Manchester United Women v Manchester City Women match programme, Women's FA Cup, 27.02.22

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COME ON YOU REDS! It’s been exactly two weeks since Marc Skinner’s charges were last in action, on a blustery afternoon at the Academy Stadium (above), where you fans did the club proud with your passionate support. On the pitch, there would be a late sting in the tail courtesy of Caroline Weir’s left peg – but as seems to be the case this season when it comes to Manchester derbies, those bragging don’t last long as there’s another meeting just around the corner!

After the Conti Cup and two WSL tussles, derby no.4 of 2021/22 comes in the FA Cup...

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 09 NEWS ROUND-UP

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

11 match action round-up 15 captain’s column

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

16 our jANUARY ARRIVALS 22 Maria Thorisdottir INTERVIEW

Contributors Sean Mullan, Harriet Drudge, Harry Robinson, Andy Murray Photography Ash Donelon, John & Matt Peters, Getty, Alamy

28 FIFTY WSL GAMES INFOGRAPHIC 33 junior reds

Cover design Sarah Robson Infographic design Anth Moore Thanks to Haylee Howe, Steve Bennett, John Shiel & Chris Leuty/MuPrint.com

37 player & team statistics

© Manchester United 2022

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HEAD COACH’S COLUMN

MARC SKINNER With the Reds back from international duty, the boss is urging his players to continue to bring a big-team mentality to today’s tie against familiar rivals...

Welcome back to Leigh after a busy international break. Many of the squad have been away, so we have been working on quality in smaller numbers.

This includes Jade Moore, who is progressing nicely, and has been running again with the team. It will be great when Jade’s able to show her qualities when she trains fully with the group.

With so many away, we’ve had some of the Under-21s join us in training, which has been great. The U21s can be really proud of what they’ve achieved this season, with a WSL Academy Cup final against Birmingham to look forward to next month. I was really impressed watching them beat Villa in the semi-final. There is of course more growth that still needs to happen for the players to step up to first-team level, but there is no doubting the real talent in that young squad.

I had to smile when I heard the FA Cup draw! When I was Birmingham manager we’d always play against City – with our first time being in the final – so I’m used to facing them in cup games, as I know our players are.

It’s a difficult tie for both teams this early in the Cup, but it’s an opportunity to continue our growth as a team on our journey together. Having home advantage with

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our fans and their unique energy could be the difference in what promises to be a great game.

Since my last column we lost in the semi-final at Chelsea in the Conti Cup, and even though we want to make finals and win them, this valuable experience will help us towards our future successes.

Expectations are always going to be high at our club and the FA Cup should be synonymous with Manchester United success moving forwards. So as a group we are now having vital experiences that will help us to show our fans our continued progression by getting closer to finals on a consistent basis.

When we played City in the WSL two weeks ago we showed we are getting defensively stronger, and restricting opponents to fewer and fewer chances, and that is encouraging sign of our development.

It is important, however, that we continue to work with the same aggression when we have the ball and find ways to exploit the opponent.

That’s the big-team mentality we’re all working towards achieving together.

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.

“EXPECTATIONS ARE ALWAYS GOING TO BE HIGH AT OUR CLUB AND THE FA CUP SHOULD BE SYNONYMOUS WITH MANCHESTER UNITED SUCCESS MOVING FORWARDS” 05

BIG PICTURE

JUST ONE MONTH TO GO...

Manchester United recently unveiled ‘Change the Game’, a campaign to highlight the club’s continued commitment towards leading the way in changing perceptions and attitudes towards women’s football, with the Reds’ meeting with Everton at Old Trafford – a fixture taking place exactly one month today – being a key moment in that push to drive the game forward. Earlier this month, Marc Skinner’s squad got out on to the pitch at the Theatre of Dreams for a photoshoot, giving everyone a taste of what’s certain to be a memorable and historic occasion on Sunday 27 March – a day that can only help grow our fan base, as well as inspiring the next generation of players. If you haven’t got your tickets yet, the good news is they’re only £6 adults/£3 concessions from ManUtd.com/muwtickets. Hope to see you there!

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MUW NEWS

SIXTEEN TEAMS, INTO EIGHT

Fifth round ends today, with third-tier sides still involved It’s a busy weekend in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup, with 16 teams in action at the fifth-round stage – which started at Kingsmeadow yesterday with Chelsea v Leicester, where Emma Hayes’s Blues would have been out to go one step closer to retaining the trophy they won for the third time in 2020/21.

Today’s action began in Birkenhead at 12pm, with an intriguing tie between Championship leaders Liverpool and Women’s FA Cup heavyweights Arsenal. At 1pm, Charlton Athletic – third in the

second tier – host Everton, with four fixtures kicking off at 2pm: Durham v Birmingham City; Ipswich Town v Southampton; Reading v West Ham United; and West Bromwich Albion v Coventry United (right). It’s an especially big day for National League (third-tier) sides Ipswich, West Brom and Southampton (affiliated to the men’s side and not to be confused with Southampton Women,

Arsenal and Chelsea walk out ahead of the delayed 2021 final, but who will be at Wembley come Sunday 15 May for this season’s showpiece?

who won this competition eight times from 1971-81), as they look to reach the quarter-finals.

As with previous rounds, there are no replays in the event of a draw after 90 minutes, with an extra half-hour of play to follow, and then a penalty shoot-out if the score still remains level.

For the eight winners, it’s into the hat for the last eight, with those ties to be played over the weekend of 19-20 March.

RECOGNITION FOR REDS IN JANUARY

Marc and Leah with their awards

In the last match programme we saluted Marc Skinner and Ella Toone for picking up the WSL’s Manager of the Month and Player of the Month awards for December – and there was another double to celebrate after Skinner made it back-to-back triumphs in the manager category, while Leah Galton picked up the player award for January. The opening month of 2022 saw the Reds overcome Birmingham 5-0 in the first of our two WSL fixtures, before we beat Tottenham 3-0.

For Leah, those two games saw her claim three goals and one assist. Speaking to club media after winning the award, our no.11 said: “I think I know I needed to pick it up a little bit after a bit of a slow start [to the season] so I’m just really happy to get under way.”

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MATCH ROUND-UP

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...

Just the five fixtures to catch up on since the last match programme, with games in three competitions...

Sunday 13 February, Academy Stadium, WSL MANCHESTER CITY 1 (Weir 81) UNITED 0 Manchester United suffered a narrow derby defeat to rivals City in the Women’s Super League, after Caroline Weir’s late goal at the Academy Stadium.

The hosts started on the offensive, with Vicky Losada firing in a volley from the edge of the area that skimmed the top of Mary Earps’ net on its way behind, before Lauren Hemp somehow shot over from all of three yards after being found by Jess Park at the back post.

United’s first chance fell to Signe Bruun, as the on-loan Danish forward drove forward and took aim with an effort that City keeper Ellie Roebuck eventually gathered at the second attempt.

Back up the other end and Ellen White had three chances to open the scoring, all from headers. First, she nodded over from a cross by Lionesses team-mate Lucy

Earps commands her box to deny Gareth Taylor’s side

Hanson goes up against City’s Demi Stokes

Bronze, before heading off target following a corner and then once again missing after another Bronze delivery. It meant that, despite a number of presentable opportunities, the two teams went in at the interval still deadlocked at 0-0.

