Manchester United Women v Everton Women match programme, WSL, 30.03.25
BARCLAYS WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE • SUN 30 MAR 2025 • 12PM
FAN MESSAGES
GRACE CLINTON POSTER
FA CUP SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW
THE GAMES THAT CHANGED ME THE OPPOSITION
MUW ACADEMY
JUNIOR REDS
ADDED-TIME QUIZ
MANCHESTER UNITED
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, Jean-Claude Blanc Secretary Rebecca Britain Honorary president Martin Edwards
MATCH PROGRAMME TEAM
Editor Charlie Ghagan Contributors Mikey Partington, Helen Rowe-Willcocks, Cerys Jones, Sean Mullan, Joe Ganley, Jamie Spencer, Matt Brown, Harry Robinson, Tom Chase Photography Charlotte Tattersall, Poppy Townson, Ash Donelon, Zohaib Alam, Getty, Alamy
Thanks to Ellie Decrop, John Shiel, Ian Nolan, Mark Froggatt, Ben Williams, statsperform.com
All in it together at Villa, after an important win to keep us level on points with Arsenal in second place in the Women’s Super League
SKINNER
THE BOSS WAS DELIGHTED WITH WHAT HE SAW AT VILLA PARK, AND WE’LL NEED TO MATCH THAT HUNGER AGAINST A RESURGENT TOFFEES SIDE...
Welcome back to LSV. I’d like to start by wishing my partner Laura, my mum, all the mums here at United, plus the mums of the players and supporters, a happy Mother’s Day. We are hugely in debt to the women in our lives and it feels right to recognise them on this special day. We wouldn’t be anything without them and to those celebrating in the crowd here at LSV today, thank you for choosing to be here with us! Everton is going to be another tough game this afternoon. They are a different side to the one we faced at the start of the season. Last weekend against Aston Villa, we got our energy back and we need to be aggressive and hungry again today. I was really pleased with the reaction from the players in Birmingham, after a difficult result against Liverpool. At Villa Park we were creative and we turned disappointment into our favour with good habits shining through. I thought it showed just how much we have grown as a group this season.
Today, we need to take that energy from our last performance, be in ultra-competitive mode, and finish this run of games on a high before we head into the international break.
I’d like to give a special mention to Aoife Mannion. We had the chance at the end of the game last weekend to celebrate her 50th appearance for the club. Aoife is a real professional and an incredible role model for the younger members of the squad. She always trains at high intensity, always works well under pressure, and her resilience is so strong. She’s a fantastic person to be around and her team ethic is second to none.
And finally, a moment for you fans. You were incredible at Villa Park – it was like playing a home game. Your noise, devotion and support helped kick us up a gear and we need to hear that again today. Please have your singing voices at the ready and let’s keep pushing forward together.
numbers Run the
A STAT-BASED PREVIEW OF TODAY’S WSL CLASH
Today’s 12pm kick-off will be duel number three of 2024/25 with Everton, who we faced twice at Walton Hall Park in the opening half of the season. September’s WSL reverse game was our first away day of the season and Grace Clinton’s early goal, against her former club, settled a narrow 1-0 win. A triumphant trip home was also afforded for the Reds after a 2-0 win in the group stage of the League Cup in
A player accumulating five yellow cards across the WSL season means serving a one-match suspension, and that is the case for Gabby George today as we prepare to face her former club after she received a booking last weekend. So, who will come in for Gabby (who has started our last 15 WSL outings) at left-back? Well, Anna Sandberg replaced George for the second half at Villa Park and would seem to be the most likely candidate, although she was subbed due to injury later in the same game, with what the boss believed to be a hamstring issue post-match.
November – a Courtney Brosnan own goal and Maya Le Tissier’s thunderbolt doing the damage – and United are now out to make it a treble as we take over hosting duties. The Toffees beat bottom side Crystal Palace 3-0 last time out to ease fears of being dragged into a relegation battle, and Brian Sorensen’s side may arrive at LSV feeling a little looser as a result, having gone 10 points clear of the Eagles in the one-club drop zone. Indeed, Everton are up to seventh and know that a win here could take them above Liverpool and into the top half (at least until their rivals kick off later), which will be all the more incentive to get one back on us after this season’s earlier meetings – so we’ll need to be switched on.
Sandberg’s availability, along with that of our top assister Celin Bizet who was also forced off after sustaining a hefty knock at Villa, was still to be determined as we went to print, so hopefully they can be involved in some capacity. As far as suspensions go, it’s worth noting that Grace Clinton is on four yellow cards, so would miss our next WSL match – away to West Ham at 12pm on 19 April (as confirmed this week) – if she picks up a caution today.
Who’ll start on the left in Gabby’s absence?
Grace got the glory in the reverse fixture
That’s how many points we begin the day ahead of fourth-placed Man City in the race for a top-three finish. Finishing among the leading trio will of course secure us Champions League football for next season and, after last weekend’s 4-0 victory over Aston Villa – which kicked off just moments after Chelsea scored a last-gasp winner at City – we now know that three wins from our final five league fixtures will be enough to confirm a return to Europe.
Victory today would be another huge step towards qualification then and an ideal way to go into our league campaign’s imminent three-week hiatus, due to the forthcoming international break and the tantalising Women’s FA Cup derby that follows it (more on that on p28). While seven points above City, we kick off at midday only behind second-placed Arsenal on goal difference, and the Gunners are the side we’re due to face on May’s final day, after our games with Everton, West Ham, leaders Chelsea and City. It’s all set to be a very exciting few weeks.
