Mason Mount may have been handed the iconic No.7 shirt for Manchester United, but the Red Devils' new signing sees himself playing as a No.8 for Erik ten Hag.
On Wednesday, Mount became Ten Hag's first signing of the summer transfer window, as United announced a deal with Chelsea worth up to £60million. The England international, 24, is now raring to go for pre-season and has made it clear where he'd like to play under his new manager.
In his first interview as a Red Devil, Mount told club media : "I can't wait to sit down with him and go through things and understand his way of working. I can't wait to get on that pitch in the next couple of months.
"I have always seen myself as a No.8 that can get forward and attack, create and score goals, but also be able to do the other side of things - defend and help the team when we are under pressure. I know what I can bring to this team, I know the team and the players and what we are capable of achieving."
Not only did the ex-Chelsea star, who spent 18 years of his life with the Blues, express where he'd like to fit in, but he also praised new team-mates like Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes. "You look at the players in midfield, a lot of experience of winning trophies and quality," Mount declared. "I can learn from them and bring my style to the team."
The 24-year-old's versatility will be a handy tool for Ten Hag, having also played on the left and right flanks earlier in his career. Mount began as a winger during his first loan spell with Dutch side Vitesse before moving into the centre as part of a midfield three.
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He's been part of a narrow front three for Chelsea under former boss Thomas Tuchel and largely played as a No.10 for England. While we haven't heard Ten Hag's verdict on Mount at length, the Dutchman was overheard saying: "I want you to be a very important player for this team," during the midfielder's unveiling.
John Murtough, United's football director, added in a statement: "Mason is an extremely intelligent footballer and has so many fantastic technical qualities that will significantly add to our squad. We have admired his talents for a long time, so we are delighted that he has chosen to take the next steps in his career here at Old Trafford.
"His style of play and attributes are a perfect fit for this squad, and we all believe that he will only improve further by working with Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff. Mason himself is a world-class player but he also has the ability to improve the players around him through his game intelligence and tactical awareness.
"We were particularly impressed by his strong desire to join United, and his thirst for further success, as we push to drive up our performance levels next season and beyond."
