Manchester United Women v Aston Villa Women match programme, Women's Super League, 28.01.24

OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

2023/24 SEASON • VOLUME 06 ISSUE 10

MANCHESTER

UNITED WOMEN V

ASTON VILLA WOMEN

Barclays Women’s Super League SUNDAY 28 january 2024 ○ 12PM

#allredallequal

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24/01/2024 08:50

WIN. RINSE. REPEAT.

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02/10/2023 23:28

IT’S MATCHDAY!

06 BIG PICTURE 09 COUNTDOWN TO KICK-OFF 13

REDS REPORT

19

KATIE ZELEM COLUMN

20

PHALLON’S MALTA SNAPS

26

SIGNED MARY EARPS POSTER

28

MILLIE TURNER INTERVIEW

35

FAN PHOTOS

37

FAN INTERVIEW

39 MU FOUNDATION 40 THE OPPOSITION 42

JUNIOR REDS

47

STATS SECTION

04

28

W H AT ’ S I N S I D E

04 HEAD COACH’S COLUMN

03

50 ADDED-TIME QUIZ

20 MATCH PROGRAMME TEAM Editor Charlie Ghagan Editor-in-chief Ian McLeish Contributors Helen Rowe-Willcocks, Jamie Spencer, Adam Bostock, Sean Mullan, Nathan Thomas Photography Charlotte Tattersall, Ash Donelon, John Peters, Matt Peters, Getty, Alamy Design Tom Chase, Kulsum Karolial Thanks to Ellie Decrop, Hannah Mitchell, Steve Bennett, Benjamin Williams, Jake Paul, Jonathan Cooper/statsperform.com Printed by MuPrint.com © Manchester United 2024

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UNITED WOMEN

MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB Co-chairmen Joel Glazer, Avram Glazer Directors Bryan Glazer, Kevin Glazer, Edward Glazer, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Michael Edelson, Sir Alex Ferguson, David Gill CBE, Patrick Stewart Secretary Rebecca Britain Honorary president Martin Edwards

25/01/2024 09:30

‘REFOCUS OUR ENERGY’ IS THE BOSS’S MESSAGE, AS THE REDS LOOK TO RETURN TO WINNING WAYS IN THE LEAGUE

MARC SKINNER H

04

UNITED WOMEN

ello and welcome back to Leigh Sports Village as we face Carla Ward’s Aston Villa side. Preparing for this WSL fixture, we’ve taken a lot of positives from the Chelsea game last weekend, despite the result. We had moments against the champions at Stamford Bridge where if we had taken our chances the game could have been very different. We have assessed all aspects of that game, from decision-making to performance, and we intend to put all the key areas into practice going forwards. We are ready to refocus all our energy into every game we play so that we can accrue all the points we can. We are ready to maximise every game, to use our qualities to our strength, and to keep pushing forward.

The game against Aston Villa on the opening day of the season was a tight one, despite us having more chances, and we know it’s going to be another close game today. Their current league position doesn’t reflect the quality of the players they have. We know they possess a clear attacking prowess and we have to be ready to stop their counterattacks, as that will be a key threat. We are going to have to maximise our use of the ball – we know we’ll need to do this to get the three points.

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Ella Toone is set to reach 150 appearances for United Women today, becoming the first player to do so. She is a player who has been here from the beginning and her statistics speak for themselves.

I’d like to take the time to talk about the person behind the player, as Ella embodies Manchester United and everything the club is about. She has the will to win, the resilience needed to succeed and she is an iconic no.7 – not just for the women’s team but for the club. I am so pleased with her growth over the last few years and I can only see her getting better. She is playing continuously at the very highest level and long may it continue.

I’d also like to thank you once again for coming down to cheer us on here at Leigh Sports Village.

Your continued support for the team is huge and it’s so important to us that we keep performing and putting on a great game for you supporters. You show the true United spirit in every game, both home and away, and we will keep giving it our all for you this afternoon.

I hope you enjoy the game, and we all look forward to seeing you singing loud and proud.

25/01/2024 08:55

HEAD COACH

,

05

UNITED WOMEN

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25/01/2024 08:55

BIG PICTURE 06

OUR SUPERHERO WEARING SEVEN

UNITED WOMEN

In hindsight, if anyone was destined to star against ‘the Toon’ on our last home outing it was Ella, but United’s no.7 caught the eye before a ball was kicked as she entered the field donning a Batman-esque mask, to protect a broken nose sustained in our friendly against PSV. The England international was in fearless form throughout the FA Cup clash with Newcastle, with her powered-up piledriver giving us the lead (right, top) – a strike that will surely go on to make our Goal of the Season shortlist. And the celebration that followed made the moment even more iconic, as she proudly faced the West Stand, hands on hips, flanked by fellow ‘Toone Army’ members including Lucia Garcia for a choreographed routine that brought big smiles. An assist would soon follow for our Wigan-born warrioress en route to a 5-0 win – as would the small matter of a spot in the Women’s World XI at The Best FIFA Football Awards the next day, alongside United team-mate Mary Earps (right, bottom).

The mask may have gone, but next up for our superhero at high-noon, on a day when she’s all set to become the first player to make 150 appearances for the Reds... it’s the ‘Villans’!

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24/01/2024 08:56

BIG PICTURE 07

UNITED WOMEN

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24/01/2024 08:56

THIS IS ME www.remington.co.uk/manutd

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21/03/2023 19:29 02/10/2023 22:34

M AT C H P R E V I E W

COUNTDOWN TO KICK-OFF

Post-match reflections at Stamford Bridge, as we look to get back to winning ways in the league

With 11 WSL games chalked off and 11 left to play, the Reds have much work to do in the top flight, starting with the visit of Carla Ward’s Villa...

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UNITED WOMEN

It’s been a busy couple of weeks since Marc Skinner and his Reds returned from their Malta training camp, with fixtures in three competitions so far in January, but while cup progress has been secured, things have been less straightforward in the league.

A positive result against champions Chelsea last Sunday would have given everyone a huge lift on the back of our home loss to Liverpool to see out 2023, but a shaky start at Stamford Bridge proved costly, despite our immense efforts to get back into the game as the clocked ticked on. The 3-1

reverse means we come into today’s fixture on the back of successive WSL defeats, having only lost two of the previous 25. We have never lost three league games in a row, and either side of Wednesday’s Conti Cup trip to Manchester City, there’s been a steely focus from everyone at the Carrington training ground to make sure we pick up nothing less than three points today.

While the history of this fixture would suggest a home win – we’ve won six and drawn one against Villa in seven previous WSL meetings – we had an equally impressive league history against Liverpool until that defeat a few weeks ago, and we certainly don’t want to give up another unbeaten record.

Ward’s side have been solid of late – they arrive in Leigh having kept back-to-back clean sheets in the WSL, although they’ve never kept three in a row in the history of the competition. And for all

01

MEETING HALFWAY

09

25/01/2024 09:18

M AT C H P R E V I E W 10

CAP TAI N ZEL E M H A S N E T TED I N A L L T H R EE OF H ER H OME WS L G AM ES F OR US AGAI N ST V I L L A our inconsistent form, it’s been a while since we failed to find the net in the WSL – 18 games to be precise, which is the current joint longest scoring run in the division, along with the side who last stopped us scoring, Chelsea.

Captain Katie Zelem is one to look out for today – our no.10 has netted in all three of her home WSL games for us against Villa, the 3-0 (2020/21), 5-0 (2021/22) and 5-0 (2022/23) wins. And keep an eye out for Ella Toone, who you might have just been reading about on p6: as well as Tooney needing just two goals to become the first Red to net a half-century, she also has 49 goals and assists combined in the WSL (23 goals, 26 assists) for United, meaning her next goal or assist will see her become the first Red to reach 50 goal involvements in the competition. Oh, and it’s set to be her 150th game for United today, as well as Maya Le Tissier’s 50th – so many milestones!

For the opposition, Rachel Daly has a more curious stat to her name: impressively, she’s scored four goals in four WSL games against us – but all four games have been defeats, either with Villa or former club West Ham. But as interesting as such records and runs are, you can be sure that for everyone on that pitch at Leigh Sports Village today, there’s only set of numbers that really matters: the full-time result on that scoreboard come 2pm. Come on you Reds!

UNITED WOMEN

Daly has a good scoring record against the Reds

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ACROSS T There are big games aplenty at both ends of the top flight this weekend...

The second half of the WSL season is already upon us with the 12th round of fixtures taking place over the course of this weekend.

The action kicked off yesterday as Chelsea made the short trip to Broadfield Stadium in Crawley to face Brighton. Coming into the weekend with a three-point lead at the top over both Manchester City and Arsenal, the Blues would have been keen to avoid any slip-ups against Melissa Phillips’s Seagulls. Brighton’s most recent dance with the champions did see them take an early lead at Kingsmeadow in October, only for Emma Hayes’s side to hit back to win 4-2. And with nine goals in her last five WSL games prior to kick-off, the prolific form of Lauren James is certainly softening the blow of Sam Kerr’s injury absence.

Manchester City are the WSL’s in-form team, however, and they’ll be hoping for a favour in that one from a Brighton side that inflicted City’s last league defeat, on 12 November. Gareth Taylor’s Blues have taken maximum points in five straight league games since then, scoring 21 goals while conceding four in that run, with Khadija Shaw scoring back-to-back hat-tricks in their last two outings to fly ahead in the Golden Boot standings (with 12 goals, two ahead of Lauren James).

