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The most iconic shirt in Manchester United’s history had gone unworn in matches since November. There had been no No. 7 in eight months, since Cristiano Ronaldo’s valedictory appearance in defeat to Aston Villa. Mason Mount is only Ronaldo’s successor in terms of shirt number; he is unlikely to touch the heights the Portuguese did at Old Trafford or exit in as explosive a manner. But his unofficial debut, in a 2-0 friendly win against Leeds in Oslo, brought slight echoes of another of United’s battalion of brilliant No. 7s. David Beckham took set-pieces for the best part of a decade and Mount was on free kicks and corners – when Alvaro Fernandez headed wide, he ought to have had an early assist – though he will probably be relieved of some of those duties when he is on the pitch with some of Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford. But Beckham’s most famous goal for United was a long-range chip; Mount almost scored his first in similar style, albeit from 35 yards rather than 60. It was, nevertheless, an illustration of why Erik ten Hag has made him United’s first summer signing. There was the prowess at pressing to close down and rob defender Jeremiah Mullen and the speed of thought to loft the ball over goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson; his effort landed on the roof of the net. It was a chance created by his energy. “I am sure he will bring dynamism,” Ten Hag had said an hour earlier. “We need more dynamism in our midfield department.” Mount’s awareness was apparent again with a run behind the Leeds defence to meet Raphael Varane’s pass, when he was perhaps wrongly given offside. Each indicated that United paid £55 million in part for a sharp footballing brain. They also bought a player whose versatility has allowed him to play different positions. Mount spent most of his Chelsea career in the front three; the indications were already that he would be in a midfield trio for United, and not merely because Ten Hag has never shared Thomas Tuchel’s fondness for 3-4-3. He has not been bought to be a winger, even if he offers an option on the flanks. His first appearance suggested he will be found more at the heart of his new team. Not since Bryan Robson has a United No. 7 played regularly in the middle of midfield. On his United bow, Mount collected possession immediately in front of the centre-backs more than he used to for Chelsea. He was involved further back in the build-up than before. He played as a prompter, passing forward with crisp purpose. He enjoyed it. “I really like that role today,” he said. “Being able to drop in deep and get on the ball and start the play from a bit deeper but also having that freedom to be able to get forward, get in the box and try and make the runs in behind and start the press from the front.” Ten Hag was impressed. “Great but we could expect this. He has so much skills and I am sure we will take so much joy from him and he will contribute to our performance.” Further contributions should come with different sidekicks. Mount was the senior figure in a trio with a difference, in a midfield with Kobbie Mainoo and Hannibal Mejbri. He is more likely to team up with Casemiro and Fernandes in competitive games, but it was notable that Hannibal operated more as a No. 10 with Mount often behind him. “His ambition is to play offensive but also he wants to be multi-functional and also complete,” Ten Hag had said. If that is what United require, an all-rounder in midfield, an encouraging element was that Mount looked fit on his first appearance since April after injury curtailed the worst season of his career. He went off after 45 minutes as Ten Hag made 11 changes. The second-half side was so inexperienced that United were captained by Charlie Savage – Raphael Varane had the armband before the break, while alongside him Lisandro Martinez made his comeback from injury – but the youngsters got United’s pre-season off to a winning start. The 20-year-old Frenchman Noam Emeran slotted in the first and the 19-year-old Joe Hugill added a second. He was the only specialist centre-forward in the squad Ten Hag took to Norway, with Anthony Martial injured and Rashford yet to return to training. In the first half, Jadon Sancho operated as a false nine for a club who are trying to recruit an out-and-out striker this summer. But the one signing they have made is a midfielder and, while stiffer tests await, it was an auspicious start for Mount. Read More Mason Mount makes debut as Man Utd begin pre-season with win over Leeds Mason Mount’s sale is one part of Chelsea’s ‘masterplan’, but what comes next? David de Gea confirms Manchester United exit with ‘farewell message’ to fans Mason Mount makes debut as Man Utd begin pre-season with win over Leeds Mason Mount’s sale is one part of Chelsea’s ‘masterplan’, but what comes next? Mauricio Pochettino tells Chelsea to banish last season and deliver from day one

Mason Mount made his Manchester United debut as Erik ten Hag’s side began their pre-season schedule with a 2-0 win against Leeds in Oslo. The 24-year-old, who made a £55million move from Chelsea last month, played the first 45 minutes and impressed in flashes during a quiet first period. Ten Hag’s starting XI was a combination of youth and experience, with Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho joined by young prospects such as Kobbie Mainoo and Omari Forson. Tributes were paid before kick off to former Scotland, Manchester United and Leeds defender Gordon McQueen, who died aged 70 last month following his battle with dementia. Mount created a big opening in the 10th minute, passing in behind for Amad Diallo to tee up Hannibal Mejbri but the Tunisian was denied by a smart save from Leeds goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson. Moments later the England midfielder was involved again, winning the ball back before attempting a delicate chip over Klaesson from 25 yards which landed on the roof of the net. “I am sure he will contribute to the success of Manchester United because he is a quality player,” Ten Hag told MUTV before kick-off. “In midfield you have to attack but you also have to defend. He will bring dynamic into our game. We need more dynamic in that midfield department.” Daniel Farke took charge of his first game as manager of Leeds, who are preparing for life back in the Championship following relegation last season. The breakthrough came on 67 minutes as 18-year-old Norwegian Isak Hansen-Aaroen played in Frenchman Noam Emeran who slid it past Dani van den Heuvel. Emeran then turned provider for Joe Hugill to seal the win 10 minutes from time. The Red Devils’ pre-season continues with a clash against Lyon in Edinburgh next Wednesday before they head to the USA for matches against Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jasper Philipsen sprints to fourth stage victory at this year’s Tour de France Aryna Sabalenka moves one win away from number one ranking and Wimbledon final British trio reach Wimbledon junior quarter-finals for first time in 13 years

He gets feisty.

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WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 12, 2023--

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Taking viewers into the huddle and locker room and onto the field, "Quarterback" offers a three-headed view of life in the NFL trenches that should be enticing to football fans. As it happens, though, not all play callers are created equal, with Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes easily providing the best and most entertaining company, eclipsing the mere mortals who flesh out the Netflix docuseries.