Thomas Tuchel admission shows why Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wants Mason Mount

When it comes to eyeing up a new signing, footballing ability is just one of the many aspects that Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag pays close attention to.

After inheriting nothing short of a mess at the time of his Old Trafford arrival in May last year, the Dutchman made it his mission to rebuild the club from the ground upwards by overseeing a culture change and injecting a winning mentality back into the club. The signings of Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro, for example, turned out to be game-changing additions, both because of their abilities as footballers and their characteristics as people.

Though, with respect, Casemiro arrived at Old Trafford having won more than Martinez, both players were driven by passion and hunger to succeed, elements that were obvious throughout this season. They both had impressive impacts and their characteristics rubbed off on their new teammates.

Therefore, it was hardly surprising when Ten Hag, who wants to add reinforcements to his squad this summer, following a successful maiden season at Old Trafford, highlighted the importance of the character of potential incomings last summer. It was an admission that made clear just what he looks for when contemplating the idea of adding new faces to his squad.

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Speaking last August, Ten Hag said: "Of course you analyse your squad…what are the weaknesses, what are the strengths and where can we improve? Which players are on the market?

"But it's also really important that you know the characters of your current squad and also the players that you bring in…what characters and behaviour they have. And what the effect, or probable effect, they will have in the