INSide
YOUR MATCH PROGRAMME
HEAD COACH’S COLUMN
TALK OF THE TERRACE
CAPTAIN’S COLUMN
LEAH GALTON EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
PLAYER PROFILES
FAN MESSAGES
RACHEL WILLIAMS POSTER
TOONE’S 200 IN PICTURES
THE OPPOSITION
JUNIOR REDS
STATS AT THE BACK ADDED-TIME QUIZ
MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB
Co-chairmen Joel Glazer, Avram Glazer
Directors Bryan Glazer, Kevin Glazer, Edward Glazer, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Michael Edelson, Sir Alex Ferguson, David Gill CBE, Omar Berrada, Sir Dave Brailsford Secretary Rebecca Britain
Honorary president Martin Edwards
MATCH PROGRAMME TEAM
Editor Charlie Ghagan Contributors Mikey Partington, Helen Rowe-Willcocks, Sean Mullan, Jamie Spencer, Sam Carney, Matt Brown Design Tom Chase
Photography Poppy Townson, Ash Donelon, Zohaib Alam, Getty, Alamy Thanks to Ellie Decrop, Paul Davies, John Shiel, Mark Froggatt Printed by MuPrint.com © Manchester United 2025
SKINNER Marc
KEEPING UP THE INTENSITY IS THE NAME OF THE GAME TODAY, AND YOUR SUPPORT CAN GIVE THE TEAM THAT EXTRA PUSH TOWARDS THE THREE POINTS...
As we return to Leigh for our latest WSL fixture, I’m so proud of the players for how they performed in our last one, right after the international break.
Against Brighton they really showed character, to be resilient and to press until the final whistle. There were parts of the game that we needed to work on and tidy up but we also showed some exceptional bits of quality in the win.
Our fans were amazing too – it was like being at home and we could feel your energy throughout. It certainly gave us that extra push we needed.
I’d like to take a minute to mention Hannah Blundell, as it was so good to see her back out on the pitch. Hannah has been training hard and after seeing her pull on the shirt in an Under-21s game earlier in the season, it was great to give her the shout to come on last weekend.
She is an incredible person, mother and footballer and I am very proud of her. Going into today’s game, we want to keep the intensity up. We have created a fortress here in Leigh but we know how good Aston Villa can be. They have had some good results already this season but we are ready to build on the fantastic momentum we have. Finally, I’d just like to say it was an honour and a privilege to be named the Matt Beard Women’s Manager of the Season at the North-West Football Awards on Monday. I spoke about it on the night, but it is even more of an honour to win an award named after such a fantastic human. I will always keep him in my memory and the award is sitting pride of place on my desk.
Terrace TAlk ofthe
ALL THE PRE-MATCH CHAT AHEAD OF
It’s good to be back home for the visit of Aston Villa. We’ve seen the Reds win on Merseyside, in Madrid and at Brighton since our last Leigh outing… We’ve certainly enjoyed our travels over the last few weeks and kudos if you managed to make the trip to all three! United are back on familiar ground today though and looking to continue a run of results that has seen us triumph away three times since we were last here exactly a month ago. Last weekend’s narrow 3-2 win over the Seagulls wasn’t our
best display of the season by any stretch, coming straight after October’s international break and with Marc Skinner’s squad back together for just one day of training before it, but the Reds importantly secured the WSL points and were again able to show the resilience and quality that your incredible support has deserved so far this season.
There are many players performing well, but can we talk about Jess Park? Our summer signing from Manchester City was electric again last weekend… Jess is looking right at home, isn’t she? It was great to see her back on the pitch at Brighton, after missing the trip to Madrid and withdrawing from England duty over the recent break due to a delayed concussion, sustained after our win at Everton. The WSL’s reigning Player of the Month came off the bench to score twice in that game against the Toffees and took her goal tally for the season up to four with a brilliant left-footed strike at Brighton, before assisting Lisa Naalsund’s late – and, in the end, crucial – finish on the south coast. Jess has been a real joy to watch since her deadline-day move and she’s been linking up exceptionally well with her former City youth team-mate, and fellow midfield maestro, Ella Toone, who seems to be enjoying Park’s presence as much as anyone. Here’s to another shining contribution today!
Toone and Park have been combining brilliantly in attack in recent games
Hopefully Jess can get back in an England shirt soon. As for the international break, there were some proud moments for our players on duty... Not least for young duo Mared Griffiths and Scarlett Hill, who returned to the club after a camp to remember with Wales. On her first senior start and second cap, 18-year-old midfielder Griffiths – who memorably netted twice on her one United appearance to date away to Wolves earlier this year – opened her international goalscoring account at the top level with an impressive chipped finish against Australia, before fellow teen and defender Hill – still to make her Reds bow –came on late in the game for her first-team debut. Elsewhere, Julia Zigiotti Olme played her 50th match for Sweden, although her side suffered defeat in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals, to Spain. France were also knocked out by Germany, despite a goal for Melvine Malard, one of 15 Reds to get minutes over the course of a busy break.
parkhasbeen ajoytowatch, andtoone seems tobeenjoying herpresenceas muchasanyone
How about those that weren’t called up, they must have got some good work in back at Carrington?
It was a really important couple of weeks for a number of players that stayed back here in Manchester, including early-season absentees Simi Awujo, and Leah Galton, who was able to keep building her fitness up after a delayed start to the season (turn to p14 for more of an insight on the break from Leah, in an exclusive interview). Unfortunately, illness ruled Galton out of action last Sunday, while an ongoing back issue sidelined Celin Bizet Donnum, but it was amazing to see Hannah Blundell get her first minutes back in the team since May 2024, after giving birth to
With tomorrow being Remembrance Sunday, the players will pay their respects ahead of today’s game, as well as wearing poppies on their shirts
Griffiths made headlines with her goal for Wales
baby Romi. The full-back could build on that proud appearance today, while having Bizet Donnum and Galton back as soon as possible will also be a hope for Skinner, in what is a seismic November for his team.
