LUCIA GARCIA
SKETCHES OF THE
FAN INTERVIEW
2023/24 MOMENTS
ACADEMY ROUND-UP THE OPPOSITION
JUNIOR
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, Sir Dave Brailsford, Jean-Claude Blanc
Secretary Rebecca Britain Honorary president Martin Edwards
MATCH
Editor Charlie Ghagan Editor-in-chief Ian McLeish Contributors Helen Rowe-Willcocks, Zoe Hodges, Jamie Spencer, Sean Mullan, Harry Robinson, Charlie Bentley, Joe Nelson, Matthew Brown Photography Charlotte Tattersall, Ash Donelon, John Peters, Matt Peters, Getty, Alamy Design Tom Chase, Kulsum Karolial Thanks to Ellie Decrop, Steve Bennett, Benjamin Williams, Hannah Mitchell, Amanda Goodwin, Matt Johnson, John Shiel, Jonathan
TO OLD TRAFFORD, ON A DAY WHEN THE CUP HOLDERS WANT ONE LAST WIN TO
END 2023/24...
Welcome to Old Trafford for our final game of the season. I want to start by giving a message to the fans – you are all incredible. Throughout the season, through the ups and downs, you have been with us every step of the way. We cannot wait to thank you all at Old Trafford for being with us not only through the highs, but also pushing us when things were tough. Whether home or away you have come in your numbers, made yourself heard and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Winning the FA Cup is the most amazing feeling. We want to enjoy the moment and I have been making sure to be present and take in every detail. We have all worked so hard and it has been fantastic celebrating the achievement. It’s important that as a group we experience that winning feeling for ourselves together at Manchester United. We know we have players that have experienced success away from us, but to win together, especially in style, is an experience necessary for future success. We need to use this as a springboard to continue to develop our team and push forward for more trophies and more success.
It’s hard to believe the end of the season
is here. To finish the league at Old Trafford and to be able to celebrate our success with the fans is amazing. Hopefully this is the future of the game. To win the way we did at Wembley was fantastic and we now come to a game at another special stadium to face a team fighting for the title. In the future we want to be the team fighting for titles on the last day but for now, we will give our all one last time.
To the players – we need to look at the positives and negatives from the season as one. We know there are aspects of the game that we will be better at next season but this is the start of our growth once again as a team. We will keep pushing, we will keep giving our all and I’m sure every single one of us will improve and strive for future successes.
We always want to give more, we always want to make you, the fans, proud. When we are a single voice that works as one, we can be unstoppable. So for one last time this season – enjoy the game and I cannot wait to hear you singing loudly and proudly once again.
Whether you were sweltering in the sun in Wembley’s lower tier, or keeping cooler on your armchair, from Wythenshawe to Wigan, you’ll never forget the day Manchester United Women first won the Cup! Here’s how we did it...
We’ve been lucky enough to enjoy so many fantastic occasions over the past 170 games, spread across six eventful seasons – be it winning promotion in 2019, those delicious maiden wins against Manchester City, Arsenal and (eventually) Chelsea, but nothing we’ve seen before could beat the feeling of six days ago when, on a gloriously sunny afternoon at Wembley, our heroes wearing red got their hands on a first piece of major silverware.
As Katie Zelem led the team out at the national stadium for our second successive FA Cup final, there would have been nerves –how could there not be in such a setting, with 76,082 supporters in full voice under a sea of flags at both ends, and all to a backdrop of fireworks, as they lined up ahead of the national anthem?
At that moment it was hard not to recall the final of 12 months prior, when we all left Wembley disappointed having narrowly lost to Chelsea. But at the same time we were far from overawed that day against the much-fancied Blues, and this time around Marc Skinner’s side appeared utterly focused on the job in hand, revelling in the role of being favourites against a side we had such a strong, unbeaten record against in 11 previous meetings.
As Abi Byrne blew the whistle on proceedings it wasn’t the most eye-catching of starts,
with the ball seeming to spend as much time off the pitch as on it in the opening 15 minutes, but the Reds never looked flustered, limiting Robert Vilahamn’s side to few touches in our box, while patiently looking to maximise our set-pieces to create chances of our own. Rachel Williams –picked ahead of top scorer Nikita Parris – justified her selection by winning every header near goal, and before long Millie Turner and Lucia Garcia went close to beating keeper Becky Spencer.
When the breakthrough did finally come, from the boot of Ella Toone in first-half injury time, the roar from the opposite end of the stadium was deafening. And it couldn’t have been better timed, lifting everybody at the break, before the Reds returned intent on turning the screw, which they did so emphatically as the action resumed.