The game followed a similar pattern in the second half, with City pressing hard for the opener. Their first chance after the break came when a ball from Demi Stokes was diverted goalwards by Park and looked to be heading into the bottom corner, only for Earps to get down well to her left for a key save.

There was no let-up from the home side, as Park went close again moments later. The young forward cut inside from the right on to her left foot and aimed for the far corner, only being denied when her effort rebounded back off the United woodwork.

After soaking up so much pressure, Marc Skinner’s team had the chance to hit back on the counterattack.

Alessia Russo slid a precise pass through to Ella Toone, who motored forward and shot towards goal. The attempt perhaps wasn’t as powerful as she’d hoped, but still forced Roebuck to into action as she parried the ball away with Bruun lurking dangerously.

Martha Thomas came off the bench to replace Vilde Boe Risa and almost had an immediate impact when she connected with Katie Zelem’s corner from the right, sending a header just wide of the post.

What proved to be the winning goal came on 81 minutes and it went to City. Six minutes after being introduced as a substitute, Weir won possession and floated a delicate chip over the head of Earps from just outside the penalty area.

With time fast running out, the Reds went in search of a late leveller. Kirsty Hanson fizzed a low ball across goal from the left-hand side towards Bruun, but the Dane couldn’t quite connect and the chance was gone.

It turned out to be the last clear-cut opportunity as our five-game unbeaten run in the WSL came to an end.

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MATCH ROUND-UP

Saturday 5 February, Meadow Park, WSL ARSENAL 1 (Blackstenius 79) UNITED 1 (Russo 10) United put in an impressive display to earn a point away to Women’s Super League leaders Arsenal.

Ella Toone set up Ona Batlle for the game’s first big chance, with the full-back seeing her drive from the edge of the area parried away by opposition keeper Manuela Zinsberger. But the visiting fans didn’t have to wait long to celebrate the opener, with Alessia Russo meeting Katie Zelem’s corner to head in from six yards out.

Leah Galton had the chance to add a second soon afterwards, breaking in behind and flashing a right-footed strike across the face of the Arsenal goal.

The hosts went close to equalising when Beth Mead found Vivianne Miedema, whose fierce strike was superbly tipped on to the crossbar by Mary Earps.

Galton and Hayley Ladd had further attempts before the interval, while at the other end Miedema and former United forward Tobin Heath were also unsuccessful.

Another Arsenal opportunity arose in the second half when a quick break lead to Kim Little whipping a cross to Caitlin Foord, but Earps again beat away the effort.

The Reds then had a big chance to extend the lead.

Galton won possession and played the ball across towards Toone, who nipped in ahead of Rafaelle Souza to find herself clean through on goal. Unfortunately, her side-footed attempt flew wide of the post.

With a quarter-of-an-hour remaining, Arsenal were reduced to 10 players when Katie McCabe’s late challenge on Batlle earned her a second yellow card.

In spite of that, the hosts managed to rescue a point and pulled level on 79 minutes. Miedema split the United defence with a long ball that found Stina Blackstenius, who raced through and slotted in past Earps.

There was still time for one more Galton effort, but Zinsberger was there to make a close-range stop and ensure the points were shared in Borehamwood.

Delight at Meadow Park as Russo finds the hosts’ net with her head

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Groenen tries to help the Reds fight back against her former club

Wednesday 2 February, Kingsmeadow, Continental League Cup semi-final CHELSEA 3 (Harder 26, Fleming 31, Carter 39) UNITED 1 (Risa 32) The Reds’ Continental League Cup journey came to an end at the semi-final stage with a defeat away to defending champions Chelsea.

Martha Thomas had two decent openings in the early stages, first heading into the arms of keeper Zecira Musovic and then having a shot deflected behind. At the other end, Chelsea’s Pernille Harder pulled the trigger from the edge of the 18-yard-box, but her effort flew over Sophie Baggaley’s net.

It was Harder who broke the deadlock, however.

The Danish forward latched on to Guro Reiten’s pass over the top, twisted inside and out past Aoife Mannion before placing the ball beyond Baggaley.

Five minutes later the hosts had a second. Niamh Charles surged into the area and cut the ball back towards Reiten, whose deflected shot looped high into the air and allowed Jessie Fleming to head in.

United heads didn’t drop and the deficit was halved within a minute. Jackie Groenen returned Vilde Boe Risa’s pass with a sublime backheel, and our no.8 lashed a powerful shot into the far corner.

But Chelsea restored their two-goal lead just before the interval, when Reiten slid a low cross towards Jessica Carter, who slotted home a first-time effort. In the second half, Alessia Russo stabbed wide as the Reds pushed on, while Baggaley had to be alert to whip the ball away from the feet of Sam Kerr.

An uphill struggle was made more difficult when Baggaley received a straight red card on 79 minutes, as the Reds stopper collided with the onrushing Kerr.

Blues captain Millie Bright had the chance to get on the scoresheet as the game ticked towards full-time, firing over the bar after a corner was not fully cleared.

But there were to be no more goals as Chelsea progressed to March’s final against Manchester City.

MATCH ROUND-UP

Sunday 30 January, Fairfax Park, FA Cup fourth round BRIDGWATER UNITED 0 UNITED 2 (Ladd 17, Toone 82) A professional Reds’ display away to National League Southern Premier Division outfit Bridgwater United helped seal a place in the FA Cup fifth round.

Marc Skinner’s side took the game by the scruff of the neck from the start and opened the scoring after 17 minutes. A cross from the right found Hayley Ladd, whose finish deflected in off defender Charlotte Buxton and, while originally given as an own goal, Ladd was later credited with the goal.

United were searching for more, with Martha Thomas leading the charge as she saw several efforts kept out by home goalkeeper Beth Howard.

Ella Toone also went close to adding a second, before playing a ball over the top to Thomas, who connected on the stretch only to see Howard produce a fingertip save.

Into the second half and Howard continued to thwart the Reds’ attacking expeditions, making two more saves to deny Toone before rushing out to grab the ball at the feet of the same player.

However, Toone eventually did get on the scoresheet when sub Alessia Russo drilled the ball towards on the left-hand edge of the area.

Toone cut inside and finally beat Howard with an arrowed drive into the far corner.

In the closing minutes, Ivana Ferreira Fuso was replaced by Karna Solskjaer, daughter of former United striker and manager Ole Gunnar, who was watching proudly among the fans with wife Silje.

Toone nearly got another when in injury time, but Howard continued a recurring theme with one final stunning save as United progressed in the Cup.

The boss leads the post-match chat on a victorious day down in Somerset

Sunday 23 January, Leigh Sports Village, WSL UNITED 3 (Risa 38, Ladd 42, Galton 62) TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 0 United claimed an important and impressive victory in the race for Champions League qualification with a 3-0 win over fellow top-three hopefuls Tottenham.

The Reds dominated the opening half, with Leah Galton denied by Tinja-Riikka Korpela after cutting inside and Ella Toone dragging a shot wide of the far post.

