Following weeks of speculation, Mason Mount has finally completed a £60 million move from Chelsea to Manchester United, signing a five-year contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2028, with the option to extend for a further year.
Mount, who is reportedly set to earn £250,000 per week, will fill the illustrious No. 7 jersey, a number previously worn by United icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, and George Best.
The iconic No. 7 shirt has remained unoccupied since Ronaldo's departure in November. Youngster Alejandro Garnacho was rumored to be the next in line, but the jersey has now been passed on to Mount, marking a new chapter in the club's history.
It's time to write a new chapter.
Mount #MUFC — Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 5, 2023
The 24-year-old English midfielder, seen as a key figure in United's new-look side, is widely recognized for his energy and dynamism on the field. Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, was instrumental in the signing, viewing Mount as a crucial element in his vision for the team's future.
Mount's previous seasons at Chelsea saw him earn the Player of the Year award for both 2020-21 and 2021-22, highlighting his consistent performances at a high level. Notably, he played a pivotal role in securing Chelsea's Champions League victory in 2021.
Despite the emotional challenge of leaving his childhood club, Mount expressed excitement about the opportunities ahead. "Manchester United represents an exciting new challenge in my career," Mount said. "The squad is strong, and the club's ambition matches my own. I'm ready to contribute to our pursuit of major trophies."
He also acknowledged the strides the club has made under ten Hag, adding, "I am incredibly enthusiastic about the seasons ahead after discussing the manager's plans. I'm prepared for the hard work that will be expected here."
Mount is no stranger to the No. 7 jersey, having worn it while playing for Chelsea's Under-23s and for England. As he steps into the boots of Manchester United legends, Mount will be looking to carve his own path in the esteemed No. 7 shirt. With his proven track record of success, Manchester United and its fans are eagerly anticipating this next chapter.
The club's new 2023/24 home kit, complete with Mount's name and the iconic No. 7, will be available for fans to purchase later this week.
"Welcome to Manchester United, Mason. We can't wait to see you in action!"
Who Wore the No. 7 Before Mason Mount
Before Mason Mount's claim of the No. 7 shirt, it has been worn by some of Manchester United's biggest legends. Cristiano Ronaldo was the most recent player to don the prestigious jersey, following his surprise return to Old Trafford in 2020 before his departure in November 2022.
Before Ronaldo, the shirt was held by Alexis Sanchez, who had a less than stellar time at United. Michael Owen and Antonio Valencia also had stints with the No. 7, but they, too, struggled to live up to the number's legacy.
Before them, the shirt was adorned by the likes of club legends Eric Cantona, David Beckham, and Bryan Robson, who all made significant contributions to the club's history. In the distant past, George Best was also a notable wearer of the No. 7 jersey, embodying the flair and brilliance that came to be associated with the number.
With the weight of this history on his shoulders, Mason Mount is set to write a new chapter in the tale of Manchester United's esteemed No. 7. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for him at Old Trafford.