Leah Galton’s 50th-minute exit through injury was a real shame to see, but replacement Melvine Malard was equally lively, and as we kept pushing on we’d soon score a quickfire double – first from Williams, then Garcia, to put us 3-0 up.
Spurs’ one real chance came as Bethany England hit the bar, but three would become four on 74 minutes, as Garcia pounced again, after which point every Red inside the stadium allowed themselves a deep breath as the sunshine blazed down through the Wembley arch. The iconic trophy would be ours, and how we planned to drink in every last moment.
Four moments that matters for United, on just a perfect day in the
45+3 MINS. TOONE
↑ As Naalsund drove the ball forward from her own half, she did well to clip it through to Toone, who had so much space ahead of her. Cutting inside on to her right foot, and squeezing between two Spurs defenders as a result, Ella unleashed a wonder strike that gave Becky Spencer no chance.
↑ You had to feel for Spurs keeper Spencer, who miscued a backpass just minutes after Williams’s goal. And the ever-alert Garcia was never likely to let such a chance pass, taking a touch before guiding the ball home. It knocked the stuffing out of Spurs, while making Lucia hungry for more...
↑ Williams wouldn’t have been the tallest player inside a crowded area, but when Zelem floated in a high free-kick from the right there was only going to be one winner – and like all good forwards Rach headed downwards and towards the far post, her thumping nod bouncing up en route to the net.
↑ Malard’s delivery from the right was picked up by the onrushing Naalsund, and she held the ball up well to tee it up for Lucia near the penalty spot, who this time tucked it away with her left foot. Two goals for the Spaniard, and two assists for the Norwegian, and the Wembley rout was complete.
It’s been six months since the Reds last played at Old Trafford, and how we’d love to secure a fifth win here this afternoon
The reigning FA Cup holders are back on home soil, while our visitors are striving for silverware of their own, on the day Hayes departs...
As the Reds return to Old Trafford this afternoon for our sixth fixture played in M16, of course everyone will want to rejoice in our FA Cup success. Today is to be a day of celebration at another grand arena (where, you never know, we might get a glimpse of the famous trophy now it’s in our possession).
But as head coach Marc Skinner has been keen to point out this week, there can be no drop in focus for the 90 minutes that lie ahead, for so many reasons. First and foremost, while our latest WSL campaign has been a rocky one at times, we still have fourth place to play for – and that means winning today, while hoping Liverpool lose away at Leicester. We’ve never finished beneath our rivals from Merseyside since we rose to the top flight, plus we’ve never finished lower than fourth,
and if the Foxes can do us a favour, we absolutely need to be ready to take full advantage.
Yet regardless of what happens at the King Power Stadium, three points here would make a big statement to end the season, hopefully sowing the seeds for a title push next term, the Reds buoyed by having a first piece of major silverware sitting inside the trophy cabinet.
However, considering the state of play in the opposition camp today, it would be fair to say Chelsea will be giving everything as they line up at Old Trafford for the first time. The Blues last played on Wednesday night (after this programme went to print), where three points away to Tottenham would have taken them top of the table, on goal difference ahead of Manchester City, heading into the final day. Dropped points there would have put City back in the driving seat, although Gareth Taylor’s side have a tricky game of their own to negotiate this afternoon, as they visit Aston Villa at Villa Park.
So it could be an incredibly dramatic afternoon in the title race – potentially the closest one in the
The FA Cup win against Hayes’s side was the highlight of the season in Leigh
HAVING FINALLY GOT THE BETTER OF CHELSEA LAST MONTH, WOULDN’T IT BE NICE TO BREAK OUR WSL DUCK AGAINST THEM?
competition’s history – and our visitors will be desperate to win it for Emma Hayes, who today brings the curtain down on her 12 years as Chelsea boss before she departs for the USA.
United usually finish the season well – we’ve won four of our five previous games on the final day of a league campaign, although that one loss did come against Hayes’s Blues, in a 4-2 defeat at Kingsmeadow in May 2022. That was one of 10 defeats we’ve had against in the Blues, who remain the side we’ve struggled most against. But having finally got the better of them last month, as we overcame Chelsea in the FA Cup, wouldn’t it be nice to finally break our WSL duck against them?
The hosts could be without Leah Galton today, with the winger leaving Wembley in a protective boot last weekend, but the boss has good options in the wide positions, with no fresh injury concerns following our Cup triumph. Mary Earps, Maya Le Tissier and Katie Zelem are among the small pool of players not to have missed a single minute of league action all season – will they see it through the full 90 minutes to complete the campaign?
