Pundit slams Manchester United’s new midfield three before they have even played together
Manchester United have welcomed Mason Mount to the club after his £55 million transfer from Chelsea was confirmed.
Mason Mount, 24, will link up with the Red Devils for the start of pre-season and is the club’s first signing of the summer.
One of Mount’s strengths is his versatility. He can play various attacking roles, but he has said he views his best position as a number eight.
Mount could replace Christian Eriksen as a starter, part of a three man midfield along with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes. However, before they have kicked a ball, one pundit has written them off.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loans, releases, youth for 2023/24
Manchester United’s new look midfield
In a discussion for ESPNFC, pundit Craig Burley has said he just does not believe the proposed three-man midfield will work.
No surprise the comments come from a former Chelsea player perhaps. But does he raise a valid point?
Burley said: “If you’re talking about really strong midfield, particularly among elite level teams across Europe, this is not one of them.
“Fernandes who is not a great tracker back, Mount whose not really a central midfielder, likes to get forward, and Casemiro whose heading to his middle 30s. I think this is just a squad booster for me, it’s not going to go anywhere near solving the issue they’ve got in the middle of the park.”
Harsh? Yes. And as a point of accuracy, Casemiro is only 31.
However, there is certainly a risk that this midfield is too cavalier against top teams, particularly away from home, where United had a terrible record last season.
It is why recent links to Sofyan Amrabat of Fiorentina make a lot of sense.
The Mail report United would only have to pay £30 million to sign the Morocco international.
He could fill in instead of Casemiro when he needs a rest, and alongside him in the tougher away games.
United just need to spend first on a striker, goalkeeper, and then sell some players, and hope Amrabat is still available.
Otherwise, Erik ten Hag will just have to hope Burley is very wrong.