A Tottenham side that City hammered 7-0 in their second match of their recent winning run are the opponents out to derail Shaw and co this weekend – Brisbane Road is the venue at 2pm today. Spurs do come into the game in better form than when the sides last met, having picked up back-to-back league wins either side of Christmas, including a historic north London derby triumph over Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

A potential relegation ‘six-pointer’ also takes place at the same time today when Bristol City

25/01/2024 09:18

WSL PREVIEW

S THE WSL Can an improved Tottenham side stop Manchester City in their tracks this afternoon?

host West Ham at Ashton Gate. The pair are level on five points after each winning once and drawing twice in their opening 11 games, with the Robins occupying the solitary drop-zone spot ahead of kick-off due to a slightly inferior goal difference.

But Bristol City did win the reverse fixture back on Bonfire Night, edging a five-goal thriller.

Just above them, only a point separates Everton, in ninth, and Leicester, in 10th, ahead of their meeting at Walton Hall Park, which gets under way half an hour after kick-off here in Leigh. The

ONLY A P OI NT S E PAR AT E S E VERTON I N N I N T H A N D LEI CESTER I N 10 TH AH E A D OF TH EI R MEE T I N G TODAY

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11

UNITED WOMEN

Bristol City won 3-2 when they last faced the Hammers, and the bottom two meet again today

Toffees have suffered successive WSL defeats at the hands of City and Arsenal and will face Chelsea next weekend, so picking up points against a side with whom they are directly battling for places could be vital for Brian Sorensen’s side. Leicester’s strong start to 2023/24, when they began with consecutive wins in October, has deserted them and they are without a league win in nine coming into this one. They have scored more goals than any side in the bottom half, however, and their 1-0 loss to Aston Villa last time out was only their second failure to net in the WSL this season.

The final fixture of the matchweek 12 schedule begins at 4.30pm today, with Arsenal heading up to Birkenhead in the hope of avenging a shock defeat to Liverpool on the opening weekend of the season. Since drawing at LSV in October, the Gunners have won eight of their nine WSL games, with their surprise derby defeat to Spurs the only blot on their top-flight record during that time.

Liverpool took the lead against City last weekend with a brilliant goal from Taylor Hinds, but ultimately fell to a 5-1 loss and will be out to claim a big scalp again to cement themselves in a top-half place. City were only the second team to score more than once past the Merseysiders in a WSL fixture this season, so tightening things up once again will be the aim as the dangerous Gunners arrive at Prenton Park.

25/01/2024 09:18

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02/10/2023 22:35

2 MAN CITY 1 UNITED

Continental Tyres League Cup Group B, Joie Stadium, Wed 24 Jan

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Garcia was a lively performer

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UNITED WOMEN

ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY: City win the 14th Manchester women’s derby to secure automatic progression from the group stage, while United reach the last eight on account of being one of the two best-placed runners-up – or, at least we thought we had at full-time...

GROUP A IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With Aston Villa seeming to have fielded an ineligible player (cup-tied Noelle Maritz) in their 7-0 win over Sunderland in Group A, at the time of print we were awaiting a statement from the FA. If Sunderland were awarded the win, they’d take our spot in the quarters (although Spurs could have had a say, with them facing Southampton on Thursday), but if the Sunderland-Villa game was quashed, we would progress.

FRIDAY’S DRAW: Chances are you know the outcome by now, with the last-eight draw taking place on Friday – London City Lionesses, Arsenal, Brighton and Chelsea all being in it alongside City.

AS FOR THE GAME ITSELF... Marc Skinner’s side was similar to that seen in our previous group games, with Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Lisa Naalsund and Irene Guerrero among the starters, while Academy talent Phoebe Chadwick made the bench. Following an open start – a highlight being Lucia Garcia’s long-range chip that almost beat keeper Khiara Keating – City took the lead just after the break as Chloe Kelly finished from Lauren Hemp’s cross.

BLUES PUSH ON: It was Hemp who made it 2-0 from close range on 70 minutes, but when Nikita Parris turned in Hayley Ladd’s effort in injury-time, there was time for one last United rally. Substitute Geyse did brilliantly to create space to power in a shot, but Keating saved well to secure their progression on a night that ended in uncertainty for Skinner’s Reds.

01

REDS REPORT

FOUR DAYS AGO

M AT C H A C T I O N

TIMELINE OF OUR RECENT FIXTURES AND NEWS

Geyse comes so close to bringing us level at City’s Joie Stadium

25/01/2024 09:19

M AT C H A C T I O N & N E W S 14

SEVEN DAYS AGO

3 CHELSEA 1 UNITED

Women’s Super League, Stamford Bridge, Sun 21 Jan ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY: United pay hefty price for a slow start at Stamford Bridge, with a ruthless former Red grabbing the headlines.

LJ’S EARLY DOUBLE: Our first trip to Stamford Bridge since facing Chelsea in an amateur women’s friendly there in 1996 saw Emma Hayes’s side begin strongly. One-up on five minutes as Lauren James powered home from out wide, ‘LJ’ kept her cool when put through on 23 minutes to make it two.

BATTLING BACK: There were more promising signs as half-time approached, with Geyse’s hard work starting to make an impact. And when the Brazilian beat Niamh Charles on the right and cut back for Lucia Garcia to shoot, Hayley Ladd was on hand to crash home the rebound. Game on!

EXCITEMENT IN THE SECOND HALF: Ladd’s goal gave every Red a lift – including those packed into the Shed End – and we pushed hard for a leveller as the second half began. Ladd was denied by Hannah Hampton, before Ella Toone saw the ball nicked from her foot as she wound up a shot. Still we pressed, and there was a big penalty appeal when Leah Galton got in a tangle with Ashley Lawrence.

KNOCKOUT BLOW: With Parris and Williams added to the attack as United threw caution to the wind, an 85th-minute breakaway put James one-on-one with Mary Earps again, with her left-footed finish confirming the win as she become the first-ever player to score a WSL hat-trick against us.

SAINTS UP NEXT IN FA CUP The fifth round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup will see us face Southampton on Sunday 11 February (2pm) at the Saints’ Silverlake Stadium, Eastleigh.

It’ll be a maiden meeting with the Championship side, formed in 2017 (Southampton Women’s FC won the Cup eight times between 1971-81, but aren’t affliated to the Saints). The other ties are: London City Lionesses v Liverpool, Arsenal v Manchester City, Leicester v Birmingham, Wolves v Brighton, Tottenham v Charlton, Nottingham Forest v Everton, and Chelsea v Crystal Palace.

TICKET NEWS FOR AWAY DAYS Ticket information for the Saints tie was due to be confirmed this week after we went to print – scan below for the latest details. There you can also purchase tickets for West Ham away in the WSL on Sunday 3 March (date TBC). We have 872 tickets in a standing area at the Chigwell Construction Stadium, with tickets £10/£5. Wheelchair spaces and amenity seating will be located in the home end.

SAFIA’S SECOND-TIER LOAN Goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel is to spend the rest of the season on loan at Championship side Watford. “This loan will give Safia the playing time she needs to develop her professional game,” said Marc Skinner of the 19-year-old

UNITED WOMEN

(right), who signed her first professional contract in January last year. “Both [goalkeeping coach] Ian Willcock and I will be Ladd gives us hope, but our winless run against Chelsea (now 11 games) goes on...

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keeping a close eye on Safia and look forward to watching her continued growth.” Best of luck, Saf!

24/01/2024 08:49

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02/10/2023 22:46

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02/10/2023 22:46

M AT C H A C T I O N

Credit to the away fans, who helped create a proper cup atmosphere Parris added to her 2023/24 goal tally in the victory

14 DAYS AGO

5 UNITED 0 NEWCASTLE

Adobe Women’s FA Cup fourth round Leigh Sports Village, Sun 14 Jan

17

With 20 shots to the visitors’ two, United were worthy winners, with Irene impressing

SUBS ADD SHEEN TO SCORELINE: With Marc Skinner refreshing his team with four quickfire subs soon after the hour mark, the tiring visitors couldn’t cope, as first Rachel Williams (71 minutes, as she pounced on the rebound to her own shot against the bar) and Melvine Malard (90+1 minutes, from Katie Zelem’s corner) made it 5-0. Impressively, the strikes meant Williams and Malard had scored a combined nine goals as substitutes so far this season.

COME ON IRENE: Another replacement was equally deserving of praise, with Irene Guerrero shining after replacing Hayley Ladd. “It was exactly what I wanted to see from Irene,” said Skinner post-match. “She sees what is ahead before she even has the ball. She exploits spaces so well.”

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UNITED WOMEN

ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY: Reds run riot on a brilliant afternoon in the Cup against the Magpies, whose 399-day unbeaten run comes to a end.

LIVELY ATMOSPHERE: With bus-loads of dedicated Geordies getting up at the crack of dawn for the long journey to Leigh, it made for the best away end we’ve ever seen here, as our visitors took over the East Stand.

And the overall attendance of 4,731 was our biggest home crowd for a domestic cup fixture.

LONG-DISTANCE OPENER: Some compact defending from our third-tier visitors made the breakthrough a tricky task, but when it came on 28 minutes it was quite the moment as Ella Toone fired a ferocious left-footed strike into the corner.