These are all intriguing sub-plots and stats to what really matters, of course: the full-time result on those distinctive Old Trafford scoreboards. Who’ll take the points here – and who will take the WSL title to join cup holders United and Arsenal?
All the final-day fixtures, which kick off concurrently at 3pm...
While plenty of eyes will be on the events here and at Villa Park, as Chelsea and Manchester City both seek three vital away points, there are positions to play for elsewhere in England’s top flight.
Matt Beard’s Liverpool need just a point when they visit Leicester if they are to secure fourth spot ahead of United – should they manage it, it’ll be Liverpool’s highest finish since 2014, when they last won the title.
Leicester go into the game on a poor run of form, but they’ll know a victory could lift them up from 10th to eighth, should other results go their way. Brighton – currently one place and one point above the Foxes – are at Meadow Park to face Arsenal (who unless Chelsea lost to Spurs in midweek are sure to finish third), while Leicester can also catch Everton in eighth, should the Toffees drop points away to already relegated Bristol City.
That just leaves Tottenham v West Ham –two teams that seem certain to finish sixth and 11th respectively – playing for London derby bragging rights when they go head-to-head at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
13 DAYS AGO
Women’s Super League
Prenton Park, Sun 5 May
ONE-SENTENCE
SUMMARY: Jenna Clark’s close-range finish sees hosts move above United into fourth, in front of 4,567 fans in nearby Birkenhead.
GROWING RIVALRY: A noisy away end gave the fixture a real derby feel, as Liverpool continue their resurgence as a WSL force. This was a final trip to Prenton Park to face them, before the hosts move to St Helens Stadium. DENIED ON MERSEYSIDE: Marc Skinner’s side pushed on in the early exchanges and, but for some fine keeping from Teagan Micah, we should have been ahead. Leah Galton was unleashed after smart play in midfield, but her tame effort didn’t trouble the Liverpool keeper. Millie Turner was then denied by Micah inside the box, before Ella Toone arrived unmarked and hammered her effort over the bar.
LAPSE IN CONCENTRATION: On the stroke of half-time, the hosts took the
lead through Clark, who ghosted in at the back post to turn Marie Hobinger’s cross beyond Mary Earps. Post-match, Maya Le Tissier said United “switched off for a second” – and it cost us.
INCREDIBLE SUPPORT: Attacking the United fans in the Cowshed Stand after the break, the hope was for a repeat from 12 months prior, when we struck in the second half to seal the points at Prenton Park. The closest we came this time around was through Melvine Malard, only for Micah to deny us late on, on a day when Liverpool again showed their mettle, four days after beating Chelsea 4-3 at the same venue.
WSL, King Power Stadium, Sun 28 April
ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY: Second-half sub Ella Toone finds the top corner as Reds edge contest.
HINI BACK IN MIX: Hinata Miyazawa’s inclusion in the starting XI was a welcome sight, as she made her first start since 22 November following injury.
GEYSE’S IMPACT: As United bossed the ball in the first half, Geyse’s pace and skill caused real problems for the hosts. She combined well with Melvine Malard and was a menace down the right, although big chances remained elusive.
WHAT A WINNER: Toone was introduced on 73 minutes and within 10 minutes she’d found the net, firing in a cracker from distance – it would win Ella the WSL Goal of the Month prize (below left).
27 DAYS AGO
27 DAYS AGO
WSL, Leigh Sports Village, Sun 21 April
ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY: Le Tissier’s last-gasp goal saves day for Reds in Cup-final warm-up.
MALARD MAKES MARK: Making her first start since 17 March, Melvine Malard headed home Gemma Evans’s set-piece on 13 minutes: 1-0.
DOUBLE TROUBLE: A minute either side of the half-hour mark, Bethany England, then Jess Naz, both scored to stun most of the 4,697 crowd at LSV.
SALVAGING A POINT: As the Reds sought a leveller, Leah Galton was a regular threat down the left, but despite 63 per cent possesion and 16 shots to the visitors’ six, it seemed Spurs were set for a first win against us, only for Maya’s late equaliser. After Rachel Williams’s attempt rattled the bar, Maya was alert to scramble the ball home (above right).
It’s that time of year when the individual trophies are handed out, honouring those to have most impressed for United Women throughout 2023/24. Every player to have lined up for the first team will be eligible for the Player of the Year award, which is voted for by you fans – keep an eye on ManUtd.com or the club app for details on how to vote. Previous winners are Katie Zelem (2018/19), Hayley Ladd (2019/20), Ona Batlle (2020/21), Ella Toone (2021/22) and Alessia Russo (2022/23). The Players’ Player award – which, as the name suggests, is decided by the squad – was won by Hannah Blundell last year, with Russo collecting the prize in its first season of 2021/22.