We
now know that three wins from our final five WSL fixtures will be enough to confirm a return to Europe
In the blue corner today, on-loan United player Emma Watson is ineligible to face her parent club but her fellow midfielder and ex-long-serving Red Hayley Ladd – who joined the Toffees a day after Watson in January on a permanent deal – could come up against us for the first time since bidding farewell to the club
over the winter. The Wales international (below) played 110 times for the Reds after joining in 2019 – placing her sixth on our all-time appearances list – and she’s since started each of the Toffees’ last nine matches, a run that began with her debut against Aston Villa. We’ll look forward to welcoming Hayley back this afternoon and hopefully see Emma, along with ex-Red Emily Ramsey who graduated from the United Academy.
Chelsea’s late winner at City reduced our title chances, but boosted our European hopes
*date and kick off time subject to change
MILLIE’S NEW DEAL
Extension will take Turner to 10 years with Reds
Earlier this month, we were delighted to confirm that defender Millie Turner has signed a contract extension with the club until June 2028.
As one of the ‘originals’ who has been here since the reformation of the women’s team in 2018, Turner was a key part of our sides that won the 2018/19 Championship title, earned UEFA Champions League qualification in 2022/23, and lifted the FA Cup for the first time last season. Millie has made 168 appearances for the Reds to date – the second-most of any women’s player for Manchester United –and scored 11 goals. Speaking upon the announcement, the centre-back said: “I’m buzzing! I’m so happy, honestly. I feel like
this is where I belong, this is home for me. Being here for so long, it does feel like home, and we’ve created such an amazing family here. That’s why it’s so special to me.” Congratulations on your new contract, Millie!
THANK YOU, WILLCO
Ian Willcock will leave his post as United Women’s goalkeeping coach at the end of the season, to take up the corresponding position with the Canada women’s national team. Willcock has been in the role since our reformation and is set to pursue an exciting career opportunity elsewhere in the summer, after seven years of high-quality service in Manchester. The move will see him reunite with former Reds boss Casey Stoney, who first brought him to the club as a member of her coaching staff and is now in charge of the Canadian team – who Reds pair
Simi Awujo and Jayde Riviere represent at international level. While his incredible knowledge of the game and friendly personality will be missed, everyone at the club would like to wish Willco the very best for his next chapter.
GEYSE’S SWITCH
United Women forward Geyse has completed a loan move to Gotham FC, subject to international clearance.
A deal has been agreed for the 26-year-old Brazilian to head to the United States-based side for the full National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season, which runs until November. Matt Johnson, our interim head of women’s football, said: “The loan deal is important to Geyse as we continue to have her wellbeing at the centre of our decision-making.”
Everybody at United would like to wish the forward – who has made 39 appearances since joining from Barcelona in 2023, scoring three goals – the very best of luck for her time with the New York/New Jerseybased club (previously known as Sky Blue FC).
The defender has been a model of consistency since her 2018 arrival
Ian is to swap Manchester for Canada
Geyse joins up with Gotham FC at the start of the NWSL season
BACK IN THE BIG ARENA...
Photo taken: Sunday 23 March 2025, Villa Park, Birmingham.
What’s the story? Nine days on from a maiden visit to Anfield, Maya Le Tissier leads the Reds out on another Premier League pitch, with Aston Villa our opponents last Sunday. Villa Park is a ground we have fond memories of from last season, when Rachel Williams secured three opening-day points in dramatic fashion late on, but things were far more straightforward this time around, with our 3-0 lead at half-time ensuring a reasonably stress-free second half compared to our previous visit to Birmingham B6... well, aside from one or two injury concerns that we could do without. The eventual 4-0 victory was just what the Reds needed following a disappointing debut at Liverpool’s historic home in our previous fixture, with Le Tissier’s 89th-minute goal (right) a mere consolation as we fell to a 1-3 loss. Much like at Villa though, the away end did the club proud: large in number, and loud in noise.
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Captain’s column
MLT
MAYA ON OVERCOMING BLIPS, DEVELOPING AS A SKIPPER,
AND PICKING UP A BIG WIN FOR ALL THE MUMS...
It was so important that we got back to winning ways last weekend. Our defeat at Anfield was not the type of performance we pride ourselves on. At Villa, we showed how Manchester United should play and how we want to play. We worked hard, we played together, we were positive on the ball, and we got at the opposition with our individual qualities. We have so much individual talent; we just need to make sure we are able to make the most of it and play with some freedom.
When we lose games, it’s important to not get too low, and when we win, we want to not get too high. We obviously want to enjoy the games we win but we need to remain focused. You cannot get through a season without a blip and that was Liverpool for us. It’s about showing other teams how we bounce back, so it was really important that we did that.
On the pitch, I like to be someone who other players rely on; to perform well and give my team-mates what they need. Off the pitch, I want to be there for the players as well. I try and be available for everyone. I’m still a young captain and have been learning a lot this season about the responsibilities of leading
this great team. I do get things wrong but I have a really good group around me so when that happens, I can do it better next time.
It’s crazy that we are so close to the end of the season already. We want to keep the momentum going ahead of the last stint of games, beginning with a win against Everton this afternoon to take us into the international break.
Finally, I’d just like to say happy Mother’s Day to my mum and granny! Also a very happy Mother’s Day to everyone – hopefully you can spend a nice afternoon celebrating a win with us here at Leigh Sports Village. We appreciate all the support and hopefully we can give you all a nice gift of three WSL points.