A deserved opener came when Katie Zelem’s corner dropped perfectly for Vilde Boe Risa to volley in from close range. Hayley Ladd ensured the half-time score was a truer reflection of how the game had unfolded when she connected with Toone’s cross to head home.

It was a similar pattern in the second half as Galton fired over after being found by Alessia Russo. But United’s no.11 did find the net just after the hour when Martha Thomas rolled the ball into her path for a simple tap-in.

Rosella Ayane forced a Mary Earps save and Rachel Williams headed wide but a clean sheet was preserved.

See p38-39 for line-ups from all United’s 2021/22 fixtures Galton rounds off the goals on our previous home outing

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07/02/2022 09:43

CAPTAIN’S COLUMN

KATIE ZELEM The United skipper has much to cover since we were last on home soil, with individual fixtures bringing different challenges for her and her fellow Reds...

A lot has happened since my last column so I’ll start with that Spurs fixture, as I thought it was one of our best-ever games on the ball. We dominated and were comfortable throughout. Our next league game, at Arsenal, was positive for different reasons, as we showed real grit. We showed we have a different side to our game, when we can mix it up, and we so easily could have taken three points instead of one.

As for our most recent WSL game, at City, it was a really difficult one for us. We knew they’d have a lot of possession and we’d need to keep our shape and defend well. We pride ourselves on that and for 81 minutes we did that. But we needed to be better on the ball, and it wasn’t one of our better displays. A draw would have been a good point, so of course it was disappointing to take nothing.

What’s also disappointing is the suggestion we aren’t quite as committed, because we might appear ‘friendly’ with the opposition at full-time. It’s very common in women’s football for players to know each other very well – many have grown up knowing each other, or played alongside them previously at senior level – so it’s a shame to have to read stuff like that on social media.

The commitment of this whole group is unbelievable, and we’ve all been away from our homes for a long period of late, with four away games. No matter how

some of the results have gone, I can assure you the commitment in this group is as high as it could possibly be.

Now we’ve got City again – this time in the Zel was pleased with FA Cup – and we’ll be the manner in which giving everything to we stood up to Arsenal repeat the win from when they were last here, in the Conti Cup in November.

City have improved since then, having got over some key injuries, but we’ve improved too. It was still early days under Marc, taking on a new playing style, so both teams will be stronger in different ways today.

It’ll certainly be a different challenge than the last round of the FA Cup but we were professional at Bridgwater in tough conditions. Hats off to their support though – along with our loyal matchgoing fans it made for an unreal atmosphere, and your support at the Academy Stadium was greatly appreciated also. No matter who we’re up against, our commitment to win the game and make you proud is unwavering.

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JANUARY SIGNINGS

WELCOME!

WHAT’S HER CAREER PATH? Bruun is a 23-year-old Danish international striker who won the French title last season, helping Paris Saint-Germain to end Lyon’s 14-year stronghold on the crown. That was the pinnacle of a three-year spell at PSG – her first club outside of her native Denmark, where she’d been a prolific goalscorer for Fortuna Hjorring.

An ACL injury sustained in 2019 kept Bruun out for a year in Paris, but she returned in August 2020 and scored the winning goal in their Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal (inset). Having knocked Lyon off their perch, Bruun joined the French giants in June last year, scoring seven goals in 19 games prior to her loan move to the Reds.

She’s also recently been crowned Denmark’s Female Player of the Year, ending Pernille Harder’s six-year run as winner.

SIGNE BRUUN

Words Harry Robinson

It’s our first home game since a very eventful end to the transfer window, when three new stellar signings were announced in quick succession. We look at how the trio have been settling in...

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WHAT’S BEEN SAID? Sky Sports called it “the biggest deal of the transfer window” and many would agree. Bruun herself says: “It’s amazing to be here. It is a big club with huge history. I’ve seen the team’s progression and this move was a perfect match for me.”

Marc Skinner describes her as an “exceptional player” whose signing “shows the ambition of the club.”

HOW HAS SHE STARTED? Starts against Arsenal and City in the WSL followed a sub debut appearance in our Conti Cup defeat to Chelsea. It’s clear Signe can create something out of nothing, and fans are rightly excited to see how she links up with fellow forwards Alessia Russo and Ella Toone.

JANUARY SIGNINGS

DIANE CALDWELL

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WHAT’S HER CAREER PATH? Lifelong United fan Caldwell has had spells in Germany, Iceland, Norway and her native Ireland.

Now 33, she joins on a short-term contract on the back of a spell with NWSL side North Carolina Courage.

Capped over 80 times for Ireland, she is a composed and versatile defender whose professionalism and character will help the squad develop further.

WHAT’S BEEN SAID? “Words can’t describe what this means to me – everything I’ve done in my life was for this moment,” says Diane, who admits she cried her eyes out when the switch was confirmed. “As a lifelong United fan, it’s a huge moment for me and my family. I’m so grateful to be here and will wear the badge with pride and passion.” Recalling a trip to Old Trafford as a kid, she says: “I remember vividly turning back to take one last look and thinking to myself, ‘You’ll play there one day’.”

As for boss Marc Skinner, he says: “I’ve seen her passion, it’s so authentic. Just to see her energy around this club and the love that she has, it’s like looking at the fans.”

HOW HAS SHE STARTED? She’s been thrown into the deep end following injuries in central defence, slotting in well alongside Maria Thorisdottir for our last two games. The first Irishwoman to play for United, Caldwell has tackled well and asserted herself.

Diane in her bedroom as a kid – no wonder she cried when she signed!

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JADE MOORE

JANUARY SIGNINGS

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WHAT’S HER CAREER PATH? Midfielder Moore, 31, joins on an 18-month deal, after departing NWSL side Orlando Pride. She joins up with Marc Skinner for a third time, having first worked with him during a five-year spell at Birmingham between 2011-16 – the Blues being one of five English teams she’s represented at senior level before joining the Reds. With Birmingham, Moore lifted the 2012 FA Cup (inset), and in the same year made her England debut. She now has a half-century of caps and has been involved at two World Cups. A recent loan move to Atletico Madrid saw her feature in their Champions League quarter-final v Barcelona in 2019/20, but an injury with Orlando Pride last year led to many frustrating months out of action.

WHAT’S BEEN SAID? “I’m delighted to be here; it’s a proud moment after a difficult period for me,” admits Jade. “It’s great to be back in this league too. I have a lot of experience in the WSL, having played in it for around a decade, and I think I can bring some of that to this team.

The group is thriving and I’m excited to be a part of it. For me, this was the right move at this time and I’m going to work as hard as possible to get fit and be in contention.”

Boss Marc Skinner says: “Jade is a brilliant midfielder. She is an intelligent player with a great football mind, who has the ability to read and control games.”

HOW HAS SHE STARTED? Moore is yet to make her debut but is progressing well in training and set to be involved soon within Skinner’s matchday squad.

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AOIFE MANNION Born: 24/09/1995 Nationality: English Trivia: Previously runner-up in FA Cup with Birmingham, under management of Marc Skinner.

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ONA BATLLE Born: 10/06/1999 Nationality: Spanish Trivia: Sealed memorable League Cup win v Man City with late winner at LSV.

