The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- Judith Benjamin
Manchester United are growing increasingly concerned about ‘dangerous’ professional autograph hunters after fans harassed Mason Mount for a signed shirt.
Footage of the England international being pressured by a number of supporters, who were keen to get an autograph, emerged on TikTok on Friday.
Mount looked in discomfort as he then kindly asked for the fans to stop following him as they have done for three days straight.
The 24-year-old could be heard saying: ‘Sorry lads. I ain’t singing for the last three days so i don’t know why you lot keep following.’
Sources close to United have condemned the fans, claiming ‘action will definitely start to be taken’ if similar incidents continue to occur.
A video emerged on TikTok showing Mason Mount he pressured into signing autographs
The 24-year-old refused to sign autographs as he told some supporters to stop following him
A source said: ‘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.
‘Professional autograph hunters are regularly pressuring United’s players to sign large quantities of items 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.’
Mount made the move to United earlier this month after several years at Chelsea in a £60million deal.
He made his first appearance in a United shirt on Wednesday, playing 45 minutes against Leeds in Norway in the Red Devils’ first pre-season friendly, and put in a solid performance in front of several thousand eager United fans.
Mount is expected to play a key role in United’s side this season as they hunt for more silverware under Erik ten Hag after winning the Carabao Cup last season and losing in the FA Cup final.
‘He will bring dynamism into our game and that was one of our conclusions last season,’ Ten Hag told MUTV on Mount.
Mount has signed merchandise for fans since joining United from Chelsea for £60m
The midfielder met fans shortly after his switch was officially announced by the club
Mount put in an impressive performance on his debut against Leeds on Wednesday evening
‘His vision is to play the offensive. But also he wants to be multi-functional, he wants to be complete.
‘When you’re playing in midfield, you have to attack, but you also you have to defend. We need to be more dynamic in the midfield department.
‘I’m sure he will contribute to the success of United because he is a quality player.’
United will continue their preparations for the new season when they take on Lyon in at Murrayfield in Edinburgh on Wednesday.
