Ben Chilwell might not want team-mate and close friend Mason Mount to move to Old Trafford this summer but has admitted he used to support Manchester United as a youngster.
United have agreed personal terms with England international Mount, with him still yet to agree a new contract at Stamford Bridge. His deal at Chelsea is poised to run out next summer so this upcoming transfer window is realistically the last chance the London side has to secure a substantial fee for the 24-year-old.
It remains to be seen what price United and Chelsea can agree for Mount, who came through the youth team ranks at Stamford Bridge. Mount could be one of several high-profile departures at Chelsea this summer as the club seeks to recoup funds after a heavy outlay in the past two transfer windows.
Mount was asked about joining United earlier this month when at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. However, he kept his cards close to his chest and was focused on enjoying the Formula 1 race.
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Chilwell made it clear that he wants Mount, his best friend, to remain at Stamford Bridge. He accompanied the midfielder to Catalonia to watch the action on the track, which was won by Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
He said: "I mean, that's none of my business personally, but I'd love him to stay. He's my best mate, so personally I would love him to stay. But, it's none of my business - I can't really comment on that."
But though Chilwell does not want Mount to head to Old Trafford, he used to go there as a boy. He has opened up on backing the Reds as a child and recalled making the long journey to the North West to watch United.
He told Chelsea's club website: "I used to go to Man United games, funnily enough, with my dad, who supported them. The first one, I can’t remember who it was against, but it was a Man United game. We always used to go to the Champions League ones after school, so it would have been a Champions League game at Old Trafford, that’s the first one I remember. Having your first one in the Champions League is pretty good.
"We used to go by train, we would have to take about four different trains, straight from school, and just about make it for kick-off, then get about four different trains on the way home as well, get home for one o’clock in the morning, straight in to school the next morning again, but they were brilliant memories.
"It’s nights like that which make you fall in love with football. Going straight from school, six- or seven-hour round trip, just to go and watch a game. Just being starstruck and in awe of all the players, that’s the kind of night which makes you love football I guess.
"I was focused all on the pitch, trying to find my favourite players at the time and just seeing them in person was crazy. Just the feeling of awe at the position they were in and looking up to them like gods.
"Of course the atmosphere’s amazing, but I was definitely one of those people focused on the pitch and the players."
A Manchester Evening News special souvenir edition - Fergie's First - charts United's 1992/93 title-winning campaign and you can get your hands on one here
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