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Manchester United release statement on fans’ harassment of Mason Mount.
Manchester United responded to a viral video in which Mason Mount tells fans he would not autograph their shirts.
Mount signed the Red Devils from Chelsea in July for an initial fee of £55 million, and he made his debut against Leeds United in Oslo on Wednesday.
However, the midfielder has already become the topic of social media debate after a video surfaced of him denying the opportunity to sign shirts for supporters who have followed him since his arrival at Old Trafford.
“You know I ain’t signing it,” Mount said in the video. “I haven’t signed for the last three days so I don’t know why you lot keep coming back.”
Man Utd have now commented on the situation and have leapt to the defence of Mount.
“Unfortunately this kind of situation has become far too common. It’s the last thing Mason deserves after being so friendly with everyone he has come across since joining United,” the statement read.
“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 every day 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.”