Manchester United have responded after a video went viral showing Mason Mount refused to sign shirts for fans who were following him.
Mount recently became United's first signing of the summer, joining from Chelsea for £55 million and taking on the vacant No.7 shirt previously worn by Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.
He made his debut against Leeds United on Wednesday but a couple of days later and Mount has been in the news for not signing shirts for supporters who waited for him.
A video of the former Derby County man being followed while in a car park at night was uploaded online.
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The England international can be heard telling the group, "You know I ain't signing it" before becoming a little more frustrated and adding, "I haven't signed for the last three days so I don't know why you lot keep coming back".
The 24-year-old received plenty of support as many felt it was not genuine, respectful fans who were asking for items to be signed.
And Mount's new club have backed him over the video, with a statement from United saying these situations of "professional autograph hunters pressuring United's players" has become a regular occurence and a "real frustration" and a "major problem" for the club.
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Mentioning how the behaviour of these organised groups has in turn been impacting the experience young fans desperate to meet their idols, United stressed that "action will definitely start to be taken" if it continues to happen.
A statement read: "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 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.
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"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 return to action on Wednesday when they take on Ligue One side Lyon at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh before Erik ten Hag's men square off against Arsenal at the MetLife Stadium in New, Jersey.
Featured Image Credit: Getty & TikTok/@Icons_4uTopics: Manchester United, Premier League, Mason Mount, Chelsea