Manchester United Women v Reading Women match programme WSL 03.09.21

OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2021/22 SEASON • VOLUME 04 ISSUE 01

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WHAT’S INSIDE

COME ON YOU REDS! Remember January 2020? United Women played five fixtures that month – every one on home soil – with the Leigh Sports Village turnstiles clicking over 7,000 times across that run of games.

Storm Ciara put paid to any home action in February... and we all know what happened next in March. But now, 583 days on from our last home outing in front of actual fans, your support from the stands can finally return, and the new-look Reds want nothing more than a winning start in front of the cameras as the WSL season begins with the visit of Kelly Chambers’ Reading...

MANCHESTER UNITED F O O T B A L L C L U B LT D Co-chairmen Joel Glazer, Avram Glazer Directors Bryan Glazer, Kevin Glazer, Edward Glazer, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Ed Woodward, Richard Arnold,

04 HEAD COACH’S column 07 NEWS ROUND-UP

Michael Edelson, Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Alex Ferguson, David Gill CBE Secretary Rebecca Britain Honorary president

10 Summer of change 16 PRe-season fixtures

Martin Edwards MATCH PROGRAMME TEAM Editor Charlie Ghagan Editor-in-chief Ian McLeish

19 captain’s column 22 hannah blundell interview

Contributors Sean Mullan, Harriet Drudge, Harry Robinson Photography Ash Donelon, John & Matt Peters, Getty Cover design Sarah Robson

28 the opposition 34 QUIZ

Thanks to Haylee Howe, Rachael Temple, Stephen Bibby, Julie Ferguson, John Shiel & Chris Leuty/MuPrint.com, Richard Dorman / Reading FC

37 player & team statistics

© Manchester United 2021

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HEAD COACH’S COLUMN

MARC SKINNER In his first programme column, the new head coach outlines his objectives for his team, while stressing the significance of tonight’s televised WSL opener...

Hello and welcome to Leigh Sports Village. It’s a real pleasure to be able to welcome you all back to watch your team live, and I’m incredibly excited to be here.

I am very grateful to be coming into a club and a team that has such strong foundations to build on.

It doesn’t happen in many jobs and my role is not about redefining everything; it’s about finding what works, implementing our core principles and going from there.

One of our principles is togetherness. This is such a ‘together’ group already – the culture among them, you can see it in the training pictures and feel it in person.

I love to see who the players are, rather than just what they can do and our recent trip to Scotland gave me a wonderful chance to do that. It’s important to get to know them when they’re not always at their smiley best: how they deal with being away and being in a group.

Led by Katie Zelem and the core group who have been here since the start, there’s already a strong undercurrent of support and guidance among the players. How incredible – and rare – is it to have players who were here at the club’s inception? They are the fingerprint of this club. Our new recruits have settled in well too and wherever we go, we want our teams to be the best – and

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by that I mean with our togetherness. We’ve spoken as a group about being the ‘red wave’; a wave that crashes against teams, that is relentless. A big part of that ‘red wave’ is you, the fans. You are the noise and the energy that creates wave after wave. It’s easy for me to sit here and say, ‘we love the fans’, but playing in empty stadiums feels like we may as well be playing training games. We won’t always be at our best, but what we need alongside mental toughness and resilience, is to hear you.

Tonight we welcome Reading for the season opener.

Reading are always organised, inventive, creative and difficult to play against. We will not underestimate anything they can do. It’s also an occasion bigger than this game with the match being broadcast live on Sky. It’s big for those watching and super exciting for us. We can’t wait. How many people in the future will say, ‘I watched United v Reading on Sky and that’s why I became a professional footballer’? That’s an amazing thought.

We understand the magnitude of what we’re doing here long-term and in the now, we’re looking to begin as we mean to go on by making a positive start to our season. Enjoy the game.

HEAD COACH’S COLUMN

to manage at the stadium. asrenal, bitter diss, dont think performed badly. lowest possession arsenal have had under JM but got to turn poss in chances, and turn those chanes into goalsm, and how we went in at half-time 1-0 down i’;ll never know. it was diss cos our sloippy poss turned over ball early doors, very much message was to stay in game as long as possible, dont conced, they have to win and willl come out and then we can capitalise, but early goal put on bvack foot, gave us alot to do. but have to be pleased with elements but key moments when didnt take chances cost us. unf not in our hands GD, they have still got to win all their games and we need to make sure we win ours.

“WE’VE SPOKEN AS A GROUP ABOUT BEING THE ‘RED WAVE’; A WAVE THAT CRASHES AGAINST TEAMS, THAT IS RELENTLESS... A BIG PART OF THAT ‘RED WAVE’ IS YOU, THE FANS” 05

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LATEST STORIES

MUW NEWS

BROADCASTING DEAL BEGINS

Four of Reds’ first five fixtures selected by Sky and BBC Tonight’s season-opener also kicks off a three-year agreement between the FA, Sky and BBC to broadcast live WSL fixtures, with this evening’s fixture being the first-ever match in the competition to be shown on Sky Sports.

For fans who don’t have access to Sky (that will show up to 44 matches in 2021/22), the BBC is to broadcast 22 live games, with at least 18 shown on either BBC One or BBC Two, rather than the iPlayer or Red Button service. Indeed, our next

two home games after tonight – both huge WSL encounters, against Chelsea and Manchester City – will be live on the BBC. Our meeting with Emma Hayes’s side is on BBC Two (26 Sep, 12.30pm), with the first Manchester derby of the campaign live on BBC One on 9 Oct (1.30pm).

In the away game that falls between those two games, the Reds will be

back on Sky Sports when Marc Skinner returns to his old club Birmingham on 3 Oct (6.45pm).

Games not selected for broadcast, including our trip to Leicester next Sunday (2pm), will be streamed live on The FA Player.

You can also catch up on selected live matches and highlights of games on MUTV – head to mutv.com to see the upcoming schedules.

The new broadcast deal covering the women’s game will benefit all clubs in the top two tiers

CONTI CUP DATES ARE ANNOUNCED

We reached the semis in 2019/20, losing to Chelsea

The details for the Reds’ group-stage fixtures in the Continental League Cup have been confirmed, with Durham our first opponents, away from home on Thursday 14 October (7pm). United will also be on the road on matchday two, at Leicester City (Wed 17 Nov, 7pm), with Everton visiting Leigh for our final Group B outing, on Wed 15 Dec (7pm).