Support is something Maya gives and receives from her fellow Reds
#5 Aoife Mannion
IT’S BEEN QUITE A JOURNEY FOR THE DEFENDER IN REACHING 50 UNITED APPEARANCES, AND AS SHE TELLS US WHEN WE MEET FOR AN AFTERNOON CHAT AT OLD TRAFFORD, SHE WILL CONTINUE TO “CRAVE THE CHALLENGE” FOR WHATEVER
LIES AHEAD, BOTH THIS SEASON AND BEYOND...
Aoife, you’ve been a regular in the squad lately. How pleased have you been with your form? It’s always great being involved with the girls. Walking out in the shirt is just such an honour and I never take it for granted. There are so many players in the squad that it’s not always possible for everyone to be a starter, so when I find myself in those positions I’m really grateful and I’m going to make the most of it. On the flip side, when I’m a substitute, I think, ‘Right, if I’m needed, how can I make the most contribution?’. I’ve been saying to some of the girls because they laugh – sometimes when I get subbed on towards the end of a game I come on with so much energy! I say for me, it’s like fitting 90 minutes into however much time I’ve got. Either way, I really enjoy giving it everything.
FACTFILE
DATE OF BIRTH 24 Sep 1995
PLACE OF BIRTH
Solihull, West Midlands
POSITION Defender
YOUTH CAREER
Birmingham City, Aston Villa
SENIOR CAREER
2012-13 Aston Villa
21 apps, 0 goals
2013-19 Birmingham City
130 apps, 9 goals
2019-21 Manchester City
11 apps, 1 goal
2021- Manchester United
50 games, 1 goal
INTERNATIONAL CAREER
Republic of Ireland
13 caps, 1 goal
You definitely made an impact against Wolves in February, with your first Reds goal. It was a long time coming – did you have a celebration in mind? I didn’t have one planned, it’s not something that happens a lot for me as a defender! But I’d joked with the girls on the coach – I don’t know why it came up in my mind – that if I did score I’d take my shirt off and run around. Obviously karma came around, and the one time I’ve said that, I’ve actually scored! So the girls were laughing at me and obviously I wasn’t going to do that. But it was an amazing feeling. We were a few up by that point but it’s still important in those games to commit to every minute, no matter the score or the opposition. So it was nice to be part of that. It was a really nice occasion – the ground and atmosphere was brilliant.
How much would it mean to you and the rest of the girls to get back to the FA Cup final this year? That is what we’ve got in mind every time we go →
Interview: Cerys Jones ● Portraits: Ash Donelon
MANCHESTER UNITED
24/25 AWAY JERSEY
“Every season of my career has been slightly different because there’s always different circumstances”
out into the FA Cup games. It would be so special to get there again and we’ve got to put everything we can into it to give ourselves the best chance because a day out at Wembley... nothing beats it.
How have you found your role in the squad this season – has it presented you with new challenges, and have you learned from it?
I’ve learned loads, and I think every season of my career has been slightly different because there’s always different circumstances. Whether that’s through injuries, a run of form, trying to make an impact – for me it’s about making the most of whatever role I find myself in. If that’s going to be as a player that may need to come into the game rather than 100 per cent of the time starting the game, then I’ll do that to the best of my ability. It’s not always about wishing for a situation; it’s about appreciating the reality of what’s happening in that moment and realising there’s a lot more to a team and a result than the players that necessarily get
to always start the game. It’s not just about one or two players, or even the whole group, but the staff and infrastructure too. I think we’ve got that in spades this season. We’re lucky and fortunate to find ourselves in that position but it’s something we’ve worked at and continue to work at.
You and Jayde have shared the right-back spot in recent weeks. Like you, she’s had some struggles with injury while at United, but she’s really developing into an elite player, isn’t she... I think she actually already is an elite player. Jayde’s attributes are really top quality – there’s many things she brings on to the pitch that not many players in the league can bring. Her pace, her understanding of how to support attacks, some of her one-on-one ability, it’s really top level. With her youth and hunger to get better, she’s only adding to that, and some of her crosses and assists in the latter part of this season are a testament to what she works on in training. Jayde’s someone I like to watch play and learn from and that’s
Aoife is now just four games short of matching her 19 appearances in her debut season of 2021/22
Solihull-born Aoife enjoys the moment with her Brummie fan club after hitting 50 appearances in Sunday’s win at Villa Park
Most definitely keeping her shirt after scoring against Wolves!
“50
GAMES – IT FEELS LIKE 400!”
Our most recent fixture saw Aoife become the 21st United Women player to reach 50 appearances, and Mannion is rightly proud of that, considering the challenges she’s faced with injury since her 2021 arrival. “When I look at 50 games across four years, it’s not much,” she accepts. “But with the experience I’ve had and the cards I’ve been dealt, and how it’s been up and down, I look at it as though it’s been 400 games! I really appreciate what a joy it is, and continues to be, to be involved in this team.” In terms of personal highlights, she’s quick to pick out a pair of famous wins. “The first is against Arsenal [at LSV in April 2023, when Aoife was named Player of the Match] – it was my first 90 minutes back following my ACL injury. We won, and we came second in the league that year. And then there’s the FA Cup final win
something we all try to do – to appreciate different players, different profiles and what people bring to the pitch, and use it as an impetus to better ourselves.
We end March with the visit of Everton. They’ve stood up to some tough tests recently, including giving Chelsea a real run for their money. What sort of test are you expecting from this game?