It’s an exciting month for United, with this Villa clash to come before Champions League ties against PSG and Wolfsburg, either side of a WSL Manchester derby... There are huge games everywhere you look, but one thing for sure is that United’s focus will not be on anything other than the one in front of us today, against Villa. This is a fixture we dropped points in last season after a 0-0 draw here in Leigh, almost a year ago to the day, and avoiding that fate again will be the aim as we look to keep pace with the leading pack at the top of the table. Skinner’s side enter the weekend third in the table, just a point behind second-placed City and two back from leaders Chelsea, while Spurs (15 points) and Arsenal (14 points) are breathing down our neck just outside the three European places.
What can we expect from Villa? We won our last meeting 4-0 on their patch in March, but things have turned around for the Villans since then… That’s right. Since March’s encounter at Villa
Park, today’s visitors have lost just one of their last 11 WSL matches either side of the summer break. At the time, they were just a point above the relegation zone, but a five-game winning run emphatically steered them to a top-half finish in 2024/25, and they’ve carried their solid (if not winning) form over to this term. Villa might only have one victory in the league in ’25/26, but they have only lost to Chelsea in their opening six WSL fixtures, drawing four times. Natalia Arroyo’s side are tough to beat and have kept more clean sheets already this WSL season (three) than they did in the whole of last term (two), so this is a big challenge for United and we’ll need to be ready right from the off. Let’s get right behind our Reds as we aim to pick up three more important points.●
Today’s teams last met in March at Villa Park, with United winning the WSL contest
Bizet Donnum is one player to have missed our win at Brighton
Jon spent six years with the Reds, and was always a popular figure at Carrington
REST IN PEACE, JON PARK’S PRIZES
Thoughts remain with the loved ones of our former kitman and good friend
Everyone at Manchester United Women was saddened last month as we learned about the loss of our friend and former kitman Jon Humble, who passed away at the age of 44 after a short illness.
Jon was part of the club’s kit staff for six years, most recently as women’s kit lead, before leaving in August for a new role at Liverpool. He was loved by everyone in the women’s team – many of whom posted personal tributes to him – and he will be missed by his many friends and colleagues across the WSL.
“Jon was an incredible human,” said
head coach Marc Skinner during a recent press conference. “He had the most attention to detail, he was a brilliant ambassador for kit people in general, he just ran it like it was an organisation. I never met anybody that didn’t love Jon, so it’s a big hit for us and a big hit for Liverpool, I’m sure. He won’t be forgotten at United, he will be forever remembered.”
Jon also worked with our boys’ Academy and many others at Carrington, who have grieved his passing since the tragic news. The club has reached out to Jon’s family to offer support, while our thoughts remain with his loved ones.
Jess Park’s impressive October form saw the flourishing summer signing win both the club’s and the WSL’s Player of the Month awards. Park claimed the league-wide prize after being named the Reds’ standout performer in the league draw with Chelsea and win at Everton, before making it a double by topping our fans’ poll, which also considered her efforts in the historic Champions League win over Valerenga. The second of her two goals in the month, both away to Everton, also made our Goal of the Month shortlist, but Anna Sandberg’s half-volley against Chelsea was the supporters’ choice for that accolade.
WEDNESDAY AT OLD TRAFFORD...
As you’re almost certainly of aware by now, in four days’ time we have a rather important match taking place: the visit of Paris Saint-Germain to Old Trafford in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. It’s all set to be a blockbuster night under the lights in the league-phase fixture, and if you haven’t yet secured your ticket, simply scan the QR code below for the latest availability for the 8pm kick-off. Hospitality packages and new matchday tours are also available via the code. Wherever you’re sat, we hope to see you there in M16!
Jess shows off her WSL POTM award
Official Electrical Styling Partner of Manchester United
Maya THE CAPTAIN
THERE WERE POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES FROM THE BRIGHTON GAME, BUT THE WIN MATTERS MOST, AND WE ALL WANT TO SEE ANOTHER ONE TODAY...
Welcome back to Leigh – it’s good to be here after a month away!
I love playing at our home stadium, and I love coming back into Carrington following an international break. It’s good to see everyone and hear about what we’ve all been up to. From a football point of view, it’s always a really quick turnaround and it can be hard when everyone has been away and playing different styles of football while on international camps, but it’s a challenge we’re all used to.
We’re glad we could reward you travelling fans with a win after the international break
I was really pleased with the three points from the Brighton game. It was a tough match – it always is at Brighton – but we scored three good goals and had some other nice moments. But we learnt a lot from the game too: we know we need to be cleaner on the ball, we want to work on our transitions more, and we want to try and stop opposition counterattacks. We also know we can be a bit more aggressive in our press, but these are all things we can work on together in training.
It wasn’t always pretty football, but these are the games we definitely need to win to keep competing at the top and fighting for the title. It’s always a good feeling when we know we haven’t been at our best but still manage to get the win. Three more points will be the priority against Aston Villa today, of course, but hopefully we can put in a strong performance as well.
LG
S
OLD
TRAFFORD IS THE SETTING AS LEAH GALTON JOINS US DURING THE INTERNATIONAL BREAK. WHETHER
IT’S TAKING INSPIRATION FROM TOONEY’S 200, HER IMPRESSIVE RECORD v VILLA, OR FULFILLING UWCL DREAMS, SHE’S POINTING AHEAD WITH POSITIVITY...
Interview Mikey Partington
Leah, it must have felt good to have got back out on the pitch over the last few weeks…
Yeah, it’s been a long time coming. I was out for a little bit of time, and I think it feels longer now I’m back –I went into the first game [away to Everton] and the intensity was up here [gestures to the sky]. But it was good to get back with the girls and find my feet again.
Are you a good spectator when you’re not playing?
No, I’m terrible! You should see me in front of the TV… screaming, throwing stuff [laughs]. I’m usually in those moments myself so I can’t throw my anger out.
We’ve seen you watching the action at our games while you’ve been out injured – you even did an interview in the middle of one of them! Yeah, they panned it from across the stadium, so I had to stand on the touchline – that was very interesting!