In a change to the format, Chelsea – as a result of playing in the Champions League group stage – have received a bye to the quarter-finals, with Manchester City and Arsenal also to receive a bye should they progress beyond the Champions League qualifying rounds.

As such, as the Conti Cup begins, only the group winners across the five groups will be guaranteed a spot in the last eight.

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LATEST STORIES

A VOICE FOR THE FANS New name for inclusive supporters’ group to reflect its changing role One off-field development for the Reds over the summer was the renaming of the ‘Barmy Army’ (who any matchgoing fan will no doubt have heard at our games over the past three years!) to the ‘Manchester United Women Supporters’ Club’ (or MUWSC).

Originally created by a group of like-minded United fans in 2018 in an effort to create the best-possible atmosphere – their chant-sheet, distributed to fans in our opening season, was just one bright idea in that respect – the dedicated group soon expanded their focus to include the coordination of away-day travel, while social events become more common as their numbers grew.

Indeed, their online community

across Twitter, Instagram and YouTube is now over 6,000, with Reds from across the globe following their insightful podcasts, videos and social media posts.

With the group continuing to increase their engagement with the club about issues affecting the fans, the name change, announced in July, felt appropriate, as MUWSC secretary Marc Henry (pictured) tells us: “We were renowned for our dedicated vocal support, but as a group we knew we could be more than that.

In rebranding ourselves to MUWSC we hope to use our voices for much more than being the ‘rowdy bunch’

in the stands, by engaging with the club and giving our members a platform for their opinions to be heard.

“While atmosphere at matches will always be important to us, we understood that not everybody wants to take part, so with our rebrand we hope to show we can be there for all fans.”

Marc is just one member of the MUWSC committee, along with vice-chair (currently acting chair) Deborah Henry, treasurer Shane Higgs and vice-treasurer Fiona Lynch. You can find them on Twitter and Instagram (@MUW_SC), or visit muwsc.co.uk for more details.

GET SET FOR THE SEASON See every WSL home fixture from just £20

The loyal members of MUWSC will be back making noise in the West Stand tonight

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Ham United

If you’re keen to cheer on United Women on a regular basis in 2021/22, the club is pleased to announce that season tickets have been frozen at £39 for adults and £20 for under-16s/ 65+, and are on sale now. As well as giving you entry to all our home WSL fixtures, season ticket holders can share their ticket with friends and family, as well as receiving 10 per cent off at the Old Trafford Megastore, among other benefits. To buy, visit ManUtd.com/muwtickets.

SUMMER OF CHANGE

NEW FACES, SAME TARGETS As you’ve no doubt noticed, quite a bit has happened since the Reds’ last competitive outing! Allow us to fill you in on a busy few months...

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his summer has been one of change at United Women, with new faces on and off the pitch. Following the departure of Casey Stoney at the end of 2020/21, it was Marc Skinner who was appointed just the team’s second head coach, on 29 July 2021.

“It’s a wonderful day in my life” said a proud Skinner upon his arrival.

“To have the privilege to be involved and to be the head coach of a team such as Manchester United, it’s a day I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.

Speaking a few weeks later on his team’s August training camp, the 38-year-old revealed what a positive start he’d had to the job: “Part of the reason I came to Manchester United was because I knew it had a heritage

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of supporting its own and growing from within and looking after each other. Do you know what’s really interesting? Obviously Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] and the [men’s] team started training the other day. I emailed him, it was 5pm on Friday, and within 20 minutes he emailed back and said: ‘I look forward to meeting you, welcome to the club.’

“I’ve met all of the staff because we’re based at the [Carrington] training ground. They’ve been nothing but friendly and want to help in any way they can. That was so important for me and that’s part of the support I was talking about.”

The new boss has previous experience of the Women’s Super League as manager of Birmingham City between 2016 and 2019, leaving

SUMMER OF CHANGE them fourth in the table at the time of his departure and helping them reach the 2017 FA Cup final. His first challenge with the Reds has been to reshape his squad for the new campaign, with a number of experienced senior players moving on to pastures new. The most high-profile of these moves was that of Lauren James, who joined Chelsea – also the club of her brother, Blues full-back Reece – for a record fee between two WSL clubs.

James had been a key player for the Reds from our very first game, netting our maiden goals in the FA Women’s Championship, the FA Cup, the WSL and at Old Trafford. She moves on sitting in second in our all-time top scorers list, her 28 strikes second only to Ella Toone’s 32.

Another goal-getter on the move was Jess Sigsworth. The Doncasterborn forward, who memorably scored five times away to Aston Villa

The departures of Sigsworth and James saw some new recruits arrive to bolster the Reds’ attacking options

in our first-ever league outing, left after the expiry of her contract to sign for newly promoted Leicester City – who we face next weekend in our first away game of the WSL

campaign. The third and final member of our Championshipwinning squad to depart was Amy Turner, who headed stateside to Orlando Pride. Turner played 67 ▶

“PART OF THE REASON I CAME TO MANCHESTER UNITED WAS BECAUSE I KNEW IT HAD A HERITAGE OF SUPPORTING ITS OWN, GROWING FROM WITHIN AND LOOKING AFTER EACH OTHER” – MARC SKINNER 11

THE MANCUNIAN WAY.

© 2021 adidas AG

SUMMER OF CHANGE

INS & OUTS

Baggaley brings competition to Mary Earps for a place between the sticks this season

All the off-season switches at MUFC ▼ 21 June: Jessica Sigsworth (Leicester City) ▼ 23 June: Jane Ross (Rangers) ▼ 24 June: Christen Press (released) ▼ 24 June: Tobin Heath (released) ▼ 25 June: Amy Turner (Orlando Pride) ▲ 20 July: Vilde Boe Risa (Sandviken) ▲ 23 July: Hannah Blundell (Chelsea) ▲ 23 July: Sophie Baggaley (Bristol City) ▼ 23 July: Lauren James (Chelsea) ▼ 26 July: Abbie McManus (Leicester City) ▲ 26 July: Aoife Mannion (Manchester City) ▲ 28 July: Martha Thomas (West Ham United) ▼ 30 July: Megan Hornby (Blackburn Rovers) ▼ (loan) 6 August: Emily Ramsey (Birmingham City) ▼ (loan) 6 August: Fran Bentley (Bristol City) ▼ (loan) 28 August: Tara Bourne (Sheffield United)

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WATCH!

PRE-SEASON CAMP IN SCOTLAND times across three seasons with the Reds, putting her fourth on our list of appearance-makers behind Millie Turner, Toone and Katie Zelem.