Everton are a really good team and they’ve had some results to back it up, as well as other performances where it could easily have gone their way. Against Chelsea [Lauren James scoring the injury-time winner], on another day it could’ve been a different result. They’ve got loads of really good players, including Hayley Ladd, Emma Watson on loan... brilliant bright sparks. They’re a team that plays with a clear identity and style, so for us, we have to try to make sure we dominate in the areas we think we can control. We want to be energetic and have a fighting mentality that outmatches other teams, and then adding some of our individual quality. If we’re able to bring all of that into the mix on the day, I think we’ll put ourselves in a good position to get the points.
against Spurs last season – that was madness! It was the context as well – we were 4-0 up when I came on [in the 78th minute]. In those few moments, to be able to appreciate the gravity of what’s happening – the amount of fans at Wembley, the occasion, and that it was so sunny that day. That day can’t be topped.”
“Everton play with a clear identity... we have to make sure we dominate in areas we think we can control”
Moving on to your international career, missing out on the Euros must have hurt, but with Carla Ward taking over, what are your hopes for the Republic of Ireland going forward? What the team have in spades, a bit like United, is that togetherness – the enjoyment of being around each other, having each other’s backs, enjoying playing with each other. It’s exciting to come back into camp, into a new era under Carla, and still have the good bits like the togetherness and also try and implement some of her new ideas and tactics. She wants us to be more progressive on the ball, she prefers a back four, which generally means you will
Aoife was key to us beating the Gunners at LSV two years ago
Sunshine and silverware at Wembley last May
UNITED TO DELIVER EXCELLENCE
PLAY WITH STYLE
WHAT IS STYLE?
It’s Control. Creativity. And being prepared to cross that line. It’s the freedom to do your thing and play to your own whistle. It’s the ‘I’ in Individuality and the ‘You’ in UNITED.
www.remington.co.uk/manutd
try to play out more, try to have more of the ball, and create more opportunities. With that comes risk, so it’s exciting to be part of that newness and looking ahead to the World Cup qualifying campaign.
Adaptability is something fans might notice a lot from you – shifting roles and playing styles... It’s not necessarily a skill I would always have known to really value, but I think through getting older and having experiences, it becomes imperative to adapt. For example, in my last international game I thought I was going to play centre-back, but somebody got injured in the warm-up so I played the first half at left-back and the second half at right-back. For some that wouldn’t really be their jam, but I think the more I try to be adaptable and flexible in my thinking and try to be resilient, the thing that remains is that I can always give everything and give an honest account of myself. I think generally people can see that and appreciate that. So I don’t mind it – I actually almost crave those moments where it’s a bit of a challenge.
We enjoyed a moment in the recent Leicester game, where the ball hit you in the head, knocked you over – only for you to get straight back up and clear it into the stands! Is that resilience something that characterises your game? Probably! When I was growing up in football, there was a lot of that and it was sort of a given for a lot of players. Now, the more professional the game’s become, the technical ability is getting so much better, the reliance on that side of the game is less. So I find it funny when those moments are recounted to me as something special because I grew up in an environment where you just did that. The girls were laughing at me because they felt like it was a very ‘me’ thing to happen, and then people were saying about how I whacked the ball into the stands. I think I just did that to wake me up and get me ‘back in’. But even things like that – in the past players would boot the ball into the stands to give themselves a breather, but now we have multiple balls around the pitch. Ultimately, my identity on the pitch is aggressive, to be hard to beat, and to make the most of what I can.
We’ll finish by asking you about our final home game this season, against City at Old Trafford. You missed the last Old Trafford game through injury – how much are you looking forward to this one?
“Ultimately, my identity on the pitch is aggressive, to be hard to beat, to make the most of what I can...”
I’m cherishing the opportunity. We still have that memory of how it didn’t go our way last time, and so it’s a chance to flip that around and make good on that. It’s also a chance to continue the feeling of our previous win in the league against City at the Etihad – that is a massive motivation. We really respect City, they have incredible players and they’ve been doing so well over the years. And so to be able to put our best foot forward and really try and bring everything good about what we’ve been doing this year – hopefully that can put us in a position where we can put in a good performance on the day and get the win. Ultimately that’s what we want from a derby. And then the atmosphere to go with that – that’s what our fans will want as well, so it’s really exciting. ●
Aoife’s moved on to 13 caps for ‘The Girls in Green’ this year
Happy 18th to Natasha House for 5 April.
Gabriella would like to say to her niece: ‘Happy birthday, Dais – one day you’ll be on the pitch!’
Keirawynne is here! Happy Mother’s Day, love Dewi and Eleri.
Scarlett travels from Lincoln for every home game, and recently turned 11.
Jazzlin Jones turned 18 yesterday. Congrats!
All the best to Darren Prince who turns 40 on 2 April. He’s pictured with our ‘Lego club’ and supporters’ club in Malta!
‘Love you so much, Mum – you deserve the world, love Scarlett x’
Happy 11th
Happy 17th to twins Alex and Elizabeth from Whitehaven in Cumbria.
TEXT MESSAGES Happy ninth birthday, Ewan! His favourite player is Hinata Miyazawa ● Happy 75th, Hoi-Kong –we wish you a year filled with joy! ● Happy birthday Hollie. Hope you have a lovely day, from all the family in Norwich and Manchester ● Lifelong friends Amelia and Robyn both turn 16 on 1 April – have a brilliant day! ● Evie Mayhew is soon to celebrate a 14th birthday, while Lucy Mayhew turned 17 on the day of the Leicester home game at the start of the month ● Happy 11th birthday Eva, we love you lots – Mum, Mark and Rosie ● Happy birthday to Eno, who was 52 on 21 March ● Happy 20th birthday, Kody – have a great day, all our love, Dad and Grandad ● Happy 10th birthday, Libby (Rachel Williams’s biggest fan) – hope you have the best day in hospitality.
birthday Lorien. Love Mum, Sean and Matilda.
