Manchester United have made headlines once again, but this time it's not about their on-pitch heroics. Despite securing a dramatic return to the Champions League, the Red Devils have reportedly cancelled their end-of-season player awards night for the third consecutive year.
The decision comes on the heels of a thrilling 3-2 victory over Liverpool that not only completed United's first league double over their fierce rivals in a decade but also clinched a coveted spot in next season's Champions League. Young star Kobbie Mainoo stole the show with a 77th-minute winner, turning the tide after first-half strikes from Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko were cancelled out by Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo.
Since Michael Carrick took over as interim manager in January, United have been on a remarkable run. With 10 wins under his belt, Carrick has guided the team to the highest points tally in the Premier League during his tenure. The growing calls for him to be handed the job permanently feel increasingly justified, and reports suggest talks could begin soon. "It feels natural," Carrick told reporters after the match, clearly relishing his role.
Yet, despite this resurgence that has United eyeing a third-place finish, the club has opted for a low-key approach to celebrating individual achievements. According to the Daily Mail, the glitzy awards gala at Old Trafford—scrapped in 2024 after an eighth-place finish and again last year following a disappointing 15th place and Europa League final loss to Tottenham—will not return this season.
Instead, personal accolades for both the men's and women's teams will be recognized in a more private setting at Carrington later this month. Sources emphasize that the decision isn't a reflection on a rollercoaster campaign—United's shortest season since World War I, with just 40 games due to their absence from European competitions. It's a move that prioritizes team unity over spectacle, even as the club celebrates its biggest achievement in years: a Champions League return that promises to reignite the fire at Old Trafford.