Wearing the enduring no. 7 blouse embellished via Manchester United greats like Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham, Mason Mount turned into the membership’s first signing of the low season on Wednesday. And upon final touch of his 55 million kilos ($69 million) switch from Chelsea, the 24-year-old midfielder declared his goal to emulate United’s stars of the previous.
“I am hugely ambitious; I know how amazing it feels to win major trophies and what it takes to do it,” Mount said. “I would be giving everything to experience that again at Manchester United.”
The no. 7 has been worn by some of United’s greatest players including 1960s icon George Best, Bryan Robson, who was dubbed ‘Captain Marvel’ in the 80s and 90s; and Eric Cantona, who inspired the start of the club’s near 20-year dominance of English soccer in the 90s and 2000s.
Beckham and Ronaldo are global icons that have transcended the sport, as well as winning soccer’s biggest prizes.
In other words, it is a big shirt to fill.
Not that United thinks that will be a problem for a player who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 and has established himself as an England regular.
“Mason is an extremely intelligent footballer and has so many fantastic technical qualities that will add significantly to our squad,” United football director John Murtough said. “We have admired his talents for a long time, so we are delighted that he has chosen to take the next steps in his career here at Old Trafford.”
The no. 7 blouse has been vacant since Ronaldo’s 2nd spell at United resulted in acrimony closing November when his contract was once terminated following an incendiary interview with Piers Morgan during which he criticized United’s possession and supervisor Erik ten Hag.
In handing Mount the blouse, Ten Hag made it transparent how necessary he believes his signing shall be to the membership’s makes an attempt to go back to the summit of English soccer after 10 years with out the league identify.
“His taste of play and attributes are an excellent have compatibility for this squad, and all of us consider that he’s going to simplest reinforce additional running with Erik ten Hag and his training body of workers,” Murtough said. also has the ability to improve the players around him through his game intelligence and tactical awareness.”
While the No. 7 has been worn via United’s greats, it has additionally weighed closely on many avid gamers – in particular since Ronaldo left for Real Madrid in 2009.
Antonio Valencia, Angel di Maria, Memphis Depay and Alexis Sanchez all struggled to reside as much as the expectancy that includes dressed in it.
Ten Hag’s hobby in Mount reportedly dates again to when the Dutchman was once trainer of Ajax and watched the then-Chelsea early life prospect celebrity on mortgage with Vitesse Arnhem within the Netherlands.
Now he has were given his guy, with Mount finishing his 18-year keep at Chelsea to sign up for a United workforce that has been much-improved in only one yr below Ten Hag.
As neatly as returning to the Champions League, United additionally received the English League Cup in Ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford.
“Everyone can see that the club has made big steps forward under Erik ten Hag,” Mount stated. “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.
Mount has signed a five-year deal with the option of another 12 months. United will have to pay a further 5 million pounds ($6.3 million) based on certain targets relating to appearances and success.
Mount joined Chelsea as a six-year-old and went on to become a fan favorite after rising through the ranks to win the Champions League, European Super Cup and Club World Cup. He was twice named the club’s player of the year and made 195 appearances, scoring 33 goals.
“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,” he stated. “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.”
Mount posted an emotional video message to Chelsea fans on Tuesday to confirm his departure.
“Given the speculation over the last six months this may not come as a surprise to you, but it doesn’t make it any easier to tell that I’ve made the decision to leave Chelsea,” he said on Instagram. “I know some of you won’t be happy with my decision but it is what’s right for me at this moment in my career.”
While the No. 7 blouse has been stuffed, Ten Hag continues to be in search of a substitute for Ronaldo.
He needs a most sensible magnificence middle ahead to steer United’s bid to win the Premier League identify and compete within the Champions League.
United had been time and again connected with a transfer for Harry Kane, however the Tottenham striker seems like a hard deal to do, given the membership’s resolution to stay cling of its celebrity participant.