Mason Mount has been given the iconic No 7 shirt last worn by Cristiano Ronaldo after completing his big-money transfer from Chelsea to Manchester United on Wednesday.
The midfielder has penned a five-year contract on £250,000-a-week, keeping him at Old Trafford until 2028, with the option of a further year. United will pay £55m plus a possible £5m in add-ons for the Englishman, who they believe is now entering his prime years at the age of 24.
Shortly after announcing the signing, United then revealed Mount will wear the iconic No 7 shirt, previously worn by David Beckham, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and George Best.
Mail Sport sources say that Mount fits the mould of a dynamic energy player wanted by manger Erik ten Hag, who was heavily involved in the process of the transfer. In fact, it’s understood that Ten Hag offered Mount the No 7 shirt during their discussions, underlining how much United wanted him amid interest from Liverpool and Arsenal.
Mount wore the No 19 shirt – currently taken by Raphael Varane – while at Chelsea, where he was crowned Player of the Year for both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, also helping them to a famous Champions League victory in 2021.
Adding to his £60m transfer fee, Mount will undoubtedly face increased pressure having taking the No 7 shirt – becoming the 10th player to be given the shirt since permanent squad numbers introduced.
A number of players have struggled in the No 7 jersey in recent years, including Angel Di Maria and Memphis Depay. Michael Owen and Antonio Valencia too have worn the strip.
The midfielder insists he is ready for the challenge, though. After signing the deal with his new club, he 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.
‘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.
‘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.’