Football Daily Christmas Awards 2025: Liverpool's Big Spending, Manchester United's Turmoil, and More
Published on Wednesday 17 December 2025, the fourth Football Daily Christmas Awards highlighted key events and narratives of the season across British and international football.
Liverpool, following their Premier League triumph, plan to invest nearly half a billion pounds in new signings including targets Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitiké. Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have both reportedly renewed their contracts, reinforcing the squad for future challenges.
In contrast, Manchester United under Sir Jim Ratcliffe continue to face instability with rising debt, staff reductions, asset disposals, and ambitious redevelopment plans for Old Trafford described critically as an 'outsize circus tent'. Meanwhile, Ruben Amórim's United team experienced fluctuating form, notably losing a final to Tottenham Hotspur, which led to public criticism.
Aston Villa narrowly missed returning to a major cup competition due to VAR decisions on the final day. Under the stewardship of Unai Emery, their squad was trimmed in line with profit-and-sustainability rules. Additionally, Peterborough United clinched the Freight Rover Trophy at Wembley.
Brendan Rodgers' tenure at Celtic was metaphorically characterized as a Honda Civic chasing a Ferrari before his dismissal following a loss to Dundee. A postscript referenced Wilfried Zaha, though details were minimal.
Scotland's World Cup campaign was celebrated as an extraordinary feelgood story despite ending in elimination as one of the best third-placed teams. Their group results included a loss to Haiti, a draw with Morocco, and a win over Brazil highlighted by an early goal from Robertson.
On the women's side, Chloe Kelly was lauded as England's player of the tournament at Euro 2025 for her winning penalty and decisive late contributions across multiple matches.
Furthermore, Laura Harvey of Seattle Reign embraced AI technology by consulting ChatGPT to switch her team's formation to a back five. This tactical change helped Seattle rebound from second-bottom the previous season to finish fifth in the NWSL.