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MILLIE TURNER Born: 07/07/1996 Nationality: English Trivia: Broke deadlock in last season’s FA Cup opener with the first goal in win at Burnley.

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KATIE ZELEM Born: 20/01/1996 Nationality: English Trivia: Started all but one of United’s seven previous FA Cup ties to date.

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SOPHIE BAGGALEY Born: 29/11/1996 Nationality: English Trivia: Crowned 2019 FA WFA Players’ Player of the Year, when also named in PFA Team of Year.

MARIA THORISDOTTIR Born: 05/06/1993 Nationality: Norwegian Trivia: Came off the bench to help Chelsea beat Arsenal 3-1 in the 2018 FA Cup final.

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VILDE BOE RISA Born: 13/07/1995 Nationality: Norwegian Trivia: Started for former club Kopparbergs/Goteborg as they won 2019 Svenska Cupen final.

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KIRSTY SMITH Born: 06/01/1994 Nationality: Scottish Trivia: Helped Hibernian win back-to-back Scottish Cup triumphs in 2016 and 2017.

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HANNAH BLUNDELL Born: 25/05/1994 Nationality: English Trivia: Picked up two FA Cup winner’s medals during time with Chelsea, in 2015 and 2018.

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DIANE CALDWELL Born: 11/09/1988 Nationality: Irish Trivia: Played in cup finals in Norway and Germany, with Avaldsnes IL and FC Koln.

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MARTHA HARRIS Born: 19/08/1994 Nationality: English Trivia: Needs just two more appearances to join the 12 Reds to have played 50 United games.

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MARY EARPS Born: 07/03/1993 Nationality: English Trivia: Won German equivalent of FA Cup – the DFB Pokal – with Wolfsburg in 2018/19 season.

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MEET THE SQUAD: 2021/22 SEASON

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ELLA TOONE Born: 02/09/1999 Nationality: English Trivia: Scored Reds’ first-ever home FA Cup goal with opener against London Bees in 2019.

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LEAH GALTON Born: 24/05/1994 Nationality: English Trivia: Named WSL Player of the Month for January after her three goals and an assist.

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CARRIE JONES Born: 04/09/2003 Nationality: Welsh Trivia: Started in previous round, and came off bench in both of last season’s Cup ties.

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SIGNE BRUUN Born: 06/04/1998 Nationality: Danish Trivia: Won Danish Cup (2016) and scored goal that sent PSG to 2020 Coupe de France final.

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ALESSIA RUSSO Born: 08/02/1999 Nationality: English Trivia: Provided assist for Toone to wrap up win at Bridgwater in last round.

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JACKIE GROENEN Born: 17/12/1994 Nationality: Dutch Trivia: Has featured in five of United’s last seven games after returning from lengthy injury.

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KIRSTY HANSON Born: 17/04/1998 National team: Scotland Trivia: Came off the bench to bag an FA Cup brace at Burnley in last term’s fourth-round tie.

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IVANA FERREIRA FUSO Born: 12/03/2001 Nationality: Brazilian Trivia: Has 11 appearances so far this season – one short of doubling her tally for 2020/21.

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MARTHA THOMAS Born: 31/05/1996 National team: Scotland Trivia: Appearance against Bridgwater United in round four was her first ever in the FA Cup.

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LUCY STANIFORTH Born: 02/10/1992 Nationality: English Trivia: Has fond Cup memories after netting first United goal in last term’s win away to Burnley.

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JADE MOORE Born: 22/10/1990 Nationality: English Trivia: Part of first Birmingham team to lift FA Cup, playing in the 2012 final against Chelsea.

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HAYLEY LADD Born: 06/10/1996 National team: Wales Trivia: Got our first FA Cup strike of the current season with the opening goal at Bridgwater.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

#3 THORISDOTTIR

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Manchester United Women v Brighton Hove

MARIA THORISDOTTIR

Our ever-reliable defender spoke to us from the Algarve, where Maria’s been away representing Norway. Under discussion: her different defensive partners, the thrill of winning the FA Cup in 2018 – and what it would mean to repeat that with the Reds...

Interview: Harry Robinson

How are you enjoying being away with Norway at the moment, Maria?

I am really enjoying it. It’s a nice change. It’s sunny, it’s warm, and these are good days, I would say.

It has been a busy, intense last five or six weeks for United since you came back from the winter break.

You’ve played game after game in an exciting spell.

It must feel like a nice break from club football after what must have been a difficult few weeks mentally...

Yeah, definitely. I can see now that I’m quite tired mentally. It’s been a tough five or six weeks, especially the last two weeks with three big games. It’s been tough but it is what you like [as a footballer]; I really enjoy it.

It’s nice to come over here with the national team now, to change environment, and kind of switch off a bit from the WSL and charge my batteries in a different way before being ready again when we get back.

It’s been that combination of knockout football with the Conti Cup and the FA Cup, but also moving up the league as well. How do you think you, the squad and Marc have managed that combination?

I think we’ve done what we could and taken one game at a time. We had a really good period of winning games, and then we got challenged in the last three games, against Chelsea, Arsenal and City. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the results we were hoping for, but it just

“IT’S NICE TO COME HERE WITH THE NATIONAL TEAM, TO CHANGE ENVIRONMENT, SWITCH OFF A BIT FROM THE WSL AND CHARGE MY BATTERIES IN A DIFFERENT WAY”

shows us how tough the league is this year, and the good thing now is we’ve got City again after a break.

On those two most recent games, how did you and the squad feel about the draw at Arsenal and the defeat at City?

That felt like a loss, the Arsenal game; it was frustrating.

We got one point and as a team, we were allowed to be disappointed that day, but we then switched on and moved on to City because in the league now we don’t have time to be disappointed for long. I would say we were quite disappointed against City as well; I don’t think, as a team, we performed like we were hoping we could do. I think we all know we can do better, and I hope we can step up against them now in the FA Cup and show everyone that we want to win.

There were debuts for a couple of new signings in those games. Let’s start with Diane Caldwell, who’s a new centre-back partner for you. You look comfortable next to each other already; do you enjoy developing new relationships with your fellow defenders?

Yeah, it’s important. I’ve played with Aoife and Millie and with the situation now, I’m really happy we signed Diane in the window because we really needed her. I think she’s done great and I do enjoy playing with Diane. She’s come into a new ⊲

Maria stands strong alongside Caldwell at the Academy Stadium two weeks ago

23

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Seven years on from her Norway debut, Maria is now one of the most experienced members of the Gresshoppene squad

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

* February international break not included

FACTFILE: Full name Maria Thorisdottir Date of birth 5 June 1993 Place of birth Stavanger, Norway Position Defender Youth career Klepp (Norway) Senior career 2010-17 Klepp, 78 games, 10 goals 2017-21 Chelsea, 47 games, 2 goals 2021- Manchester United, 27 games, 1 goal International career Norway: 55 caps/3 goals* environment, a new team, and straight into two really difficult games and I think she’s handled it perfectly.

How have you found working with Diane?

She’s a lifelong United fan – do you see that training and playing with her?

Yeah, she’s a proper United fan! When she came in, you knew she would do everything she can to help the club win. She fights and defends with her heart and everything, and that’s what you need in a defensive line.