Also leaving the club were Jane Ross, Christen Press, Tobin Heath and Abbie McManus. Meanwhile, goalkeepers Emily Ramsey and Fran Bentley joined Birmingham and Bristol City respectively on season-long loan deals, with defender Tara Bourne loaned to

Martha Thomas chats to MUTV after her arrival from West Ham

Sheffield United. It all meant that Skinner had much work to do in revamping his squad, and his first signing was Norway international Vilde Boe Risa, from Sandviken. The midfielder, who played in all five of her country’s games at the 2019 World Cup, said upon joining: “I’m happy to be here, at such a big club that I have grown up supporting.

Manchester United is huge in Norway so to be able to come here and play for the team is a dream come true.” Vilde becomes the third Norwegian to join the Reds since our 2018 formation, following Aurora Mikalsen and Maria Thorisdottir.

Defenders Hannah Blundell, from Chelsea, and Aoife Mannion, from Manchester City, further bolstered the ranks, as did former Bristol City goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley.

“United can be successful and win trophies, and I will do everything I can to help bring success to the club,” noted Blundell. “I’m just happy to finally be a United player!”

Completing the summer recruitment drive was Scotland international forward Martha Thomas, who checked in from West Ham. The Reds’ new no.9 soon made an impression, finding the net in our second pre-season friendly, against Aston Villa – see page 14 for more information on all of United’s warm-up games in August.

That meeting with the Villans preceded a week-long training camp in Thomas’s home country north of the border, including a friendly meeting with Rangers in Glasgow. It all contributed as vital preparation ahead of the new season, with ▶

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SUMMER OF CHANGE

Millie Turner, Alessia Russo and Ella Toone pause for a breather at last month’s training camp

the recent signings quickly getting into the groove. “We want to create a team here that is so focused and there’s a synergy there that directs us to where we want to be together,” Skinner explained. “I’m going to get to know everybody individually, inside and out, I want to know what drives them, what motivates them.

“I want to learn what their journeys have been and that’s where going to start so we can show them how much energy and commitment we have to them to build a special team here.”

Thomas added: “We’ve got a really good culture that we’re building. I

think the culture was already strong, so Marc and the new players coming in has strengthened that. We’re all really excited to kick on this season.”

There was certainly a need to be ready to go from the off, with three tough fixtures in September to start the campaign. The trip to Leicester in nine days’ time is sandwiched between home meetings with Reading – never an easy opponent, as we know all too well – and reigning WSL champions Chelsea, with Skinner well aware of the threat of three teams who all managed to beat his new side last season.

R E D S I N J A PA N Further afield this summer, Jackie Groenen and Ella Toone were flying the flag for United at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, reaching the quarter-finals with the Netherlands and Great Britain respectively.

Groenen played every minute of her country’s four games, which began in sensational style with a 10-3 victory over Zambia as the Dutch set a new record for the most goals by a team in a single Olympic game.

A thrilling 3-3 draw with Brazil followed, before the Netherlands rounded off the group stage with another big win as they beat China 8-2 (pictured), with Groenen claiming an assist. Topping Group F set up

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“That’s what we’re here for, big games,” he said. “This club wants to be in the biggest of games, it needs to be in the biggest of games. For us, every game is different, the beauty of the WSL is that you are tactically challenged a lot more so we have the exposure to watch and learn and expose ourselves to these different challenges. Reading have been a constant threat from the time I was at Birmingham, and then Leicester have been really successful last year and then you bring the champions so you know I’m looking forward to every single one of those challenges, and I know the players will be prepared and ready for every one of those challenges too.”

Plenty to look forward to, then, in the days, weeks and months ahead, as the new-look Reds aim to finally break into the WSL’s top three following back-to-back fourth-place finishes, as well as pushing for silverware in the two domestic cups. And it all starts right here in Leigh against the Royals... ⬤

a mouth-watering last-eight meeting with the USA. Sadly for Jackie and co, this was where the adventure would end, as they lost 4-2 on penalties.

Meanwhile, Toone was included in the Team GB squad after having scored on her senior England debut earlier in 2021. While she was initially picked as one of four reserves, the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and FIFA later confirmed an expansion of the tournament squad size, meaning the Reds forward was free to be selected in matchday squads.

United’s no.7 came off the bench as a late substitute in the opening fixture, a 2-0 win over Chile (pictured), in what turned out to be her only appearance. Her side then beat Japan before drawing with eventual gold medallists Canada to top Group E, before Team GB lost 4-3 to Australia.

FRIENDLY FIXTURES

PRE-SEASON ROUND-UP...

Thursday 19 August, Rangers Training Ground RANGERS 0 UNITED 5 (Zelem 8, 51, Staniforth 33, Hanson 74, Galton 77)

five-point match report:

⬤ Big win as part of Scottish training camp ⬤ Zelem’s free-kick and Staniforth make it 2-0 at half-time ⬤ Skipper lobs home her second shortly after the interval ⬤ Hanson and Galton add late strikes to round off win ⬤ First pre-season action for Toone after Tokyo Olympics

Catch up on all our August friendlies Sunday 8 August 2021, Carrington UNITED 2 (Galton 25, Hanson 26) LIVERPOOL 2 (Kiernan 18, Humphrey 81)

five-point match report:

⬤ Quickfire United double cancelled out by late equaliser ⬤ All five summer signings feature in lively encounter ⬤ Blundell and Boe Risa start before later being replaced ⬤ Baggaley, Mannion, Thomas introduced at half-time ⬤ Several youngsters also play for the first time

▶

WATCH!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 5-0 WIN

Saturday 28 August, Loughborough University BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 1 (Carter 46) UNITED 1 (Zelem 30)

five-point match report:

Saturday 14 August 2021, Carrington UNITED 2 (Thomas 4, Hanson 17) ASTON VILLA 0

five-point match report:

⬤ First win for Skinner, against fellow WSL side Villa ⬤ Thomas opens scoring with maiden strike for United ⬤ Hanson adds her second in as many games ⬤ Reds go close to more goals, dominating proceedings ⬤ New away kit gets first outing for women’s team.

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⬤ Final warm-up game ends in a keenly contested draw ⬤ Zelem opens scoring with another trademark free-kick ⬤ Seagulls equalise with first attack of second half ⬤ Thomas, Turner and Thorisdottir go close for Reds ⬤ Earps keeps scores level with fine double save

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CAPTAIN’S COLUMN

KATIE ZELEM Our pre-season preparations have brought us even closer together as a group, with the new arrivals settling in brilliantly – helped by some off-pitch activities!

