Mason Mount’s Manchester United future is uncertain after a number of injury issues during his Old Trafford career so far, and Michael Carrick’s thoughts on the midfielder are said to be clear

Michael Carrick’s plans for Manchester United midfielder Mason Mount could be clear with the England international facing a big summer.

Carrick’s permanent spell got off to a flying start with a 3-0 win at Brighton & Hove Albion, as the 27-year-old received just his second start since the United great arrived. The Athletic report that the new full-time boss thinks Mount’s positional flexibility will make him an asset to the squad for their quest in four competitions next season.

The former Chelsea man hasn’t managed to hit the heights at Old Trafford since his move from the capital but did strike form under former head coach, Ruben Amorim. But with United qualifying for the Champions League, their calendar next season will be busier and more gruelling, though with Carrick’s hopes for Mount, it poses as a good omen for the 27-year-old.

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Sunday’s outing was just Mount’s seventh under Carrick as he managed just 200 minutes for the club. Injuries and selection problems meant that Carrick’s focus on steering the club denied the midfielder the chance to continue his first-team involvement.

With the new United boss keen to utilise the 27-year-old, it puts to bed the idea of a summer sale this summer. Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville named the 36-time England international as a player that the club could cash in on to raise funds for the summer following their home win against Liverpool.

“Michael Carrick will be very happy tonight but I think he will also be disappointed deep down that they haven’t gone on to win that game 3-0 or 4-0,” he said on his Sky Sports podcast.

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“They should have killed that game and put Liverpool to sleep because they were nowhere near this football match. He’s won the game and that’s the most important thing but Carrick won’t be fooled by some of what he saw in that second half.

“He will know he needs to rebuild the defence and midfield. If you’re going to play 4-4-2, which I am massively in favour of United doing, you have to have two very special players in there and defenders who can play one-on-one.

“You’re asking a lot of the players. I think United need a left-back for next season because Luke Shaw has played every game this year and he may struggle. They need a centre-back, 100%, and they need two midfield players. They are the four priorities right now. They’re the players I would look at adding to this squad.”

He added: “Look, if you could then maybe trade Mason Mount for someone else who maybe can play in and out and can be a bit more flexible across the midfield and forward line then I would say go for a fifth.

“But if you can’t, I would say those four areas are the priority and they’ve got to be top-notch, those players.”

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Canelo Alvarez has said he would only return to 175lbs for one fight, naming a potential opponent with whom he feels there is unfinished business.

The 35-year-old has not fought since losing his super-middleweight titles to Terence Crawford, who moved up two weight classes and claimed a unanimous decision victory last September.

‘Bud’ then announced his retirement several months later, enabling Christian Mbilli to be elevated from ‘interim’ to full WBC champion following his 10-round draw with Lester Martinez.

More significantly, though, the Frenchman has since landed himself a lucrative opportunity against Canelo, who looks to reclaim one of his world titles in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 12.

If he dethrones Mbilli then the Mexican is likely to remain at 168lbs, perhaps with a view to unify the division against either Hamzah Sheeraz or Osleys Iglesias.

He could, however, be tempted by an opportunity at light-heavyweight, especially if it involves a rematch with current unified champion Dmitry Bivol.

The pair squared off in 2022, with Bivol claiming a comprehensive points victory while Canelo, aside from being undersized at the weight, appeared to struggle with the elite technician’s footwork.

Now, Alvarez has told Ring Magazine that he would happily face the 35-year-old in a bid to exact his revenge.

“If I go to 175[lbs], it’s to fight Bivol. Or maybe he [can] come down [to 168lbs].”

While their rematch could potentially materialise in the next year or so, Bivol must first end a 15-month layoff and defeat mandatory challenger Michael Eifert this Saturday.

Bivol is also being targeted by David Benavidez, who currently holds the WBC belt at 175. The undisputed contest may happen in the next twelve months.

Benavidez has also called out Canelo for a long-awaited showdown, though it appears the Mexican’s interest has not changed.

French tennis player Arthur Gea abruptly left the court during his first-round match at the French Open on Sunday after pleading with the chair umpire for an emergency bathroom break. 

The Frenchman, who secured his spot at Roland Garros with a wild-card entry, was trailing Russian tennis pro Karen Khachanov 4-2 in the first set when Gea made a desperate plea with the chair umpire to use the restroom. 

Arthur Gea of France returns a shot to Karen Khachanov of Russia during the first round men’s singles match at the French Open in Paris on May 24, 2026. (Aurelien Morissard/AP)

“I need to go to the bathroom. I can’t move anymore. I’m going to s— on the f—ing court,” Gea said. 