Does that passion for the club on a day-to-day basis rub off on everyone else a bit as well?

Yeah, I think so. It does. I’m really impressed, and

24

Thorisdottir has featured in our last nine games, starting the last six

dgdgdgdgdgd

I really like the love she has for the club. I think it’s really cool, and she brings it into the team which makes everyone else feel the same, I think.

And then there’s Signe Bruun, a 23-year-old playing at the other end of the pitch. How exciting is it to have her here?

I think she’s done well too. She came into the squad and straight away you could see what kind of player she is.

She’s a player we need in the team; strong and confident.

I think she can bring a lot to the team in the future.

Signe’s on loan but she has a chance to make a big impact here before the end of the season...

Definitely. As she has said, she just wants to make the best out of it and see what happens. I think she can bring good qualities into the squad in her time here.

And how have you and the squad helped the new arrivals settle in? It was quite a sudden move with Signe signing on deadline day...

I think they have been really easy to welcome into the team. We are a really good group, it’s a really nice group to come into. I know myself how it is to come into the team in the middle of a season, so I made sure to help them. It’s important to take them in as soon as you can and make them feel at home. I think they’ve done

MARIA THORISDOTTIR Norwegian cruise: Maria and compatriot Maren Mjelde kiss the trophy following Chelsea’s 3-1 win against Arsenal four years ago – a final played in front of what remains a record attendance in the Women’s FA Cup

dgdgd

“I WON THE FA CUP IN 2018, AND THAT’S THE BIGGEST MOMENT OF MY LIFE. TO PLAY AT WEMBLEY IN FRONT OF 45,000 PEOPLE, YOU COULD SEE HOW IMPORTANT THAT CUP IS... AND I REALLY WANT TO TAKE UNITED THERE” great and I think they would say as well like they feel they’ve been taken good care of.

How’s your time with the national team been at the Algarve Cup? I really enjoy going away with the national team and the Algarve Cup is my favourite cup, to get into the sun and get a few games for the national team. As I said, you just switch off from United for a moment and come back in a good place. I feel like after every international camp, you’re ready to come back to your club and your battery is charged again, so I’m very excited about what’s coming up when I get back.

Okay, let’s talk about the FA Cup. How did you enjoy playing at Bridgwater in the last round?

It was really cool to see how many people showed up for that game and it was a good environment around it.

You kind of get that feeling of local football in England.

The pitch was horrendous, so it was a different type of football, but we did our job, won the game and I’m looking forward to playing against City now at Leigh on a really good pitch, so hopefully there will be some good football. The FA Cup in England is different to other countries. If you look at the FA Cup in England, it’s massive.

Seeing as we’re now out of the Conti Cup, this probably takes on even more importance, wouldn’t you agree?

A hundred per cent. I won the FA Cup with Chelsea in 2018 and that’s the biggest moment of my life. That was amazing. Just to play at Wembley in front of 45,000 people, you could see how important that Cup is in this country, and I really want to take United there. We have a big challenge coming up now, but you have to beat any team to come to the final and win so we just have to be ready to beat City. ⊲ Manchester United Women v Chelsea Women 25 15

THE MANCUNIAN WAY.

© 2021 adidas AG

MARIA THORISDOTTIR

Sharing her tactical thoughts on the training ground at Carrington last month, ahead of what was a busy return to action for Marc Skinner’s Reds following the Christmas break

“IT’S SO COOL TO PLAY IN THESE GAMES AND YOU JUST HAVE TO LIVE IN THE MOMENT. YOU KNOW IT’S GOING TO BE A GAME FULL OF ACTION AND DRAMA. YOU JUST HAVE TO BE AS WELL-PREPARED AS YOU CAN” You mention trophies there. There are lots of local players who have been at United since 2018, and now there’s also a whole group of more experienced players such as yourself who have won trophies and played in the Champions League. Do you feel players like you, Hannah Blundell, Vilde and many of the others are leading the younger players forward?

I think, first of all, we have a group with a lot of good leaders, with different ways of leading. Of course, I want to bring as much into the team as I can from my experience and I think other players want to do that too. I can’t do anything else but do my best to help the players around me. I would love to go through to the FA Cup final with this team and also the Champions League in the future because I think we have a really good group of players and people and different leaders, so it’s a really exciting time for United.

And now we have Manchester City – again, but this time at home. The outcome of the recent WSL defeat must be a key bit of motivation...

It definitely is, but also, it’s a Manchester derby game at home, so it’s not going to be easy for City to come here anyway. We had a great game against them last time we played them at home. I really want to beat them here again and I hope we can do it in the Cup. These Manchester derbies have been some of the best games of the season for the last few years.

It always seems to provide something special...

Yeah, that’s the feeling I’ve got as well, and that’s the part that drives you. It’s just so cool to play in these games and you just have to live in the moment. You know it’s going to be a game full of action and drama and you just have to be as well-prepared as you can.

It should be a great atmosphere at Leigh Sports Village for this one, shouldn’t it...

It has been brilliant already this season, but I think it’s going to be amazing this time. The fans will be ready for it as well. They were great away at City but at the home ground, they will be on fire! ⬤

27

FIFTY-UP IN W WSL INFOGRAPHIC

LOST: 13

WON: 29 TOP SCORER

TOTAL PLAYED

50

DRAWN: 8

GOALS SCORED: 96 GOALS CONCEDED: 47

MOST APPEARANCES MARY EARPS 50 28

ELLA TOONE

15

WSL!

WSL INFOGRAPHIC

Did you know, United’s last game – also against City – was our 50th in the Women’s Super League? Here’s how the stats break down since our 2019 promotion to the top flight...

BIGGEST WIN: UNITED 6 BRISTOL CITY 1, 20/12/2020

15 OF ELLA TOONE’S 39 GOALS FOR THE REDS HAVE COME IN THE WSL

8

Number of times we’ve been top of the WSL table at full-time – after seven games in 2020/21, plus our 2021/22 season-opener

CLEAN SHEETS

21

MARY EARPS HAS PLAYED

EVERY MINUTE

OF OUR 50 WSL FIXTURES 29

THE VISITORS

Having found some serious form following a tough start to ’21/22, Gareth Taylor’s Blues are now eyeing silverware in two cups...

MAN CITY Women’s FA Cup winners in three of the past five seasons, Manchester City have a fearsome pedigree in domestic cup competitions. Beaten by eventual FA Cup winners Chelsea in October’s Covid-delayed 2020/21 semi-finals, City – who have a shot at revenge in next week’s Continental League Cup final against the Londoners – have now emerged from an injury crisis which has blighted much of the past six months, with much for them to look forward to.

The cup specialists thumped third-tier Nottingham Forest 8-0 in the previous round, thanks in part to a Georgia Stanway hat-trick, which took her to 64 goals, surpassing Nikita Parris as the club’s record scorer. Still only 23, versatile forward Stanway has operated as a roving runner to the left of midfield conductor Keira Walsh for much of this season, and is level with Lauren Hemp atop City’s 2021/22 goalscoring charts.

