In a long-awaited breakthrough, Manchester United appears to be on the brink of securing their first signing of the summer by acquiring Mason Mount from Chelsea. After facing numerous rejections for their bids, United has finally reached an agreement with Chelsea, agreeing to an initial fee of £55 million for Mount, with an additional £5 million in potential add-ons.
With this major hurdle overcome, the deal is expected to progress swiftly. Mount has already agreed to personal terms with the club and once he completes a medical examination, he will officially sign a five-year contract.
The addition of Mount to United’s midfield will inject a fresh dose of creativity and goal-scoring prowess to an already impressive unit that features the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen.
Even Casemiro managed to contribute a fair share of goals in the previous season. Mount’s established presence in the Premier League and his significant role in the England national team make him an exciting prospect for United fans, who are likely to embrace him as a popular figure in the team.
When it comes to shirt numbers, Mount has primarily donned the number 19 throughout his tenure at Chelsea. This choice originated during his influential loan spell at Vitesse Arnhem in the 2017/18 season and has remained with him ever since. Additionally, during his loan stint at Derby, he briefly wore the number 8.
On the international stage with England, Mount has consistently opted for the number 19 in major tournaments such as Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup. However, for regular matches, England players typically wear numbers 1 to 11, resulting in Mount occasionally donning numbers 7, 10, and 11, as well as 17, 18, and 20 when coming off the bench.
Considering Manchester United’s available shirt numbers, the iconic number 7, previously worn by Cristiano Ronaldo, is a highly sought-after choice. However, there are other potential contenders for the number, including Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho.
Mount’s preferred number, 19, is currently occupied by Raphael Varane, but there is a strong possibility that Varane may switch to the newly vacated number 4, a jersey he has worn for his international career.
Other vacant shirt numbers at United include 24, 31, and 32, with numbers 15, 26, and 27 likely to become available due to outgoing players. If Sancho decides to switch to the number 7, number 25 might also open up. However, if Varane relinquishes the number 19, it appears to be the most obvious choice for Mount.
As the negotiations near their conclusion, Manchester United fans eagerly anticipate Mason Mount’s arrival and look forward to seeing him don their beloved red shirt in the upcoming season.