TWO UP AT THE BREAK: Nine minutes later, Toone turned provider, teeing up Nikita Parris to head home. And our top 2023/24 scorer Parris made it three soon after the restart, when Lucia Garcia cut the ball back for Parris to fire home. It took our forward into double figures for 2023/24, this term seeing her second-best goals-per-game return of her career, just behind 2018/19, when she netted 24 goals in 30 games for Man City.

24/01/2024 08:49

Here for blowing warm breath .sdnainto h gnfreezing izeerf othands. ni htaerb mraw gniwolb rof ereH Here for watching.sdown dnatsthe ehtpub, ni roat ,ehome, moh taor ,buinpthe ehtstands. nwod gnihctaw rof ereH Here for the clack clack of the turnstile. .elitsnrut eht fo kcalc kcalc eht rof ereH And the smell of fried onions, .ellet’s ihw aqueue eueuqa swhile. ’tel ,snoino deirf fo llems eht dnA Here for the last-minute .erapdramas, moc nacnothing gnihtoncan ,sacompare. mard etunim-tsal eht rof ereH And for the moments you .’esay: reht‘you eb ohad t dahtoube oy‘there’ :yas u.oy stnemom eht rof dnA Here for the legends who paved the.yway. aw eht devap ohw sdnegel eht rof ereH Here for the rivalries, and derby day. .yad ybred dna ,seirlavir eht rof ereH Here for the girls knowing they can .ooplay t yalptoo. nac yeht gniwonk slrig eht rof ereH And the WSL pulling in crowds of 59,042. .240,95 fo sdworc ni gnillup LSW eht dnA Here for the little baller in an oversized .trihs dshirt. ezisrevo na ni rellab elttil eht rof ereH And for the footwells covered in dirt. .trid ni derevoc sllewtoof eht rof dnA

.yaw eht devap ohw sdnegel eht rof ereH .yad ybred dna ,seirlavir eht rof ereH .oot yalp nac yeht gniwonk slrig eht rof ereH .240,95 fo sdworc ni gnillup LSW eht dnA .trihs dezisrevo na ni rellab elttil eht rof ereH .trid ni derevoc sllewtoof eht rof dnA

Her for coaching,.gplaying, nitroppu reffing, s ,gninchampioning, oipmahc ,gnffisupporting. er ,gniyalp ,gnihcaoc rof reH Him for standing .gnihctup awfor s’eher no-when on ro everyone, ,enoyreve or neno-one’s hw reh rowatching. f pu gnidnats rof miH Here for the blue, the red, the rainbow..wobniar eht ,der eht ,eulb eht rof ereH And for our Community .worg emaFootball g eht gnFund ipleh d helping nuF llabthe toogame F ytinugrow. mmoC ruo rof dnA Here for creating equal access in .slour oohschools. cs ruo ni ssecca lauqe gnitaerc rof ereH Here for determined girls .”seshattering lur“ detadtoutdated uo gnirett“rules”. ahs slrig denimreted rof ereH From schools to stadiums, we’re .llahere ti roffor ereithall. er’ew ,smuidats ot sloohcs morF

Here for the Land of .llaFootball. btooF fo dnaL eht rof ereH

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.sdnats eht ni ro ,emoh ta ,bup eht nwod gnihctaw rof ereH .elitsnrut eht fo kcalc kcalc eht rof ereH .elihw a eueuq s’tel ,snoino deirf fo llems eht dnA .erapmoc nac gnihton ,samard etunim-tsal eht rof ereH .’ereht eb ot dah uoy‘ :yas uoy stnemom eht rof dnA

.rehtegot seitinummoc gnignirb rof ereH .retteb sgniht sekam ot gnikrow sreetnulov eht rof ereH .emag lufituaeb eht fo slevel lla rof ereH .emaflni ot detsop stnemmoc eht rof ton tuB .yawa dna emoh ,elkcat yreve ,slaog esoht rof ereH .”yalp“ eht osla tub noititepmoc eht rof ereH

.gnitroppus ,gninoipmahc ,gnffier ,gniyalp ,gnihcaoc rof reH .gnihctaw s’eno-on ro ,enoyreve nehw reh rof pu gnidnats rof miH .wobniar eht ,der eht ,eulb eht rof ereH .worg emag eht gnipleh dnuF llabtooF ytinummoC ruo rof dnA .sloohcs ruo ni ssecca lauqe gnitaerc rof ereH .”selur“ detadtuo gnirettahs slrig denimreted rof ereH

.lla ti rof ereh er’ew ,smuidats ot sloohcs morF

.llabtooF fo dnaL eht rof ereH

Here for bringing communities together. .rehtegot seitinummoc gnignirb rof ereH Here for the volunteers .rettworking eb sgnihto t smakes ekam othings t gnikrbetter. ow sreetnulov eht rof ereH Here for all levels of the beautiful game. .emag lufituaeb eht fo slevel lla rof ereH But not for the comments posted .emto aflinflame. ni ot detsop stnemmoc eht rof ton tuB Here for those goals, every .yatackle, wa dnahome emohand ,elkaway. cat yreve ,slaog esoht rof ereH Here for the competition but also .”ythe alp““play”. eht osla tub noititepmoc eht rof ereH

18/01/2024 08:21

C A P TA I N ' S C O L U M N

ZEL’S NOTES

AFTER A SLOW START AT CHELSEA, THE REDS ARE DETERMINED TO IMPROVE ON THAT IN OUR L ATEST WSL TEST, SAYS KATIE

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19

Both teams have had ups and downs since we met in October

although we nearly managed it. I thought the three goals we conceded were all preventable, but if we’d taken our chances to make it 2-2 or got the penalty decision, it could have been a totally different story. You can’t rely on refereeing decisions, though, so we can’t have any excuses.

We know we need to be playing like we did in the second half for the rest of the season, and that’s what we’ll be looking to do from the very first whistle today.

UNITED WOMEN

ooking back to our last game with Aston Villa on the opening day, I thought Villa played very well, despite losing. Obviously they didn’t start the season the way they would have liked but they are picking up momentum now. They have signed some really good players and have a lot of great internationals, so this will be another tough game for us.

But I think our team has also grown since we last faced them. We had a lot of new signings at the start of the season and it always takes time to get them bedded in. We know we have dropped points that have been detrimental to where we want to be in the table, but we also feel we are growing positively. We know we have to really focus on every single game going forward.

I saw ahead of the Chelsea game that I was the top chance creator across the WSL this season, which was nice to hear.

Over this season and last season there have been a lot of goals decided by set pieces so that’s something I always work hard on and hope I can contribute with, and credit has to go to the players for taking the chances.

The Chelsea game was tough.

For the first half-hour we looked a bit out of sorts and the two-goal deficit made it a mountain for us to climb,

24/01/2024 11:32

IN MALTA

THE REDS BEGAN 2024 WITH A MEDITERRANEAN TRAINING CAMP, AND HERE KEEPER PHALLON TULLIS-JOYCE TALKS US THROUGH THE WEEK OF HARD WORK – ALONGSIDE A MUCH-NEEDED SPOT OF DOWNTIME – AHEAD OF OUR RETURN TO DOMESTIC ACTION...

INTERVIEW: CHARLIE GHAGAN

LOTS OF LEARNING

UNITED WOMEN

“It was my first time visiting Malta so I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the football aspect of it, getting to be with my team-mates for those five days, and then also I just love history and Malta is full of it! So there was no shortage of learning, which was really cool for me. And we had the full GK union with us. That was really nice. As well as dusting off the rust from the holiday break, we were all sharing pictures from the places we’d visited – sharing videos of turtles and things because some of us had been to tropical destinations over the break. Saf always loves talking about animals, so that was nice to do. The three of us keepers, and with Wilko [goalkeeping coach Ian Willcock] included too, complemented each other on and off the pitch, and it made for a really fun environment to be a part of.”

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24/01/2024 09:05

M A LTA T R A I N I N G C A M P

SUPPORTERS’ CLUB VISIT

BLUE SKIES ... BRIEFLY “We did have some sunny days at the start of the week. That was super nice – a big change from Manchester! The first day or two was sunny, and then the weather turned on us a bit but it was really nice to be out there, basking in the sun and getting our match fitness back with some practice games, and also getting the chance to speak to the rest of the squad, to hear about what they did over the holiday break – seeing their families and where they travelled to. It was nice.”

“This was a trip a few of the group did to United’s supporters’ club in Malta. I wasn’t there that day, but I know Emma [Watson] said how much she enjoyed meeting the fans, as I’m sure everyone did. It’s so interesting that this is one of United’s first supporters’ clubs [founded in 1959] – another bit of history in Malta! The fans out there have a presence about them. It’s really impressive how they support us all the way from Malta. We could really hear the Maltese fans during our game with PSV, and we loved how kind everyone was when we were out and about. We were hitting up this one coffee shop the whole time because we loved it, so I think the owners are now Reds also! It was a great environment to be a part of.”

21

FRESH EXPERIENCE

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UNITED WOMEN

“This is after the blue skies went and the big coats were on (below)! The hope was it would be a warm environment, and while it didn’t quite go that way for us, the most important thing was to prepare us for the months ahead. A mid-season break was new to me. It’s mostly done in pre-season in the US, as it was when I played in France [for Reims, 2019-21]. In the US we went to Arizona, then LA, and in France we went to a place called Le Touquet, by the beach. But to have a trip halfway through the season, I think we all really appreciated it – a nice pick-me-up at the halfway point because the season is long.”

