Man United keep investors in the dark amid takeover uncertainty… while Paul Pogba is testing every cream and supplement in his house as he seeks to fight doping ban – SPORTS AGENDA

• Man United’s owners, the Glazers, are yet to sell the club amidst uncertainty
• Paul Pogba is fighting what could be a career-ending doping ban of four years
•  Sky Sports part company with executive director of development Anna Kessel

In nine of the last 10 years Manchester United have issued their annual financial results in September. However, amid the never-ending takeover saga, there is no sign of this year’s report well into October. Some wonder if the announcement is being delayed to coincide with news on potential new ownership, or whether this is just the latest instance of the Glazer family kicking the can down the road.

United declined to comment but this is another sign of the uncertainty around Old Trafford. Budgets are tight and long-term projects are virtually off the table until clarity arrives. United have forecasted record revenues of £640-650million.

In 2020, investors had to wait until October 21 to see the yearly report, which revealed a £118.1m loss in revenues thanks largely to the coronavirus pandemic. The club still have several weeks to file before the regulatory cut-off.

Manchester United fans have been staging protests against the Glazers at games all season 

Joel and Avram Glazer are the extremley unpopular Co-Chairmen of Manchester United

Sky Sports part ways with Anna Kessel

Anna Kessel has departed Sky Sports after a little over 12 months as their executive director of development. The former Telegraph women’s sport editor was hired in an attempt to diversify at the broadcaster. However managing director Jonathan Licht announced her departure in an email to staff, saying she ‘played a significant part in delivering our progress on and off screen as we have had our most successful year for women’s sport’. It is thought Kessel faced obstacles to the direction and speed in which she wished to move.

A Sky Sports spokesperson described Kessel as ‘a real champion for positive change’ and ‘a valued member of the leadership team’. They added: ‘Our commitment to building a diverse culture remains. She leaves us on good terms and we wish her every success for the future.’

Sela show lights up Newcastle skyline

All smiles on Tyneside after Newcastle’s statement 4-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain as the Champions League returned to a delirious St James’ Park. There was also delight at shirt sponsors Sela, the Saudi events firm who put on a drone show that lit up the skies above the city on two consecutive nights. It is said to have been seen by more than 1billion worldwide. Sela are looking at building a fan village at the stadium as part of their aim to become a force in the UK live events industry.

Sela’s light show lit up the sky above St James’ Park on two consecutive nights this week

World Athletics bans journalists from cheering

World Athletics are drafting new rules for accreditation and Sports Agenda understands they include a ban on journalists ‘cheering or engaging in fan behaviour’. It is to be hoped other sports follow their lead — at Turf Moor on Saturday one media member was badgering Chelsea’s stars for signatures. Meanwhile, a reporter for Qatar-based beIN Sport at Arsenal yesterday was asked to take off a badge featuring the Palestine flag.

Caddy Billy Foster looking worse for wear

The celebrations of Europe’s Ryder Cup players have been well publicised but what of their caddies? Judging by the delicate appearance of Matt Fitzpatrick’s bagman, Billy Foster, it would seem that a well-earned good night was had by all. The Yorkshireman was spotted boarding a flight back to Leeds-Bradford the morning after the night before, with witnesses comparing his look to that of Andrew Flintoff, post-England’s 2005 Ashes victory.

Matt Fitzpatrick’s caddy Billy Foster was spotted boarding an early flight back to England

Emma Hayes doubles up

An impressive move from Emma Hayes at the recent Legends of Football Dinner. A prize of a morning watching the Chelsea women’s boss putting her squad through their paces, followed by lunch, attracted a two-horse race in an auction at the event with a winning bid of £20,000. Quick-thinking Hayes said she was happy to cater for both bidders on separate days, and in an instant doubled the cash raised for charity Nordoff and Robbins.

Paul Pogba searches for defence

Paul Pogba is having every cream and supplement in his house analysed as he seeks a defence to fight what could be a career-ending doping ban of up to four years. The Juventus and former Manchester United midfielder could be charged today, after he was found to have in his system the substance DHEA, which boosts naturally produced testosterone. Pogba, 30, is also having his wife’s supplements tested in case of contamination.

Paul Pogba is trying to fight what could be a career-ending doping ban of up to four years

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