Manchester United made a’mistake’ when they paid £60 million to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea in the final year of his contract.

That is the opinion of finance specialist Kieran Maguire, who told Football Insider exclusively that United overpaid for around £300 million in players.

Mount joined Manchester United for £60 million this summer, but the 24-year-old has only made 12 appearances and played just over 600 minutes since his arrival.

Mount was in the final year of his Chelsea contract when he arrived to Old Trafford, which means that if United had waited until January, they might have begun talks about a free transfer.

Erik ten Hag has spent around £400 million on new players since taking over as Manchester United manager in 2022, but the Red Devils have struggled for form this season, finishing eighth.

Despite having the highest net expenditure in the Premier League over the last decade, Maguire faults United’s recruitment team for multiple errors.

“Looking back on the £60million deal to sign Mason Mount after a modest season at Chelsea, it was an error by Manchester United’s recruitment team,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.

“This isn’t the first time we’ve seen these mistakes at Manchester United; they have many players who have become peripheral rather than guaranteed first-team options, such as Jadon Sancho, Antony and Rasmus Hojlund.”

“There are around £300 million worth of players who United fans will say are good but not worth their money.”

“Making the occasional mistake in player recruitment is to be expected because no one can guarantee success, but United have had the highest net spend in the Premier League over the last decade.”

“Not only are United overpaying for players, but they are also overpaying them in terms of wages.”

“This then means it’s more difficult to move these players on when things don’t work out.”