24/01/2024 09:05

VERY SCENIC STADIUM “This was us warming up ahead of the friendly with PSV [at Tony Bezzina Stadium in the town of Paola]. It’s probably one of the coolest stadiums I have ever played at, with the backdrop of some historical buildings. There were quite a few cranes also, so the view got broken up a little bit, but there were some beautiful cathedrals in the background. Standing on the pitch, it made you feel quite small, like a little part of something, which I found really cool.”

22

SHARING THE ACTION WITH MARY HISTORIC WALK TO THE PITCH

UNITED WOMEN

“This is the walk down to the pitch at the stadium, which is straight-up a testament to just how much history there is in Malta. I love taking walks to see some of the ancient architecture – we’re talking about free-standing stones from 5,000 years ago. And then I’d take a trip into town and there would be a mosaic from a Roman villa... and then we went to the city of Mdina, that had mediaeval architecture and Gothic architecture – oh, it was just so cool, like a walk through history the whole time.

But yes, this photo was taken at the stadium!”

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“This is our starting line-up in front of the dugouts and a stand full of United supporters.

The line-ups were discussed prior to the game, so we knew there would be lots of changes at half-time, and I’d play the second half with Mary playing the first. In every game I play it’s all about building connections with my team-mates on the pitch, and it was nice to be able to do that for 45 minutes.”

24/01/2024 09:05

GO, LOCKER BUDDY!

“It was nice to keep a clean sheet [Phallon coming on at half-time with the score 1-1, and United winning 2-1 thanks to Parris’s late goal]. I didn’t have too much to do because my team-mates had a great second half and defended well, so from my point of view it was mostly distribution of the ball, communicating with team-mates and coming out for crosses. I enjoyed it.”

“This is Jayde celebrating after her goal, which she took very well. She’s very hardworking and her and Keets [Nikita Parris] both put their chances away in important moments for us in the game.

Jayde’s my locker buddy, so she’s right next to me in the locker room here in Manchester. So we’re always saying hi to each other, and it’s funny to have somebody in the locker room who has a closer cultural upbringing to myself – sometimes one of the English girls will say something and Jayde and I will just look at each other to figure it out! I like to double-check things with Jayde!”

M A LTA T R A I N I N G C A M P

KEEPING OUT THE OPPOSITION

23

IN THE GYM WITH UNITED’S TEENAGE TALENTS

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U MN UI TWEFDC _W2O3M/ E2 N4

“It was really nice to have some of the Under-21 players out there with us on the Malta trip. They’ve trained with us before, so we’re familiar with them all, but this gave us the opportunity to chat more, and we also worked with them off the field in the gym. Some of the young players got minutes in the PSV game as well, which would have been a great experience for them.

They are all really nice. They took on everything and were willing to put in the effort.”

24/01/2024 09:05

Manchester United Home 23/24

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28/09/2023 16:23 02/10/2023 22:47

M A LTA T R A I N I N G C A M P

TRAVELLING: SO GOOD FOR THE SOUL...

“I absolutely love travelling – getting away is the perfect way to switch off for a few days, which is such a healthy thing to do, whatever job you have.

When we have some time off I always look for the next place I can go to, because learning is just such an incredible thing. Because I started my senior career in France, it’s pretty well located in Europe so I was able to branch out to the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland... I got to travel quite a bit and I want to keep doing that – learning about the people around me, the places around me, the wildlife around me. I love such experiences and taking in all sorts of information, whether that be history, whether that be wildlife, so Malta was the perfect combo of things for me.”

PHALLON’S PHONE SNAPS...

25

WITH HELP FROM THE CLUB’S OFFICIAL DESTINATION PARTNER, VISIT MALTA, THE KEEPER AND HER FELLOW REDS FOUND TIME FOR A SPOT OF EXPLORING

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“This is me and Gemma [Evans], taken on the Mdina trip

by Katie [Zelem]. We were at the front gate to get into what’s called ‘the Silent City’. We had a tour guide that walked us through and went through all the origins of the city, all the cathedrals that are there... it was all fascinating.”

UNITED WOMEN

“This is us just outside of our hotel. Some of the girls decided to go for a quick dip in the sea – it was super cold, and pretty fun. So this was taken post-dip – everyone was shivering and ready to get back to the hotel!”

“I had to go diving! I’m with [club journalist] Helen and in the middle is our dive guide.

He was super knowledgeable.

Behind us is a shipwreck that was sank in World War Two. So we went down there – you could even see where the explosion was. That was crazy, plus we saw a little octopus!”

24/01/2024 09:05

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24/01/2024 11:45

2023/24 POSTER

MARY EARPS 26-27 poster Earps (2024) v2.CGIM.indd 2

24/01/2024 11:45

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW 28

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24/01/2024 12:09

MILLIE TURNER

DEEP INTO HER SIXTH SEASON AS A RED, CENTRE-BACK MILLIE TURNER IS AS EFFERVESCENT AS EVER WHEN WE SIT DOWN FOR A CHAT TO DISCUSS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, PRANKSTERS, PARENTS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF POSITIVITY

We always look forwards – it’s the only way to be...

29

INTERVIEW: HELEN ROWE-WILLCOCKS

Lovely to speak to you Millie – how are you?

I’m really good, thank you, despite the weather raining here once again!

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We went straight from that game to the cup tie at Manchester City, and now we are at LSV a few days later. What do you think was missing from the Chelsea performance that we can use as fuel for the rest of the season?

I think we started off too slow and we allowed them to have too much possession early on. Going into the next games I think it is really important to start strongly to give ourselves the best possible chance. I know we will make sure we do. We have positives to focus on and bettering ourselves is what gives us that fuel for the rest of the season.

M U WI NF TC E_ R2 V3 I/ E2 W4

Let’s start with the Chelsea game last weekend.

It was a tough afternoon at Stamford Bridge, but when you look back at the match as a whole, were there still positives to take?

Absolutely. I think in that second half we got a lot more momentum in the game. It just took us a little while to find that in the first half. We were a little slow getting going. We looked really strong and I think we actually finished the better team; we had some really great chances in that second half and on another day it could have been different. So it was really disappointing to come away with a loss but we will pick ourselves back up quickly – that’s something that’s great about this team, we move forward quickly. The joy is

that we have a quick turnaround now so we can turn our focus back to the positives and move forwards. We always look forwards – it’s the only way to be – as you cannot keep dwelling on the past. There are a lot of games coming up and we are going to keep pushing on, together as a unit.

24/01/2024 12:09

MILLIE TURNER 30

The manager has said we now need to be perfect for the remainder of the WSL season – is the mood in the camp that you’re ready for that challenge?

Yes, we are. As a team and as a unit we are always prepared for that. It doesn’t matter what part of the season we are in, we always want to be perfect – that’s what we strive for. That being said, we always take each game as it comes and try and get as many points as we can, and that won’t change. We still want perfection however we can get it. We are ready for any challenge and we are a strong group so we always stick together.

You’ve had quite a season already with your England call-up in November. Had you set a target to get back into the England squad this season, and were you expecting it?

I don’t think I can say I was expecting it but it was something that was always there in the back of my mind. It’s always there. I can’t control the squad selection so I try not to think too much about it and focus on what I can impact and what I can control. What I can control is my performances on the pitch for United so that’s what I focus on – I focus on my improvement and my performance levels. Hopefully I can continue putting in those performances and putting myself in the best position to get selected for England again. It was great to be back among the set-up and to work with Sarina [Wiegman].

Where were you when you found out about your call-up?

I was actually at home and it was early in the morning. Sarina rang me and said, “oh sorry, have I just woke you up?” I tried to play it really cool but I actually had only just woken up! [Laughs]

UNITED WOMEN

I T RE AL LY I S E A SY TO BE TH I S H A P PY W H EN YOU’ RE S U R ROU N DED

BY SPEC I AL P EOP L E WH O YO U G E N U I N E LY LOVE TO BE AROU N D

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All smiles on the training ground – but our hard-working no.21 is as serious as anyone when it comes down to the business of winning matches

I was sat in my apartment and I rang my dad straight away and told him and he was absolutely buzzing. I won’t forget that morning in a hurry. It was pretty special.

Looking back at the beginning of the season, had you set any targets for yourself – and if so, how do they compare to where you are now?

I just wanted to help the team in every way that I can, whether it was on or off the pitch. I always just want to be the best I can be, all I can ask for is that I always put in 100 per cent. That’s what is important to me. I think in the back of my mind I did want to try and push into the England set-up and see where that kind of took me. I always want to perform at my best and keep pushing myself.

It’s clear to see you are not only a fan favourite but also a favourite among your team-mates.

We always know that when the mood is down, you will be there to bring a ray of sunshine!

I just always try and look on the bright side of life

24/01/2024 12:09

MILLIE TURNER

Malard: one to watch out for, in more ways than one...

