Bruno Fernandes (L) and Mason Mount (R) (Credit: 90min)
Much to the delight of the fans, Manchester United has finally made their first signing of the season with the acquisition of Mason Mount. The talented player has completed a $70m (approx.) transfer from Chelsea to Manchester United, marking Erik ten Hag’s inaugural summer signing. Mount has committed to a five-year contract at Old Trafford, which will run until the summer of 2028. There is also an option to extend the deal for an additional year.
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At 24 years old, Mount brings added depth and creativity to Ten Hag’s squad. He is capable of playing in midfield or as a No. 10, offering competition to Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes in those positions. The total transfer fee for Mount could potentially reach $76m (approx).
On Wednesday, the midfielder officially became a United player, earning an approximate weekly salary of £250,000 at his new club. This significant signing demonstrates Manchester United’s determination to strengthen their team for the upcoming season.
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Bruno Fernandes’s playful welcome gesture to Mount
Manchester United players have taken to social media to extend a warm welcome to Mason Mount, who joins the club. Harry Maguire, both a club captain and an international teammate of Mount, was among the first to greet the 24-year-old on his Instagram account. Maguire posted, “Welcome mate,” along with a reposted image of Mount donning the United kit, expressing his excitement with heart-eyes emoji.
Diogo Dalot, the Portuguese defender, also shared United’s official photos of Mount in his new kit and wrote, “Welcome to the family.”
Bruno Fernandes, the vice-captain of the Red Devils, wasted no time in reaching out to his new midfield partner. However, Fernandes had a slightly different approach to welcoming the English international. Recalling the duration it took for the transfer to be completed, Fernandes playfully referred to a previous intense encounter between himself and Mount.
On his Instagram account, Fernandes shared a flashback to a fiery exchange between him and Mount during Chelsea’s 4-1 defeat at Old Trafford last season. Accompanied by an ‘angry’ emoji, the Portuguese star jokingly quipped, “Why did you take so long to sign? Welcome @masonmount.”
The accompanying picture depicted Fernandes passionately confronting Mount, who had the ball tucked under his arm. They once fiercely contested battles on the pitch, and now they will be teammates at Manchester United.
Mason Mount takes on Manchester United’s No. 7 shirt
The club has bestowed upon Mount the prestigious No. 7 shirt, symbolizing the start of a new chapter in his playing career. At first, there was uncertainty surrounding the squad number he would be assigned, but it has now been unveiled that he will proudly wear the iconic number seven jersey.
The No. 7 shirt carries immense significance in the club’s history. Esteemed players such as David Beckham, George Best, Eric Cantona, Bryan Robson, and Cristiano Ronaldo have previously donned the iconic No. 7 shirt. However, some fans have deemed the jersey cursed since Ronaldo’s departure from Real Madrid in 2018.
Numerous players have attempted to live up to the prestige of the iconic number, including Memphis Depay, Alexis Sanchez, and Angel Di Maria, who all donned the jersey during the post-Ferguson era but failed to make a significant impact at the club. Edinson Cavani, however, enjoyed a successful two-season spell while wearing the number.
With the current United manager, Erik Ten Hag, entrusting the Englishman with this significant responsibility, fans are hopeful that he can revive the club’s glorious days.
Mainak is a dedicated individual pursuing a master's in Sports Management from the International Institute of Sports Management. He has been working as a senior writer for Sportsmanor for 9 months. With a profound love for football, Mainak's writing reflects his deep admiration for the sport.