Manchester United's questionable £55m transfer decision is ageing badly

Thirty-eight. That is how many matches Mason Mount will have been absent for by the time Manchester United's Europa League clash with Fenerbahce draws to a close on Thursday evening.

The midfielder is currently out with a knock and, including tonight's game, will have missed four matches. The specifics of his injury, however, have been kept under wraps.

Mount was forced off with a head injury in his last appearance, leaving the field in the closing stages of the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on September 29. However, it was later confirmed he had encountered a separate issue.

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Speaking ahead of Thursday night's clash with Fenerbahce in the Europa League, United manager Erik ten Hag said: "I think it is a bit longer [to wait until Mount is available], that's what we expected. I think he will be back soon."

Signed for an initial fee of £55million in July 2023, Mount has made just 25 competitive appearances in United colours. His first season at Old Trafford was plagued by injury issues, resulting in him being limited to just 20 appearances.

According to injury data available, Mount missed more than 140 days of last season, missing 31 matches in total. His longest period of absence was between November and March, in which he took four months to recover from a calf injury.

Nevertheless, United viewed last season as a false start to Mount's Old Trafford career, optimistic he would turn his fortunes around this season.

However, just over two months into this campaign, Mount is already spending more time in the treatment room than on the pitch. Tonight's Europa League tussle will