FULL NAME Millie Turner DATE OF BIRTH 7 July 1996 PLACE OF BIRTH Wilmslow, Cheshire YOUTH CAREER Manchester United, Everton SENIOR CAREER 2014-17 Everton 46 games, 3 goals 2017-18 Bristol City (below) 31 games, 2 goals 2018- Manchester United* 128 games, 8 goals

(*up to and including Chelsea away in WSL)

INTERNATIONAL CAREER England U19, 10 caps/1 goal England U23, 1 cap/ 0 goals

and when I come into this environment with this group, it makes you have a smile on your face all the time so it is quite easy to be happy whenever you are here. They’re a special bunch. It really is easy to be this happy when you’re surrounded by special people who you genuinely love to be around. I mean look at them... they’re great!

It feels like you are the perfect person to find out a bit more about your team-mates, so we thought we’d get your opinions on some of them. Who – apart from you, obviously – is the biggest prankster in the squad?

Melvine Malard – definitely Melvine. She’s always up to something.

And who is the teacher’s pet?

Ooh, I am going to say Emma Watson.

And who is the one that will tell the team off if they are not paying attention?

Zel. Captain. She tells us straight out. She always tells us to behave if we are not!

M U WI NF TC E_ R2 V3 I/ E2 W4

And who is the most skilful?

Lucia Garcia for sure, and Geyse as well. I think they are both equal. Both up front, what a pair!

Your partnership with Maya Le Tissier is something that a lot of fans talk about.

Apart from the physical side of it, how do you both prepare so you know what role you are taking throughout the match?

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31

24/01/2024 12:09

MILLIE TURNER Millie has nothing but respect for Maya, with the defensive pair determined to pick up more clean sheets in the months ahead

32

I TH I N K M AYA AN D I H AV E A R E A LLY G O O D B A L A NC E AN D H A R M O N Y – W E KN OW E X ACT LY HOW W E A R E G OI N G TO P L AY AN D W H AT W E A R E G O ING TO D O I think centre-half partnerships are one of the most important you can have on a pitch. Maya has been such a bright light in this team so when you got out on to the pitch it’s really easy knowing you have someone next to you who knows exactly what you want to do and exactly what she is going to do. I think we have a really good balance and a really good harmony. We know exactly how we are going to play and what we are going to do. It makes planning a lot easier because I know if I go for a ball or a player then she will know what I am planning and act accordingly. It’s a great feeling having such confidence in your fellow centre-half.

UNITED WOMEN

Finally, we’d love to talk about your family.

You mention your dad a lot – for example you told him earlier this season that you were going to score on his birthday, and what a goal it was against West Ham. How important is your family as a support network for you?

28_32_Millie T interview (approved).CGIM.indd 32

I was talking about my dad the other day.

He is beyond special, it’s hard to put into words. Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Every day, all I think is that I just want to make him so proud. I know I am doing that but there is so much more I can give and so there is so much more he knows I can achieve. I just want to do everything I can to make him smile and make him as proud as he can be.

When you scored that incredible goal against West Ham in November, which you’d promised your dad that day, what was his reaction from the stands?

He was pretty impressed, but I don’t think he expected it to be a goal like that! I remember I ran over to him in the stand and said, “happy birthday Dad!’ and he was just buzzing.

I certainly lived up to my promise that day! ●

24/01/2024 12:09

UNITED TO DELIVER EXCELLENCE DXC supports the Reds on and off the pitch connecting with fans and the community through technology.

Discover more in the Manchester United App.

DXC.com

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02/10/2023 22:34

FOLLOW THe FOUNDATION Helping young people make positive choices in their lives

@manchesterunitedfoundation

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@MU_Foundation

12/12/2023 09:17

FAN PHOTOS

FAN GALLERY

SEND YOUR PHOTOS AND MESSAGES TO MUWOMENFAMILY@MANUTD.CO.UK

○ TODAY’S MASCOTS George (aged 9, favourite players: Toone and Earps) and Charlie (aged 10, favourite player: Garcia). Enjoy the day!

‘Happy 16th birthday Libby. Love from Mum, Dad, Zoe and Did x’

Phoebe has been to every game this season and she looks up to Millie T massively!

01

35

Bryan Coolman is turning 40, and is here in hospitality as a birthday surprise! But will he be wearing his pointy green hat?

We’d like to wish Jessica a happy 12th birthday – she’s a huge Red.

Tasha would like to wish her daughter Tegan-Louise a happy 12th birthday for 30 January.

Mia turns 11 on 2 February, and the lucky girl has two LSV games to attend on her birthday week!

Mia is a season ticket holder with her dad.

○ ‘Em, happy birthday! We hope you have the best day – love you millions, from Mum and Lucy’ ○ It’s Chris Owen’s 31st birthday and his wife Emily wishes him a brilliant day ○ Lilly-May Latham is 11 today – thanks for spending it at LSV!

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UNITED WOMEN

Evie celebrated her 12th birthday yesterday and will be back here this afternoon with her season ticket. We wish you a winning weekend!

24/01/2024 09:00

THE PERFECT WAY FOR GIRLS AGED 5-11 TO GET INVOLVED IN FOOTBALL RE SCAN HE ORE TM U O D IN TO F

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02/10/2023 22:50

LUCIA GARCIA, SHE CAME TO US FROM SPAIN; SHE SIGNED FOR MAN UTD, TO CAUSE THE SCOUSERS PAIN. HER BROTHERS DON’T PLAY FOOTBALL SO SHE PUT ON HER BOOTS; AND EVERY TIME SHE GETS THE BALL SHE TURNS AROUND & SHOOTS! A nice reworking of My Old Man’s a Dustman!

Yes. The Twelve Hayley Ladds Christmas song is probably my favourite chant, but this one is just as catchy. Sometimes it’s stuck in my head for days...

Lucia shows her love for the fans after causing Liverpool some pain last May

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Elizabeth will be back making some noise in the standing terrace today

We like to think she’ll get the playful ‘Scousers’ reference – and again, factually accurate after her key goals against them last year. Good work!

I didn’t write it, but I know the words to every chant and I love being in the thick of it singing along, for both our women and men. I’m part of the TRA [Old Trafford atmosphere group The Red Army], and it’s great to see fans looking to create something similar here at LSV. Having away fans helps too – normally there are only a couple of hundred but Newcastle brought far more in the Cup, which was great to see.

Sounds like you spend much time cheering on both United teams then. How do they compare?

Well, the TRA definitely isn’t family-friendly like it is at Leigh! And because a lot of the women’s team chants are adapted from the men’s team, I have to be careful that the wrong words don’t slip out!

But I love how the songs interlink in that way.

Scan for the full songbook →

37

UNITED WOMEN

I n t e r v i e w :C h a r l ie G h a ga n

There’s some nice detail in there, specifically about how none of Lucia’s three brothers were into football, so they couldn’t have a quadruplet kickabout growing up in Spain (shame). Do you know if she’s aware of these heartfelt lyrics?

When we’ve sung it after the game she has looked up smiling – I do wonder how much of it Lucia actually understands, but she definitely knows her name and that’s what the song starts with!

FAVO U R I T E C H A N T S

THE L ATEST RED TO TAKE US THROUGH THE PAGES OF THE MUWSC SONGBOOK IS ELIZABETH LONGSDEN (LEFT) WHO, WHEN SHE ISN’T AT OLD TRAFFORD, LOVES TO CHEER ON LUCIA AND CO AT LEIGH...

24/01/2024 12:07

CALLING FUTURE BALLERS Football sessions for girls aged 12 to 14 who want to play their way.

SCAN HERE TO #FindYourSquad

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02/10/2023 22:50

RISE TO THE CHALLENGE! Proud Foundation participant Iman sees her youth-led initiative recognised on global stage

One of those students was Iman, a 17-year-old former pupil of Manchester Academy, a Foundation partner school.

Iman emigrated from Pakistan to Manchester at a young age and experienced racial and financial discrimination.

As part of her Rise entry, Iman channelled these experiences positively, creating ‘Academy Edge’, a youth-led initiative tackling disparities in education with the aim of offering free tuition to underprivileged children throughout primary

39_MUWFC_MU-Foundation (2024).CGIM.indd 1

See mufoundation.org for more

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UNITED WOMEN

Over the past three years, the club’s Foundation has been working in partnership with Rise, the anchor programme of a US$1 billion commitment from Eric Schmidt – former CEO of Google – and his wife Wendy as part of their efforts to create initiatives to find and support global talent.

The Foundation introduces the challenge to students and supports them with their social action projects, which are developed with the goal of supporting their communities.

M U F O U N D AT I O N

Iman has been talking about her experiences at Old Trafford recently

and secondary education. Her efforts stood out to judges and Iman was chosen as one of the 100 winners from thousands of entries globally. This will now open a number of doors for Iman, with Rise providing her with a university scholarship, giving her the opportunity to attend a residential summit in London, and providing her with funding to develop her Rise project, plus other plans she has to contribute in her community.

Iman said: “I was in disbelief when I found out I had won, but it was so nice to see my work recognised. Following experiences in my own life, I am passionate about bridging gaps in education to create a more inclusive environment, so to have the chance to develop this project with Rise is incredible.”

Following this incredible achievement, Iman spoke about her experience at two Foundation events held at Old Trafford, including one attended

by Iman’s former head, James Eldon. “Iman showed that leadership doesn’t need to be loud or showy, it can be achieved through quiet determination,” said James.

“Iman brought a Manchester energy to a global challenge, and I’m so pleased to see her get the rewards she deserves.”