This has been a long time coming, but welcome back!

We are so excited to see you in the stands again and can’t wait to get our season under way tonight.

Everyone is excited for the first game no matter what, but to be opening the WSL on Sky Sports with you back with us too, what more could we ask for?

It sounds like a cliché but we have missed you so much. Having fans back will be so important for us this season, home and away. I may be a little biased, but we have the best fans in the league. We can always hear you and your support for us throughout the whole game, whether we’re winning or not, will be a huge boost.

We’ve had a really good pre-season. Marc has brought new ideas and experiences and has been in the league before, of course, so knows what it’s about.

Our trip to Scotland really brought us together too, not least because it was absolutely scorching and we’d all packed jumpers! Off the pitch, we were focused on building connections. We went to Laser Quest one day – an outdoor army camp. It may not surprise people to know that Millie, who plays every PlayStation game under the sun, was moving around like a pro and taking it so seriously! She was so good. I’ve got more off-pitch

The skipper leads the tactical talk against Brighton last weekend

activities planned, which I will tell you about at some point – for now they will remain a surprise for the team.

On the pitch, we’re adapting to a slightly different style of play under Marc, focusing on possession-based football and counter-pressing. Our aim is to be ruthless this season; we want to be relentless and hopefully that will help us to achieve our goals.

With the signings we’ve brought in alongside the culture and environment we’ve got here, there’s no reason we shouldn’t be looking to make progress on last year, and we all want to be playing Champions League football. Enjoy the game.

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AOIFE MANNION Born: 24/09/1995 Nationality: English Trivia: Has played in cup finals for both Aston Villa and Birmingham City.

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ONA BATLLE Born: 10/06/1999 Nationality: Spanish Trivia: Named our Player of the Year during her debut campaign last season.

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MILLIE TURNER Born: 07/07/1996 Nationality: English Trivia: Missed just one of 77 games across our first three seasons.

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MARY EARPS Born: 07/03/1993 Nationality: English Trivia: In goal for all 36 of our WSL fixtures prior to the start of 2021/22.

MARTHA HARRIS Born: 19/08/1994 Nationality: English Trivia: First-ever winner of PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year award, in 2014.

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KIRSTY SMITH Born: 06/01/1994 Nationality: Scottish Trivia: Played all three games for Scotland in their first World Cup, in 2019.

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HANNAH BLUNDELL Born: 25/05/1994 Nationality: English Trivia: Scored 12 goals in 165 games for Chelsea, winning 10 major honours.

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MARIA THORISDOTTIR Born: 05/06/1993 Nationality: Norwegian Trivia: Arrived from Chelsea in early 2021 to become our first-ever January signing.

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SOPHIE BAGGALEY Born: 29/11/1996 Nationality: English Trivia: Named WSL Players’ Player of the Year in ’18/19 while at Bristol City.

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MEET THE SQUAD ▶

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THE PLAYERS: 2021/22 SEASON

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LUCY STANIFORTH Born: 02/10/1992 Nationality: English Trivia: Had made 146 WSL appearances for six clubs ahead of 2021/22.

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MARTHA THOMAS Born: 31/05/1996 National team: Scotland Trivia: Born in England; has played for USA U23s; now represents Scotland.

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IVANA FERREIRA FUSO Born: 12/03/2001 Nationality: Brazilian Trivia: Ivana got married in July, and will play under the surname Ferreira Fuso.

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ALESSIA RUSSO Born: 08/02/1999 Nationality: English Trivia: Three goals and two assists in four WSL games last season.

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JACKIE GROENEN Born: 17/12/1994 Nationality: Dutch Trivia: A 2019 World Cup runner-up, after scoring a semi-final winner.

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KATIE ZELEM Born: 20/01/1996 Nationality: English Trivia: Our first Player of the Year, before becoming club captain in 2019/20.

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KIRSTY HANSON Born: 17/04/1998 National team: Scotland Trivia: The first Red to win the WSL Player of the Month award, in October 2019.

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LEAH GALTON Born: 24/05/1994 Nationality: English Trivia: Scored our first goal of 2020/21 to earn a point against reigning champions Chelsea.

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ELLA TOONE Born: 02/09/1999 Nationality: English Trivia: United’s all-time leading scorer at the start of 2021/22, with 32 goals so far.

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CARRIE JONES Born: 04/09/2003 Nationality: Welsh Trivia: Played twice for the Wales senior side before making her United debut in March 2021.

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HAYLEY LADD Born: 06/10/1996 National team: Wales Trivia: Our Player of the Year in 2019/20, featuring in all 21 games across all competitions.

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VILDE BOE RISA Born: 13/07/1995 Nationality: Norwegian Trivia: Scored her first Champions League goal last season, v Manchester City.

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THE PLAYERS: 2021/22 SEASON

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Manche

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

#6 HANNAH BLUNDELL

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Manchester United Women v Brighton Hove

HANNAH BLUNDELL

The experienced defender arrived this summer after a decade-long Chelsea career that was littered with trophy successes. She’s relishing a new leadership role at United, with the club helping her to fall back in love with football...

Interview: Harry Robinson

How has pre-season been? Did you have a good time in Scotland?

Considering I’ve known Scotland to be rainy, it was actually quite nice weather-wise. The weather was better than in Manchester, to be honest! We managed to get some really good training sessions and in the game against Rangers, I thought we performed really well as a team. We did what we’ve been working on in the training; what Marc, since he’s come in, has been trying to implement. I thought it really showed in the game and it’s nice to see how far we’ve come in pre-season with Marc.

I felt I missed for the last year or year-and-a-half. I get excited to come in now. It’s showing in my training as well, I think; I just feel more confident in myself. I’m loving the game again which was my main aim when I moved.

I felt like United was the best team for me, they play the style of football that I like, I knew most of the girls anyway which made the transition easier. Now I just can’t wait for the season to start. I have high hopes for this team.

Pre-season is going well but when the games start coming thick and fast, we have to show our true selves and what we’re about.

It’s been a comprehensive pre-season, with plenty of time and plenty of games to get up to speed in...

It’s been really good. Training-wise it’s been nice; hard at times, fitness-wise. We’ve got what we needed to out of the training sessions and then we’ve had a good mix of games. It seems like they’re coming thick and fast but that’s probably the best thing for pre-season because you can’t replicate match fitness in training. The fact we’re performing well only bodes well for the season upcoming.