Well, we prefer to see you on the pitch, and you’ve made quite an impact since coming back. You did
FULL NAME Leah Danielle Galton
DATE OF BIRTH 24 May 1994
PLACE OF BIRTH
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
POSITION Winger
YOUTH CAREER
Knaresborough Celtic, Harrogate Railway, Leeds United
SENIOR CAREER
2010-12 Leeds United 38 games, 9 goals
2016-17 Sky Blue FC (New Jersey)
30 games, 5 goals
2018 Bayern Munich
2 games, 0 goals
2018- Manchester United 164 games, 44 goals
INTERNATIONAL CAREER England U15, U17, U19 level
the hard work for Jess Park’s second goal on your comeback at Everton, and you were the player tackled to force Atletico’s red card in Madrid... Oh god, yeah – I don’t mind what form I contribute, as long as we get the win for the team. That was the main part for the Madrid game. I sat there hoping I was going to get on, but the game went on a different course to what we thought it would go with the red card [for Dom Janssen], and we had to change formation. We had to tighten up because we were a player down and I remember Dan [Bale, assistant coach] just saying: ‘Are you ready?’ I was like: ‘Of course, I’m ready for whatever you need me for.’ But I really enjoyed that game, it was a good game for me to come into and help the girls out. Obviously, they’d been running around, and we’ve had a lot of fixtures, so everyone’s got tired legs. It was nice to be fresh, on the pitch and to know my job – and I think I did my job.
Just going back to your comeback at Everton, you admitted to being very tired after the game – for those of us who aren’t footballers, can you explain what it’s like for a player who has been out to come back and try to build up sharpness? It’s hard, and it’s even more difficult because we have so many fixtures, so we don’t have a constant training pattern we follow. We have to be careful with how much loading we have, so I’m trying to do extra bits here and there to get my fitness back. And obviously sharpness comes from games, but you’re waiting for your turn to get on because we’ve got a great bench and everyone is ready. So, it’s about waiting for your time – it’s difficult and I was knackered after that game!
On the other hand, you had those two games ahead of this international break. How important is it to have that break, and this time now for you to keep on building up your match fitness? Massive. For me, this comes at a great time. Obviously, I want to be playing football and playing consistently but with the time we have off, I’m also able to do my
own training, put a little bit of extra work in and get my fitness back to where it was. But also, when I come in and we train like today, tomorrow, it’s good to work on the things I need to work on, and the things I maybe haven’t in the weeks before. So, everything coming together puts me in a really good place and being with the other girls that haven’t gone away –there’s like five or six of us – it’s nice. You’re really close for these days – you have a laugh, but you also get what you need out of your football.
Earlier in the season you spoke about the Champions League being something you want to experience – you have now after the Atleti game, so how was it?
I remember texting my dad after the game straight away and just being like: ‘I’ve done it. Dad, I did it!’ He said to me: ‘Yeah, cross it off your list, you’ve done it. Champions League – boom!’ Also, he was like: ‘We’re so proud of you, you’ve done so well, you’ve come on and done your job.’ And I was like: ‘Thank you, that’s very nice to hear.’ You never know how a game’s going to go, but that game was big for me and something I’ll remember for the rest of my career. But then, we’re playing here [at Old Trafford] against PSG, and that’s going to be massive as well – a mega game.
You’ve played so much WSL football now, won the FA Cup, played in the League Cup – so it must have been nice in these last few weeks to have had something different with the UWCL league phase... Yeah, obviously you always want Champions League and that’s something we’ll always aim for. Coming along with that you don’t realise the travel, the prep that comes with it, how demanding three-game [weekend-midweek-weekend] weeks are. Luckily, we’ve got squad depth, and I do think our bench is stacked and we’re ready to go. The girls in the starting XI are doing great but everyone is involved, it’s a real team effort when you’re grafting through all these games. And we’ve got a very big run of games coming up in the November and December period, so it’s exciting.
We’ve made a strong start in the WSL as well – what have you made of it so far?
From watching it, we look different this year. We look like other teams are scared of us. We’ve missed that a little bit; we’ve haven’t really had that. Obviously, we’ve always been up there – I’m not saying we haven’t – but I haven’t seen other teams come to Leigh and think: ‘Oh, this is going to be tough for us.’ We’ve already taken points off other big teams – yes,
Enjoying the moment at full-time in Madrid
A proud return to action at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
Season 2024/25
1,324 signed and charitable items distributed
517k+ total free-of-charge attendances at sessions and events 41% female participation
£2.3m raised by fans and fundraising
41,289
125 unique participants projects
mufoundation.org/ourimpact
you want to win those games but I think in other seasons maybe we’ve lost those drawn games 0-1 and not got anything out of it. So, to get a point out of them is big for us and we’re up there, we look good.
You say ‘different’ – why do you think it is? There seems to be a great vibe around the squad... All the girls want the same thing – success, to be good – but it’s like you are fighting for your family. It feels different. We’ve had some big players coming in, but also big personalities and super-easy people to get along with. They’ve also brought experience and something different we’ve not had before. Putting all that together is working for us at the minute. I’ve wanted to play more, but it’s been enjoyable to watch.
inthemorning
I’mlike:‘You lovethis,thisis whatyoudo,and thisclubmeans everything’
One such player is Fridolina Rolfo, who you know from your time at Bayern Munich. What’s it been like having her here? And you both play on the left so that must benefit your relationship, being able to learn from each other… Last week Frido was doing some extra shooting and finishing, and coming in from the left and shooting. I was thinking: ‘Do you know what? I need to do some of that, I’ve been out.’ So, I asked: ‘Can I join in?’
She was like: ‘Course you can.’ So, I learn from her definitely, she’s got mega experience, especially in the Champions League. I think that’s so important and she obviously scored our goal in Madrid – a great finish – and she’s a nice person. She’s so humble, very grounded, very easy to learn from and get along with.
Another player we want to speak to you about is Ella Toone, who has 200 appearances now for the club. It’s a list you’re not too far behind Ella on. As players, do you think about milestones like that? I definitely do! I’ve got my shirts with my 100 and 150 [appearance recognition] in my house and it’s nice. When I struggle in the morning to get up, I’m like: ‘You love this, this is what you do, and this club means everything to you.’ So, it’s definitely something you’ve got in the back of your head. Tooney got 200 and it’s something I then thought: ‘Give me the rest of the season and I might not be far behind that.’ I’m so proud of her. I’ve seen her grow so much since we came to United when it started up. We’ve been through a lot together, she’s definitely grown and she’s a great player, and a great person.