24/01/2024 12:46

ASTON VILLA

WORDS: JAMIE SPENCER

The Villans jump for joy after Daly scored what turned out to be the winner away to Leicester City nine days ago dgdgdg

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UNITED WOMEN

Villa were one of the WSL’s success stories last season, finishing fifth and adding 16 points to their previous best top-flight tally. So it was a surprise to see their 2023/24 campaign get off to such an alarmingly rocky start, although results have significantly improved of late.

Their early fixture list did them no favours, Villa facing all of last season’s top three in the opening five matchdays, as well as improved Liverpool and Tottenham sides. They lost every one, yet five defeats didn’t tell the whole story, with Carla Ward’s side having taken the lead against United and Arsenal but conceding stoppage-time goals to lose 2-1 in each. They also went ahead against Spurs before succumbing to a Martha Thomas hat-trick in a 4-2 defeat, with the Chelsea scoreline (a 6-0 home loss) the anomaly rather than a trend.

A slice of luck in the form of an own goal late in the trip to Bristol City on 12 November was the jump-start their season needed. Former United striker Ebony Salmon grabbed a second to seal a

40-41_oppo spread Villa (UPDATED MARITZ PANEL).CG.indd 38

2-0 win. Including that game, the Villans have now taken 12 points from the last 18 to climb well away from danger and to within touching distance of the top half. Most recently in the league, a 1-0 victory away to Leicester came courtesy of an early goal from last term’s WSL Golden Boot winner, Rachel Daly. A point-blank save from Villa keeper Daphne van Domselaar, alongside defender Sarah Mayling’s goal-line clearance, kept the Foxes at bay late on and highlighted Villa’s growing resilience. But, having also lost 3-0 to Everton in the FA Cup this month, head coach Ward believes “the biggest thing for us is consistency because we can’t have really good days then really bad days”.

It’s little surprise that Kenza Dali’s return to fitness after missing the opening five games has coincided with their rise. The French midfielder was crucial to last season’s success in how she created chances for the ever-dangerous Daly, who has 13 goals in 15 games in all competitions so far this season, and 43 in 45 in her Villa career.

25/01/2024 09:19

THE VISITORS

LAST WSL LINE-UP v LEICESTER CITY (AWAY, WSL) 19.01.24

VAN DOMSELAAR

MAYLING

JANUARY SIGNING

PATTEN

CORSIE

MARITZ

NOELLE MARITZ Ward hailed Maritz’s ‘wealth of experience’ following her transfer from Arsenal on 6 January, with the 28-year-old Swiss international having regularly played in the Champions League. The versatile defender has been utilised on the left of the back four so far – although her Conti Cup substitute appearance on Wednesday (despite being cup-tied with Arsenal) has created the biggest headlines for her so far.

DALI

STANIFORTH

LEON

DALY

BLINDKILDE

LEHMANN

SUBS USED: PACHECO, HANSON, MAGILL, NOBBS

41

RETURNING RED

HEAD COACH

KIRSTY HANSON

CARLA WARD

‘Kirky’ – who was unlucky to be red-carded against us on the opening day – is at LSV for the first time as an opposition player, having been ineligible to feature against us last season while on loan. Her transfer was made permanent off the back of a superb campaign in which the 25-year-old racked up seven goals and nine assists in 20 WSL games.

A fine 2022/23 saw Ward win two WSL Manager of the Month awards, then commit her future to Villa with a new contract. Ward grew up in Devon but spent much of her playing and early coaching career with clubs in Yorkshire, before moving to the West Midlands in 2020 to take charge at Birmingham.

She crossed the divide to Villa the following year.

did claim a bonus point

her WSL bow for the Villans

via a Conti Cup shoot-out.

against the Reds in October. recently launched her own

● Villa are winless in

● Adriana Leon is the most

● Villa’s 2020 promotion

playable Ultimate Team kit

10 meetings with United

recent player to move from

ended a 16-year absence

in video game EA SPORTS

(W0 D2 L8), although they

United to Villa – she made

from top-flight football.

FC, inspired by her tattoos.

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● Forward Alisha Lehmann

UNITED WOMEN

THE KNOWLEDGE

25/01/2024 09:19

FACT S AND FUN NIES WIT H THE UNI TED MAS COT

VILLA THRILLER! 42

GK Mary Earps CAN YOU COMPLETE THE STARTING XI FROM CB Maya Le Tissier CB Millie Turner OUR DRAMATIC WIN RB Hannah Blundell LB AT VILLA PARK TO START THE SEASON? CM Hayley Ladd AMR

CM Katie Zelem

AMC Ella Toone

AML Leah Galton

ST

UNITED WOMEN

SCRAMBLED SCORERS! REA RRA NGE THE LETT ERS TO FIND EACH OF OUR FIVE SCO RER S IN LAST SEAS ON’S 5-0 WIN AGA INST VILL A AT OLD TRA FFOR D (CLU E: TWO NOW PLAY FOR OTH ER TEAM S!)

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1. CHILLER LAWS AIM 2. GALLEON HAT

3. SOLAR AUSSIES

4. A BALL NOTE

5. LIZ MATE EEK

24/01/2024 12:39

TOD AY IS OU R FIR ST HO ME LEA GU E GA ME OF THE YEA R – WE ’VE WO N OU R LAS T THR EE SUC H FIX CAL END AR TUR ES. ..

K I D S ' PAG E S

GOOD OMENS 2022

UNITED 5 BIRMINGHAM 0

2021

UNITED 2 BIRMINGHAM 0

4 345

ton 2023

UNITED 6 LIVERPOOL 0

UNITED WOMEN

ES Villa thriller answers: LB: Gabby George; AMR: Lucia Garcia; ST: Geyse Scrambled scorers answers: 1. Rachel Williams; 2. Leah Galton; 3. Alessia Russo; 4. Ona Batlle; 5. Katie Zelem 42-44_MUWFC_Junior-Red-Villa-CG (1).indd 2

24/01/2024 12:39

K I D S ' PAG E S

HELLO HANSON! VILLA FORWARD KIRSTY HANSON WAS ONE OF THE OG REDS…

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UNITED GAMES: 90 UNITED GOALS: 16 UNITED DEBUT: v LIVERPOOL, 19 AUGUST 2018 FIRST UNITED GOAL: v ASTON VILLA, 9 SEPTEMBER 2018 HONOURS AT UNITED: WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP 2018/19; WSL PLAYER OF THE MONTH OCTOBER 2019

FRIENDLY FACES

HANSON ISN’T THE ONLY FORMER RED NOW LINING UP FOR VILL A...

LUCY STANIFORTH UNITED WOMEN

UNITED: 2020-23

ADRIANA LEON UNITED: 2022-23

42-44_MUWFC_Junior-Red-Villa-CG (1).indd 3

EBONY SALMON UNITED: 2018-19

24/01/2024 12:39

Here for blowing warm breath .sdnainto h gnfreezing izeerf othands. ni htaerb mraw gniwolb rof ereH Here for watching.sdown dnatsthe ehtpub, ni roat ,ehome, moh taor ,buinpthe ehtstands. nwod gnihctaw rof ereH Here for the clack clack of the turnstile. .elitsnrut eht fo kcalc kcalc eht rof ereH And the smell of fried onions, .ellet’s ihw aqueue eueuqa swhile. ’tel ,snoino deirf fo llems eht dnA Here for the last-minute .erapdramas, moc nacnothing gnihtoncan ,sacompare. mard etunim-tsal eht rof ereH And for the moments you .’esay: reht‘you eb ohad t dahtoube oy‘there’ :yas u.oy stnemom eht rof dnA Here for the legends who paved the.yway. aw eht devap ohw sdnegel eht rof ereH Here for the rivalries, and derby day. .yad ybred dna ,seirlavir eht rof ereH Here for the girls knowing they can .ooplay t yalptoo. nac yeht gniwonk slrig eht rof ereH And the WSL pulling in crowds of 59,042. .240,95 fo sdworc ni gnillup LSW eht dnA Here for the little baller in an oversized .trihs dshirt. ezisrevo na ni rellab elttil eht rof ereH And for the footwells covered in dirt. .trid ni derevoc sllewtoof eht rof dnA

.yaw eht devap ohw sdnegel eht rof ereH .yad ybred dna ,seirlavir eht rof ereH .oot yalp nac yeht gniwonk slrig eht rof ereH .240,95 fo sdworc ni gnillup LSW eht dnA .trihs dezisrevo na ni rellab elttil eht rof ereH .trid ni derevoc sllewtoof eht rof dnA

Her for coaching,.gplaying, nitroppu reffing, s ,gninchampioning, oipmahc ,gnffisupporting. er ,gniyalp ,gnihcaoc rof reH Him for standing .gnihctup awfor s’eher no-when on ro everyone, ,enoyreve or neno-one’s hw reh rowatching. f pu gnidnats rof miH Here for the blue, the red, the rainbow..wobniar eht ,der eht ,eulb eht rof ereH And for our Community .worg emaFootball g eht gnFund ipleh d helping nuF llabthe toogame F ytinugrow. mmoC ruo rof dnA Here for creating equal access in .slour oohschools. cs ruo ni ssecca lauqe gnitaerc rof ereH Here for determined girls .”seshattering lur“ detadtoutdated uo gnirett“rules”. ahs slrig denimreted rof ereH From schools to stadiums, we’re .llahere ti roffor ereithall. er’ew ,smuidats ot sloohcs morF

