Manchester United defend Mason Mount after video footage goes viral

Mount joined Manchester United from Chelsea for an initial £55m last week and made his debut in their pre-season win against Leeds United on Wednesday.

A few days after the game, Mount has tasted his first share of controversy since becoming a Red Devil. 

Video footage emerged of the midfielder declining the chance to sign shirts for fans who have followed him around since he made the move to 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."

The 24-year-old faced some backlash after the incident which has now prompted Manchester United to release a response in defence of their new star player.

"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 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."