Mason Mount is set for another extended spell on the sidelines, adding to his challenging first season at Manchester United. The former Chelsea midfielder, who joined the club in July last year, has struggled with inconsistent form and recurring injuries since his arrival at Old Trafford.

The England international has made just 32 appearances for United, scoring only one goal and starting in nine Premier League matches. His latest setback came during the Manchester derby last week, where he was forced off early in United’s 2-1 victory.

Manager Ruben Amorim confirmed that the 25-year-old would be out for “several weeks” and expressed his frustration over the situation.

“I don’t know the exact date, but it’s going to be for a long time,” Amorim said. “It’s part of football, and we continue.”

Amorim added that he plans to support Mount during his recovery, focusing on helping him adapt to United’s style of play even while sidelined.

“What I can do is help Mase learn more about our game while he’s recovering,” Amorim explained. “We’ll use this time for him to reflect and prepare mentally. The tough part is not having enough time for proper team training when players are recovering because of our busy schedule.”

Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford will be available for Sunday’s home match against Bournemouth after missing the games against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. Amorim clarified that Rashford’s absence was not due to a disciplinary issue, despite the player recently hinting at seeking “a new challenge” in an interview about his future at United.

Despite United’s current position at 13th in the Premier League, Amorim remains optimistic about the team’s progress under his management since replacing Erik ten Hag last month.

“I think we are improving in the final third,” he said. “In some games, we were near the opponent’s box but lacked a real threat. Against Tottenham, you could see we’re creating more opportunities, shooting, and showing more physicality.

“Our pressing has improved, and the team’s understanding of the game is better. I can see us controlling matches more effectively.”

Amorim’s focus on building cohesion and improving performance will be critical as United navigate their challenging season with key players like Mount sidelined.

Former boxing world champion Thierry Jacob has passed away at the age of 59, as announced by Natacha Bouchart, the mayor of his hometown, Calais, on Friday.

Jacob etched his name in boxing history in 1992 when he won the WBC super-bantamweight title by defeating Mexico's Daniel Zaragoza in an unforgettable bout before an enthusiastic home crowd in Calais.

“This morning begins with heartbreaking news. Thierry Jacob has left us, far too soon,” Mayor Bouchart shared on Facebook.

Turning professional in 1984, Jacob enjoyed a decade-long career in the ring, amassing an impressive record of 39 wins and six losses. However, his reign as WBC champion was brief, as he lost the title in his first defense to American Tracy Harris Patterson in New York.

Continuing the family legacy, Jacob’s son, Romain Jacob, also pursued a boxing career, achieving success by winning the European super featherweight title in 2014.

Jacob’s passing marks a significant loss for the world of boxing and his community, where he remains a celebrated figure.

A Paris court on Thursday sentenced Mathias Pogba, brother of French midfielder Paul Pogba, to three years in prison with two years suspended in a high-profile extortion case.

Mathias Pogba will serve his one-year custodial sentence under electronic monitoring instead of in jail.

The court also imposed a €20,000 fine on Mathias for his role in attempting to extort €13 million ($13.5 million) from Paul Pogba in 2022. He was found guilty of exerting pressure on the footballer, his family, and business associates to secure the payment.

The US-based Friedkin Group has officially completed its takeover of Everton, the Premier League club announced on Thursday. The acquisition was made through Roundhouse Capital Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of the Friedkin Group, marking Everton as the 10th Premier League club under majority American ownership.

The Premier League confirmed that the Friedkin Group now holds a 98.8% stake in the club. This follows Everton’s September announcement of the agreement to purchase Farhad Moshiri’s majority stake, pending regulatory approval, which has now been granted by the Premier League, the Women’s Professional Leagues Limited, the Football Association, and the Financial Conduct Authority.

The deal, valued at over £400 million ($506 million) according to the BBC, is led by Dan Friedkin, chairman of the Texas-based group, which also owns Italian Serie A team AS Roma. Friedkin’s net worth is estimated at £6.16 billion, as per Forbes.

Everton, currently 16th in the Premier League and three points above the relegation zone, has faced significant financial challenges. The club was penalized twice under the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules in the last 13 months, resulting in a total deduction of eight points last season. Between 2019 and 2023, Everton reported losses nearing £400 million ($534 million).

Despite interest from other American firms, including 777 Partners and Crystal Palace shareholder John Textor, the Friedkin Group finalized the deal, securing the future of one of England’s most historic clubs.

The takeover comes at a pivotal moment for Everton, as they near completion of their new stadium, set to replace Goodison Park, the club’s home since 1892.

Everton, which has remained in the English top flight for 70 years, boasts a storied history with nine league titles, trailing only Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City. However, their last league title came in the 1986/87 season, and they have not secured a major trophy since winning the FA Cup in 1995.

The Friedkin Group’s acquisition signals a new chapter for the Toffees as they aim to stabilize their finances, improve performances, and build on their rich legacy.

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