Here for the Land of .llaFootball. btooF fo dnaL eht rof ereH

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.sdnats eht ni ro ,emoh ta ,bup eht nwod gnihctaw rof ereH .elitsnrut eht fo kcalc kcalc eht rof ereH .elihw a eueuq s’tel ,snoino deirf fo llems eht dnA .erapmoc nac gnihton ,samard etunim-tsal eht rof ereH .’ereht eb ot dah uoy‘ :yas uoy stnemom eht rof dnA

.rehtegot seitinummoc gnignirb rof ereH .retteb sgniht sekam ot gnikrow sreetnulov eht rof ereH .emag lufituaeb eht fo slevel lla rof ereH .emaflni ot detsop stnemmoc eht rof ton tuB .yawa dna emoh ,elkcat yreve ,slaog esoht rof ereH .”yalp“ eht osla tub noititepmoc eht rof ereH

.gnitroppus ,gninoipmahc ,gnffier ,gniyalp ,gnihcaoc rof reH .gnihctaw s’eno-on ro ,enoyreve nehw reh rof pu gnidnats rof miH .wobniar eht ,der eht ,eulb eht rof ereH .worg emag eht gnipleh dnuF llabtooF ytinummoC ruo rof dnA .sloohcs ruo ni ssecca lauqe gnitaerc rof ereH .”selur“ detadtuo gnirettahs slrig denimreted rof ereH

.lla ti rof ereh er’ew ,smuidats ot sloohcs morF

.llabtooF fo dnaL eht rof ereH

Here for bringing communities together. .rehtegot seitinummoc gnignirb rof ereH Here for the volunteers .rettworking eb sgnihto t smakes ekam othings t gnikrbetter. ow sreetnulov eht rof ereH Here for all levels of the beautiful game. .emag lufituaeb eht fo slevel lla rof ereH But not for the comments posted .emto aflinflame. ni ot detsop stnemmoc eht rof ton tuB Here for those goals, every .yatackle, wa dnahome emohand ,elkaway. cat yreve ,slaog esoht rof ereH Here for the competition but also .”ythe alp““play”. eht osla tub noititepmoc eht rof ereH

18/01/2024 08:21

WHERE

GREATNESS LIVES

WOMENSLEAGUES.THEFA.COM

AD TEMPLATE.indd 1

02/10/2023 22:52

● FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE TABLE

(Table correct as of 26 Jan 2024)

1

Team

P

W

D

L

GD

Pts

Chelsea

11

9

1

1

23

28

2

Manchester City

11

8

1

2

23

25

3

Arsenal

11

8

1

2

15

25

4

UNITED

11

5

3

3

12

18

5

Liverpool

11

5

3

3

0

18

6

Tottenham

11

5

3

3

-4

18

7

Aston Villa

11

4

0

7

-9

12

8

Brighton

11

3

2

6

-11

11

9

Everton

11

3

2

6

-11

11

10 Leicester

11

2

4

5

-7

10

11 West Ham

11

1

2

8

-14

5

12 Bristol City

11

1

2

8

-17

5

Left: Grace ­Clinton – on loan from United – scored twice as Spurs beat West Ham 4-3 last weekend

● WSL TOP SCORERS, 2023/24 SEASON Khadija Shaw (Manchester City)

12

Lauren James (Chelsea)

10

Elisabeth Terland (Brighton & Hove Albion)

9

Martha Thomas (Tottenham Hotspur)

7

Jill Roord (Manchester City)

6

Lauren Hemp (Manchester City)

● UNITED APPEARANCES AND GOALS, 2023/24 PLAYER

WSL

FA CUP

LEAGUE CUP

UWCL

TOTAL

APP

GLS

APP

GLS APP

GLS

APP

GLS

APP

Hannah Blundell

11

1

1

0

4

0

2

0

18

1

Mary Earps

11

0

1

0

0

0

2

0

14

0

Gemma Evans

0(5)

0

0(1)

0

4

0

0

0

4(6)

0

Leah Galton

9(1)

1

0(1)

0

0(3)

1

2

0

11(5)

2

Lucia Garcia

5(6)

2

1

0

4

1

1(1)

0

11(7)

3

Gabby George

3

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

4

0

Geyse

7(2)

1

1

0

1(2)

1

1(1)

0

10(5)

2

Irene Guerrero

0(1)

0

0(1)

0

1

0

0

0

1(2)

0

Hayley Ladd

6(1)

2

1

0

2(1)

1

0

0

9(2)

3

Maya Le Tissier

11

1

1

0

4

0

2

0

18

1

Melvine Malard

6(3)

4

0(1)

1

0(3)

0

1(1)

1

7(8)

6

Hinata Miyazawa

5(3)

1

0

0

2

0

0(2)

0

7(5)

1

Lisa Naalsund

1(5)

0

0

0

3(1)

1

2

1

6(6)

2

Nikita Parris

7(3)

4

1

2

3(1)

5

0

0

11(4) 11

Evie Rabjohn

0

0

0

0

0(1)

0

0

0

0(1)

0

Jayde Riviere

7(2)

0

1

0

2

0

2

0

12(2)

0

Ella Toone

10(1)

3

1

1

2(2)

0

2

0

15(3)

4

0

0

0

0

4

0

0

0

4

0

Phallon Tullis-Joyce

GLS

Millie Turner

11

1

1

0

2

0

2

0

16

1

Rachel Williams

0(11)

4

0(1)

1

4

1

0(1)

0

4(13)

6

Katie Zelem

11

1

1

0

2(1)

1

2

0

16(1)

2

UNITED ALL-TIME APPS & GOALS

47

Today could see Le Tissier become the 17th Red to reach a half-century of appearances

● ALL-TIME RECORDS: GAMES

● ALL-TIME RECORDS: GOALS

Apps

GLS

5

Ella Toone

149

Ella Toone

48

Agnes Beever-Jones (Chelsea)

5

Katie Zelem

146

Leah Galton

36

Amalie Thestrup (Bristol City)

5

Millie Turner

129

Katie Zelem

32

Rachel Daly (Aston Villa)

5

Leah Galton

124

Lauren James

28

Mary Earps

110

Alessia Russo

26

Hayley Ladd

98

Jessica Sigsworth

26

Kirsty Hanson

90

Nikita Parris

20

● WSL TOP ASSISTS, 2023/24 SEASON

5

Ona Batlle

77

Mollie Green

16

Chloe Kelly (Manchester City)

4

Hannah Blundell

76

Kirsty Hanson

16

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Chelsea)

4

Amy Turner

67

Rachel Williams

12

Sam Kerr (Chelsea)

3

Jessica Sigsworth

66

Hayley Ladd

11

Lena Petermann (Leicester City)

3

Jackie Groenen

60

Lucia Garcia

11

Ella Toone (United) 3

Alessia Russo

59

Lizzie Arnot

9

Jessie Fleming (Chelsea)

Kirsty Smith

58

Vilde Boe Risa

8

Leah Galton (United) 3

Lauren James

56

Martha Thomas

8

Laia Aleixandri (Manchester City)

3

Martha Thomas

53

Millie Turner

8

Niamh Charles (Chelsea)

3

Martha Harris

49

Jane Ross

7

Maisie Symonds (Brighton & Hove Albion)

3

Maya Le Tissier

49

Charlie Devlin

6

Lia Walti (Arsenal)

3

Lucia Garcia

46

Melvine Malard

6

Alex Greenwood (Manchester City)

3

Maria Thorisdottir

45

Alex Greenwood

5

47_MUWFC_App-Stats (up to City) (2024).CGIM.indd 1

UNITED WOMEN

Victoria Pelova (Arsenal)