Just before we finish, we’re speaking ahead of facing Aston Villa. It’s a fixture you’ve had some good memories from over the years – we got promoted to the WSL against Villa, you’ve scored here at Old Trafford against them, and you’ve found the net at Villa Park too. What is it that you like about the Villa fixture? I don’t know, honestly! It’s going to be exciting at Leigh, our fans are great at Leigh. Villa are a very well structured team. Sometimes the table doesn’t show how good they are, because they are actually a very good team. Obviously, Kirsty Hanson plays for them, who I know really well. She came to one of our games with her mum and I got to see her because I was upstairs. It’s always nice to check in with Kirsty. ●
Leah
Former Bayern team-mates Galton and Rolfo both offer real quality down the left flank
was on target in our most recent WSL game against Villa, in March
1. KAYLA RENDELL
The keeper joined the Reds from Southampton in January. While she awaits her full debut, Kayla was brilliant at the World Sevens, with some shoot-out heroics.
2. ANNA SANDBERG
Having earned a WSL Player of the Month nomination in September, Anna scored her first Reds goal in October – a fine volley v Chelsea that was our Goal of the Month.
6. HANNAH BLUNDELL
The first Red in the professional era to return to play after giving birth, Hannah impressed at Brighton last Sunday – 533 days on from her previous appearance.
9. MELVINE MALARD
This season has seen the French forward reach five goals quicker than any Red before her in the WSL (six games). Her career best? 17, for Lyon in 2021/22 (all comps).
SQUAD SN APSHOTs
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THOSE IN RED
3. GABBY GEORGE
The former United youth-teamer has provided solid cover at full-back this term, with her eight runouts taking her to 38 overall since rejoining United in 2023.
7. ELLA TOONE
Top of the WSL assists chart this season, our iconic no.7 is bang in form, with her link-up play alongside Jess Park catching the eye once again last weekend.
10. ELISABETH TERLAND
Only Teri sits above Malard in our scoring chart this season, with her goal against former side Brighton taking her to nine. She netted a brace last time we faced Villa.
4. MAYA LE TISSIER
After facing her former club Brighton last weekend, today the skipper looks set for her 109th game for United – a remarkable tally in three-and-a-bit seasons.
8. JESS PARK
A head injury briefly sidelined Jess last month, but otherwise United’s new no.8 has made a sensational start to life with the Reds, scoring her fourth for the club last Sunday.
11. LEAH GALTON
After overcoming injury, how Leah has enjoyed her return to action in recent weeks (despite missing last weekend through illness). She too scored against Villa in March. Also on the
The classy left-winger (or left-back) is looking better by the week, with her decisive goal away to Atletico Madrid likely to be in contention for our Goal of the Season prize.
Now into her second season as a Red, the Norwegian offers versatility in attacking positions, and she’ll be keen to get back on the pitch following a back injury.
The 27-year-old is another who’s taken no time to settle in, with her tireless midfield work making a real difference since signing in July. She has 50 caps for Sweden.
The experienced forward is still awaiting her first goal of ’25/26, but as ever she’s proved her worth by chasing down tiring opponents across six substitute appearances.
The Canadian international midfielder is back from injury, and she played the final half-hour against Brighton last time out –her second runout of the season.
Celin’s compatriot recently surpassed 300 senior club games in her career, including 50 for the Reds. Her goal last weekend was her first for us since March 2024.
Hini’s hardly missed a kick in ’25/26, and how her calm presence and quick feet have been making the Reds tick. Her goal away at Liverpool was her third for United.
The 21-year-old was back with the senior Wales squad during the international break. Alongside Kayla and Phallon, they make up a tight ‘goalkeepers’ union.’
Simi’s fellow Canadian loves to boss the right touchline – indeed, our no.14 has progressed the ball further up the pitch than any other WSL full-back this term.
The versatile midfielder has been a regular in defence this season, where she often played prior to joining the Reds. Dom recently won her 130th Netherlands cap.
The ever-dependable centre-back has been the ultimate team player since her 2018 debut. A recent knee injury is likely to keep her out until the end of the year.
What a season Phallon’s having (again) – the super-reliable stopper is loving life at United, and she’s just earned her fourth senior cap for the United States.
47. JESSICA ANDERSON (MF); 48. SIENNA WAREING (MF); 52. SCARLETT HILL (DF)
Stands IN THE
↑ We hope you enjoyed your 11th birthday, Evie – love Mum, Dad & Pippa.
↑ Happy 10th birthday, Francesca – lots of love from Mummy, Daddy, Jorgie and all the family.
↓ Happy birthday Lois, who is turning 15 on 14 November.
WHO’S HERE FOR TODAY’S BIG GAME?
Happy 15th
↑ Happy 13th birthday to season ticket holder Charlotte. All the best!
● Happy 18th, Keira – from Andy, Mel, Callum and Ella.
● Congrats to Alice Carmont-Padmore on attending your first game today – love Nanny, Papa, Mama and Uncle Lion.
● Happy 22nd birthday, Natalia. Lots of love from Emily.
← Klara Jayne is 17 today – love from Mum, Dad, Owen, Kai and Deegan.
↑ Happy 30th birthday to Alex for 29 October, from Jennie and Eleanor.
↑ Happy birthday Allan, who turned 9 on 3 November.
↑ Happy 16th birthday Kelsey, love Mum, Dad, Kennieleigh and Ivy.
↓ Riley is turning 13 – love from his two Mums, Nanna, Uncle Ste, Sarah and Deon.
● A warm welcome to Jim Lee, a loyal season ticket holder who likes to go to away games also to cheer on the Reds.
● Alice enjoyed meeting Ella Toone at the Arsenal game recently – and we hope you enjoy the game today, Alice!
↓
birthday, Elise – love from Nat and Ryan.
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CYBER FUN DAY
On National STEM Day, we look back on a fitting Foundation event, which took place last month
A total of 229 female students from across Manchester United Foundation’s partner secondary school network enjoyed a special MEGA Hub cyber event in M16, hosted alongside local technology group IN4.
The event brought together industry leaders, including GCHQ, Microsoft, BT, Adobe and the Foundation’s own Presenting Partner, DXC Technology. All the organisations delivered an activity, enabling participants to gain insight into potential careers in cyber and technology.
All the youngsters who attended had expressed an interest in this rapidly developing sector, and the event presented the opportunity to learn about everything from military intelligence, to building
STEM Day celebrates the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics – something 229 girls did a few weeks ago
and designing small robots, experiencing virtual reality and even controlling a drone.
