Mount breaks MU's number 7 curse

Perhaps the curse of Manchester United's legendary number 7 shirt is gradually being lifted, after Mason Mount shone in the important 2-1 victory right at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace.

Mason Mount unexpectedly became a hero.

Since Cristiano Ronaldo left Old Trafford for Real Madrid for a world record fee in 2009, the only person who really deserves this figure at MU is probably CR7 himself.

Prosperity

In his return in 2021, Ronaldo still scored 24 goals at the age of 37, but it was a bad season when MU finished the Premier League in 6th place. Between Ronaldo's two periods playing for MU, a series of names took turns wearing the number 7 shirt but all failed miserably.

Michael Owen was constantly injured, Antonio Valencia asked to return his old number 25 after a short time wearing number 7, Angel Di Maria left after only a year, Memphis Depay lasted 18 months, while Alexis Sanchez was a big waste.

Edinson Cavani, despite scoring 17 goals in his only season wearing the number 7, was often absent due to injury. Before this season, Mason Mount was also considered the next victim of the "curse" of the shirt that once belonged to George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and David Beckham.

Mount was bought by Ten Hag in 2023 for £55m and was a lacklustre figure during his first two seasons at Old Trafford. The Dutchman tried to fit Mount into the squad in every position possible, but only when he was fit.

He missed 31 games in his first season, and another 30 last season. The 2-1 win over Crystal Palace was the first time Mount played 90 minutes in the Premier League for United, and the first time since November 2023 (a 0-3 loss to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup).

This is also the first time he has started in six weeks. However, Mount has only missed one match this season. The MU coaching staff are protecting him very carefully and when used, the former Chelsea star has become an increasingly important factor.

Mount laid the foundations for United's dominant first half against Fulham in August, and was even better against Burnley the following week until being taken off at half-time through injury.

Mason Mount will play an important role at MU this season.

After a disastrous performance in midweek when they lost to Everton at Old Trafford, MU's confidence is almost at rock bottom. Therefore, the trip to Selhurst Park to face a very uncomfortable Crystal Palace promises to be a challenge.

Star quality

Coach Ruben Amorim made exactly two changes from the loss to Everton: Diogo Dalot returned to the starting lineup and Mason Mount, a player who rarely started, was given a chance from the start.

And Mount did not disappoint Amorim. His powerful shot into the near corner, putting MU 2-1 up in the astonishment of the entire Selhurst Park stadium, said a lot about Mount. When the "Red Devils" needed star moments, the English midfielder spoke up.

Mount overcame a series of injuries that lasted more than a year, and could be an important factor in helping MU break away to aim for the top 4. He was the best player of the match and scored the decisive goal to win against Sunderland.

At Anfield, he played well. Mount also created chances for Benjamin Sesko against Tottenham and last weekend scored against Palace to seal the victory. Mount has only started 6/13 Premier League games but has 8 key passes.

Mason Mount after the English midfielder scored the decisive goal, bringing home all three points for the team at Crystal Palace's home ground.

Mount’s off-the-ball pressing is just as valuable as what he does on the ball. Ruben Amorim trusted Mount so much that he started him in the Europa League final ahead of Alejandro Garnacho, a decision that effectively ended the Argentine’s United career.

It was a controversial choice, but Amorim prioritised team harmony; Garnacho was a prickly figure at the time, while Mount was always the easygoing, team-oriented type.

The next round of Premier League fixtures will be a real test of Mount’s endurance, with United having a rare busy schedule this season, playing two Premier League games in a week (home to West Ham and away to Wolves).

The win at Palace kept United in the hunt for a European spot and gave them some confidence after a poor performance against Everton. It was also the perfect time for Mount to rebuild the trust of coach Amorim and the fans.

All goals in the match Palace 1-2 MU On the evening of November 30, MU excellently came back to win Crystal Palace 2-1 in round 13 of the Premier League 2025/26.

Source: https://znews.vn/mount-pha-bo-loi-nguyen-so-7-cua-mu-post1607717.html