3

W S L & P L AY E R S TAT S

APPEARANCES, GOALS & ’23/24 WSL STATISTICS

25/01/2024 09:23

2023/24 SEASON SCHEDULE

FIXTURES & RESULTS COMP

DATE

OPPOSITION

SCORE ATT

LINE-UP

AUGUST O CTO BER WSL

Sun 1

Aston Villa (A) 12.30pm

2-1

12,533

Earps

Blundell

Le Tissier

Turner

George

Ladd

Zelem

WSL

Fri 6

Arsenal (H) 7.30pm

2-2

8,312

Earps

Blundell

Le Tissier

Turner

George

Ladd

Zelem

UWCL

Tue 10

PSG (H) 8pm

1-1

4,827

Earps

Blundell

Le Tissier

Turner

George

Riviere

Naalsund

WSL

Sun 15

Leicester City (H) 12pm

1-1

4,903

Earps

Blundell

Le Tissier 1 Turner

George

Ladd

Zelem

UWCL

Wed 18

PSG (A) 7pm

1-3

10,358

Earps

Riviere

Le Tissier

Turner

Blundell

Naalsund 1

Zelem

WSL

Sun 22

Everton (A) 1pm

5-0

1,990

Earps

Riviere

Le Tissier

Turner

Blundell

Miyazawa

Zelem

NOV EM BER WSL

Sun 5

Brighton (A) 6.45pm

2-2

3,444

Earps

Riviere

Le Tissier

Turner

Blundell

Miyazawa

Zelem

CC

Thu 9

Everton (H) 7pm

7-0

1,804

Tullis-Joyce Riviere

Le Tissier

Evans

Blundell

Miyazawa

Ladd 1

WSL

Sun 12

West Ham (H) 12pm

5-0

4,396

Earps

Riviere

Le Tissier

Turner 1

Blundell

Toone

Zelem

WSL

Sun 19

Manchester City (H) 4.30pm 1-3

43,615

Earps

Blundell

Turner

Le Tissier

Galton

Naalsund

Zelem 1 •

CC

Wed 22

Liverpool (A) 7pm

1-0

1,958

Tullis-Joyce Riviere

Le Tissier

Evans

Blundell

Toone

Ladd

WSL

Sun 26

Bristol City (A) 12.30pm

2-0

14,138

Earps

Riviere

Le Tissier

Turner

Blundell

Zelem

Miyazawa 1

DECEM BER WSL

Sun 10

Tottenham (A) 6.45pm

4-0

2,152

Earps

Riviere

Le Tissier

Turner

Blundell 1

Zelem

Ladd 1

CC

Thu 14

Leicester City (H) 7pm

3-1

2,068

Tullis-Joyce Blundell

Le Tissier

Turner

Evans

Zelem 1 •

Naalsund 1

WSL

Sun 17

Liverpool (H) 12.15pm

1-2

6,303

Earps

Riviere

Le Tissier

Turner

Blundell

Ladd

Zelem Zelem

JA NUA RY

48

FA

Sun 14

Newcastle (H) 12pm

5-0

4,731

Earps

Riviere

Le Tissier

Turner

Blundell

Ladd

WSL

Sun 21

Chelsea (A) 12.30pm

1-3

20,473

Earps

Riviere

Le Tissier

Turner

Blundell

Zelem

Ladd 1

CC

Wed 24

Manchester City (A) 7pm 1-2

4,818

Tullis-Joyce Blundell

Le Tissier

Turner

Evans

Zelem

Naalsund

WSL

Sun 28

Aston Villa (H) 12pm

F EBRUA RY WSL

Sun 4

Brighton (H) 12pm

CC

7/8

Quarter-finals

FA

Sun 11

Southampton (A) 2pm

WSL

Sat 17

Arsenal (A) 12.30pm

M A RCH WSL

Sun 3

West Ham (A) 3pm

CC

6/7

Semi-finals

FA

Sun 10

Quarter-finals

WSL

Sun 17

Bristol City (H) 12pm

WSL

Sun 24

Manchester City (A) 1pm

CC

Sun 31

Final (Molineux) 3pm

WSL

Sun 31

Everton (H) 12pm []

A PR IL FA

Sun 14

Semi-finals

WSL

Sun 21

Tottenham (H) 12pm

WSL

Sun 28

Leicester (A) 3pm

WSL

Sun 5

Liverpool (A) 2pm

FA

Sun 12

Final (Wembley) 2.30pm

WSL

Sat 18

Chelsea (H) TBC

MAY

UNITED WOMEN

United score listed first. All fixtures subject to change – TV picks confirmed until 18 February [] Fixture date subject to participation in Continental League Cup final

Visit ManUtd.com/fixtures for latest fixtures information

48-49_MUWFC_Fixtures (Saints and TV picks added) (2024).CG.indd 1

25/01/2024 09:32

X/Twitter: @manutdwomen

Facebook: manutdwomen

YouTube: /ManUtd

Instagram: @manutdwomen

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

m

Garcia 1

Toone

Galton

Geyse

Williams 1

Parris

Miyazawa

–

–

m

Garcia

Toone

Galton 1

Geyse

Williams

Malard 1

Miyazawa

–

–

und

Zelem

Toone

Galton

Garcia

Geyse

Malard 1

Miyazawa

–

–

m

Garcia

Miyazawa

Malard

Parris

Riviere

Toone

Williams

Galton

Evans

m

Toone

Malard

Geyse

Galton

Miyazawa

Garcia

Williams

–

–

m

Garcia

Toone

Malard 1

Parris 2

Evans

Williams 2

Guerrero

Naalsund

m

Toone 1

Malard

Geyse

Galton

Garcia

Williams 1

Parris

–

–

1

Naalsund

Parris 3

Williams 1

Garcia

Galton 1

Rabjohn

Toone

Zelem

Geyse 1

m

Miyazawa

Parris 1

Geyse 1

Galton

Naalsund

Malard 1

Williams

Evans

Garcia 1

m1•

Malard

Toone

Parris

Geyse

Riviere

Garcia

Miyazawa

Williams

–

Miyazawa

Parris 1

Williams

Garcia

Naalsund

Galton

Malard

–

–

zawa 1

Parris 1

Toone

Galton

Geyse

Ladd

Malard

Williams

Garcia

–

1

Parris

Toone 1

Galton

Malard 1

Garcia

Geyse

Williams

Naalsund

Evans

sund 1

Garcia 1

Toone

Williams

Geyse

Malard

Galton

Parris

–

–

m

Parris

Toone 1

Galton

Malard

Williams

Garcia

Geyse

Naalsund

–

m

Geyse

Toone 1

Garcia

Parris 2

Malard 1

Galton

Guerrero

Williams 1

Evans

1

Garcia

Toone

Galton

Geyse

Parris

Naalsund

Williams

Evans

–

und

Garcia

Guerrero

Parris 1

Williams

Geyse

Toone

Ladd

Malard

–

48-49_MUWFC_Fixtures (Saints and TV picks added) (2024).CG.indd 2

49

FA – Women’s FA Cup Scorers Bold 3rd 4th 5th ~ concussion sub

UNITED WOMEN

KEY: WSL – Women’s Super League UWCL – Women's Champions League CC – Continental League Cup + own goal • Penalty ↑/↓ won/lost on penalties Yellow/red card Substitutes used: 1st 2nd

2023/24 SEASON SCHEDULE

FOLLOW THE REDS:

25/01/2024 09:32

QUESTION TIME

ADDED-TIME

QUIZ FRONT THREE

A trio of questions to kick things off, each with a connection to today’s opponents...

1

Name the three Reds who made their competitive United debuts in the game away to Aston Villa back in October (right).

2

Who netted home and away against the Villans in the WSL last season?

3

How many times have we previously faced Villa in the WSL: seven, nine or 10 times?

CA R E E R PAT H S

Can you guess these current Reds from their most recent clubs?

4. BIRMINGHAM CITY (2013-19) 5. BRISTOL CITY (2015-17) 6. EVERTON (2014-17) TRUE OR FALSE?

1.

Imag e: Lo uis G ha ga n

50

TEN TEASERS TO TACKLE, INCLUDING VILL A LINKS AND SOME FORMER PL AYERS...

MANCHESTER CITY (2019-21) UNITED BIRMINGHAM CITY (2017-19) UNITED BRISTOL CITY (2017-18) UNITED

Four 50-50s to end today’s questions – which statements are correct, and which are untruths?

7

This is Aston Villa’s first visit to Leigh Sports Village since 2021.

8

Kirsty Hanson wore the no.8 shirt during her time with United.

UNITED WOMEN

9 10

Aside from Tottenham, Villa are the only club United have faced in both the WSL and the Championship.

Villa midfielder Lucy Staniforth’s final goal for United came against her current club (left).

ANSWERS 1. Gabby George, Geyse and Hinata Miyazawa; 2. Leah Galton; 3. Seven; 4. Aoife Mannion; 5. Hayley Ladd; 6. Millie Turner; 7. True; 8. False (she wore no.18); 9. False (also Leicester City); 10. True 50_MUWFC_Quiz.Villa (2024).CG.indd 1

24/01/2024 12:37

Manchester United Home 23/24

© 2023 adidas AG

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12/12/2023 28/09/2023 09:24 16:50

MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN Head coach: Marc Skinner

ASTON VILLA WOMEN Head coach: Carla Ward

Gabby George

3

1

Daphne van Domselaar (GK)

Maya Le Tissier

4

2

Sarah Mayling

Aoife Mannion

5

4

Anna Patten

Hannah Blundell

6

5

Lucy Staniforth

Ella Toone

7

6

Rachel Corsie

Irene Guerrero

8

7

Alisha Lehmann

Melvine Malard

9

8

Jordan Nobbs

Katie Zelem

10

Leah Galton

11

9 Rachel Daly 10 Kenza Dali

Hayley Ladd

12

11 Freya Gregory

Jayde Riviere

14

13 Sophia Poor (GK)

Gemma Evans

15

14 Danielle Turner

Lisa Naalsund

16

15 Lucy Parker

Lucia Garcia

17

17 Ebony Salmon

Hinata Miyazawa

20

18 Georgia Mullett

Millie Turner

21

19 Laura Blindkilde Brown

Nikita Parris

22

20 Kirsty Hanson

Geyse

23

21 Anna Leat (GK)

Evie Rabjohn

25

22 Simone Magill

Mary Earps (GK)

27

23 Adriana Leon

Rachel Williams

28

26 Noelle Maritz

Emma Watson

34

33 Maz Pacheco

Lucy Newell

55

49 Lydia Sallaway

Phallon Tullis-Joyce (GK)

91

M ATC H

O F F IC I A LS

Referee Adewunmi Soneye Assistants David Middleton, Aimee Keir Fourth official Elizabeth Simms

52_MUWFC_Villa_ back cover (officials added) (2024).CGIM.indd 1

24/01/2024 08:59