Although it’s your first move for more than a decade, you had quite a few moves to find the right club as a teenager. Are there lessons you learnt in your teenage years that you take into this move to United?

Definitely. I’d been at Chelsea my whole professional career but when I was younger, you know when the right time is to move [Hannah joined Chelsea from Charlton, aged 16]. And I felt the exact same this time; it was the right time to move, and I made that step, stepping out of that comfort zone. When you’re a teenager or in your younger years, it’s a bit more daunting but this time luckily I knew most of the girls so it wasn’t as daunting.

I’m still stepping out of my comfort zone, it’s the most north I’ve lived ever! So yeah, I’m getting to grips with that, but it’s been great. I have no negatives. It’s all been positives and I’m just really excited now. I hope that shows in my performances and games as well. ⊲

Meeting a whole set of new team-mates isn’t something you’ve often had to do, but you know quite a lot of them from England camps or elsewhere...

Thankfully I knew most of them anyway which made the transition easier. Going to Scotland and being with the whole team for the whole week, it really helped us bond together. I felt when we were together, when we were training or in the gym or in a game, it was like ‘game head on, football head on, serious now’ but then when we had off-time in the evenings, we were actually able to relax – it was a good mixture for that. Being with the team for the whole week, you just bond naturally and that’s only going to help us on the pitch as well as off the pitch.

On to your move from Chelsea, you said at the time that you wanted to fall in love with the game again – can you feel that happening at United now?

Definitely. I’m getting that excitement back again which

“IT WAS THE RIGHT TIME TO MOVE, AND I MADE THAT STEP, STEPPING OUT OF THAT COMFORT ZONE.... IT’S THE MOST NORTH I’VE LIVED EVER!” 23

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Back out on the training ground last month after returning to the Reds, where Aimee continues to learn from FACTFILE: her more experienced team-mates

Full name Hannah Jayne Blundell Date of birth 25 May 1994 Place of birth Eastbourne, East Sussex Position Full-back Previous clubs (youth) 2001–03 Polegate Grasshoppers; 2003–05 Brighton & Hove Albion; 2005–06 Chelsea; 2006–10 Charlton Athletic Previous clubs (senior) 2013–21 Chelsea, 165 apps, 12 goals Senior international career England: 3 caps, 0 goals

The 27-year-old has had six weeks’ pre-season preparation with the Reds ahead of tonight’s WSL opener

and it’ll be great to see more numbers at our first home game and cheer us on and give us that boost in the game.

Not many players leave their club with everyone – fans, coaches, players – all saying the same thing: club legend. It must have been nice to have that kind of farewell, and the reception from United fans, too?

It’s been great, the support I’ve had, it’s been outstanding.

One thing I can’t wait for is to meet the fans. I’ve heard they’re a loud bunch! I love it when fans are loud in football, they genuinely feel like the 12th player on the pitch. Especially after Covid, it’s going to be even more welcome to have them back in and see them properly.

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes was obviously an enormously influential person for you, on and off the pitch, but is it nice to work with a new manager in Marc Skinner, to have someone new to impress and to get some new perspective on your game?

Definitely. I’ve only ever had Emma as manager; I’ve only ever had that one person in my game. Since Marc has come in, for all the girls, it’s been such a nice welcome to him. I love the fact that he’s so interactive. He’s very good with one-to-one situations, and it’s so nice to get that fresh approach because I’m always willing to learn, I want to improve my game as much as I can, and he seems like the manager who can do that; he’s obviously got a lot of knowledge being out in America recently. I’m just excited to see what he can do with this team; I feel like the sky’s the limit because it’s such a great group of girls. If we all put our minds together, it’s only going in one direction really, and that’s up.

You met a group of fans at the Rangers friendly, which must have been great, but when it’s a proper crowd at Leigh Sports Village, that’ll be brilliant, won’t it?

I can’t wait. The fans who came to Rangers, travelling that far, the commitment they put in means a lot to us

You and United are both going for a similar thing: a little bit of a reset and pushing onwards to do more.

You’re bringing experience into the team and so are Aoife [Mannion], Vilde [Boe Risa] and others.

Is there a similar mentality throughout the group?

24

HANNAH BLUNDELL

▶

WATCH!

hannah’s debut v liverpool

Competing in the Champions League with Chelsea – a competition she would love to feature in again with United next season

“I’VE ONLY EVER HAD EMMA [HAYES] AS MANAGER... I WANT TO IMPROVE AS MUCH AS I CAN, AND MARC SEEMS LIKE THE MANAGER WHO CAN DO THAT” To be fair, since I’ve come in, it does feel like such a together group. That’s massive and key in achieving things, having a group that’s together and honest with each other. That’s the only way you’re going to be able to push each other really. It’s been such a mad reset for me; Aoife and Vilde as well. I feel like I’ve had my role at Chelsea where I’ve stayed in the background and got on with what I needed to do, but now I’ve got that experience and I can have a different role at United, I can bring my experience, bring my knowledge from what I’ve done in the WSL so far. It’s a young squad here and I guess still a little bit inexperienced – it’s only been together for three years. Just how far they’ve come within those three years is incredible and I know that from looking from afar. It has been very inspiring looking at how far they’ve come

and now I’m obviously a part of it and I want us to push on to that Champions League spot, to challenge for trophies, to win trophies. We’ve now got that balance of experience; we need to bring that all together and achieve Champions League and trophies along the way.

What do you make of tonight’s opponents for our WSL opener, Reading?

Reading, whenever I’ve played against them, have always been very hard working. It feels like they can just run forever. I personally think they will be the exact same.

But honestly, I think going into the game, we just need to focus on ourselves, what we can do and how we can beat them, focus on our strengths. The group we’ve got, we can take on any team and come away with results. ⊲ Manchester United Women v Chelsea Women 25 15

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Hannah’s all smiles for the cameras in her pick of the new-season kits!

If you had to sum up the strengths of this United team, what would you say?

Aggressive, attacking, willing to learn.

And if you had to describe yourself as a player to fans who haven’t seen you play...

An attacking full-back that likes to contribute to goals, and, of course, keep the goals out at our end.

Away from football, what’s your favourite way to relax?

Probably just to watch television, watch a series or something.

We hear you do quite a bit of gaming, right?

And you stream online? Have you found any new opponents in the United dressing room to take on?

I play at the moment with Millie Turner and Sophie Baggaley. We do Warzone [a version of Call of Duty].

