Mount signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford, committing himself to the club until the summer of 2028. The contract also includes an option to extend for an additional year, giving him the potential to establish a long-term presence at Manchester United.
Expressing his thoughts after signing the contract, Mount acknowledged the emotional aspect of leaving the club where he grew up, but he expressed excitement about the new challenge that awaits him at Manchester United. He acknowledged the strength of the squad he is joining, having competed against them in the past, and he eagerly anticipates being a part of the team's pursuit of major trophies.
The news of Mount's signing has sparked curiosity among fans about how he will fit into the tactics of the team's manager, Ten Haag. The interest is amplified by the announcement that Mount will be wearing the infamous number 7 shirt, a jersey with a rich history at Manchester United. Searches for "Mason Mount number 7" have been on the rise, as fans wonder if Mount can leave his mark and continue the legacy associated with that iconic number.
To shed light on the history of Manchester United's number 7 shirt, Live Football Tickets has compiled a ranking of players who have famously donned the jersey. Topping the list is Cristiano Ronaldo, who had two highly successful periods at the club. Ronaldo's remarkable contribution includes 145 goals and 64 assists, averaging an impressive 0.6 goals or assists per game. Although he couldn't secure major titles during his second stint at United, Ronaldo won 10 trophies during his rise to stardom, including the prestigious Ballon d'Or award in 2008.
Ranking second is George Best, who scored 137 goals and provided 3 assists in his 355 appearances for Manchester United, averaging 0.39 goals or assists per game. Best secured six trophies for the Red Devils and was also honoured with the Ballon d'Or, an achievement shared only by one other number 7 in United's history, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Completing the iconic trio is David Beckham, who recorded 85 goals and 120 assists during his time at Manchester United, resulting in an average of 0.52 goals or assists per game. Beckham's tenure saw him accumulate a phenomenal 14 trophies, including the historic treble in the 1998/99 season, a feat that had previously been achieved only by that squad in English football history until Pep Guardiola's Manchester City team replicated it this year.
The ranking also highlights the struggles faced by recent signings who have worn the number 7 shirt at Manchester United. Angel Di Maria, Memphis Depay, and Alexis Sanchez occupy the bottom three spots, collectively amassing 16 goals and 27 assists in a combined total of 130 games. These disappointing statistics have led fans to believe that the weight and expectations associated with the number 7 shirt have proven to be a burden for recent players.
Reflecting on Mason Mount's journey at Chelsea, it is worth noting that he has been associated with the club for a remarkable 18 years. Starting from the youth ranks, Mount progressed through the under-18 and under-19 levels before embarking on loan spells at clubs like Vitesse and Derby. Eventually, he returned to Chelsea to make his mark in the Premier League, featuring in 195 matches, scoring 33 goals, and providing 37 assists. This amounts to an average of 0.36 goals or assists per game, a mere 0.03 less than the legendary George Best. Mount has also claimed prestigious trophies such as the Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Champions League, achievements that Manchester United fans would eagerly embrace.
The question of how Mount will fit into the number 7 shirt remains unanswered. Stefan Balkenende from Live Football Tickets suggests that Mount's position as an attacking midfielder breaks the mould associated with the number 10 role. This ambiguity surrounding his role has fueled excitement among fans for the upcoming season. Additionally, there is a belief among Manchester United supporters that the number 7 shirt carries immense pressure due to the high standards set by past legends. However, Mount's previous experience in the Premier League and his Champions League triumph are factors that differentiate him from previous number 7s, reducing the expected adaptation period.
As Mason Mount begins a new chapter in his career at Manchester United, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing his contribution to the team's success and whether he can add his name to the illustrious history associated with the number 7 shirt.