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Bathroom breaks are typically reserved for between sets only. A pair of officials quickly appeared on Court Suzanne-Lenglen and inquired about the “medical reason” for the timeout.

“Yeah, I’m sick,” Gea replied, before clarifying he was suffering from a bout of “diarrhea.” 

A trainer appeared to add that Gea was suffering from “stomach problems.” 

Arthur Gea of France reacts during Day One of the 2026 French Open at Roland Garros in Paris on May 24, 2026. (Marleen Fouchier/BSR Agency/Getty Images)

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His pleas were not enough, and the game continued.

As soon as the ensuing point was played, Gea made a quick exit toward the locker rooms. He said after the match that the umpire allowed him the break because of “medical circumstances” and that he was given some medicine to settle his stomach pain.

He explained that he did not feel ill the previous night but began to feel sick in the morning. 

Arthur Gea of France returns a shot to Karen Khachanov of Russia during the first round of the men’s singles at the French Open in Paris on May 24, 2026. (Aurelien Morissard/AP)

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Gea suffered an early exit, losing to Khachanov in straight sets.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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Jarrod Bowen and Nuno Espirito Santo have refused to rule out a departure from West Ham following their relegation.

Hammers captain Bowen scored in a 3-0 final-day win over Leeds but it was not enough to keep the club in the top flight after Tottenham beat Everton to secure their own survival.

The 29-year-old now may be among a raft of West Ham players, along with manager Nuno, to leave the club in the summer transfer window, visibly emotional as he thanked the fans still inside the London Stadium after full-time.

But when pressed on his future, Bowen insisted it was “disrespectful” to speak on such a matter so soon after the club’s demotion, ending a 14-year stint in the top flight.

“It’s still very, very raw,” he told BBC Sport. “Talking about futures is disrespectful to the club, the fans, everything like that. This club deserves to be in the Premier League. Our aim now is to get this club back into the Premier League.

Asked again, he added: “It’s disrespectful to everyone to start talking about that. I want this club to be in the Premier League. It’s a club that means so much to me and has given me so much so my vision is to get this club back in the Premier League.”

Bowen, who missed out on the England squad for this summer’s World Cup, has recorded 10-plus goals in the past five seasons for West Ham, having joined from Hull in 2019/20.

Nuno echoed Bowen’s stance in regards to future plans, stating that fans “will know” his situation but only at a different time.

“It’s a moment of deep sadness for all of us at the club,” said Nuno. “It was a tough day, we had a tough mission, we lost the privilege of deciding our own future.

“If you ask me now about the past and the future, I don’t think it’s the best days to understand the moment of sadness of our fans, of ourselves, of the club, and apologise and thank them for all of the support they gave us.

“It was a strange season in terms of points, normally 39 I think in the last 10 years or so has given the teams enough to keep safe. We improved, but it’s not enough.”

During any given offseason, the Minnesota Vikings (and 31 other NFL teams) usually have at least one roster cut that prompts the fan base to collectively ask, “Wait, why’d they release that guy?” VikingsTerritory writers are here to predict that man’s identity in 2026.

A handful of recognizable Vikings players could enter dangerous roster territory as Minnesota trims its depth chart this summer.

Roster cuts are still three months away, but this is the list to get you thinking.

Minnesota’s Roster Bubble Has Several Familiar Names

Is unemployment around the bend for these dudes?

1. Zavier Scott | RB

VT Writer: Steve Hoikkala

With the addition of rookie RB Demond Claiborne and FB Max Bredeson, there will be crowded space to make room for a fourth back on the 53-man roster, even after Scott’s promising moments in the 2025 season. Expect the Vikings to try to stash him on the practice squad and have him ready in case of injury this year.

2. Myles Price | WR-KR-PR

VT Writer: Janik Eckardt

Though he looked like an excellent returner, Price made several crucial mistakes over the course of his rookie season. This summer, dynamic rookies Dillon Bell and Demond Claiborne will challenge Price for his spot and come out victorious.

3. Johnny Hekker | P

VT Writer: Ted Schwerzler

I don’t know if it winds up being a big surprise, but Brett Thorson was signed to win the punter job. He offers more long-term upside than the veteran Hekker, and he’ll get his opportunities to push him off the roster.

