Mason Mount delivered a debut performance that will give Manchester United supporters a positive feeling about their new No 7.
Mount played his first match as Man Utd got their pre-season under way on Wednesday with a 2-0 win over Leeds United in Oslo.
And in just a 45-minute appearance, Mount showed signs of exactly why Erik ten Hag signed him from Chelsea.
Prior to his debut, Ten Hag said it's a "big advantage" to have Mount in so early in the summer and that he "will bring dynamism to our game". And it didn't take long for the new signing to do exactly that.
Mount was central to Man Utd's play, starting attacks by playing quick passes to the wingers.
He also exuded energy off the ball. Indeed, one of his final acts was tracking back to help Aaron Wan-Bissaka win back possession.
A glimpse of what's to come from our new no.7! 🪄#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 13, 2023
While he didn't open his Man Utd account, one moment that may typify the 24-year-old's time at Old Trafford came early on, when he excellently pressed a Leeds defender to win the ball back high up the pitch, before sending a lob from outside the box just inches over the crossbar.
He also had another effort that went over the bar, after he had made a good run into the penalty area.
It was a sign of what Mount will bring to Man Utd's midfield, and further echoed Ten Hag's pre-match words.
"I enjoyed the role"
Mount started the match in a deeper midfield position, and took free-kicks and corners while he was on the pitch.
Time will tell where he best fits in alongside the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Marcus Rashford, but it was a role he enjoyed playing.
"I've definitely got a great understanding of how the manager wants to work and how the boys play," Mount told Man Utd's official website.
"I really liked that role today. Being able to drop in and get on the ball and start the play from a bit deeper, but also having that freedom to be able to get forward and get in the box.
"I tried to make the runs in behind and help the press from the front. I had that chance [the chip from 30 yards out] just by starting off the press."
Man Utd fans could see Mount next in action against Lyon on 19 July.
See: Clubs' pre-season fixtures and results
With just over a month to go until the Red Devils kick off their 2023/24 Premier League campaign against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Man Utd fans can feel optimistic their No 7 can be a big hit at Old Trafford.
