Man Utd may be forced into awkward Mason Mount conversation due to Michael Olise

If Manchester United can pull off the blockbuster signing of Michael Olise this summer, a ripple effect would be felt among the current squad and the Red Devils may need to have an awkward conversation with Mason Mount especially.

United are among the interested parties wanting to pay Olise’s £60million release clause this summer, though Chelsea are thought to be leading the race having already agreed personal terms with the French winger.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS hierarchy are pressing ahead with plans to sell both Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood this summer, which would present a clearer path to Olise, though an early issue has arisen if United gazump Chelsea.

In Olise’s first season as a regular in Reading’s senior team he was handed the No. 7 jersey, the same number he picked when making the jump to the Premier League with Palace. He has spent three years at Selhurst Park with the famed number on the back of his shirt and may wish to keep it at his next club.

United’s number sevens have been iconic with Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham and Eric Cantona among the stars to have donned the kit, which had been vacant at Old Trafford following the Portuguese striker’s exit to Saudi Arabia last year.

However, it was quickly snapped up when Mount joined from Chelsea for £55m, and the midfielder was delighted to follow the footsteps of some of football’s greatest players.

“I know the history and understand the responsibility that comes with this shirt,” Mount wrote on Instagram after his United unveiling. “The most important for me is to gain your trust and I will work hard to do that. I won’t let you down Reds!”

However, Mount struggled to live up to the weight of the jersey in his first season at the club. Riddled with injuries, the 25-year-old made just 14 league appearances and bagged the sole goal in a 1-1 draw away to Brentford in March.

Even though Mount began life at United with an underwhelming campaign, stripping him of the seven jersey to appease Olise would be seen as extremely harsh. However, one of Mount or Olise may have to go without their favoured shirt number.

Mount could be set for a resurgence next season, potentially alongside Olise if their shirt number issue can be resolved, as the Manchester Evening News claim that INEOS see the 36-cap England man as a key figure going forward.

An end-of-season review pinpointed Mount as the biggest disappointment of the season and he could be set for a very uncomfortable conversation with United’s chiefs if Olise demands to keep his current shirt number.