But I haven’t streamed for a while. I’ve said to them that next time I’m streaming, they need to get on so people can watch them as well.

Finally, a couple of quick-fire questions. How are you finding living up north for the first time?

“DESCRIBE MYSELF AS A PLAYER? AN ATTACKING FULL-BACK THAT LIKES TO CONTRIBUTE TO GOALS, AND, OF COURSE, KEEP THE GOALS OUT AT OUR END” I haven’t really experienced the cold weather yet, so ask me in a couple of months and I might have a different answer! But it’s been really good so far.

I need to explore the area a bit more, head into Manchester and do all of that, but I’m enjoying it so far. It’s been a nice change.

Which of this season’s three United kits is your favourite?

I like the away one, the white and blue one. I really like that. I’m a fan of that.

In one word, how do you feel about the new season?

Excited! ⬤

27

THE VISITORS

We face a familiar foe in our opening game of the 2021/22 Women’s Super League season, as the Royals return to Leigh Sports Village...

Much like at United, there’s been plenty of change within the Royals’ ranks during the summer break

READING Tonight’s fixture will be United’s seventh meeting with the Royals – tying the record with Everton as our most frequent opponents in competitive outings – and, as ever, they are likely to provide a stern test.

Kelly Chambers’ team secured a 2-0 success in the Reds’ first-ever fixture on home turf, in the Continental League Cup in 2018, and triumphed here in Leigh by the same scoreline in February, becoming the only side in the WSL to take three points home from a visit here last term.

The visitors will be aiming for improvement in 2021/22 after finishing seventh in the WSL last time out – their lowest placing since their maiden top-flight term in 2016. Last season saw them make a bright start, with two wins in their first three games, but they could only register another three wins over the remainder of the WSL campaign. They did manage some credible results, however, with the aforementioned win over United as well as home draws against Manchester City and Arsenal.

28

▶

WATCH!

BEATING READING AWAY IN ’20/21

Chambers has been busy bolstering her squad over the summer with five new players, including an exciting pair of forwards. Lionesses-capped Natasha Dowie, who has two league titles and an FA Cup to her name from her time with Everton and Liverpool, has arrived from AC Milan, while Deanne Rose was recruited from Florida Gators fresh from helping Canada to Olympic gold out in Japan this summer. In midfield, Chloe Peplow has signed from Tottenham, while the arrival of ex-Bristol City duo Faye Bryson and Gemma Evans, as well as Belgian international forward Justine Vanhaevermaet, provides extra competition at both ends of the pitch.

The new recruits will help fill the void left by a number of senior departures during the off-season, which included the retirement of legendary England midfielder Fara Williams. With Williams gone, Chambers will be looking to long-serving trio Rachel Rowe, Brooke Chaplen and Natasha Harding to help the new additions bed in.

THE VISITORS

THE MANAGER KELLY CHAMBERS Chambers has long served as both the Royals’ manager and director of football and has been key in establishing them in the WSL. A former club captain, her playing career ended in 2012 as a result of an anterior cruciate ligament injury, and she led them to top-flight promotion in her first campaign as coach in 2015, keeping them there ever since and taking just two weeks of maternity leave to give birth to her daughter in 2016 before returning to work. Among the league’s current bosses, only Chelsea’s Emma Hayes has more WSL managerial experience.

ONE TO WATCH RACHEL ROWE Rowe was one of Chambers’ first signings in 2015 and quickly helped Reading reach the WSL. A long-term injury meant she played just once in 2018/19, but since then the Wales international has re-established herself as vital member of the starting XI, reaching 100 appearances for the club last November and finishing 2020/21 as the team’s top league scorer with five goals. A versatile talent within Chambers’s squad, the 28-year-old has previously featured at full-back but now usually operates as a winger or forward.

PREVIOUS v THE REDS NATASHA HARDING The Royals skipper has faced United on five occasions in the past, with mixed results. In our 2019 FA Cup quarter-final clash, a 3-2 victory for Reading ensured her blushes were spared after she’d nodded Jess Sigsworth’s cross past her own goalkeeper. The first three encounters saw Harding feature at left-back, but she showed impressive versatility to make an impact up front in our pair of WSL meetings last term. In February of this year, she set her side on the way to a shock 2-0 victory at Leigh Sports Village, opening the scoring when she headed home from virtually on the goal line.

number trail

2006

The year they were founded.

In their first term they won a Southern Region Women’s Football League and cup double and were promoted to the South West Combination League.

2014 The year they were granted a licence to play in the second tier. Reading won the division in the 2015 season and were promoted to the FA WSL.

4th

Their highest position achieved in top flight, in 2017/18. The Berkshire side followed this up with fifth-place finishes in both 2018/19 and 2019/20.

9-7 Reading’s aggregate score against the Reds in the teams’ six previous meetings to date.

They’ve earned three victories, with two wins for the Reds and one draw.

27

SHOP ONLINE AT STORE.MANUTD.COM

MU FOUNDATION

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS Following a year of disruption, Foundation participants return to action!

For the young people of Greater Manchester, the past year has presented obstacles to even the most routine of pastimes, such as playing sport with friends.

With Covid-19 restrictions now lifted, Manchester United Foundation has been as busy as ever providing some amazing opportunities in our communities and enabling participants to flourish.

In July, the club’s associated charity announced its partnership with the Wayne Rooney Foundation by launching ‘Rooney’s Inclusive Reds’, a programme offering young people of all abilities the chance to take part in exercises at school or home.

The former club captain and United’s all-time leading goalscorer formed his Foundation after his testimonial in 2016, committing to support four charities, including Manchester United Foundation.

Initially postponed due to lockdown in 2020, the partnership was officially launched with a twoday event at the club’s Carrington training ground. Here, participants from local partner schools were given the opportunity to hone their skills and take part in activities included in the programme, specifically created to celebrate inclusivity in the game.

The young people also received a special video message from Wayne himself, much to their delight. “I am

so pleased my charity has partnered with Manchester United Foundation and we are able to support an inclusion programme for young people, helping to break down barriers between those with and without disabilities,” said Rooney.

“I know the kids really enjoyed the sessions and I look forward to seeing the project in action; I’m sure it will have a positive impact on all involved.”

Matt Pilkington, disability and inclusion coordinator for Manchester United Foundation, added: “The programme has been brilliant for young people across Greater Manchester; it has given participants the opportunity to play at a level best suited to them and allowed

them to feel comfortable within that environment. The impact of has already been amazing with participants wanting to continue playing outside of the school setting.”