Chloe, a student at Buile Hill Academy in Salford, particularly enjoyed the drone activity, and also the fun she’d had trying out reaction-training lights with some coaches from Manchester United’s Girls Academy, who were also in attendance. “It’s been so, so cool!” said Chloe. “You had to fly the drone through a hoop and take on another team. They were quite hard to control, but I managed to score some goals and our team definitely won! It’s been amazing to see all this new technology.”
Niccola Massey, the Foundation’s student life skills manager, said: “Today’s event enabled our girls to have the
More than 4,250 coats have been donated through this appeal in the last two years,
WEDNESDAY’S COAT APPEAL
The Foundation’s annual coat appeal returns on Wednesday night for the Women’s Champions League tie against PSG, presenting the final opportunity for Reds to donate before coats are distributed across Manchester this winter. Please donate clean coats of all sizes – with child sizes particularly encouraged – ensuring all personal belongings are removed from pockets. Bag-drop locations around Old Trafford will accept donations from 6.30pm until 8pm. Visit mufoundation.org/coatappeal for further details.
chance to gain a really deep insight into cyber and tech careers.
“I want to thank IN4 for bringing a host of industry leaders together, for inspiring the girls and giving them the opportunity to be hands-on with so many different cyber-related activities.”
Visit mufoundation.org for more
TWO TONS OF
WITH ELLA HITTING A DOUBLE HUNDRED FOR UNITED GAMES SINCE OUR LAST HOME FIXTURE, WE SIT DOWN WITH THE RECORD-BREAKING RED TO CAST AN EYE OVER SOME OF HER BEST MEMORIES...
TOON EY!
#1
Liverpool 0-1 United, 19 Aug 2018
“I’d been injured before this game – it was my first injury, which kept me out for six weeks, so the start to my United career didn’t quite go as I wanted it to,” says Ella of her senior debut for United (but not her first senior game), in United Women’s maiden match, away to our big club rivals in the League Cup group stage. “I remember not starting, and coming on [at half-time]... for Mollie Green, I think. Liverpool were in the league above us, so this must have been in the Conti [League] Cup. I remember just having an immense pride – I’d grown up at the club, then had to move away, and the feeling of being able to come back and pull that shirt on and step out as a United player… it was so special. It seems so long ago now.”
#27
United 7-0 Palace, 20 Apr 2019
“I look like a baby – skinny legs, no muscles, braces!” she recalls of the day we secured the Championship title – Toone playing her part by teeing up two goals. “I loved that season, and I’m the only one left from this photo. We formed a team where we were all there for the same reason – to win the league [Championship]. We had amazing players, amazing people, and we all went in on the first day not really knowing each other – that’s why we came together so well as a team because everyone was in the same boat, with everyone coming to this new team. It felt like a family and I really enjoyed that year. I scored quite a few [15 in 29 appearances] and we won nearly every game... well, except against Durham. Special memories. When you set out to do something and you achieve it, that’s really special. I used to love them boots as well, they don’t do them anymore. I got a new pair today as it goes... they’re luminous yellow –you’ve got to be flary to wear them!”
#28 Millwall 0-5 United,
28 Apr 2019
“Ah, these are Shiv photos!” notes Toone while looking at goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain’s pictures ahead of our Championship away day at Princes Park. “Oh god, look at that baby face again! I remember we won a penalty that day and gave the ball to Martha Harris because we all wanted her to score. I don’t think Casey [Stoney] was very happy about that but I’m sure we were a few [three] goals up so it wasn’t too big a deal. I see I had my hairspray with me laughs] – I remember saying I hope I get a deal on the back of that! We had a very young squad, but the older players were so experienced. Alex Greenwood was a captain we could all look up to. We all had different personalities across the group, but we all really came together.”
#45
United 3-0 Tottenham, 19 Jan 2020
“I remember the fog that day. I came on late [on 70 minutes], and was soon off again! [Ella being sent off (right) for the first time in her career after a brief skirmish]. I wasn’t very happy that I wasn’t playing. That’s just football and I couldn’t control my emotions. But when you go through something like that you learn so much. I was sidelined for three games and hated it – I remember thinking, ‘I’m never getting a red card again’. And then I did, also against Spurs [in February 2023], although that got rescinded! There must be something about Spurs! I did make a friend for life in Abbie McManus. I knew her from City, but we got really close after she came to United and she’s like a big sister to me.”
#47 Everton 2-3 United, 23 Feb
2020
Ella scores our final goal before lockdown kicks in, as we beat Everton in the league at the first match staged at their new home, Walton Hall Park: “Is this Everton, at their place? It’s a little bit different to where we played them this season! The new one [Hill Dickinson Stadium] is amazing. I’ve never played at Goodison so I was really looking forward to that, but when they said we’d be playing at the men’s [stadium], I was like, that’s sick. It’s a nice memory from 2020 though – it was crazy what was to come in the days after that.”
#56
United 0-0 (4-3 pens) Man City, 19 Nov 2020
A behind-closed-doors derby sees our first shoot-out – albeit only for a bonus point in the League Cup. “I must have come on because I never wear a skin – if I’m starting I would never have worn that!” observes Toone (she was indeed a 68th-minute sub). “Look at the people, like Christen Press... to share a field with her, and Tobin [Heath] too [who had been subbed off before the penalties]. I think they’d have loved it more at United if they’d experienced the fans. I speak to Tobin – she loved the people and the city so it would have been nice for her to have a proper experience here. We still haven’t had a proper shoot-out have we [to decide a knockout tie], but that’s okay, I’d rather not!”
#68
United 2-0 West Ham, 27 Mar 2021
“This was such a historic day for the club, to play at Old Trafford for first time – it was just a shame that the first time wasn’t in front of a crowd,” says Ella while looking at a photo that is strongly evocative of the Reds’ 2020/21 season, taken during our maiden game in M16, in which she played the full 90 minutes. “It was weird – I’d never not had family in the stadium before then [Covid] so to finally step out at Old Trafford and not see family there was like, ‘what on earth?’. That was so weird but we still had to go and get the job done. And it’s nice that we’ve been able to play at Old Trafford a few times after that, with fans.”
