The Debate: Mount will lap up Reds support
With Manchester United's pre-season officially underway, Erik ten Hag's side are just days away from taking to the pitch for the first time in 2023/24.
Set to take on Leeds United in Oslo on Wednesday, United will soon travel to the United States for four pre-season encounters, with Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund all still to come.
Heading Stateside for the first time since 2018, this week's The Debate panel discussed how our global fanbase are unmatched in terms of their support, with the sheer magnitude often a real eye-opener whilst away from M16.
Heading Stateside for the first time since 2018, this week's The Debate panel discussed how our global fanbase are unmatched in terms of their support, with the sheer magnitude often a real eye-opener whilst away from M16.
'It's a totally different world!' Video
'It's a totally different world!'
The Debate panel discuss the Reds' unwavering support across the globe, as our pre-season journey edges ever closer...
ESPN's Rob Dawson discussed how enjoyable it is to see how much United means to so many across the globe, with supporters often turning up in their droves to catch a mere glimpse of our players.
''It's still always an opportunity to see how big the football club is. Obviously living in Manchester and covering the club, you're very close to it, but it's only when you go away to these place whether it's America or in the Far East, you actually see the size of the fan base.
''And it's not just us. You know, when new signings arrive, it'll be interesting to hear what Mason [Mount] has to say when he gets there, because more often than not, new signings say that it was the first chance really to actually see how big a football club it is when you go to places like America or Singapore and there are thousands of fans waiting in the lobby of your hotel.''
''It's still always an opportunity to see how big the football club is. Obviously living in Manchester and covering the club, you're very close to it, but it's only when you go away to these place whether it's America or in the Far East, you actually see the size of the fan base.
''And it's not just us. You know, when new signings arrive, it'll be interesting to hear what Mason [Mount] has to say when he gets there, because more often than not, new signings say that it was the first chance really to actually see how big a football club it is when you go to places like America or Singapore and there are thousands of fans waiting in the lobby of your hotel.''
Ten Hag's squad will move quickly through the US in a short ten-day stint, playing in New Jersey, San Diego, Houston and Las Vegas along the way this summer.
Treble winner and MUTV regular David May also provided key insight as to how the experience shapes a player, recalling memories of his time spent on pre-season with the Reds.
Treble winner and MUTV regular David May also provided key insight as to how the experience shapes a player, recalling memories of his time spent on pre-season with the Reds.
Mason Mount | The signing interview Video
Mason Mount | The signing interview
🎬 SIGNING INTERVIEW | Watch all of Mason Mount’s conversation with Helen Evans, after the completion of his transfer…
''My first pre-season tour away was Malaysia and it was like 2000 people in the foyer just waiting,'' began the former Reds defender. ''We was not allowed to go down to reception because of it.
''And as Rob just said there, Mason Mount won't have a clue what it's like joining Manchester United. It is a totally different world for him and he will realise, wow, how big this club is and hopefully he steps into that.
''Some people don't and it often becomes too big for them. But Mason Mount's the type of player that will absolutely lap it up. I'm sure he will.''
''And as Rob just said there, Mason Mount won't have a clue what it's like joining Manchester United. It is a totally different world for him and he will realise, wow, how big this club is and hopefully he steps into that.
''Some people don't and it often becomes too big for them. But Mason Mount's the type of player that will absolutely lap it up. I'm sure he will.''