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

Bacary Sagna has drawn parallels between Mason Mount’s move to Manchester United and his own career move, suggesting the 25-year-old midfielder could be homesick. Mount raised eyebrows when he left Chelsea for United last summer, severing an 18-year link with his boyhood club.

Mount made just 14 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils, scoring just one goal. Although injury has kept him out for much of the season, his performances have yet to justify his £55m transfer fee.

Erik ten Hag handed Mount his first Premier League start since October on Monday night. However, the Cobham graduate was unable to lead United to victory as Crystal Palace delivered a crushing 4-0 defeat.

Reflecting on United’s loss at Selhurst Park in a chat with Paddy Power, Sagna weighed in on Mount’s disastrous start at his new club. The former Arsenal and Manchester City defender suggested homesickness could be a factor.

“Mason Mount was totally different at Chelsea, he was one of the reasons why Chelsea won the Champions League,” observed Sagna. “He was at home there and he’s probably homesick moving to Manchester United, a different city and a different club.

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

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

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“He (Mason Mount) had family in London and settled there and now he’s in Manchester, everything changes. It’s about rebuilding his confidence and getting back to the top. There will be more pressure on him next season. It was difficult for him but hopefully he will have a good pre-season and maybe it will be the start of something new.”

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

“I don’t think they wanted to sell it,” Ten Hag said. “They wanted to keep him and even offered him a new contract many times. But he wanted to take the step and we were, and are, very happy that he is a Man United player because he has great skills. I am sure he will contribute and become a great player for Man United.”