amid a slew of new arrivals over the last six months and more. United are now looking to take full advantage by snapping up the creative England international. It has been reported that a deal is already well on its way, although Mount is currently on holiday in Spain and is not likely to agree anything until he returns.

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In the meantime, pundits have been discussing whether it is a good idea for United to sign the 24-year-old, who has often divided opinion when it comes to his talent and whether he is in the elite bracket.

Speaking to Sky Sports, United legend Keane admitted he is underwhelmed by the potential deal.

Speaking about the club’s possible business, he said: “I hope it’s from United, obviously depending on the takeover, depending on recruitment, they need a world-class striker, you’d hope to think United could challenge them [City] next year, but it’s going to be very, very difficult because City are brilliant and they’ve got a great, great manager.

“I wouldn’t be so sure about Mount. They’ve been linked with lots of players but the one who would excite you is Kane.

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Asked to expand on Mount, he added: “I wouldn’t be hanging my hat too much on him, in terms of improving United and closing the gap, I think he’s a good player but would be improve Man United? I’m not so sure. I think Rice would, I think Rice would be a decent signing. But in terms of the excitement and a goalscorer, you’d go all in for Kane but can you see Spurs selling to Man United? Very, very difficult.”

Mason Mount celebrates a goal being scored for ChelseaMason Mount celebrates a goal being scored for Chelsea
Mason Mount celebrates a goal being scored for Chelsea

Meanwhile, Neville sees things a different way, adding: “Mason Mount is a coach’s player, I think that is the best way to describe him and there have been many I have seen in my lifetime in football where they get more respect from the coaching staff for what they do than they do from the fans that are watching them.”

“[Maybe that’s] Because their outputs in goals or assists or tackles, or other things that are really noticeable aren’t as much as people would like. What they do is glue teams together, they know when to fill in gaps and trigger presses, win the ball back and counter-attack.

“I’m not surprised Mount is a target for Manchester United. You think about Dutch coaches, they want to dominate possession, he [ten Hag] wanted that from [Frenkie] de Jong, he wants players who can handle the ball.”

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Neville added: “He loves [Christian] Eriksen, he loves [Marcel] Sabitzer and he loves [Bruno] Fernandes. He’s left Fred and [Scott] McTominay out of the team more often than not because he loves the more technical players and Mount is a technical player who’s available.”