As for the Goal of the Season prize, below are the contenders, with a late update to the list following last Sunday. Don’t be swayed by our thoughts (see p33) – it’s another fan vote, and it’s far from easy to pick a favourite from this lot: Melvine Malard v PSG (UWCL), home; Ella Toone v Brighton (WSL), away; Millie Turner v West Ham (WSL), home; Ella Toone v Newcastle (FA), home; Nikita Parris v Brighton (FA), away; Lisa Naalsund v Brighton (FA), away; Rachel Williams v Chelsea (FA), home; Ella Toone v Leicester (WSL), away; Melvine Malard v Tottenham (WSL), home; Ella Toone v Tottenham (FA Cup final). Keep an eye out on ManUtd.com or the club app to vote.
Mary Earps, Millie Turner and Ella Toone have all been named in the latest England squad for the Lionesses’ decisive UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 qualifiers this summer, including a double-header with France and games against Republic of Ireland and Sweden. Manager Sarina Wiegman listed the squad of 24 on Tuesday, with four further players on standby, including United defender Maya Le Tissier.
ON A DAY SHE’LL NEVER FORGET, AND SHE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL AGAIN THIS AFTERNOON
Women’s FA Cup winners – what can I say?! I am absolutely buzzing still. I just keep scrolling through all the pictures thinking, ‘wow, that actually happened’. I feel like it’s been a long time coming – six years here for me and our aim has always been to win silverware so to do it at Wembley in the FA Cup is so, so special. You could see the smiles on all the girls’ faces and how excited they were and I think that really has made the season worthwhile, and to have that gold medal, I will treasure it forever.
We have one last game and what a better way to finish, here at Old Trafford. Old Trafford for us is special. It brings so many memories and it allows our fans to celebrate with us and hopefully turn out in high numbers. Going to Old Trafford as FA Cup winners makes it even sweeter.
Obviously we know Chelsea are a very good team but we beat them in the semis and we will take that confidence into this last game of the season. This last game is really about taking the positives from the season and applying them, while celebrating the Cup win. I would like to finish by thanking you, the fans. You were incredible at Wembley. We could hear you the whole match. Then at the end when
I turned around it was this sea of red shirts, all waving flags and cheering. The noise was incredible. Our Cup run is all down to you and how much you have put in with how far you have travelled for us – not just in the FA Cup but also in the league as well. It’s been an unwavering support, er some results which have not gone the way we wanted. You have always stuck by us and we couldn’t ask for any more. That win and that medal is for you as much as it is for us.
Thank you.
JOINING US AT CARRINGTON AHEAD OF THE CUP FINAL (WHICH DIDN’T GO TOO BADLY FOR HER, DID IT!) LUCIA GARCIA SPEAKS OF MOMENTS BOTH SPECIAL AND SAD, AS WELL AS RETURNING TO LA ROJA AND BAGGING OLD TRAFFORD BRACES...
We’re at the end of your second season at the club, Lucia. How would you evaluate 2023/24? It’s true this season has had its ups and downs but at the end of the day, we got through to a second FA Cup final. In the league, we must work harder and make things better than we have done this season. Last year was one of the best seasons of my life but this year it has been full of ups and downs but we just have to stick together.
The final game of the season is against Chelsea at Old Trafford. The last time you faced them was pretty special. Can you describe the feeling when we beat them in the FA Cup?
I don’t have words to explain that, but it was a moment none of us will forget. The feeling we got after the match, after all the work we had done, all the running in the game – it was the first time we had beat them, and we got through to a final. It’s a feeling you can’t explain.
Talk us through that opening goal against them, which you scored after just 42 seconds... I just remember we were playing through the middle when the match started but then we threw the ball long, they tried to throw the ball long and I was thinking, ‘I just have to run’. Leah Galton got the ball back and made that perfect cross and I just had to get my head in there because it was so perfect. Leah’s a great player!
How do you mentally prepare for big games like that, as well as this one at Old Trafford. Is your preparation any different? For me, every game I have the same feeling. It’s true that sometimes your stomach can be a little more in a knot but for me it’s just one more game. It was the game of my life [the semi-final] – I wanted to be in that second final and now I want to finish the season in the best way possible, but this is just one more game.
Thinking about Old Trafford, what’s it like stepping out at such a vast stadium? It’s nice to play at Old Trafford, it’s one of the nicest stadiums in the world. Being around all the fans, it’s such a special moment, we have to value this kind of stuff. We’re so happy to be playing at Old Trafford again to finish our season.