#100
United 1-0 Brighton, 3 Apr 2022
“The frame for this is at my mum’s,” says Ella as she looks at a pre-match presentation ahead of our WSL win against Brighton three-and-a-half years ago. Much like her recent 200-appearance milestone, it saw her became the first player in the Reds’ history to reach a century, with Katie Zelem, Millie Turner, Leah Galton, Mary Earps, Hayley Ladd and Maya Le Tissier since joining the ‘100 club’. “I’ve got a frame for 100 games, and for 150... hopefully there will be more! Mum might need an extra room for them, although I am getting a bigger house so maybe I’ll get to put them up somewhere myself... not in the living room though!”
Arsenal 2-3 United, 19 Nov 2022
“Of course I remember this one,” smiles Toone. “Look at all the expressions on the faces! That’s Ona in the middle [between Alessia Russo and Nikita Parris]. Me, Millie and Less had a bit of a friendship group so for all of us to get on the scoresheet and get the win was so nice, and it was our first time at the Emirates as well. It was a bit of a mad game this one – we were winning [through Toone’s tidy finish, above], then losing, then winning again in the last minute.”
#163
United 4-0 Tottenham, 12 May 2024
We had to go with three pictures for the day we won the FA Cup: “I watch this goal quite a bit – I feel like the Adobe Women’s FA Cup Instagram account posts it all the time! [laughs]. This is my best goal for United, but in my career? I’m not sure. My dad told me he thought this was my best goal, but I’d say my chip for England in the Euros final. I’ll take that, and dad can have this one.”
#133
United 2-2 Arsenal, 6 Oct 2023
Soon after Alessia Russo’s switch to Arsenal, Ella faced a swift reunion with her close friend, as the Gunners came to Leigh on matchday two of our WSL season: “Less and I had played together at United for a couple of seasons, and it was special. But I knew she wanted to move on to have that change in her career. I always respected that and I’ll always want her to do well, and it was nice to share the pitch with her. I do remember the fans cheering a few things and I was like, ‘oh, leave her alone!’ [laughs]. She put on a good performance.”
Moving on to picture two, she says: “I’m probably trying to look for my family... but I do recognise this sign [’TOONEY MY HERO’], so maybe I’m looking at that? Look at that sea of red, though – what a day.” As for picture three: “To hold the trophy was definitely one of my favourite moments in a United shirt. I’ve no idea where the trophy went that night but I know I didn’t get to take it home!”
2/3: eyes on the “sea of red”
3/3: “the trophy is all mine!”
1/3: our Goal of the Season winner for 2023/24
MANCHESTER UNITED
#172
Man City 2-4 United, 19 Jan 2025
“Khiara Keating’s expression makes this photo even better! This was straight after half-time, and this [moment] is right up there for me. A hat-trick at the Etihad, it’s on par with the FA Cup final win. For me, after six years at United I’d never scored against City. All I wanted as a United fan was to do that and it just wouldn’t happen. I remember saying that morning about how I’ve never scored against City, and that day everything fell perfectly for me. What a feeling. It was in front of our fans as well, although I’m sure we had fans everywhere that day.”
#191
United 4-0 leicester, 7 Sep 2025
We move into the current campaign as Ella nears her 200, and a brilliant shot from our WSL opener, capturing a poignant moment for Ella. “Oh look, I’ve finally grown some leg muscles!” she smiles. “I’m very different from the Palace photo [in 2019]. The goal meant a lot, as it was one year since losing dad [her father Nick died in September 2024, three days short of his 60th birthday], so to score... it was written in the stars. I felt like I’d been training really well, and I was in a good place on the back of the Euros. And it was good to start the league season with an early goal [on 13 minutes] to put us on our way.”
home goal with a difference, with Ella on target at Ewen Fields in Hyde in February 2019
#199
Everton 1-4 United, 12 Oct 2025
Days before completing her 200 in Madrid, Ella and the Reds experienced a great day on Merseyside, as we won at Everton’s new home. “I love big stadiums like this one, but I also love smaller ones when they are filled out, especially Leigh – it’s great there, it’s been our home since we started,” says our no.7. “But playing at the biggest stadiums, it’s like we’re putting women’s football on the map and having opportunities that we should be having. This was a good day for Everton as well – it was their first game there, the number of tickets they sold [18,154] was class. But it was a good win for us in the end.”
#198
United 1-0 Valerenga, 8 Oct 2025
“I’m still getting used to the Champions League anthem – I want the same buzz as when hearing the men’s anthem! – but it was still special to hear it,” says Ella of our UWCL league-phase opener last month. “Lining up, I’m approaching it like just another United game. I know it was a historic night but it was just about getting the win. Valerenga made it difficult for us but we got the three points. As for Melvine [with her eyes closed], she does a lot of stuff like that, I just leave her to it! [laughs].” When shown the top image, Ella comments: “It’s unreal that [trophy], it’s one of my favourites – it’s like a crown but you can’t wear it. I was buzzing. It took us so long to get into the Champions League [beyond the qualifiers], and to then play the first match and get Player of the Match, that was really special. And of course we got the win. It’s something we’ve all worked so hard for.”
muwomenfamily.manutd.co.uk
Good sport that she is, Ella has signed 10 of these posters for us to give away to you matchgoing Reds. To be in with a chance of winning one, simply email us a photo from today’s game (so we know you’re at the match!) to muwomenfamily@manutd.co.uk
A selfie with the POTM award
ASTON VILLA
Aston Villa are yet to beat United in 13 previous meetings, stretching back to September 2018 when a 12-0 win marked our maiden league outing as a professional team – Jess Sigsworth scored five of her 26 goals for the club that day alone. But while that second-tier contest was heavily one-sided, Villa have since proven a much tougher opponent on many occasions. The Reds had to come from 2-1 behind to edge a five-goal thriller during the 2022/23 WSL title run-in – Millie Turner’s stoppage-time header to win it being a moment we’ll always remember from that campaign. A similarly dramatic comeback decided by Rachel Williams in the 92nd minute also marked a 2-1 victory in the opening game of 2023/24, after Rachel Daly (right) had given the hosts the lead, while Villa stubbornly dug in to hold us to frustrating 0-0 draws in both 2021/22 and 2024/25.
