Why Mason Mount was handed no7 shirt at Manchester United when Alejandro Garnacho was also considered

Manchester United offered Mason Mount the no7 shirt to underline how much the club value his arrival at Old Trafford.

Mount was officially unveiled by United on Wednesday, signing a five-year deal with the option of a further 12 months agree a fee of £55million plus £5m in add-ons was agreed with Chelsea.

Shortly after confirmation, it was revealed the England international will wear the no7 shirt vacated by Cristiano Ronaldo last year, also worn by club legends George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and David Beckham.

Alejandro Garnacho had also been considered for the revered squad number, speculation which heightened when the Argentina international signed a new long-term deal with the club last month.

Mount however will wear no7 next season after it was offered to him by Erik ten Hag early on in talks with the player.

The Manchester Evening News reports ten Hag's decision sent a clear indication to Mount how much United value the midfielder and signalled the pivotal role he will have in the starting XI next season.

Garnacho meanwhile liked an Instagram post from United confirming Mount as their new no7 shortly after the official announcement.

Mount is United's first summer signing with ten Hag making his arrival a top priority, having admired him since his stint in Netherlands on loan at Vitesse Arnhem.

'It's never easy leaving the club where you grew up, but Manchester United will provide an exciting new challenge for the next phase of my career,' Mount said.

'Having competed against them, I know just how strong a squad it is that I'm joining, and I can't wait to be part of this group's drive to win major trophies.

'Everyone can see that the club has made big steps forward under Erik ten Hag.

'Having met with the manager and discussed his plans, I couldn't be more excited for the seasons ahead, and am ready for the hard work expected here.

'I am hugely ambitious; I know how amazing it feels to win major trophies and what it takes to do it. I will be giving everything to experience that again at Manchester United.'