2024/25 POSTER GRACE CLINTON
Helping our young people tell their stories.
FOLLOW ALONG
THE GAMES THAT MADE ME…
Norwegian flyer Celin Bizet on derby-day goosebumps and national-team pride
16 DEC 2023
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1-0 ARSENAL
“When I was with Tottenham, I’ll always remember beating Arsenal at home – it was Spurs’ first WSL win over them. I’d been at the club for two seasons and knowing the excitement towards the north London derby, it was massive. I remember the goal well [former Red Martha Thomas getting on the end of Bizet’s cross]. The team were so good in that game, and we fought so much. Everyone went into the Christmas break with big smiles.”
3 DEC 2024
NORWAY 3-0 NORTHERN IRELAND
“I’ll never forget when we [Norway] played Northern Ireland last winter, and the win confirmed we qualified for the Euros. After winning the first leg 4-0 we had a good feeling we were going to go through, but you never know in qualifiers! And to reach the Euros, it was the best feeling. We now have some time to reflect on how the Euros is going
to be. Playing that tournament [in Switzerland this July] is something you get to do maybe maximum three times in your career so it’s a big one for me.”
Play-off joy to reach this summer’s Euros
19 JAN 2025 MANCHESTER CITY 2-4 UNITED
“For United, one of my favourites was at the Etihad, when Tooney scored a hat-trick. The first goal definitely stands out – it was still early in the game and everyone was a bit tense, so it released a bit of stress for us all. Just coming into the club and playing in a big game like that, feeling the excitement of my first Manchester derby... there were a lot of new emotions and I really liked the experience. I think I had goosebumps the whole match! Of course, soon we have City at home as one of our three big games at the end of the WSL season – we’re looking forward to that also.”
Taking charge at the Etihad
Celin got an assist on Spurs’ big day
TWO WEEKS TODAY...
ONCE THIS AFTERNOON’S IMPORTANT WSL FIXTURE IS OUT THE WAY, WE’LL BE COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS (ALL 14 OF THEM) UNTIL CITY’S JOIE STADIUM HOSTS OUR BIGGEST GAME OF THE SEASON SO FAR...
Words
Mikey Partington
Make no mistake about it, Marc Skinner’s
Reds will arrive in Leigh today with just one thing on their minds: securing three precious Women’s Super League points to take into the international break.
The competitive nature of the battle to finish inside the European places means the WSL is the immediate focus for our players – but those of us in the stands can be forgiven for looking beyond the bounds of March and to an intriguing run-in that awaits on the other side, right? Before four more crucial outings to end our WSL campaign, it all starts with a huge FA Cup semi-final at Manchester City on 13 April, and it’s a date we imagine has been circled on many a calendar since the teams were paired in the last-four draw earlier this month.
With a place in the Wembley final up for grabs, the stakes in a women’s Manchester derby have arguably never been higher than they will be when the sides line up in the Joie Stadium tunnel in two weeks (although plenty could be on offer when we meet at Old Trafford on the penultimate weekend of the WSL season).
It’s the first of the two upcoming derbies that we’ll be looking ahead to on these pages though – a 3pm Sunday fixture to be played the day after the other last-four tie between Chelsea and Liverpool.
Taking belief from previous derby
Our Cup draw with City is undoubtedly an exciting one, even if it does look tough on paper. We’ve only won one of our previous seven trips across town since the Reds were reformed in 2018, but that success was on our last jaunt to the east side of Manchester – January’s memorable 4-2 win at the Etihad. Fresh in the mind, that visit should instil confidence among our Reds that a repeat is possible, but should belief waver once the 18th derby commences, our players only need to glance down to the neon-outlined ‘1’ on the FA Cup patch that will adorn the right sleeve of our shirts, as a subtle reminder that we’re the reigning holders. Skinner’s charges have reached the last two Wembley showpieces and are tasked now with winning a first Cup semi-final away from home if we’re to go back to the arch for the third successive
After seeing off Sunderland at LSV earlier this month, the Reds are back on the road
year. We’ve been roared to dramatic last-four wins over Brighton and Chelsea here at LSV in the last two years, and we’ll no doubt pack out the away end for this semi-final, which will surely push City’s attendance record at Joie Stadium (currently 5,508 for their UWCL win against Barcelona last October).
Cushing aiming for third success
Since our January league win against City – and the Blues enacting their revenge by knocking us out of the League Cup three days later – there has been a notable change in their dugout. Gareth Taylor was relieved of his duties just over 24 hours after guiding City into the FA Cup semis with victory over Aston Villa, and replaced in an interim capacity by Nick Cushing, who took charge of our crosstown rivals in the first three women’s Manchester derbies during a previous seven-year stint as Blues manager. Two of City’s three silverware successes in the FA Cup came during Cushing’s first spell and how the 40-year-old would love to add to that number upon his return.
The former New York City boss’s bid to do that would be aided if captain and former Reds defender Alex Greenwood plus star winger Lauren Hemp were able to return from injury before the end of the campaign, something Cushing has teasingly expressed as a possibility. “They have a desire [to
A RETURN TO LONDON AWAITS LIVERPOOL, WHO ARE STILL DREAMING OF LIFTING THE TROPHY FOR THE FIRST TIME
be back] before the end of the season but I’m not confirming that,” he told reporters recently.