4. … Nobody This Time

VT Writer: Wes Johnson

The Vikings are a team that has largely missed on the NFL Draft over the past few years, and as a result, they have lacked depth over the past two seasons. That looks to have changed this season, as, by all accounts, they have added intelligently in the draft and through free agency.

While trading the loser of the QB battle is possible, rolling with an undrafted rookie QB at times last season should have left a bad taste in the coaching staff’s mouth, to the point that I would not want to trade my depth at the most important position in football.

t5. Theo Jackson | S

VT Writer: Henrique Gucciardi

I expected a lot more from Jackson as a starter, to be honest. Brian Flores has used a lot of three-safety packages, so maybe Jackson will stick around. However, Jay Ward had some nice moments late in the season. Metellus should be healthier in 2026, Jakobe Thomas will have the opportunity to play on defense, and I’m also buying UDFA Jacob Thomas’s stock.

t5. Theo Jackson | S

VT Writer: Dustin Baker

The Vikings usually keep nine defensive backs on the regular season roster. Because he has not expressly retired, let’s roll with Harrison Smith returning for Year No. 15. That completes this DB room for Brian Flores:

• Byron Murphy Jr. (CB)
• Isaiah Rodgers (CB)
• James Pierre (CB)
• Charles Demmings (CB)
• Harrison Smith (S)
• Joshua Metellus (S)
• Jay Ward (S)
• Jakobe Thomas (S)
• Tavierre Thomas (S)

Jackson is the odd man out.

t6. Tai Felton | WR

VT Writer: Cole Smith

The Jauan Jennings signing signals that Felton isn’t ready to take the next step, and Myles Price offers return ability. That makes me wonder whether the Vikings think they can replace whatever potential he has as WR4 with someone else.

t6. Tai Felton | WR

VT Writer: Brevan Bane

Felton may have had the chance to take the WR3 role before the Jauan Jennings signing; now, he may never get that opportunity. The Vikings letting Felton go before he ever gets a shot would be a “surprise”, but that’s in the name. Perhaps, they’ve seen all they need to see from him in practices and workouts. After all, they have more knowledge of him than we do.

t7. Ivan Pace Jr. | LB

VT Writer: Kyle Joudry

Hate to say Ivan Pace Jr., since I’ve speculated about him being traded away for a while before being wrong for several months now, but it’s hard to ignore Minnesota lessening his workload for consecutive seasons, and then his entire cap charge being able to get wiped off the books with zero dead money. So, I’ll say Mr. Pace, even if I have been wrong a lot here and wish nothing but good things for him.

t7. Ivan Pace Jr. | LB

VT Writer: Adam New

From undrafted to a starter, the fairytale of Pace Jr. has soured. If second-round rookie Jake Golday is an early success, Pace Jr. could slip further down the depth chart, and there is over $3 million to be saved by cutting him. It could become the smart decision.

t7. Ivan Pace Jr. | LB

VT Writer: Ali Siddiqui

The Vikings would save over $3 million by releasing Pace Jr., and they used their second pick on an LB. His role also decreased last year. Too many good linebackers is a wonderful problem. Champagne, even.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

The Chicago Cubs, losers of eight straight, aim to turn around their fortunes during a Memorial Day matinee, as Alex Bregman and the Chicago Cubs take on Brandon Lowe and the Pittsburgh Pirates to begin a four-game series. The Cubs (29-24) are in nightmare mode, mired in an eight-game losing streak after getting swept in six straight at Wrigley to the Brewers and Astros. Pittsburgh (27-26) returns home after a 3-3 road trip to St. Louis and Toronto. Ben Brown (1-2, 2.09 ERA) goes for the Cubs, while the Pirates counter with Carmen Mlodzinski (4-3, 3.96). 

First pitch from PNC Park in Pittsburgh is set for 1:35 p.m. ET. Chicago is a slight -112 favorite on the money line (risk $112 to win $100) while Pittsburgh is at -104 in the latest Cubs vs. Pirates odds. The over/under for total runs is 8. Before making any Pirates vs. Cubs picks, be sure to see the Cubs vs. Pirates predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s proven computer model. 

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The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times, and enters Week 9 of the MLB season on a red-hot 12-1 run on all top-rated MLB picks. It also excelled at making home run prop picks in 2025, returning nearly 30 units of profit. Anybody following its MLB betting picks at sportsbooks and on betting sites could have seen strong returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Cubs vs. Pirates and just locked in its picks and MLB predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several MLB odds and betting lines for Pirates vs. Cubs:

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Top Cubs vs. Pirates predictions 

After 10,000 simulations of Pirates vs. Cubs, the model is going Over 8 combined runs. For over/under betting, the Under had hit in four straight Cubs games before their 8-5 loss on Sunday to the Astros. But the Over is healthy 10-5 (66.7%) for Pirates home games when the line is 8 or 8.5. The Over hit twice in a three-game series between these sides earlier this season. 

