The transfer of Mason Mount to Manchester United has been a source of excitement among fans around the globe. After weeks of negotiations with his former club Chelsea, the Red Devils recently dropped the official announcement of his signing.
While the 24-year-old has largely been affiliated with Chelsea throughout his career, Mount does have some interesting ties with United. In particular, his ties with the club come in the form of his adoration for United legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
Official, confirmed. Mason Mount joins Manchester United from Chelsea on £55m initial deal plus £5m add ons. 🚨🔴 #MUFC
Contract until June 2028 with option for further season. pic.twitter.com/0KYd3lHVi9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 5, 2023
Like millions of Soccer fans, a young Mason watched on as Ronaldo etched history during his first spell at Old Trafford. The 38-year-old arrived in the Premier League as a nervy teenager with a bizarre haircut. But in just a couple of years, Ronaldo was balling at an entirely different level. His tricks and flicks immediately caught the eyes of every young fan tuned into their televisions, including Mason Mount.
The midfielder was enamored by the striker’s free kicks. Throughout his career, Ronaldo has used a distinct stance and technique while approaching set pieces. And at United, he frequently used his knuckleball technique. The forward would strike the center, or valve, of the dead ball, which provided plenty of fizz and dip to the resulting shot. The Al-Nassr man’s technique was adopted by many aspiring soccer players, including Mount during his youth days at Chelsea’s academy.
“I try to base my free-kicks on Ronaldo…hit the ball by the valve, and it moves”
Manchester United’s new number 7, Mason Mount. 👀
— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) July 5, 2023
The discovery was made after a wholesome video featuring Mason in his childhood surfaced online. In it, the youngster explains the inspiration behind his free kick to the camera. He said, “I try to base my free kick off Ronaldo, hit the ball by the valve and it moves. That’s what you do; top corner, top bins.”
After making the confident claims, the youngster walked the talk. As seen during the second half of the clip, he goes on to score with a delicious free kick. One that even Ronaldo would’ve been proud of.
When Mason Mount scored a free-kick like Cristiano Ronaldo
Since showing off the technique as a youth player, Mount has had plenty of time to harness the skill. The midfielder has even converted a few set-pieces for Chelsea‘s first team. His free kick against Wolves stands out in particular. It came in the 2019/20 campaign, which was Mason’s breakthrough season at the club.
Mount free kick vs Wolves pic.twitter.com/NpXMdCaa8s
— Sid 💙⚽️🏎 (@Sid_footyF1) April 29, 2021
With UEFA Champions League qualification at stake, the England International stepped up to take the decisive free kick. He followed young Mason’s technique to the tee. And of course, he made sure to hit the ball around the valve, just like Cristiano Ronaldo.
The result was a wonderful strike that gave the keeper no chance. His effort instantly went viral online, and so did the footage of his childhood self, scoring a very similar free kick.