With captain Steph Houghton having aggravated her Achilles injury, much will rest on ex-Red Alex Greenwood to lead City’s backline. The 28-year-old has excelled at centre-back this season, topping the WSL charts for touches, forward passes and carrying the ball forward – many City attacks start with the ball at Greenwood’s feet.

30

Stanway celebrates with Janine Beckie after scoring City’s seventh goal against Forest in the fourth round

Out wide, fellow England regulars Lucy Bronze and Demi Stokes offer supreme attacking from full-back.

Head coach Gareth Taylor’s biggest selection dilemma comes at centre-forward, with just one space in his preferred 4-3-3 system for either Jamaican international Khadija Shaw or England star Ellen White.

The former has the better strike rate, while the latter’s all-round game and immense experience ensures the 32-year-old is a very useful player to have on the pitch.

City have recovered with typical determination after winning just one of their first seven games of the season in all competitions, and come into this afternoon’s fixture with just two defeats in their last 12. One of those came in our come-from-behind 2-1 victory in the League Cup in November, which today’s visitors avenged with a stunning Caroline Weir chip a fortnight ago in the WSL. “I thought that was a City performance today,” said coach Taylor post-match at the Academy Stadium two weeks ago. “I always pride myself on the way we play and sometimes we’ve not had those results going our way, but it was great today and we deserved it.”

And now for the fourth 2021/22 meeting between the city rivals, after one victory apiece and one draw.

THE VISITORS

THE MANAGER GARETH TAYLOR In November, it seemed Taylor’s days in the City dugout could be numbered, but he’s steadied the ship impressively, with next week’s League Cup final an opportunity for the 49-year-old to win a second major coaching honour, after the 2019/20 Women’s FA Cup. A stylish forward who spent much of his playing career with Sheffield United, Burnley and Nottingham Forest, Taylor returned to City – for whom he played between 1998-2001 – in 2011, initially in development roles across the Academy. He took over as manager of the women’s team in May 2020.

ONE TO WATCH LUCY BRONZE Now fully recovered from post-Olympics knee surgery, the Best FIFA Women’s Player 2020 is a marauding right-back of rare quality, who has four assists from nine outings this term.

Bronze came through Sunderland’s Academy, before spending two seasons each at Everton and Liverpool from 2010, winning two WSL titles with the latter. After two-and-a-half terms with City from 2015, Lucy – her middle name, appropriately, is ‘Tough’ – joined Lyon in 2017, winning three Champions League titles. She returned to City in September 2020.

PREVIOUS v THE REDS CAROLINE WEIR It was déjà vu last time out, as Weir’s superb lob won the derby spoils, following a similar chip against us last season, not to mention her 25-yard hit in the first-ever derby in 2019.

All three goals were a study in the 26-year-old Scot’s flawless technique and appreciation of space. She first broke through at third-tier Hibernian aged just 16, before crossing the border to join Arsenal two years later. Unable to hold down a starting spot, a brief spell at Bristol Academy followed in 2015, before she spent two excellent seasons at Liverpool from 2016 to earn her City move.

number trail

3

City have lifted the Women’s FA Cup three times, having won all three finals they’ve competed in. Only Doncaster Belles (6), Southampton Women’s FC (8) and Arsenal (14) have more wins.

600 City’s 8-0 win in the previous round of the Cup, away to Nottingham Forest, saw the Blues claim their 600th goal since becoming a professional side in 2014.

13

Number of different City goalscorers this season, with Stanway (10), Hemp (10), Shaw (9) and Weir (7) top of the list in all competitions, and Stanway their top FA Cup scorer (3).

41

City’s one signing since they were last at Leigh Sports Village in November is no.41 Julie Blakstad – the Norwegian midfielder was on the bench v the Reds two weeks ago.

27

R I V A L R Y

R E I G N I T E D

V 2 1 . 0 5 . 2 2 O L D

T R A F F O R D

TICKETS AND HOSPITALITY ON SALE NOW manutd.com/legends All profits from the event will go to Manchester United Foundation

FANS’ PAGE

GUESS THE RED Send your messages and photos to MUWomenfamily@manutd.co.uk

Name these three hidden United stars!

2

1

Name the players missing from our starting XI the last time United played City in the FA Cup...

EARPS

_ _ O_ _ _ _ SIGSWORTH

muwomenfamily@manutd.co.uk

Did you know, today is our 10th Manchester derby... all in the past three seasons!

FILL THE GAPS M TURNER _ M_ _ _

A TURNER

It’s one month today until we’re in action at Old Trafford – to have your picture feature in the matchday programme that day, drop us an email:

OH, NOT BLUE AGAIN!

3

MCMANUS

M16, HERE WE COME!

ZELEM

LADD

ROSS

__N___

MU-MC 7 Sep ’19 (A), WSL 0 1 20 Oct ’19 (H), CC 2 0 25 Jan ’20 (H), FA 2 3 14 Nov ’20 (H), WSL 2 2 19 Nov ’20 (H), CC 0* 0 12 Feb ’21 (A), WSL 0

2 17 Nov ’21 (H), CC 2 13 Feb ’22 (A), WSL 0

3 2 1 1

27 Feb ’22 (H), FA

-

9 Oct ’21 (H), WSL

-

*United win 4-3 on penalties

33

Answers – Guess the Red: 1. Vilde Boe Risa; 2. Ella Toone; 3. Leah Galton; Fill the gaps: Smith (DF), Groenen (MF), Hanson (FW)

QUESTION TIME

HALF-TIME QUIZ

A dozen Cup-related conundrums. How many can you answer?

1. Which current WSL side were United’s first-ever FA Cup opponents, back in February 2019?

8. How many FA Cup games have the Reds been involved with prior to today since the current side was formed in 2018: seven, nine or 11??

2. And which Red – no longer with the club – was the first to score a goal for the club in this competition?

3. At which venue was our 2018/19 season’s fifth-round tie played – Manchester United Women’s first ‘home’ game away from Leigh Sports Village (above)?

4. The Reds’ longest Cup run to date came in that 2018/19 campaign – at which stage were Casey Stoney’s side eliminated?

5. Which youngster made her competitive Reds debut in last season’s Women’s FA Cup visit to Burnley (right)?

?

9. Who was the last player to have ever represented United to appear in a Women’s FA Cup final – the player in question doing so in the 2020 final?

10. Current United Women boss Marc Skinner took Birmingham City to the Women’s FA Cup final in which year (above)?

?

6. And which midfielder scored her first United goal in the same game, as we beat the Clarets 6-0?

7. Which former United player netted for us in the Women’s FA Cup last May, before going on to join the opposition club shortly afterwards?

11. And can you name the current Reds player to start that game for Birmingham (above)?

12. Who is United’s top scorer in the Women’s FA Cup among the current squad, with three goals to her name in the competition ahead of today’s game?

ANSWERS: 1. Brighton & Hove Albion; 2. Lauren James; 3. Ewen Fields/Hyde FC; 4. Quarter-finals; 5. Tara Bourne; 6. Lucy Staniforth; 7. Jess Sigsworth; 8. Seven; 9. Alex Greenwood; 10. 2017; 11. Aoife Mannion; 12. Ella Toone

34

M a n u t d.c o m / w o m e n s t i c k e t s

THE MANCUNIAN WAY.

