Man United icon Rio Ferdinand hints that the reason behind Mason Mount’s struggles might be his Chelsea origins
Two-time Chelsea’s player of the year Mason Mount signed for Manchester United this year, thereby ending his 18-year-long relationship with Chelsea.
Three months later Man United icon Rio Ferdinand credits United’s prestigious number seven jersey’s current holder Mount’s Chelsea background as a reason behind his consistently poor performances.
In an interview covered by the Metro, Ferdinand controversially implied Mason Mount is struggling at Old Trafford because of the immense size of the club compared to Chelsea.
But Ferdinand’s claims reveal his evident bias given Chelsea’s superior trophy haul in recent seasons compared to United’s decline.
Since Mount’s arrival, the England international has failed to impress under Erik ten Hag. Yet Ferdinand reckons the scrutiny at United is proving too much for the former Chelsea man to handle.
“No disrespect to Chelsea but he was a golden boy and he came through the ranks there.
He was never really on the receiving end of negativity or scrutiny, ‘Should he be here, he’s not good enough, should he be here?’– He’s never had that in his life really.
He needed backing from Frank [Lampard] when he was at Derby and then when he went back to Chelsea.
But the pressure when you come to Man United, it brings a different kind of weight on the shoulders, the badge is heavier when things aren’t going well.”
He suggested Mount was protected at Chelsea and not used to negativity like at United. But Chelsea’s success disproves any notion they are a smaller club than fallen giants United now.
In the last ten years, while Man United won one Premier League trophy, one FA Cup title and one UEFA Europa League trophy, Chelsea have secured two UEFA Champions League titles, two Europa League titles, two Premier League titles, and two FA Cup titles.
Mount played a key role in one Champions League silverware and shone under pressure at the highest level. So Ferdinand’s claims do not tally with Mount’s proven track record of performing under the spotlight for Chelsea.
Rather than the size of the club, Mount’s issues seem to stem from United’s muddled tactics and disjointed performances. Chelsea’s superior organization gave Mount clarity on his role – something lacking under Ten Hag.
Ferdinand’s comments indicate his United allegiances leading to skewed assessments of Mount’s struggles.
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The reality is Mount must adapt to a dysfunctional United side after years of stability at Chelsea’s prestigious Cobham Academy and the senior team.
But Ferdinand cannot accept United have fallen behind as their respective fortunes have reversed with time.