RECENT FORM
The West Midlanders have struggled to maintain some incredible winning momentum from the final stretch of last term that turned a worrying slide into an unexpected top-half finish. Villa were precariously in 11th place after six straight defeats followed Natalia Arroyo’s January appointment, only to charge up to the table with five straight victories – including a 5-2 beating of Arsenal – to see the season out. Conversely, it’s only one win from six WSL games in 2025/26 – a 2-0 victory at West Ham last month. Villa led 2-1 and later 3-2 against Everton last weekend, only to concede a 94th-minute equaliser. That six-goal thriller was a fourth draw this term, with the three concessions against the Toffees cause for frustration after five clean sheets in their opening seven games in all competitions. They might be in the bottom half, but Arroyo’s charges are rarely so generous when it comes to shipping goals.
Our visitors didn’t concede a single goal throughout October, but November began with a goal-laden draw against Everton
WHO TO LOOK OUT FOR...
It’s been a whirlwind few months for midfielder Lucia Kendall, who made her full senior England debut in October’s win over Australia, six weeks after playing top-flight football for the first time. The 21-year-old impressed on Lionesses duty and Sarina Wiegman highlighted her “reading of the game” in the centre of the pitch. Also a skilled cricketer, Kendall played more than 100 times for former club Southampton, assisting an equaliser against United during our 3-1 FA Cup win in February 2024. Elsewhere in the squad, centre-back Lynn Wilms – a former Wolfsburg clubmate and current international colleague of Dominique Janssen – has brought title-winning experience to Villa. Wilms has contributed to the team’s defensive solidity this season but is also a set-piece danger, scoring an excellent free-kick against West Ham.
Formed: 1973 (as Solihull FC)
Nickname: The Villans, Villa
Major honours: Women’s Championship (WSL2) winners 2019/20
Last season: WSL 6th place, FA Cup quarter-finals, League Cup group stage, Top scorer (all competitions): Rachel Daly (13)
Record v United: P13
RECENT LINE-UP
HOME), 02.11.25
the leaders
Thirty-nine-year-old ex-Barcelona defender Natalia Arroyo succeeded Robert de Pauw as boss at the start of the year following the Dutchman’s dismissal. Injuries cruelly ended Arroyo’s own playing career at the age of 22, but she soon moved into coaching, leading the Catalonia women’s team before Real Sociedad came calling. She guided them to a best-ever runners-up finish in Spain in 2021/22, and into the Champions League qualifying rounds. On the pitch, Rachel Daly is Villa’s new captain, taking over after Rachel Corsie retired in May. Shortly to turn 34, the 2022/23 WSL Golden Boot winner and PFA Players’ Player of the Year is now into her fourth season with the club and few across the league boast more experience. Missy Bo Kearns, Anna Patten and Sabrina D’Angelo form the rest of Villa’s leadership group.
Wilms has proven to be a shrewd signing
The only way is up as far as Villa head coach Arroyo is concerned
FACTS
& FUNNIES FROM FRED THE RED!
FIRST & LAST
CAN YOU NAME THE CLUBS AND PLAYERS WHOSE NAMES ( LIKE ASTON VILLA!) START AND END WITH THE SAME LETTER?
(WSL2 CLUB)
E _ _ _ _ _ _ _ E (CURRENT UNITED PLAYER – ENGLISH) L _ _ _ _ _ _ _ L (WSL CLUB, BIG RIVALS FOR US!) A _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ A (A TRICKY ONE TO END! FORMER RED – FRENCH)
GREAT SCOTS
VILLA’S KIRSTY HANSON LEADS THE WAY FOR MOST UNITED APPEARANCES BY A SCOTTISH PLAYER!
KIRSTY HANSON 90 GAMES (16 GOALS)
KIRSTY SMITH 58 GAMES (1 GOAL)
MARTHA THOMAS 53 GAMES (8 GOALS)
LIZZIE ARNOT 34 GAMES (9 GOALS)
JANE ROSS 34 GAMES (7 GOALS)
EMMA WATSON 3 GAMES (1 GOAL)
CAN YOU FIND ALL SIX PLAYERS WHO SCORED FOR THE REDS IN OUR INCREDIBLE 12-0 WIN AGAINST ASTON VILLA IN 2018?
Z O E K H D U X F Y B S E B G U Z O R X U L W D L R J A M E S U A S E R E N K J R D H T D N T E M O G E O Z R J O D N W A S X Q N F J O Z E M Z T
pREVIeW WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE
With the top five clubs in the Barclays Women’s Super League all victorious after the October international break, it’s very much a case of ‘as you were’ heading into the eighth round of fixtures.
There could, however, be an opportunity for United to move up the table following today’s clash with Villa, as leaders and champions Chelsea negotiate a tricky trip to Arsenal in the other Saturday lunchtime kick-off.
Arsenal have been out of sorts for much of the autumn, although last Sunday’s 4-1 success at Leicester City was the Champions League holders’ third win in a row across all competitions. A fourth would spark significant headlines, given the Blues are yet to taste defeat in 29 league fixtures under Sonia Bompastor. Ominously, Sam Kerr is fit and firing again, scoring her first home goal for Chelsea in almost two years as London City Lionesses were dispatched at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
A slip-up by the pacesetters would open the door for Manchester City, ahead of next weekend’s Manchester derby at the Etihad. Andree Jeglertz’s side have won six consecutive WSL games, although they had to fight hard to see off struggling West Ham, with Aoba Fujino scoring the game’s only goal. City will fancy their chances at Everton in Sunday’s later
kick-off, as the Toffees strive to claim three points at their new Goodison Park home for the first time. Tottenham Hotspur are this season’s surprise package and they travel south of the river to take on the ambitious London City Lionesses in one of the three Sunday lunchtime kick-offs. Spurs have already matched last season’s win total of five following their victory over Liverpool in a match that required 22 minutes of stoppage time, due to a neck injury suffered by Merseysiders’ forward Mia Enderby. Liverpool and West Ham will be hoping to finally get off the mark for the campaign, as the top-flight’s two teams with zero points host Brighton & Hove Albion and Leicester City respectively.
notified by via email within 14 days of the closing date. If a winner does not respond to MU within 14 days of the notification, MU reserves the right to select a different winner. To enter individuals must use any other method of entry that MU makes available. Only one entry allowed per person. No purchase necessary.