The key pair are yet to play in 2025 as they recover from their respective knee issues, so were forced into a watching brief as City began an unusual recent sequence of four straight games against Chelsea, who face Liverpool in the semi-final weekend’s opening act – a 12.15pm kick-off on Saturday 12 April. As this programme went to print, City were gearing up for the last of those Chelsea games – a Champions League quarter-final second leg – looking to maintain their 2-0 advantage from the first European meeting, which brought an end to Sonia Bompastor’s 27-game unbeaten start as the Londoners’ head coach. Despite that result, Chelsea had edged past City in the earliest of those four contests to win the League Cup final, thus maintaining hopes of winning a first
Few predicted Liverpool to overcome Arsenal on the Gunners’ own patch in the quarters
Have you noticed our no.1 FA Cup patches?
After League Cup, WSL and UWCL meetings, Bompastor and Cushing’s sides have been kept apart in this cup
quadruple, ahead of the Champions League double-header, which fell either side of Chelsea’s 2-1 WSL win at the Etihad. “I can start to say we have won one trophy, but it is only one out of four,” Bompastor said, as she resisted maxing out her League Cup celebrations. “I will be celebrating the most if we can get more than one.”
The FA Cup is just as much of a priority as any other title for Bompastor then, although she also recently admitted her side haven’t been their fluent selves of late. Chelsea needed a second-half strike from Lauren James to squeeze past Palace 1-0 in the last round – the same side they doused 7-0 back in September – providing a reason for Liverpool to go to Kingsmeadow with hope in the FA Cup. It’s a ground where Chelsea have only lost once in the last four seasons though, and they will be confident of taking another step towards putting their name back on a trophy they’ve won five times previously.
Merseysiders excel against the odds
If any team is to upset that apple cart however, it’s Liverpool, who have already thrived as underdogs in this season’s FA Cup. The Merseysiders won at Arsenal in the previous round and are enjoying something of a bounce under interim boss Amber Whiteley. They’ve tasted victory in three of their four games since Whiteley assumed the position in February, and you probably don’t need reminding that one of those wins came against United at Anfield. It was Sophie Roman Haug’s shot that smacked the woodwork before going in off Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar that decided the quarter-final, and Haug expressed afterwards that it was just reward for the effort she and her team-mates exerted in the capital. “The team worked so hard and did a lot of good stuff so I’m really happy,” the Norwegian forward reflected.
A return to London awaits then for the three-time finalists (known as Knowsley United during their inaugural showpiece appearance in 1994), as they get set for a first last-four appearance since 2016/17, still dreaming of lifting the trophy for the first time.
Liverpool’s visit to Chelsea, just like City v United, will be broadcast live on BBC – wherever you’re taking in all the action, brace yourself, as much drama could be in store before the two finalists are confirmed. ●
Jess Park helps fire City into the last four – where they’ll again be on home soil
A third trip in a row down Wembley Way for the Reds come 18 May? Yes, please!
Chelsea had to battle for a breakthrough against Palace in the last round
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A KIT FOR ALL SEASONS!
Reds get recycling to support Great Save environmental campaign
Phallon Tullis-Joyce and Leah Galton were among five Reds to upcycle parts of their kit into drawstring bags, as part of the Foundation’s Eco Reds initiative.
Eco Reds helps young people to be conscious of the world around them and take action to protect the planet for future generations, with those showing a prior interest in the environment and sustainability encouraged to get involved.
As part of this, the Foundation worked alongside the University of Manchester, giving youngsters the opportunity to create the club-themed bags, all made from old United kits. It’s seen those involved develop key skills around craftmanship, including how to use a sewing machine.
The quintet of Reds joined the fun at Carrington to highlight Green Football’s Great Save campaign (11 Mar–2 Apr), which encourages fans, players and everyone involved in football to look after the environment.
Rachel Williams, Simi Awujo and Safia Middleton-Patel also attended this afternoon of creative expression, alongside pupils from Waterhead Academy, one of our Foundation’s partner schools.
Galton said: “It’s nice doing this because I’ve never used a sewing machine before. If you can teach kids when they’re
younger, it’s a great skill to have growing up. It is quite hard and intricate, but it’s very fun. The bag looks great, and I can’t wait to wear it.”
Williams added: “We’re learning how to sew so I can make this beautiful bag. It’s all about team-work which relates to football, plus we’re interacting and meeting these kids. I’m sure there’s a thing or two they can teach me!”
Student Mena, 15, from Co-op Academy Swinton, said: “The idea of recycling shirts into bags is just amazing and it’s good for the environment. And seeing the people I’ve watched play football for a long time was quite inspirational. They showed us they’re amazing on and off the field, in their skills at football and sewing skills as well.”
For more, visit mufoundation.org
‘Sew’ much fun was had by the players and pupils at the recent Carrington crafts session
Today’s visitors:
EVERTON
About our opponents...
Nickname: The Toffees
Founded: 1983 (as Hoylake WFC)
Ground: Walton Hall Park (2,200 capacity)
Last season: WSL 8th, FA Cup quarter-finals, League Cup group stage
Top scorer, 2024/25: Kelly Gago (5)
Best achievement: FA Cup winners, 1989 (as Leasowe Pacific), 2010
After a poor start to 2024/25, which saw Everton fail to win any of their first seven WSL games, Brian Sorensen’s team now have every chance of making their way into the top half by the season’s end.
Currently seventh, even fifth place is reachable with a strong finish – they have Manchester City, Brighton, Liverpool and Tottenham to come, with the latter three all direct rivals within the current context of the table. Despite placing third in each of the first two WSL seasons in 2011 and 2012, the Toffees have only finished in the top five once since 2013, in 2020/21, so it would be quite an achievement for the Merseysiders.
