Credit: Twitter
Mason Mount, the newest midfielder for Manchester United, drew conflicting responses after a video of him being pursued by supporters appeared on social media. Mount finished his £55 million transfer from Chelsea and joined Erik Ten Hag's team right away, making his debut in the 2-0 victory over Leeds in Oslo on Wednesday.
A video showing the 24-year-old being pestered by a crowd of fans holding shirts for him to sign off the pitch has been making the rounds on social media. Although the precise location of the incident is unknown, the midfielder is approached by members of the public in a dark parking lot while wearing his United tracksuit.
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To the annoyance of those who had waited for him, Mount utters the words "You know I ain't signing it" and "Sorry lads" as he leaves. The England international refuses to budge, telling them, "I haven't signed for the last three days so I don't know why you lot keep coming back," despite their best efforts.
Watch the video here:
However, United supporters have backed Mount's choice to decline to sign his autograph and believe the individuals in the video were phony fans out to make a quick buck. The Premier League club also released a statement in support of Mount that stated, " Unfortunately this kind of situation has become far too common. It's the last thing Mason deserves after being so friendly with everyone he has come across since joining United... Professional autograph hunters are regularly pressuring United's players to sign large quantities of items that they then sell for hundreds of pounds. "
The Red Devils added, " It has become an everyday occurrence and a major problem at Carrington. These organized groups will block players’ cars and harass them as they arrive and leave their workplace. It is becoming really dangerous and you have to worry that it is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt... It also means that young fans, who just want to interact with their heroes, often miss out because players can't stop to take pictures with them without having to engage with the groups."
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The statement concluded, "It's a real frustration for everyone, security staff are in regular dialogue with the players around how to stop the problem. Action will definitely start to be taken if it continues to persist. "
Given that Bruno Fernandes is a No. 10 under Erik ten Hag's system, a lot has been hypothesised about where Mount will play. However, the former Chelsea playmaker faced Leeds in centre midfield, where he frequently moved forward to assist his teammates.
Mason Mount only played for 45 minutes against Leeds United in a pre-season friendly for Manchester United. 26 passes, including one vital pass, were completed by Mount. He finished one cross, one long ball, and one great opportunity. Additionally, Mount prevailed in four ground battles in his opening 45 minutes at Manchester United. In one instance, the 24-year-old was within inches away from scoring as well.