© 2021 adidas AG

APPEARANCES, GOALS & TABLES FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE TABLE, 2021/22 Team

P

W

D

L

GD

Pts

UNITED APPEARANCES AND GOALS, 2021/22 SEASON PLAYER

LEAGUE

FA CUP

LEAGUE CUP

TOTAL

APP

GLS

APP

GLS

APP

GLS

APP

GLS

Sophie Baggaley

0

0

0

0

6

0

6

0

Ona Batlle

13

1

0

0

4(1)

1

17(1)

2

Hannah Blundell

11(2)

0

1

0

4(2)

0

16(4)

0

Vilde Boe Risa

7(2)

2

0(1)

0

4(2)

1

11(5)

3

Signe Bruun

2

0

0

0

0(1)

0

2(1)

0

Diane Caldwell

2

0

0

0

0

0

2

0

Mary Earps

14

0

1

0

0(1)

0

15(1)

0

Ivana Ferreira Fuso

0(4)

0

1

0

3(3)

2

4(7)

2

Leah Galton

12(1)

4

0

0

4(2)

0

16(3)

4

Jackie Groenen

4(4)

0

0(1)

0

1

0

5(5)

0

1

Arsenal

14

9

4

1

26

31

Kirsty Hanson

6(4)

1

0

0

3(2)

0

9(6)

1

2

Chelsea

13

9

2

2

24

29

Martha Harris

0

0

0(1)

0

1

0

1(1)

0

3

Tottenham

14

8

3

3

8

27

Carrie Jones

0(3)

0

1

0

2

0

3(3)

0

4

UNITED

14

7

4

3

13

25

Hayley Ladd

7(2)

2

1

1

2(1)

0

10(3)

5

Manchester City

14

7

2

5

10

23

Aoife Mannion

12

0

1

0

6

0

19

0 7

3

6

Reading

13

7

1

5

-1

22

Alessia Russo

11(3)

5

0(1)

0

3(3)

2

14(7)

7

West Ham

14

5

5

4

0

20

Karna Solskjaer

0

0

0(1)

0

0

0

0(1)

0

8

Brighton

15

6

1

8

-6

19

Kirsty Smith

3

0

1

0

2

0

6

0

9

Aston Villa

14

5

1

8

-17

16

Lucy Staniforth

7(3)

2

0

0

3(1)

0

10(4)

2

10 Leicester

15

4

0

11

-15

12

Martha Thomas

1(9)

2

1

0

4

1

6(9)

3

11 Everton

13

3

2

8

-13

11

Maria Thorisdottir

10(3)

1

1

0

4(1)

0

15(4)

1

12 Birmingham

15

1

1

13

-29

4

Ella Toone

14

5

1

1

3(2)

1

18(2)

7

Millie Turner

4

0

0

0

3

0

7

0

Katie Zelem

14

2

1

0

4(1)

1

19(1)

3

FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE TOP SCORERS, 2021/22 Sam Kerr (Chelsea)

9

Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal)

8

Fran Kirby (Chelsea)

6

Natasha Dowie (Reading)

6

Right: teenage forward Karna Solskjaer made her United debut in the previous round of today’s competition

Kim Little (Arsenal)

6

Ella Toone (UNITED)

5

Beth Mead (Arsenal)

5

Alessia Russo (UNITED)

5

Apps

Goals

Lauren Hemp (Manchester City)

5

Ella Toone

94

39

Georgia Stanway (Manchester City)

5

Katie Zelem

90

23

Kate McCabe (Arsenal)

4

Millie Turner

83

5

Rachel Williams (Tottenham)

4

Kirsty Hanson

82

16

Apps

Goals

Leah Galton (UNITED)

4

Leah Galton

75

18

Hannah Blundell

20

0

Amy Turner

67

4

Aoife Mannion

19

0

Jessica Sigsworth

66

26

Christen Press

17

4

Mary Earps

60

0

Ivana Ferreira Fuso

17

2

Kirsty Smith

58

1

Vilde Boe Risa

16

3

Lauren James

56

28

Aimee Palmer

15

1

Hayley Ladd

55

4

Martha Thomas

15

3

Jackie Groenen

51

0

Tobin Heath

11

4

Martha Harris

48

1

Lotta Okvist

10

0

Ona Batlle

41

2

Carrie Jones

10

0

LAST 10 FA CUP FINALS 2011/12 Birmingham City 2–2 Chelsea (aet, Birmingham win 3–2 on pens) 2012/13 Arsenal 3–0 Bristol Academy 2013/14 Arsenal 2–0 Everton 2014/15 Chelsea 1–0 Notts County 2015/16 Arsenal 1–0 Chelsea 2016/17 Man City 4–1 Birmingham City 2017/18 Chelsea 3–1 Arsenal 2018/19 Man City 3–0 West Ham United 2019/20 Man City 3–1 Everton (aet) 2020/21 Chelsea 3–0 Arsenal

Right: the current Women’s FA Cup replaced the original Mitre Challenge Trophy, as the competition was known when it was founded in 1970

UNITED ALL-TIME APPS & GOALS

Jane Ross

34

7

Emily Ramsey

6

0

Lizzie Arnot

34

9

Sophie Baggaley

6

0

Lucy Staniforth

32

3

Naomi Hartley

3

0

Mollie Green

29

16

Signe Brunn

3

0

Alex Greenwood

27

5

Fran Bentley

2

0

Siobhan Chamberlain

27

0

Diane Caldwell

2

0

Maria Thorisdottir

27

1

Tara Bourne

1

0

Alessia Russo

26

10

Rebecca May

1

0

Abbie McManus

25

2

Aurora Mikalsen

1

0

Charlie Devlin

20

6

Karna Solskjaer

1

0

(Names in italics have left the club)

