Mason Mount gets Ronaldo's iconic No 7 jersey, but Man Utd fans are not happy

Manchester United's signing of English attacking midfielder Mason Mount from Chelsea has created quite a stir, with the decision to assign him the iconic number 7 jersey overshadowing the announcement.

The move

After weeks of speculation and uncertainty, Mason Mount has completed his move to Manchester United from a struggling Chelsea squad. Towards the end of the season, Mount had already expressed his desire to leave the club where he had spent 18 years and hinted at United as his potential new destination.

Fans had eagerly awaited this move, as it would undoubtedly bolster the midfield options for manager Erik Ten Hag. However, the club's choice to bestow the legendary 7 jersey upon Mount, previously worn by Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, has taken everyone by surprise.

Fans' discontent

The announcement of the new number 7 jersey came shortly after Mount's official signing was unveiled on Manchester United's social media platforms. The news generated a sense of uneasiness among the fanbase.

Fans across the internet have expressed their confusion and disappointment at this unexpected decision. It is unusual to see a midfielder donning the 7 jersey, which is traditionally associated with wingers.

Previously, Mount was rumored to take the number 19 jersey, which would have become available as Raphael Varane is likely to switch to the number 4 after the departure of Phil Jones from the club.

Some fans have even shared their disappointment over Mount getting the number seven over the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, the Argentinian who has been prophesied by the fans as the upcoming holder of the number 7 jersey after an impressive performance the previous season. 

Why is it weird for Mount to get 7?

Mason Mount, ever since his time at Chelsea, is known for his tendency to switch up between:

• The usual number ‘eight’ , where he focuses on game-making and dropping down to the defence and
• a number 10, where pushes forward to create goal-scoring chances. 

History as its witness, the number seven has always been associated with attacking, more specifically a winger. Hence, the scenario of a midfielder like Mount getting the jersey has created an air of confusion around the game. 

Not the ideal CR7 successor

Another , the kit number ‘7’ holds a humongous value in the world of football and more so in United. The one and only reason responsible for that, Cristiano Ronaldo. It's safe to say that the Portuguese has been a major reason behind the popularity of the jersey number seven and also the fact that the number is always linked to a winger or an attacker in general.

Ronaldo returned to his English home from Juventus in 2017. After a phenomenal first season, his second turned out to be an unforgettable one that ultimately led to United and Ronaldo mutually terminating his contract at Old Trafford and then making a move to the Saudi club, Al-Nassr FC this year. 

Ever since his departure, fans were hyped up about the next holder of the number ‘7’ jersey with many suggesting that the most suitable choice would be Alejandro Garnacho. The 19-year-old Argentine winger is known for being a follower of Ronaldo’s footsteps and the youngster has very much agreed to the same with his social media posts. After an impressive performance last season, the fans were all but ready to see Garnacho as the successor to CR7 legacy at United, but the Mason Mount announcement has certainly spoiled the party. 

Putting all the criticism aside, Mason Mount has good statistics to support the fact that he is one promising midfielder and can certainly add value to the United squad. However, if he’d be able to handle the pressure and expectations that come along with the kit number, is something entirely different.