The closing date for entries is 23:59 UTC on 15 November 2025. No entries received after this date will be accepted. This prize draw is open to individuals in the UK. Employees of MU or any of its associated companies or subsidiaries (and their families) are excluded from entering the prize draw. You must be 18 years of age to enter this prize draw. Prize specifics: This prize will be delivered to the winner as soon as reasonably practicable following the closing date; This prize is non-refundable, non-transferable and subject to availability. No guarantee is given as to the quality of the prize and no cash or prize alternatives are available; MU reserve the right in their reasonable discretion to substitute any prize with a prize of equal or greater value; To obtain details of the prize winner after the closing date, please write to Manchester United Football Club Limited, Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester M16 0RA (subject to data protection legislation); Any ancillary costs and expenses associated with the prize, such as subsistence, visas and/or passports (if applicable) will not be provided by MU and must be borne by the winner. General: By entering the prize draw you are agreeing to accept these Terms and Conditions and any further terms and conditions relating to the use of the prize. Any breach of these Terms and Conditions by you will mean that your entry will not be valid, and you will not be allowed to enter this prize draw; MU reserves the right to hold void, cancel, suspend, or amend the prize draw where it becomes necessary to do so; All individuals are expected to act fairly and in the good spirit of the prize draw. MU reserves the right to investigate any irregularities and disqualify individuals at its absolute discretion. MU’s decision as to who has won the prize draw shall be final; So long as it is permitted by law, MU, its agents or distributors will not in any circumstances be responsible or liable to compensate you, or accept any liability for any loss, damage, personal injury or death occurring as a result of you taking up the prize, except where it is caused by the negligence of MU, its agents or distributors or that of their employees. Your statutory rights are not affected; MU does not claim any rights of ownership in your prize draw entry, but you agree to licence MU to use your entry to promote the brand across websites and social media; By entering this prize draw, you are agreeing that, if you win, your name and entry may be a) used for the purpose of announcing the winner and/or distributed to individuals who request details of the winner and/or b) in any related publicity by MU, without additional payment or permission. In the event you have any concerns or objections, please contact us at the address below; Personal data supplied during the course of this promotion will only be processed as set out in MU’s Privacy Policy – ManUtd.com/en/Help/Privacy-Policy; This prize draw, together with these Terms and Conditions, are governed by the laws of England and shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts; The Promoter of this prize draw is Manchester United Football Club Limited (“MU”), Old Trafford, Sir Matt Busby Way, Manchester M16 0RA.
Spurs and Liverpool have had very contrasting starts to the 2025/26 campaign
Toone
Ella Toone,
behalf of Ella Toone. The 10
STATS
AT THE BACK
WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE TABLE, 2025/26
UNITED APPEARANCES & GOALS, 2025/26
WSL TOP SCORERS, 2025/26
WSL TOP ASSISTS, 2025/26
Toone and Malard top the goals and assists charts
PHALLON CLOSE TO FIFTY
Phallon Tullis-Joyce is one of four Reds – alongside Maya Le Tissier, Hinata Miyazawa and Ella Toone –to have started all 13 of our ’25/26 fixtures to date, and the keeper looks on track to hit a milestone this month, with her now being just three appearances short of 50 for United. Four of these came in her maiden term of 2023/24, with 30 last term. She’s likely to be the 26th Red to reach 50, and just the second goalkeeper.
Zigiotti
ADDED-TIME QUIZ
CAN YOU GET FULL MARKS IN OUR REDS-THEMED TEST?
1
How many goals did Kirsty Hanson score on her league debut for United, against current club Aston Villa: one, two or three?
2 After Leah Galton (35) and Ella Toone (33), which current Red has netted the most WSL goals for the Reds?
3 How many full seasons did current Villan Lucy Staniforth spend with United?
4 Other than Maya Le Tissier, which other outfield player played every minute of our first 12 games of the current season?
5 The Reds’ biggest-ever away WSL win was a 5-0 triumph over which side in 2023?
6 By the end of the league phase, United will have faced teams from how many different countries in the Champions League this season (including qualifiers)?
7 Which Red was the most recent to win their first senior cap for England’s Lionesses, against Italy in February 2024?
8 Which current squad member scored their first goal for the club in a 5-0 Old Trafford win over today’s opponents in December 2022?
9
From which of United’s 2025/26 Champions League opponents did Mary Earps join the club in 2019?
10 Which current Red came off the bench against Marc Skinner’s side in the 2024 FA Cup final?
Answers: 1. Two; 2. Melvine Malard (14); 3. Two; 4. Hinata Miyazawa; 5. Everton; 6. Seven – Netherlands, Sweden,
Norway, Spain, France, Germany, Italy; 7. Millie Turner; 8. Rachel Williams; 9. Wolfsburg; 10. Celin Bizet Donnum
25/26 THIRD JERSEY
MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN
ASTON VILLA WOMEN
Head coach Marc Skinner Head coach Natalia Arroyo
Kayla Rendell (GK)
Anna Sandberg
Gabby George
Maya Le Tissier
Hannah Blundell
Ella Toone
Jess Park
Melvine Malard
Elisabeth Terland
Leah Galton
Fridolina Rolfo
Simi Awujo
Jayde Riviere
Celin Bizet Donnum
Lisa Naalsund
Dominique Janssen
Julia Zigiotti Olme
Hinata Miyazawa
Millie Turner
Rachel Williams
Mared Griffiths
Safia Middleton-Patel (GK)
Tamira Livingston
Jessica Anderson
Sienna Wareing
Scarlett Hill
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (GK)
Sabrina D’Angelo (GK)
Sarah Mayling
Paula Tomas
Anna Patten
Lucy Staniforth
Missy Bo Kearns
Jill Baijings
Rachel Daly
Gabi Nunes
Maya Hijikata
Lynn Wilms
Lucy Parker
Noelle Maritz
Ebony Salmon
Georgia Mullett
Kirsty Hanson
Lucia Kendall
Lydia Sallaway
Chasity Grant
Oceane Deslandes
Miri Taylor
Ellie Roebuck (GK)
Rachel Maltby
Soffia Kelly (GK)
Lily Clark (GK)
Scott
Referee Abigail Byrne Assistants Jon Ashworth-Sears, David Middleton Fourth official Amy Fearn