It’s a good ground for you, too. In March last year you scored two goals in our 4-0 WSL win against West Ham. Do those goals mean a little bit more to you, scoring them in such a historic stadium in front of so many fans? Yeah, but being honest, it’s just nice to score when your fans are in front of you. So for me, it’s special to score there [at Old Trafford] but it’s also special to score at Leigh Sports Village too, surrounded by our fans.
Looking back to your childhood in the Basque Country, playing football in the street and having to travel miles to play as part of a team, did that child ever dream she’d be playing in stadiums like Old Trafford? Yes, I think, when you are a kid you can dream of this kind of stuff. But then after a few years you realise, you can live it. These dreams you had, they can come true. Last year playing at Wembley in the final, it was a sad moment because we lost, but having the chance to play there again this year, you go in with the feeling that you have to fight like it’s the last match of your life.
You’ve already mentioned the fans, who were very loud the last time we played Chelsea. How much do they inspire you out on the pitch? They were the 12th player on the pitch in that game. In the semi-final we needed their help, it was the hardest match of the season so far and I think if we didn’t have them, the match wouldn’t have been the same. We need them, they need us... it’s like true love or something!
I have to wear lucky socks to watch United play – do you have any pre-game rituals? No, I don’t. When I get on the pitch maybe it’s just to step with my right foot [when I start running] but nothing more than that.
Who has been your biggest friend or supporter since you arrived at the club? I would say Zel, Maya, Irene this season, and Ona last season.
Earlier this year, you celebrated your 50th appearance for the club. What’s been your proudest moment or highlight at United? I think every single day you wear the shirt is a proud moment – it’s a nice feeling every single weekend you put it on. But, I want to choose the Man City game when we won last season [when Lucia scored the injury-time winner at LSV to take the title race to the final day]. It was a nice moment because it was such a tough game and we won.
You’ve been on quite a journey at international level too. You penned a powerful article which helped to explain further what had happened behind the scenes in Spain and collectively how you managed to force change. You’ve
FULL NAME
Lucia Garcia Cordoba
DATE OF BIRTH
14 July 1998
PLACE OF BIRTH
Barakaldo, Spain
YOUTH CAREER
Oviedo Moderno
SENIOR CAREER
2013-16 Oviedo Moderno, 63 games, 19 goals
2016-22 Athletic Club (Bilbao), 116 games, 63 goals
2021- Manchester United, 59 games, 16 goals
INTERNATIONAL CAREER
Spain: 44 caps, 10 goals
IT
Putting her right foot forward for Spain last month
since returned to the Spain squad – can you describe the feeling returning to international duty?
It was a tough time when I decided to not be in the squad anymore. But after a while, things have changed, a lot of stuff has changed. Being back after one year, it was a little bit weird the first few times, but we are a team and we have been together for a long, long time. We have improved, we still need to improve a little bit more but we are going the right way and we are happy about that.
You potentially have a busy summer with Spain at the Olympics, but hopefully you’ll have some down time too. What are your plans? I think we have time off in June, but we need to be fit to be on the squad if we’re going to get selected for the Olympics [from 25 July-10 August] – it’s a squad of 18. So it’d be nice to go on vacation but you have to get fit for July so maybe I’ll just go home, visit family... maybe go to Ibiza. ●
A big hello to
Le Tiss fan
Look who’s made it into the match programme! Hope you enjoy the game, Nancy
Happy eighth birthday for 31 May to season ticket holder Sienna
will be 10 on 25 May. Have a top day.
Thomas is ‘Garna’ have a great time this afternoon!
Look, it’s our Aoife (three times!) with Davenham Juniors – all the girls (U10s, left; U11s, middle; U12s, right) have had a brilliant season.
YOUR MESSAGES Amelia Oulton –congratulations on your engagement! ● It’s Amelia’s 15th birthday – she is bringing her sister and a few friends with her, who all play for Lymm Rovers ●
Happy 16th birthday to massive Mearps fan Imogen McLean!
Happy birthday to Georgios Iakovou, who is here with friends and family ● Happy eighth birthday Lily Rhodes Hark, from Mummy, George and Uncle Ruk ● Kian Yorke is 10 years old today. What a place to spend
Congratulations to Blue Star Quasar U10s on a fantastic first season. Some of the team are here this afternoon.
Felicity and Henry would like to wish a happy 40th birthday to their Daddy (aka Mark).
Happy 50th birthday Neil Westmorland! Love Claire, Emily, Chloe and Josh.
Ella plays for Bromham United Bluebirds U11s, and she’s had a great time this season.
is
Welcome to OT, