Manchester United have confirmed that new signing Mason Mount will wear the number seven for the club, replacing Cristiano Ronaldo, who vacated the jersey at the end of last year when he departed Old Trafford.
There had recently been claims that Alejandro Garnacho could be handed the famous number for the 20-time English champions due to his development during the 2022-23 campaign.
However, Mount has now been revealed to be the club's new '7', with the playmaker being handed the shirt following his arrival from Chelsea, which was confirmed on Wednesday morning.
"The versatile midfielder officially signed for the club today (5 July) and we can now confirm that Mount will wear United's iconic no.7," read a statement on the club's official website.
Mount has worn the number 19 for Chelsea since becoming a first-team player, but he has previously sported the number seven for the London club's Under-23s.
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The attacker has also previously sported '7' for England, and he will take on the number which is considered to be the most iconic shirt at Man United.
Ronaldo, as mentioned, vacated the shirt when he left Old Trafford at the end of last year, while Edinson Cavani, Alexis Sanchez, Memphis Depay, Angel Di Maria, Antonio Valencia and Michael Owen have also had the number since Ronaldo's first exit from Old Trafford in 2009.
David Beckham, Eric Cantona, Bryan Robson and George Best have also worn the famous number for the 20-time English champions.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag offered the shirt to Mount during the early stages of talks between the two parties.
Mount has signed a deal at Old Trafford until June 2028, with the option of a further year, and he has cost the Red Devils an initial £55m, although the deal could reach £60m including add-ons.
"Mason is an extremely intelligent footballer and has so many fantastic technical qualities that will significantly add to our squad," said Man United's football director John Murtough.
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"We have admired his talents for a long time, so we are delighted that he has chosen to take the next steps in his career here at Old Trafford.
"His style of play and attributes are a perfect fit for this squad, and we all believe that he will only improve further by working with Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff.
"Mason himself is a world-class player but he also has the ability to improve the players around him through his game intelligence and tactical awareness.
"We were particularly impressed by his strong desire to join United, and his thirst for further success, as we push to drive up our performance levels next season and beyond."
Mount has become Man United's first signing of the summer, and the club are now believed to be working on deals for Inter Milan's Andre Onana and Atalanta BC's Rasmus Hojlund.
Matt Law