In addition to the 10-week programme, Rooney’s Inclusive Reds has given participants the opportunity to complete the FA Playmaker qualification, with over 30 young people achieving the certificate. A health and wellbeing programme was also delivered to partnering secondary schools during the last academic year, promoting healthy food choices and the importance of physical activity.

For more info, visit mufoundation.org

What an experience at the training ground, with youngsters from all across the region getting involved

31

FINAL 2021

T i c sn s a n o Adults £20-25, Kids £2.50 5th December Wembley Stadium Connected by ee

21206-VWFAC-TOS-PA-148x210.indd 1

thefa.com/ticketing

20/08/2021 09:21

FANS’ PAGE

#MUWOMEN FUNNIES!

FIND THE 12 WSL CLUBS!

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THIS WILL MAKE A GREAT COVER FOR OUR FIRST ALBUM!

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That’s Arsenal, Aston Villa, Birmingham, Brighton, Chelsea, Everton, Leicester, Man City, Man Utd, Reading, Spurs, West Ham... Fred’s given you one for starters!

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I HAVE TO GO, MUM – I’VE GOT TRAINING!

FANS’ GALLERY ‘Good luck for the season!’ say this pair of dedicated matchgoing Reds, Jan and Dee. We hope you both enjoy tonight’s game.

Cameron Bell and Sara-May Mulbregt are both big Reds and delighted to see every United team back for the 2021/22 campaign.

Here is young Reuben and his cousin Marcie in their smart new United kits. Both will be cheering on the Reds again!

The Lawrence family (Indie, Finley and Dad) are all very excited for the season, and can’t wait to see the Reds in action.

GET RID OF THAT BALL BEFORE IT RUINS OUR CAN-CAN ROUTINE!

‘All the best to the players, staff and new manager – it’s going to be amazing to be back,’ says diehard Red David Pritt.

Seember Edna Gbargbar has been a proud member of the United family since 2005 and will be cheering the Reds on as always.

GET IN TOUCH! Send your pictures, birthday shout-outs and messages to MUWomenfamily@manutd.co.uk

33

QUESTION TIME

HALF-TIME QUIZ

Twelve posers, all Reds-related, to test your knowledge. Go! 1. Name the four members of the current United Women squad who started against Reading in our first-ever game at Leigh Sports Village, back in August 2018.

2. Who scored our first competitive goal of the 2020/21 campaign (below)?

8. And which pair of midfielders, who were already with us last season, also featured for the Blues during Skinner’s reign in charge?

?

9. Hannah Blundell is our new no.6, but who was the last player to wear that shirt for United?

3. And who were our final opponents of last season?

4. Which of our upcoming Continental League Cup opponents were the only team that we drew a game against across our first 47 matches?

10. After England and Scotland, which country has provided the most Reds first-team members, with three in total?

5. How many combined goals and assists did Ella Toone provide in her 27 appearances last season: 11, 14 or 17?

6. Who were the only team we faced last season who we’ve never met in league football (right)?

7. Which of our two summer signings previously played under Marc Skinner at Birmingham City?

11. What was unique about last season’s game away against Reading in the WSL (above)?

12. Which member of the current United Women squad has the most senior international caps, with 75?

QUIZ ANSWERS: 1. Kirsty Smith, Millie Turner, Katie Zelem and Kirsty Hanson; 2. Leah Galton; 3. Leicester City; 4. Durham; 5. 17 (10 goals and seven assists); 6. Burnley; 7. Sophie Baggaley and Aoife Mannion; 8. Hayley Ladd and Lucy Staniforth; 9. Aimee Palmer; 10. Norway (Aurora Mikalsen, Maria Thorisdottir and Vilde Boe Risa); 11. It was our only fixture played in front of fans; 12. Jackie Groenen

34

THE MANCUNIAN WAY.

© 2021 adidas AG

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF

APPEARANCES, GOALS & WSL STATISTICS FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE FINAL TABLE, 2020/21

UNITED APPEARANCES AND GOALS, 2020/21 SEASON PLAYER

LEAGUE

FA CUP

LEAGUE CUP

TOTAL

APP GLS APP GLS APP GLS APP GLS

Ona Batlle

19

Fran Bentley

0 0 0(1) 0 0 0 0(1) 0

0

1(1)

0

2

0

22(1)

0

Tara Bourne

0 0 0(1) 0 0 0 0(1) 0

Mary Earps

22 0 2 0 1 0 25 0

Ivana Fuso

0(5) 0 0 0 0(1) 0 0(6) 0

Leah Galton

15(2) 6 1 0 2(1) 0 18(3) 6

Jackie Groenen 18(4) 0 0 0 3 0 21(4) 0 Kirsty Hanson

11(9)

Martha Harris

4(3) 0 1 0 0 0 5(3) 0

5

2

2

1(2)

0

14(11)

7

Tobin Heath

7(1) 4 0 0 2(1) 0 9(2) 4

Lauren James 5(5) 2 0 0 1 0 6(5) 2 Carrie Jones

0(2) 0 0(2) 0 0 0 0(4) 0

Hayley Ladd

12(6) 1 0 0 2(1) 0 14(7) 1

Abbie McManus 5 0 0 0 2 1 7 1 Team

1 Chelsea

P

W

D

L

GD

Pts

22 18 3 1 59 57

Lotta Okvist

1(2) 0 0 0 1 0 2(2) 0

Christen Press 12(2) 4 0(1) 0 0(2) 0 12(5) 4

2 Manchester City 22 17 4 1 52 55

Emily Ramsey 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0

3 Arsenal

22 15 3 4 48 48

Jane Ross

3(9) 2 2 1 2 0 7(9) 3

4 UNITED

22 15 2 5 24 47

Alessia Russo

3(1) 3 0 0 1 0 4(1) 3

5 Everton

22 9 5 8 9 32

Jessica Sigsworth 6(8) 3 2 1 1(1) 0 9(9) 4

6 Brighton

22 8 3 11 -20 27

Kirsty Smith

7 Reading

22 5 9 8 -16 24

Lucy Staniforth 6(8) 0 2 1 1(1) 0 9(9) 1

11(2) 0 2 0 1 0 14(2) 0

8

Tottenham Hotspur 22

5

5

12

-23

20

Maria Thorisdottir 4(2) 0 1(1) 0 0 0 5(3) 0

9

West Ham United

22

3

6

13

-18

15

Ella Toone

21(1) 9 1(1) 1 1(2) 0 23(4) 10

22

3

6

13

-32

15

Amy Turner

19(2) 0 1 1 2 0 22(2) 1

10 Aston Villa 11 Birmingham City*

22

3

6

13

-29

14

Millie Turner

12 Bristol City (R)

22

2

6

14

-54

12

Katie Zelem

22 2 2 1 3 0 27 3 16(2) 2 2 0 2(1) 0 20(3) 2

* Point deducted for fielding an ineligible player against Reading

FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE TOP SCORERS, 2020/21

UNITED ALL-TIME APPS & GOALS

Sam Kerr (Chelsea)

