Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

First victim of controversial Man Utd signing named as senior player told it’s ‘time up’

Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag

A Manchester United midfielder has been told he has likely played his last game for the club as manager Erik ten Hag plans to bring in a replacement that could be controversial among fans.

Man Utd look set to be involved in several big transfers during the upcoming summer window. They are rivalling Real Madrid for Tottenham striker Harry Kane, who will soon enter the final year of his contract.

Ten Hag is also eager to improve his defensive options, with Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae the main objective. Kim is being targeted to compete with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, with Harry Maguire no longer in Ten Hag’s thinking.

A new goalkeeper could also arrive at Old Trafford this summer, as Sunday’s Transfer Gossip explained how Man Utd are eyeing up Jordan Pickford to replace David de Gea. And the England shot-stopper might be available for just £30million as Everton need to improve their financial situation.

Despite all of those links and discussions, Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount could become the first new arrival at Man Utd.

Mount has agreed personal terms with Man Utd as he prepares to enter the final year of his Chelsea contract. The Red Devils now need to sort out a deal with Chelsea. This may take some work as the two clubs are far apart in their valuations of the player, with Chelsea asking for as much as £80m.

READ MORE: Tottenham in jaw-dropping move for expensive Man Utd attacker as £90m double deal emerges for Postecoglou

Mount may be a controversial signing among both sets of fans. He clearly has good pedigree, but he has just endured his toughest season in a Chelsea shirt. This, coupled with his big wage demands, may worry some Man Utd fans.

Chelsea supporters, meanwhile, will obviously be fuming about one of their homegrown players joining one of their biggest rivals.

‘Time up’ for Man Utd player – pundit

Former Tottenham and Aston Villa right-back Alan Hutton has discussed what will happen if Mount does end up becoming part of Ten Hag’s squad. Hutton believes his signing will likely result in Fred being offloaded.

“I think it is possibly time up,” Hutton told Football Insider when asked about the Brazilian’s future.

“I like him as a player, he works so hard, gives you 110 per cent. I think the midfield has been relatively settled since Casemiro came in.

“I think if Mount comes in he kind of shares that load.

“It has been difficult for Fred, he is not going to score you a barrel-load of goals so you are wondering if there is the option for a possible upgrade. If so then you have to ship people out.

“I am wondering if Ten Hag is now thinking along those lines, that he wants fresh blood in. But to do that you have to lower your numbers.”

Fred’s contract at Man Utd is up next summer and he is unlikely to be offered a new one. As such, it makes sense for Man Utd to get some money for him and agree a departure this year.

Man Utd originally spent £52m on Fred but are unlikely to get all of this back. Fred is 30 years old and that will work against him, while he has also had his problems at Man Utd in previous seasons and potential suitors will remember this.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have reportedly made a shock approach for a Man Utd player.