For the first time in years, Manchester United appear to be seeing glimmers of hope that the long-standing No.7 curse may finally be coming to an end. Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure to Real Madrid in 2009, no player—aside from Ronaldo himself during his 2021 comeback—has lived up to the enormous expectations tied to the club’s most iconic shirt.
Many of the successors faltered under the pressure.
Michael Owen struggled with constant injuries.
Antonio Valencia abandoned the No.7 and returned to his original shirt.
Angel Di Maria departed after a single turbulent season.
Memphis Depay failed to adapt.
Alexis Sanchez’s career nosedived dramatically.
Edinson Cavani provided moments of quality but was never consistently available.
And for a while, it seemed Mason Mount was destined to walk that same disappointing path.
A Rough Start: Injuries and Uncertainty Clouded Mount’s Arrival
According to The Sun (Monday, December 1, 2025), Mount’s first two seasons at Old Trafford were riddled with setbacks. Signed in 2023 as a central midfielder, his role felt undefined, his synergy unclear, and his availability minimal.
He missed 61 matches across two seasons—a staggering number that left fans questioning the £60 million investment.
But this season, the narrative has begun to shift.
A Turning Point: Mount Finally Shows His True Worth
Manchester United’s win over Crystal Palace marked a symbolic moment.
It was Mount’s first full 90 minutes in the Premier League since November 2023, a milestone that highlighted his improved fitness and growing importance.
More impressively, Mount has missed just one game all season. United’s cautious and tailored approach to his recovery is beginning to pay dividends.
His performances reflect the change:
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Dominant display vs Fulham
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Bright start vs Burnley before being taken off at halftime as a precaution
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Match-winner vs Sunderland
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Creative spark at Anfield
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Assist for Benjamin Sesko at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
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Another decisive goal in the clash with Crystal Palace
Little by little, Mount is becoming the kind of player United hoped they were signing.
Ruben Amorim’s Trust Is Transforming Mount
New United manager Ruben Amorim has been vocal about his admiration for Mount long before he officially took charge. That faith has translated clearly on the pitch.
Although Mount has started only six of United’s 13 Premier League matches, he has already produced eight key passes, illustrating his growing influence as a chance creator.
His off-ball movement also plays a vital role in Amorim’s tactical approach, especially in the system’s high-pressing and rapid-transition phases.
Amorim’s trust runs deep—so deep that he famously benched Alejandro Garnacho in the Europa League final, opting for Mount instead.
The decision was controversial and disappointing for Garnacho, but it revealed how central Mount is to the Portuguese manager’s long-term project.
A New Leader Emerges: Mount’s Influence Beyond the Pitch
Mount is not only improving on the field; he is evolving into a leader within the squad. He has offered guidance and encouragement to younger players such as Patrick Dorgu and Leny Yoro, both of whom faced harsh criticism earlier in the season.
His presence provides calmness—a steady senior figure who contributes both on and off the pitch.
A New Role, a New identity — & A New Hope for the No.7 Shirt
While United may never forget that they paid £60 million for Mount in a summer where Declan Rice and Moisés Caicedo also changed clubs, the midfielder is finally finding his identity—not as a traditional midfielder, but as part of the attacking trio.
This week will test his physical endurance with a Thursday-to-Monday schedule and the imminent return of Matheus Cunha, who will compete directly for Mount’s place.
But if Mount can maintain his form, fitness, and effectiveness, the No.7 shirt may finally have found a worthy bearer again.
He has yet to earn his own chant from the United faithful—but judging by how things are unfolding, it may only be a matter of time.
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