Manchester United’s new no.7 Mason Mount has revealed how Cristiano Ronaldo and other club legends who previously wore the shirt “inspired” his playing style and career thus far.
Signing for United earlier this week and being officially unveiled as the club’s new no.7 on Wednesday, fans are already having to get used to seeing the former Chelsea men swap blue for red, but they’ll also have to get used to seeing him wear one of the club’s most hallowed shirts.
For a while, it was thought that the likes of Jadon Sancho or even Alejandro Garnacho were next in line to take the iconic number, but Mount will be the next to take up the moniker and with his first words in United colours, he made it clear that those who went before him have had an impact on his career.
Speaking to MUTV presenter Helen McConnell in his first interview at Carrington, he discussed everything from already forming relationships with some of his England teammates, what kind of role he sees himself in and what figures inspired him on the journey to becoming that player.
Just in: Mason Mount's first United interview! 🚨#MUFC
Despite clearly defining himself as a number eight who likes to get forward and get involved wherever he can, McConnell couldn’t help but bring up a photo that his dad showed her of a young Mason Mount at Old Trafford when he was only around 10.
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The picture in question was taken on the same night Ronaldo scored that legendary free-kick against Portsmouth, undoubtedly one of the greatest the club has ever seen.
As the now 24-year-old midfielder explained, “I was there in the away end, supporting my team Pompey and was able to witness that special moment.”
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Mount also went on to detail how the already viral video of him as a kid in training practising how to take that trademark knuckleball-style free-kick that the Portuguese star helped make famous was taken just a day after that match. You know the one:
🎙 | Mason Mount:
“I think that video of me taking the free-kick was after that day. It inspired me and seeing that moment at Old Trafford, in the away end, I was in awe of that situation and that iconic moment. I’d love to now replicate it.” [MU]pic.twitter.com/tzDynMpX7H
“It inspired me and seeing that special moment at Old Trafford, I was in awe of that situation and that iconic moment”, says Mount, adding that he loved to now go and replicate it himself.
He made no secret of how CR7 influenced him but Mount also had a special mention for another footballing legend and previous owner of the no.7 shirt in David Beckham as well, noting that “Becks was also a massive inspiration of mine, growing up with his free-kicks… I was in awe of his technique.”
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Whether or not United fans will get to see him putting away similar finishes to Beckham and Ronaldo remains to be seen but one thing’s for sure, you have to get off to a good start if you’re going to wear that particular shirt.
Tommy Fury announces huge fight against former World’s Strongest Man Eddie Hall
Daisy Jackson
Tommy Fury has announced his next major boxing match – against a rather unlikely opponent.
The Manc boxer and former Love Island star will face Eddie Hall, who once reigned as the World’s Strongest Man and was the first person on the planet to deadlift 500kg.
The match, billed as Beauty vs The Beast (we’ll let you decide who’s who…), will take place at the AO Arena this summer.
Tommy Fury and Eddie Hall will be facing off in Manchester as part of the Misfits Boxing series, a sports promotion company founded by YouTube sensation KSI.
26-year-old Fury – younger brother of heavyweight legend Tyson Fury – remains unbeaten, seeing off all-comers in the crossover boxing world.
As for 38-year-old Eddie Hall (nicknamed The Beast), he retired as a strongman competitor, where he’s previously been crowned the World’s Strongest Man, and has now pivoted into combat sports.
The pair have collaborated recently on several videos online, taking on challenges like a One Punch Knockout and a breakfast eating competition.
But this will be the first time they’ve publicly faced off in the ring.
Misfirst Boxing has once more delivered the biggest match-ups possible in the crossover boxing space, with Fury vs. Hall promising to be a titanic tussle that will captivate fans around the world.
Tommy Fury vs Eddie Hall, Beauty vs The Beast, will take place on Saturday 13 June at the AO Arena in Manchester – you can get tickets HERE.
Corey Blackett-Taylor ruled out injured for the rest of the season
Danny Jones
Bolton Wanderers winger Corey Blackett-Taylor has been ruled out for the rest of the season following injury.
With not that long left in this year’s campaign and the playoff scrap set to ramp up even further in the coming weeks, it’s an unfortunate twist of fate for the Trotters.
Despite still being only a relatively recent signing, having just joined Bolton in the most recent January transfer window, it didn’t take long for him to make a good impression.
Scoring on debut in a 1-0 away win against AFC Wimbledon, the 28-year-old is now set to miss the remainder of the 2025/26 term, letting supporters know the news on Friday, 27 March.
Blackett-Taylor was forced off in the game against Rotherham United after pulling up in the wake of taking a shot, ultimately being subbed in the first half.
It was quickly confirmed to be a thigh injury, and while the specific nature and severity of the damage haven’t been fully detailed, he has now informed fans that his season is over.
Writing on Instagram, he said: “Instantly from arriving at the club, I felt the passion and support from the fans, club, staff and players.
“I have no doubts [about] the club achieving their targets of promotion – I want to say a huge thank you for making me feel so welcomed and comfortable. Unfortunately, my season is concluded due to my injury, but I’ll be here supporting the team to the very end.”
He isn’t the only impactful League One player at a side eyeing up the Championship to have been hampered by setbacks on the physio bench, with rivals Stockport County also confirming an absence at this crucial point in the campaign.
Not ideal for either of the Greater Manchester hopefuls.
Once again, while the recovery period for both of these players has already begun, the exact timelines for their return remain to be seen.
That being said, chances are we’ll see the Derby County loanee back in action before Hills, though we’ll have to wait to find out whether it will be at the Toughsheet Stadium or back with his parent club.
Who do you think is going to clinch that third promotion place at Wembley come this May?
Danny Jones -
6th July 2023 
