Mason Mount 'homesick' after leaving Chelsea as midfielder struggles at Manchester United

Bacary Sagna has drawn parallels between Mason Mount's transfer to Manchester United and his own career move, suggesting that the 25-year-old midfielder might be feeling homesick. Mount raised eyebrows when he left Chelsea for United last summer, severing an 18-year tie with his childhood club.

Mount has only made 14 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils, netting a single goal. Although injury has kept him off the pitch for much of the season, his performances have yet to justify his £55million transfer fee.

Erik ten Hag gave Mount his first Premier League start since October on Monday evening. However, the Cobham graduate was unable to steer United to victory, with Crystal Palace delivering a crushing 4-0 defeat.

Reflecting on United's loss at Selhurst Park in a chat with Paddy Power, Sagna considered Mount's underwhelming start at his new club. The ex-Arsenal and Manchester City defender suggested that homesickness could be a factor.

"Mason Mount was totally different at Chelsea he was one of the reasons why Chelsea won the Champions League," Sagna observed. "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.

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"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."