Their poor start to 2024/25 feels like a distant memory in more ways than one, with optimism surrounding the whole club since a takeover by the Friedkin Group was completed in December.
The catalyst for Everton Women’s turnaround came a few weeks earlier, as they beat Liverpool at Goodison Park via a controversially awarded penalty. It was the first time the Toffees had led
a WSL match this season and victory against their city rivals moved them off the foot of the table.
For December’s heroic 2-1 win over Manchester City at Walton Hall Park, Sorensen could only name three senior outfielders on the bench, making up the numbers with academy players. But, even with captain Megan Finnigan ruled out long-term, the injury crisis that characterised the early months of the campaign is easing. They were also able to significantly strengthen in the recent transfer window, with three-time Liga F winner Martina Fernandez, on loan from Barcelona, and 178-cap Norwegian international Maren Mjelde coming into defence; former United favourite Hayley Ladd added to the midfield ranks; while Kelly Gago has made a strong start up front (see right). French forward Louna Ribadeira (from Chelsea) and our own Emma Watson in midfield are two loanees who’ll be out to make a good impression in the games ahead, although Watson will be ineligible to play today.
Everton’s recent resurgence continued with an impressive win against Palace
v CRYSTAL PALACE (HOME, WSL) 22.03.25
T PAYNE GAGO
SUBS USED: HOPE, SARRI, MADSEN, LAWLEY, K HOLMGAARD
RECORD V THE REDS
Played: 18
Everton wins: 1
United wins: 15
Draws: 2
Everton goals: 9
United goals: 48
Last three meetings: Everton 0-2 United LC, 20.11.24
Everton 0-1 United WSL, 29.09.24
United 4-1 Everton WSL, 31.03.24
Everton’s determined spirit has always been evident this season, as shown by second-half equalisers against West Ham, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, to take a point each time from a losing position. But since the transfer window closed, it’s been three wins from five WSL games, compared to two in the previous 12. For the two games they did lose – away to Chelsea and at home to Arsenal – the final score didn’t quite tell the whole story: they led against Chelsea and were only beaten by a cruel 93rd-minute winner, while Arsenal’s 3-1 win wasn’t secure until a late third goal. Everton will hope to bring more of that kind of fight to Leigh Sports Village today.
Only our own Marc Skinner has been in the same WSL job for longer than Brian Sorensen. The 44-year-old Dane began ahead of 2022/23 following league and cup success in his homeland, and he has so far led Everton to sixth and eighth in the WSL, while managing a number of player departures, alongside budget limitations and some key injuries. His contract runs for another season after this one.
HEAD COACH IMPACT SIGNING
France international Kelly Gago was a January arrival, just before her 26th birthday, following a short spell at Nantes. After a whirlwind start to life on Merseyside, she is already this season’s top scorer across all competitions. “I like scoring goals,” was her simple introductory message to fans when she arrived, and it’s been four in her last five WSL appearances alone.
VERSATILE DANE
Injuries hindered Sara Holmgaard’s first 18 months as an Everton player, but the adventurous left-sided defender – the twin of team-mate Karen – has now come into her own. The Dane, comfortable at full-back, wing-back and centre-back, has started 15 times in the WSL this term, and she also showcased her attacking capabilities in last weekend’s 3-0 win v Palace, scoring once and assisting twice.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
TITLE-CHALLENGING U21s
It’s been a tale of bouncing back from defeat in recent weeks for our U21s, who remain joint-top of the table with only four games to go. The young Reds are once again competing for the trophy with – among others – Arsenal, who we defeated last season in the national final. “It’s been a season mainly of ups, but one of our biggest challenges of the season came in February,” explains Amanda Goodwin, Academy manager. United were beaten twice in succession, first by Aston Villa (4-3) and then Arsenal (3-1) – defeats that saw us drop off the table’s summit. “But it also gave us a lot of learning,” Goodwin said. “They battled with WSL first-team players [dropping down] and so saw first-hand the level they’re aiming to get to.”
Crucially, the girls responded well and got three more points on the board when Scarlett Hill and Amelia Oldroyd netted in a 2-0 win over Durham on 5 March. League leaders Arsenal beat Southampton by the same scoreline to keep themselves top and United suffered another setback a week later at Sunderland. “The result didn’t go our way again,” said Goodwin, “but it was another great learning point for the team, who played 50
ENGAGE ● INSPIRE ● UNITE
Young Reds dig deep to remain in the trophy hunt, while continuing their education off the pitch...
minutes with 10 players. The team didn’t concede a goal while being a player down, so credit to them all for showing great togetherness. This is certainly a moment for us to keep referring back to and it’s one that has spurred the girls on since.”
That much was clear in our next game against a strong Charlton side, who were unfortunate to face a ruthless XI, determined to prove a point to themselves and to Marc Skinner and Maya Le Tissier, who were both watching on. “It was an impressive performance from Mared Griffiths,” said Goodwin. “She opened the scoring after six minutes and got the final goal at 89 minutes. It was a fantastic display from the whole team and it gives us a great position to go into the final games.”
Having been scheduled to host Southampton this
Wednesday, just after this programme had gone to print (check ManUtd.com or the United app to find out the result), we still have Charlton (2 April), Chelsea (16 April) and Aston Villa (23 April) to play.
ELSEWHERE...
