Belated though it may have been, Manchester United's comeback win against Aston Villa on Boxing Day was the perfect Christmas present for their fans.

And few cherished the 3-2 win more than Jonny Evans' nine-year-old daughter Lottie, who enjoyed a Boxing Day to remember.

Barcelona’s ongoing financial problems continue to be incredibly concerning in the offices of the Catalan giants. Work is being done to address this, although it has been slow progress in recent months – it means that drastic steps could be taken in next summer’s transfer window.

Toni Kroos has the topic of much discussion in recent weeks. It comes because he will soon be entering the final six months of his contract, which expires at the end of the season. Real Madrid are desperate to retain him, although it is far from guaranteed that he will stay beyond next summer.

British football's Boxing Day tradition has acquired a mythological reputation over the years.

Sam Allison will become the first black referee to officiate in the Premier League for 15 years when Sheffield United host Luton Town this afternoon.

Arsenal failed to win the Premier League title after topping the table on December 25 last season, becoming the 15th team to do so... but as they lead the way once again, is being top at Christmas a blessing or curse?

Season, Top at Christmas, Premier League winners.

1992-93, Norwich, Manchester United. 

1993-94,Manchester United, Manchester United.

1994-95, Blackburn, Blackburn.

1995-96, Newcastle, Manchester United

1996-97, Liverpool, Manchester United.

1997-98, Manchester United, Arsenal

1998-99, Aston Villa, Manchester United

1999-00, Leeds, Manchester United

2000-01, Manchester United, Manchester United.

2001-02, Newcastle, Arsenal.

2002-03, Arsenal, Manchester United

2003-04, Manchester United, Arsenal.

2004-05, Chelsea, Chelsea

2005-06, Chelsea, Chelsea.

2006-07, Manchester United, Manchester United.

2007-08, Arsenal, Manchester United

2008-09, Liverpool, Manchester United

2009-10, Chelsea, Chelsea.

2010-11, Manchester United, Manchester United

2011-12, Manchester City, Manchester City

2012-13, Manchester United, Manchester United

2013-14, Liverpool, Manchester City

2014-15, Chelsea, Chelsea

2015-16, Leicester, Leicester

2016-17, Chelsea, Chelsea.

2017-18, Manchester City, Manchester City.

2018-19, Liverpool, Manchester City

2019-20, Liverpool, Liverpool

2020-21, Liverpool,  Manchester City 

2021-22, Manchester City, Manchester City 

2022-23, Arsenal,  Manchester City 

2023-24 Arsenal

Sir Dave Brailsford is set to play a major part in the next chapter of Man United after Sir Jim Ratcliffe's takeover.

Ratcliffe took a 25 per cent stake at United on Christmas Eve - subject to ratification from the Premier League - and has plenty on his plate as he prepares to take control of football operations of a team down in eighth place in the Premier League table.

Barcelona are in the process of planning their squad for next season, and while recent summers have shown that those plans do not always come off, they have made their mind up on one of their promising defenders. On loan at Girona, Eric Garcia may well have played his last game for the club.

Despite having two of their central defenders injured Real Madrid are still not interested in Carlo Ancelotti choice of center back to replace David Alaba and Eder Militao