SportsLine’s model projects 1.6 total bases or more for the Cubs’ Bregman, Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong. The Pirates, meanwhile, are projected to get over 1.5 total bases or more from Lowe, Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds. The model projects 9.2 combined runs as the Over hits in 54% of simulations. Get the Cubs vs. Pirates money-line pick at SportsLine.

How to make Pirates vs. Cubs picks

After simulating every pitch of Pirates vs. Cubs 10,000 times, the model also says one side of the money line has all the value. You can get that pick at SportsLine.

So who wins Cubs vs. Pirates, and which side of the money line has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its MLB picks, and find out.

Pep Guardiola fought back tears on the sideline as he brought 10 years at Manchester City to an end.

His final game ended in a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa on a day charged with emotion as he said goodbye to the fans he gave so much joy during a decade of dominance in English soccer.

“I never could have imagined the amount of love I’ve found,” said Guardiola, standing in the centre of the field at the Etihad Stadium and addressing the crowd on Sunday.

“It is an incredible, tremendous honor to be your manager, to be here 10 years.” 
The tears started long before the final whistle, with Guardiola welling up and rubbing his eyes as two of his most loyal servants, Bernardo Silva and John Stones, also said farewell and were given guards of honor when substituted in the second half.

Then it was his turn to receive a guard of honour of his own.

“This is the man who changed everything,” the stadium announcer said as Guardiola ran onto the field wearing khakis and a cream T-shirt, with fans cheering wildly.

“10 more years,” they chanted, prompting Guardiola to shake his head in defiance.

After 17 major trophies and records galore, on Friday he confirmed he could do no more. After turning City into the most dominant Premier League team of its generation and a champion of Europe for the first time, he said the time was right to hand over the reins.

“I will not miss it for a while,” he said on Sunday. “I feel deeply… it is the right decision.” 
Guardiola’s day 
Former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca, who won the Club World Cup last year, is favorite to take over with an announcement possibly in the coming week.

Guardiola did not confirm his replacement, but said he would call his successor to offer advice.

“Be yourself… be free with your ideas and work a lot. Everything will be fine,” he said.

That is for another day. This day was about Guardiola and the chance for supporters to show their appreciation.

“He means everything to me and this club. It’s absolutely brilliant what he’s done for it,” City fan Fred Taylor, 82, told The Associated Press.

“I can’t think of another manager that’s done what he’s done in the 10-year period he’s been here.” 
Guardiola joined City in the summer of 2016 and has led the Abu Dhabi-owned team to six Premier League titles and a first Champions League crown in 2023.

“That’s what we always wanted … we’d never done it,” said Taylor.

“That was probably the highlight of his tenure.” 
Guardiola’s trophy haul included a domestic double this season of the English League Cup and the FA Cup. He led City to the treble in 2023, winning the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup – matching Manchester United’s feat from more than 20 years earlier in 1999.

First to 100 points 
There were other benchmarks. City became the first team to win four straight English leagues and the first to amass 100 points in a single season in 2018. The following year City was the first team to win the domestic treble of the league, FA Cup and League Cup in the same season.

Those are big shoes to fill, but Guardiola said expectations of his successor should be realistic.

“Fans don’t forget that winning the treble, doubles is exceptional,” he said.

“It is so difficult, this business is so complicated. That’s why when you come here, you win one game, here in the Etihad – enjoy it. Celebrate it.” 
More than just trophies, Guardiola has connected with City fans, telling them Sunday to hug him if they ever see him in the future, saying “I will need it.” 
“It’s hard to describe, it’s someone you don’t actually know, but you feel like you do know,” City fan Richard Wilbourn said.

“When I heard the news (he was leaving) I got a bit emotional. What he’s done for the club has been absolutely unreal, and it’s something that we’ve never seen in our lifetime.

“Growing up through my mid-20s to mid-30s (he’s been) a massive part of my life.” 
City has honoured Guardiola by naming its newly developed north stand after him. He will also take up a role as global ambassador.

“I’m sad he’s leaving, but I think he’s leaving at the right time,” said Taylor.

“He’s done everything and he can’t go any further in this club, but I think he’s done brilliant and I wish him all the best.