Mason Mount’s transfer to Man United was similar to my own move - I know why he’s struggling

Bacary Sagna has suggested that Mason Mount could be homesick. The 25-year-old midfielder raised a few eyebrows in the summer when he decided to leave Chelsea for Manchester United, ending an 18-year association with his boyhood club.

Mount, who sees his contract at Old Trafford expire in 2028, has only featured 14 times for the Red Devils in the Premier League, scoring just one goal. While the England international was sidelined for a large chunk of the campaign due to injury, he's still failed to warrant his £55million price tag when called upon.

On Monday evening, Erik ten Hag handed Mount his first start in the English top flight since October. Unfortunately for the Cobham graduate, he couldn't quite lead Manchester United to victory, with Crystal Palace thrashing his side 4-0.

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Speaking to Paddy Power following the Red Devils' defeat at Selhurst Park, Sagna reflected on Mount's disappointing start to life at his new club. The former Arsenal and Manchester City defender claimed he may be homesick.

"Mason Mount was totally different at Chelsea – he was one of the reasons why Chelsea won the Champions League," said Sagna. "He was at home there, and he probably feels homesick by moving to Manchester United – it's a different city and club.

"He's used to one way of working, used to the players and staff at Chelsea. It’s not always easy when you have to go and start from zero. You can tell that he’s struggled to get comfortable in the team – he has the qualities to be a very good player.

"But if you don’t feel at the right time at the right spot, you’ll struggle to perform. Mentally, is he happy to be there? Is he happy to be in Manchester, which is totally different from London? I had a similar change because I went from London to Manchester, and I needed time to adapt.

"He [Mason Mount] had family in London and was settled there, and now he is in Manchester, everything changes. It’s about building back that confidence and getting back to the top. He will have more pressure on him next season. It’s been difficult for him, but hopefully he’s going to have a good pre-season and maybe it’s the start of something new."

Last month, Ten Hag reaffirmed his belief in Mount. Speaking to reporters in April, the Dutchman confirmed that Chelsea never planned to sell the midfielder, who snubbed numerous contract extensions.

"I don't think they wanted to sell him," said Ten Hag. "They wanted to keep him and they even offered him a new contract many times. But he wanted to make the step and we were, and we are, very pleased he is a Man United player because he has great abilities. I am sure he will contribute and he will become a big player for Man United."