The girls have been attending sessions on how to write the best CVs to ensure they are well prepared for the next stages in their careers, both on and off the pitch. Their education programme gives a huge variety of opportunities during the season, and also includes key parts of club history. In February, the girls participated in a session on the Munich Air Disaster given by Dave Bushell – Boys’ Academy player liaison officer – ahead of attending the annual Memorial Service at Old Trafford for the very first time.
Goodwin (second from right) and the rest of the U21s’ backroom staff have been delighted with the girls’ progress this season
FUN FACTS ABOUT TODAY’S OPPONENTS
WE’VE PLAYED MORE GAMES v EVERTON THAN AGAINST ANY OTHER TEAM (18)
THE TOFFEES ARE THE TEAM WE’VE BEATEN MOST OFTEN, WITH 15 WINS SO FAR
OUR TOP SCORERS v EVERTON ARE LEAH GALTON, NIKITA PARRIS AND ELLA TOONE (6 EACH)
CURRENT REDS GABBY GEORGE, GRACE CLINTON AND MILLIE TURNER ALL ALSO PLAYED FOR EVERTON UNITED MIDFIELDER
SORT THESE CLUBS INTO ORDER BASED ON HOW MANY TIMES UNITED HAVE BEATEN THEM IN OUR HISTORY, STARTING WITH THE MOST…
Stats AT THE BACK
WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE TABLE, 2024/25
UNITED APPEARANCES
& GOALS, 2024/25
WSL TOP SCORERS, 2024/25
A CLOSER LOOK...
Elisabeth Terland’s brace against Villa saw her move on to nine WSL goals for the season, meaning she’s now one strike away from becoming just the third Red to reach double figures in a single top-flight campaign, after Leah Galton and Alessia Russo, who both hit 10 for us in the WSL in 2022/23. Terland also has the join-highest tally of goals and assists combined across the WSL this season (13, level with Khadija Shaw).
WSL TOP ASSISTS, 2024/25
WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE preview
PLENTY OF INTRIGUING MATCH-UPS AWAIT IN THIS 12-TEAM SUNDAY...
United versus Everton kicks off matchday 18 in the WSL, with the noon fixture here at LSV to be swiftly followed by a quartet of 2pm games, and a London derby to round things off at 4.30pm.
It’s fifth place v fourth place at Broadfield Stadium as Brighton host Manchester City at 2pm, although the south-coast side will start the game with a 10-point deficit on their opponents. Bunny Shaw scored the game’s only goal in the reverse fixture in September – Brighton’s only loss in their opening six fixtures – but Dario Vidosic’s Seagulls have found life harder since December, with a recent away win at Tottenham being their only victory in their last nine WSL outings. As for Nick Cushing’s City, with Arsenal and United currently seven points ahead of them in the final two European spots, victory is imperative.
Top of the division’s form guide over the last five games are Arsenal, with five wins from five to take them above Marc Skinner’s Reds in the overall standings on goal difference. Their latest challenge takes them to bottom-placed Crystal Palace at 2pm. With just one team facing the
Vilahamn’s Spurs have been in freefall since February began, losing five from five, and scoring just once
drop, the struggling Eagles certainly won’t be throwing in the towel quite yet – even a draw in this one could take them level on points with Aston Villa, who sit directly above them, should Natalia Arroyo’s Villans lose at Liverpool at the same time. The Merseysiders will be favourites for that one in St Helens, and will be keen to bounce back from a 0-4 loss at Arsenal last time out to rediscover the form that saw them win their first three games under interim boss Amber Whiteley since she took over from Matt Beard. Another team to have enjoyed a springtime boost are Leicester, who have eased their relegation fears by winning three of their last six games. Having previously won just one WSL game all season, Amandine Miquel’s charges now find themselves six points clear of the drop-zone, and incredibly they could even overtake their latest opponents Tottenham with a win at the King Power at 2pm. Following an encouraging first half to ’24/25, Robert Vilahamn’s Spurs have been in freefall since February began, losing five from five, scoring just once, while conceding 11. And that just leaves the cross-capital clash between Chelsea and West Ham at 4.30pm. The hosts at Kingsmeadow are still eyeing an unbeaten WSL campaign, but can Rehanne Skinner’s Hammers spring a surprise? Recent results against Arsenal (a 3-4 loss) and Manchester City (a 1-1 draw) would suggest they have a fighting chance to halt the Blues in their tracks.
Brighton could put another dent in City’s European hopes down in West Sussex today
FIXTURES + RESULTS
ADDED-TIME QUIZ
Ten posers on the boss, who had a birthday last week...
Which current WSL club were our opponents for Casey Stoney’s final home game as boss, and also the first side Skinner faced away?
2.
Who was United’s top scorer during Skinner’s first United campaign, in 2021/22, with 11 goals?
Ella Toone was one of two outfield Reds to start every WSL game in that 2021/22 season, but can you name the other?
1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Who scored home and away as Skinner oversaw two WSL wins from two against his former side, Birmingham City, in 2021/22 – to date, the only times he’s managed against them?
Which English midfielder later followed Skinner from his previous club, Orlando Pride, to join the Reds in January 2022?
As of the start of March 2025, how many times has Marc been named WSL Manager of the Month: four, five or six?
Skinner’s Reds equalled a United Women club record for most victories in a season in 2022/23, winning how many out of 31 games?
8.
The Reds’ biggest win under Skinner is 7-0, on two occasions, including against Everton in the League Cup in 2023. Who scored a hat-trick in that game?
9. 10.
The two teams Skinner has faced most often as United manager – both 11 times – are Everton and…?
How many of Marc’s 15 FA Cup games in charge of United to date have ended in victory?