21

Apps

Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal)

18

Millie Turner

76

5

Fran Kirby (Chelsea)

16

Ella Toone

74

32

Chloe Kelly (Manchester City)

10

Katie Zelem

70

20

Caitlin Foord (Arsenal)

10

Amy Turner

67

4

Ellen White (Manchester City)

10

Kirsty Hanson

67

15

Ella Toone (Manchester United)

9

Jessica Sigsworth

66

26

Pernille Harder (Chelsea)

9

Lauren James

56

28

Caroline Weir (Manchester City)

8

Leah Galton

56

14

Inessa Kaagman (Brighton)

8

Kirsty Smith

52

1

Martha Harris

46

1

Mary Earps

44

0

Apps

Goals

Hayley Ladd

42

2

Tobin Heath

11

4

Jackie Groenen

41

0

Lotta Okvist

10

0

Lizzie Arnot

34

9

Maria Thorisdottir

8

0

Jane Ross

34

7

Emily Ramsey

6

0

Mollie Green

29

16

Ivana Fuso

6

0

Siobhan Chamberlain 27

0

Alessia Russo

5

3

Alex Greenwood

27

5

Carrie Jones

4

0

Abbie McManus

25

2

Naomi Hartley

3

0

Brighton v West Ham (2pm)

Ona Batlle

23

0

Fran Bentley

2

0

Charlie Devlin

20

6

Rebecca May

1

0

Right: Villa just dodged the drop in ’20/21; Brighton play at the Amex on Sunday

Lucy Staniforth

18

1

Aurora Mikalsen

1

0

Christen Press

17

4

Tara Bourne

1

0

Aimee Palmer

15

1

THIS WEEKEND’S OTHER WSL FIXTURES TOMORROW Aston Villa v Leicester (12.30pm) Everton v Manchester City (1.30pm) Tottenham v Birmingham (3pm) SUNDAY Arsenal v Chelsea (12.30)

Goals

Above: Turner leads the way with games, while Toone tops the goals

(Names in italics have left the club)

37

SEASON STATISTICS

LINE-UP

ATTENDANCE

SCORE

VENUE

KICK-OFF

OPPOSITION

DATE

COMPETITION

FIXTURES & LINE-UPS, 2021/22

AUGUST SEPTEMBER

WSL

Fri 3

Reading

7.45pm

H

WSL

Sun 12

Leicester City

2pm

A

WSL

Sun 26

Chelsea

12.30pm H

WSL

Sun 3

Birmingham City

6.45pm

A

WSL

Sat 9

Manchester City

1.30pm

H

CC

Thu 14

Durham

7pm

A

WSL

Sun 7

Tottenham Hotspur

2pm

A

WSL

Sun 14

Everton

1pm

A

CC

Wed 17

Leicester City

7pm

A

WSL

Sun 21

Arsenal

12pm

H

OCTOBER

N OVE MBE R

DE CEMBER

WSL

Sun 12

Brighton & Hove Albion 2pm

A

CC

Wed 15

Everton

7pm

H

WSL

Sun 19

Aston Villa

12pm

H

WSL

Sun 9

West Ham United

3pm

A

WSL

Sat 15

Birmingham City

12pm

H

JANUARY

CC 19/20 Quarter-finals – – WSL

Sun 23

Tottenham Hotspur

FA

Sun 30

Fourth round – –

H

FEBRUARY

CC 2/3

Semi-final

– –

WSL

Sun 6

Arsenal

3pm

A

WSL

Sun 13

Manchester City

2pm

A

FA

Sun 27

Fifth round

– –

WSL

Sat 5

Leicester City

12pm

CC

5/6

Final

– –

WSL

Sun 13

Reading

2pm

FA

Sun 20

Quarter-finals – –

WSL

Sun 27

Everton

WSL

Sun 3

Brighton & Hove Albion 12pm

FA

Sun 17

Semi-finals

– –

WSL

Sun 24

Aston Villa

6pm

A

WSL

Sun 1

West Ham United

12pm

H

WSL

Sun 8

Chelsea

12.30pm A

FA

Sat 14

Final

– –

M ARCH

A PRIL

12pm

MAY

KEY:

38

A

12pm

WSL - Women’s Super League * won on penalties

H

First sub

H H

CC - FA Continental League Cup Second sub

Third sub

FA - Women’s FA Cup Fourth sub

Scorers Bold

Fifth sub

Penalty •

Yellow/red card

SEASON STATISTICS Facebook: manutdwomen

Twitter: @manutdwomen

Match programme email contact: MUWomenfamily@manutd.co.uk For ticket information visit ManUtd.com/Tickets

YouTube: /ManUtd

Instagram: @manutdwomen

SUBS USED

FOLLOW THE REDS ▶

(United score listed first. All fixtures subject to change – visit ManUtd.com/fixtures for the latest fixtures information)

39

Martha Harris Maria Thorisdottir Aoife Mannion Hannah Blundell Ella Toone Vilde Boe Risa Martha Thomas Katie Zelem Leah Galton Hayley Ladd Ivana Ferreira Fuso Jackie Groenen Ona Batlle Kirsty Hanson Kirsty Smith Millie Turner Alessia Russo Carrie Jones Mary Earps (GK) Sophie Baggaley (GK) Lucy Staniforth

2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 20 21 23 24 27 32 37

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 14 19 21 23 27 28 31

Grace Moloney (GK) Faye Bryson Emma Mitchell Chloe Peplow Gemma Evans Deanne Rose Jeon Ga-eul Amalie Eikeland Natasha Dowie Natasha Harding Emma Harries Deanne Cooper Brooke Chaplen Rhiannon Stewart (GK) Rachel Rowe Justine Vanhaevermaet Lily Woodham Bethan Roberts

MATCH OFFICIALS Referee Abigail Byrne ⬤ Assistants Lisa Rashid, Helen Edwards Fourth official Lucy May

READING WOMEN

MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN

#allredallequal