have defended after footage emerged of their new signing refusing to sign autographs for fans.
Mount joined United from in a £60million deal earlier this summer, and recently played his first for the club – a .
The midfielder’s transfer has caused great excitement among Red Devils supporters, but it appeared that a few of them had been let down by the 24-year-old when they asked him to sign a shirt but were refused.
In a video that went viral on social media, Mount can be seen walking away from two individuals, telling them: ‘You know I’m not going to sign that,’ before apologising and adding: ‘I haven’t signed anything for the last three days so I don’t know why you keep coming back.’
United have now released a statement on the matter, defending their player and accusing the group in the clip of being ‘professional autograph hunters’.
‘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 reads.
‘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.
‘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.’
United’s pre-season campaign continues next Wednesday with a clash against Lyon in Edinburgh.
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