37

SEASON STATISTICS

LINE-UP

ATTENDANCE

SCORE

OPPOSITION

DATE

COMPETITION

FIXTURES & LINE-UPS, 2021/22 AUGUST SEPTEMBER WSL

Fri 3

Reading (H) 7.45pm

2-0

2,111

Earps

Blundell

Mannion

Thorisdottir

Batlle 1

Boe Risa

Zelem

WSL

Sun 12

Leicester (A) 2pm

3-1

4,473

Earps

Blundell

Mannion

Turner

Batlle

Zelem

Groenen

WSL

Sun 26

Chelsea (H) 12.30pm

1-6

2,197

Earps

Blundell

Mannion

Thorisdottir

Batlle

Zelem

Groenen

WSL

Sun 3

Birmingham (A) 6.45pm 2-0

650

Earps

Batlle

Mannion

Thorisdottir

Blundell

Zelem Groenen

WSL

Sat 9

Man City (H) 1.30pm

2-2

3,797

Earps

Blundell

Mannion

Thorisdottir

Batlle

Zelem

Groenen

CC

Thu 14

Durham (A) 7pm

2-2↑ 1,468

Baggaley

Harris

Mannion

Thorisdottir

Blundell

Boe Risa

Ladd

WSL

Sun 7

Tottenham (A) 12.15pm 1-1

1,308

Earps

Batlle

Mannion

Thorisdottir

Blundell

Zelem

Ladd

WSL

Sun 14

Everton (A) 12.30pm

1-1

840

Earps

Batlle

Mannion

Thorisdottir

Blundell

Zelem

Boe Risa

CC

Wed 17

Man City (H) 7pm

2-1

2,369

Baggaley

Batlle 1

Mannion

Thorisdottir

Smith

Boe Risa

Jones

WSL

Sun 21

Arsenal (H) 12.15pm

0-2

2,186

Earps

Batlle

Mannion

Thorisdottir

Blundell

Staniforth

Zelem

CC

Sun 5

Leicester (H) 12pm

2-2↓

Baggaley

Batlle

Mannion

Turner

Blundell

Boe Risa

Zelem 1

WSL

Sun 12

Brighton (A) 12.30pm

2-0

Earps

Batlle

Mannion

Turner

Blundell

Ladd 1

Zelem

CC

Wed 15

Everton (A) 7pm

2-0+

672

Baggaley

Batlle

Mannion

Turner

Smith

Zelem

Toone

WSL

Sun 19

Aston Villa (H) 12pm

5-0

1,001

Earps

Smith

Mannion

Turner

Galton

Zelem 1 •

Ladd

WSL

Sat 15

Birmingham (H) 12pm

5-0+ 1,015

Earps

Batlle

Mannion

Turner

Smith

Ladd

Zelem 1

CC

Wed 19

Arsenal (A) 7.15pm (QF) 1-0

Baggaley

Blundell

Mannion

Turner

Thorisdottir

Ladd

Zelem

WSL

Sun 23

Tottenham (H) 12pm

3-0

1,519

Earps

Batlle

Mannion

Thorisdottir

Smith

Ladd 1

Zelem

FA

Sun 30

Bridgwater (A) 2pm

2-0

2,500

Earps

Smith

Thorisdottir Mannion

Blundell

Ladd 1

Zelem

CC

Wed 2

Chelsea (A) 7pm

1-3

1,548

Baggaley

Batlle

Thorisdottir Mannion

Blundell

Groenen

Zelem

WSL

Sat 5

Arsenal (A) 12.30pm

1-1

2,385

Earps

Batlle

Caldwell

Thorisdottir

Blundell

Ladd

Zelem

WSL

Sun 13

Man City (A) 12.30pm

0-1

5,317

Earps

Batlle

Caldwell

Thorisdottir

Blundell

Ladd

Zelem

FA

Sun 27

Man City (H) 12.30pm

WSL

Sat 5

Leicester (H) 12pm

WSL

Sat 12

Reading (A) 11.30am

WSL

Wed 16

West Ham (A) 7.30pm

FA

Sun 20

Quarter-finals

WSL

Sun 27

Everton (H) 12.30pm

WSL

Sun 3

Brighton (H) 12pm

FA

Sun 17

Semi-finals

WSL

Sun 24

Aston Villa (A) 6pm

WSL

Sun 1

West Ham (H) 12pm

WSL

Sun 8

Chelsea (A) 12.30pm

FA

Sun 15

Final

OCTOBER

N OVE MBE R

DE CEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

M ARCH

A PRIL

MAY

38

839 1,776

825

SEASON STATISTICS Facebook: manutdwomen

YouTube: /ManUtd

Twitter: @manutdwomen

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

Instagram: @manutdwomen

SUBS USED

FOLLOW THE REDS ▶

Hanson 1

Staniforth

Galton

Toone

Thomas

Groenen

Russo

–

–

Hanson

Staniforth

Galton

Toone 1

Thorisdottir 1

Thomas 1

Russo

–

–

Hanson

Staniforth

Galton

Toone

Russo 1

Ladd

Jones

–

–

Russo

Staniforth

Galton 1

Toone 1

Hanson

Boe Risa

Jones

–

–

Hanson

Toone

Galton

Russo 1

Staniforth 1

Ladd

–

–

–

Staniforth

Jones

Russo

Fuso 1

Hanson

Toone 1

Galton

–

– –

Hanson

Toone

Galton

Russo 1

Staniforth

Thomas

–

–

Toone 1

Russo

Galton

Thomas

Staniforth

Hanson

–

–

–

Fuso 1

Staniforth

Hanson

Thomas

Russo

Galton

Toone

Blundell

Zelem

Hanson

Toone

Galton

Russo

Jones

Boe Risa

–

–

–

Staniforth

Toone

Galton

Russo 1

Ladd

Hanson

Fuso

–

–

Toone

Staniforth

Boe Risa 1

Russo

Galton

Thomas

–

–

–

Hanson

Fuso

Galton

Thomas 1

Russo

Blundell

Thorisdottir

Staniforth

Boe Risa

Staniforth 1

Boe Risa

Toone 2

Russo

Hanson

Thomas 1

Thorisdottir

Fuso

–

Boe Risa

Toone

Galton 2

Russo 1

Blundell

Thomas

Groenen

Thorisdottir

Fuso

Galton

Hanson

Toone

Thomas

Fuso

Batlle

Boe Risa

Russo 1

–

Toone

Boe Risa 1

Galton 1

Russo

Thomas

Blundell

Groenen

Fuso

–

Toone 1

Jones

Fuso

Thomas

Harris

Boe Risa

Groenen

Russo

Solskjaer

Boe Risa 1

Thomas

Galton

Russo

Fuso

Brunn

Earps

–

–

Toone

Bruun

Galton

Russo 1

Groenen

Thomas

–

–

–

Bruun

Boe Risa

Toone

Russo

Thomas

Hanson

Fuso

–

–

KEY: WSL - Women’s Super League ↑/↓ won/lost on penalties

CC - FA Continental League Cup First sub

Second sub

FA - Women’s FA Cup Third sub

Fourth sub

Scorers Bold Fifth sub

Penalty •

Own goal +

Yellow/red card

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

39

Martha Harris Maria Thorisdottir Jade Moore Aoife Mannion Hannah Blundell Ella Toone Vilde Boe Risa Martha Thomas Katie Zelem Leah Galton Hayley Ladd Ivana Ferreira Fuso Jackie Groenen Diane Caldwell Signe Bruun Ona Batlle Kirsty Hanson Kirsty Smith Millie Turner Alessia Russo Carrie Jones Mary Earps (GK) Sophie Baggaley (GK) Lucy Staniforth Karna Solskjaer Safia Middleton-Patel (GK) Niamh Murphy

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 23 24 27 32 37 38 39 40

1 3 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 24 26 30 33 34 35 41 42 43

Karen Bardsley (GK) Demi Stokes Alex Greenwood Steph Houghton Laura Coombs Chloe Kelly Georgia Stanway Janine Beckie Filippa Angeldahl Hayley Raso Esme Morgan Lauren Hemp Jess Park Vicky Losada Ellen White Caroline Weir Lucy Bronze Khadija Shaw Keira Walsh Ellie Roebuck (GK) Ruby Mace Alanna Kennedy Karima Benameur Taieb (GK) Khiara Keating (GK) Julie Blakstad Ginny Lackey Jemima Dahou

MATCH OFFICIALS (Please listen out for the announcement ahead of kick-off to confirm this afternoon’s officials)

MANCHESTER CITY WOMEN

MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN

#allredallequal