Manchester United have rightly defended Mason Mount after footage emerged of their new signing refusing to sign autographs.
Mount’s transfer from Chelsea has caused great excitement among fans, but we shouldn’t ignore the fact those who feature in the video have been pestering Mount for three days straight.
The England international can be seen walking away from two individuals, telling them: “You know I’m not going to sign that,” before adding: “I haven’t signed anything for the last three days so I don’t know why you keep coming back.”
I saw the clip before United released an official statement and called these figures out for looking to make a profit from signed memorabilia.
Can hear Mount say something along the lines of: “Sorry lads. I’ve been signing for the past three days, I don’t know why you keep coming back.”
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United’s statement described them as being ‘professional autograph hunters’ and most celebrities encounter them (not just football).
“Unfortunately this kind of situation has become far too common,” a club statement read, as per the Manchester Evening News. “It’s the last thing mason deserves after being so friendly with everyone he has come across since joining United.
“Professional autograph hunters are regularly pressuring United’s players to sign large quantities of items that that they then sell for hundreds of pounds. It has become an everyday occurrence and a major problem at Carrington.
“These organised groups will block players’ cars and harass them as they arrive and leave their workplace. It is becoming really dangerous and you have to worry that it is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.
“It also means that young fans, who just want to interact with their heroes, often miss out because players can’t stop to take pictures with them without having to engage with the groups.
“It’s a real frustration for everyone, security staff are in regular dialogue with the players around how to stop the problem. Action will definitely start to be taken if it continues to persist.”
United were in Oslo during the week for their initial pre-season friendly against Leeds. They travel to Edinburgh next for Wednesday’s clash against Lyon.
Hopefully, they stop pestering Mount and grow up.
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