Mason Mount has taken Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic No.7 at Manchester United after copying the Red Devils legend as a Chelsea youngster.
The 24-year-old spent hours in the Blues academy honing in on his free-kick technique as he looked to emulate the set-piece specialist.
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Footage has resurfaced of Mount during Chelsea training at Cobham recreating Ronaldo’s famous run-up style.
A clip shows the former Derby loan star telling the camera: “I try to base my free-kicks on Ronaldo.
“Hit the ball by the valve and it moves. That’s all you do. Top corner, top bins.”
Mount then proceeded to do exactly that, as his effort nestled into the top left corner.
He will now be looking to follow in the footsteps of the Portugal international after joining United for an initial £55million.
Erik ten Hag made landing the English midfielder his top priority this summer, with United putting their faith in Mount by handing him their most famous number.
Worn by George Best, Eric Cantona, Bobby Robson and David Beckham – along with Ronaldo across two spells – it is now Mount’s time to write his name into United folklore.
The number had been vacant after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner had his contract ripped up last year.
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The news may come as a surprise to United fans, who had been expecting teenage winger Alejandro Garnacho to be given the number.
United even hinted that it could be on the cards after his No.49 was left out of the new home shirt customisation options on their website – suggesting a number change was on the cards.
But the decision has been made to hand the number to Mount, with a club statement reading: “United’s No.7 is considered to be one of the most iconic shirts in the world.
“Mount will become the latest Red to wear it in the Premier League era.”
The 2021 Champions League winner has spoken of his delight at penning a five-year deal at Old Trafford, with the option of a further 12 months.
He said: “It’s never easy leaving the club where you grew up, but Manchester United will provide an exciting new challenge for the next phase of my career.
“Having competed against them, I know just how strong a squad it is that I’m joining, and I can’t wait to be part of this group’s drive to win major trophies.
“Everyone can see that the club has made big steps forward under Erik ten Hag.
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“Having met with the manager and discussed his plans, I couldn’t be more excited for the seasons ahead, and am ready for the hard work expected here.
“I am hugely ambitious; I know how amazing it feels to win major trophies and what it takes to do it. I will be giving everything to experience that again at Manchester United.”
Bruno Fernandes has been quick to comment on the transfer as he brilliantly used throwback images of a past scuffle between the pair to welcome Mount to the Theatre of Dreams.
