Mason Mount is revived under Amorim, the number 7 shirt is back in vogue.
Mason Mount scored the winning goal against Crystal Palace, playing his first full 90 minutes since November 2023; under Ruben Amorim, he has started 6 games, made 8 key passes, and missed only 1 game this season.
A decisive goal against Crystal Palace, his first full 90 minutes since November 2023, and a string of consistent performances: these are clear signs that Mason Mount is experiencing a resurgence under Ruben Amorim. In a context where the number 7 shirt was once a burden at Manchester United, the English midfielder is turning that pressure into motivation.
The number 7 jersey: glory, pressure, and the "curse"
The number 7 shirt at Old Trafford is an iconic symbol created by George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, and David Beckham. Since Cristiano Ronaldo left to join Real Madrid in 2009, the shirt has been shrouded in a sense of "curse." The only exception was when Ronaldo returned for a second time and still achieved success on a personal level.
The Sun believes Mount is showing genuine signs of ending the string of failures associated with this number. The long list of his predecessors who failed to meet expectations speaks volumes about the difficulty.
- Michael Owen: plagued by injuries.
- Antonio Valencia: Under pressure, requests to return to number 25.
- Angel Di María: only stayed for one year.
- Memphis Depay: leaving after 18 months.
- Alexis Sanchez: a huge disappointment.
- Edinson Cavani: scored 17 goals in one season but lacked long-term consistency.
A challenging journey and turning points.
Joining in 2023 for a fee of €68 million, Mount experienced a turbulent first two seasons. Under Erik ten Hag, he missed 31 games in his first season and 30 in his second. It wasn't until the recent win against Crystal Palace that Mount played his first full 90-minute match since November 2023, marking his debut with a winning goal.
Ruben Amorim's arrival changed the game. The new manager openly stated that he "loved" Mount – a sentiment reflected in his consistent use of the player and tactical confidence in him.
The data landscape under Amorim
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| A regular starter in the Premier League (this season) | 6 matches |
| Key passes | 8 |
| Number of matches missed (this season) | 1 match |
| First season at Man Utd – number of games missed | 31 |
| Second season – number of missed games | 30 |
| Transfer fee | 68 million euros |
The numbers reveal two things: a significant improvement in readiness and increased attacking influence. Eight key passes in six starts are a positive sign, and off-ball contributions – such as movement to create space and assisting with pressing – have made the overall game more fluid.
Amorim's role in the structure
In the planned rebuilding of Manchester United's midfield next year, Mount has emerged as one of the three main attacking players. This aligns with Amorim's vision for the team to control space, accelerate at key touchpoints, and capitalize on runs from the second line.
Mount is not only present in decisive moments – like the goal against Crystal Palace – but also maintains a high level of activity even without the ball. When his fitness is assured, his consistency becomes a foundation for reducing pressure on his teammates further up the field.
The next tests
Ahead are clashes with West Ham and Wolves – a test of his consistency. If Mount continues to maintain his current rhythm and sharpness, chants of his name in the Old Trafford stands – along with the belief that the "curse" of the number 7 shirt has ended – will only be a matter of time.
No fairy tale is completed in a few weeks. But compared to his rocky start, what Mount is doing under Amorim is enough to lay the foundation: improved fitness, a noticeable increase in creative output, and the ability to decide games when opportunities arise.
