ERIK TEN HAG got his first glimpse at Mason Mount long before he took charge of Manchester United.
The England international became the Red Devils' first signing of what is expected to be a busy summer for United on Wednesday.
Ten Hag was impressed by what he saw of the 24-year-old in United's domestic clashes with Chelsea last season.
But the United gaffer's first impression of Mount were formed when he was in charge of Dutch giants Ajax.
Ten Hag got his first glimpse of Mount's capabilities six years ago when the United newboy was on loan with Vitesse Arnhem.
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Mount played the full 90 minutes in Vittesse's 3-2 win over the Eredivisie giants - who they did the double over in the 2017-18 season - in April 2018 and turned in an impressive performance.
Mount's season at Vittesse was a resounding success, with the attacking midfielder scoring 19 goals and providing ten assists in 39 appearances.
United secured Mount's services from Chelsea for a fee of £60million.
The forward said: “It’s never easy leaving the club where you grew up.
"But Manchester United will provide an exciting new challenge for the next phase of my career.
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"Having competed against them, I know just how strong a squad it is that I’m joining.
"And I can’t wait to be part of this group’s drive to win major trophies.
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“Everyone can see that the club has made big steps forward under Erik ten Hag.
"Having met with the manager and discussed his plans, I couldn’t be more excited for the seasons ahead, and am ready for the hard work expected here.
“I am hugely ambitious; I know how amazing it feels to win major trophies and what it takes to do it.
I will be giving everything to experience that again at Manchester United.”
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