Mason Mount has been a Manchester United player for less than 24 hours yet already the weight of expectation rests on his shoulders.
Supporters were keenly awaiting Erik ten Hag's first move in the summer transfer window as Premier League rivals strengthened around them. Mount was no secret having been pictured at Carrington earlier this week but the pressure has certainly ramped up.
Mount has been given the no.7 shirt which brings with it huge responsibility. Famously worn by George Best, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo, the club were considering handing Alejandro Garnacho the number after his breakthrough season but United have gone in another direction.
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Fans have been left uncertain with this decision though so before he has even kicked a ball in red, Mount already has a point to prove. The timing of his signing also adds another level of expectation.
United need a new striker and goalkeeper but the arrival of an attacking midfielder suggests Ten Hag was particularly keen to bring Mount to Old Trafford. Now, the 24-year-old needs to prove the Dutchman's faith was well placed.
Of course, this is not the first time United have signed an attacking midfielder from Chelsea with expectations on their shoulders. In 2014, Juan Mata joined from Stamford Bridge with the microscope on him after a poor end to his time in London. It is fair to suggest Mount would have also liked a better end to his time with the Blues too.
Mata may not have taken the no.7 shirt but he did arrive with United fans expecting big things. However in
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