Carrick Stays at United as Kane Claims the Ballon d'Or

Michael Carrick will remain at Manchester United, keeping a familiar face at Old Trafford as the club moves forward. The decision settles one of the club's most closely watched questions and gives the squad a measure of continuity.

Elsewhere in the football world, Harry Kane has been named the winner of the Ballon d'Or, the individual award voted on by journalists to recognize the year's best player. It is the biggest personal honour in the men's game, and Kane's name now sits alongside the sport's most decorated players.

The women's prize went to Alexia Putellas, who claimed her third Women's Ballon d'Or. She had already won the award in 2021 and 2022, and this latest success extends her standing as one of the most consistent players of her generation.

Taken together, the day's news mixes a stability decision at one of England's biggest clubs with two of the sport's most prestigious individual honours.