Manchester United midfielder Mason Mount wants to prove he can handle the pressure of wearing the club’s famous number 7 shirt.
Mount joined United from Chelsea this summer in a deal worth up to £60m and was swiftly handed the 7 shirt which has previously been worn by the likes of David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and Eric Cantona.
It is perhaps the most famous shirt in football, but to Mount, coping with that pressure is a challenge he is ready to fight for.
“Of course I know the pressure that comes with it,” Mount told talkSPORT. “I have been a fan of the likes of Beckham growing up as a kid so I know what he did at this club.
“For sure, there is pressure that comes with the shirt but that is something that I like to have. I want to perform in it and it is a massive, massive club and an iconic number so it really means a lot to me.”
Mount’s United career is yet to really get started as an injury has restricted him to just six appearances in all competitions, but the 24-year-old stressed he is working hard behind the scenes to get to grips with his new surroundings.
“It has been a very good start. I mean, integrating in the team, understanding the way the managers wants to play,” he explained. “I am learning the players around me, how they play. It takes some time to understand that and get into a flow.
“I want to improve my performances but I think that will come over time. Also, performances as a group, I think we are getting there and we will keep continuing to work at that.”
Mount, who missed out on a place in the latest England squad, will be back in action when United take on Sheffield United on Saturday.
What we know
- Mount joined United from Chelsea during the summer
- England midfielder was handed the famous number 7 shirt
- The 24-year-old has battled injury so far this season and struggled to make intended impression.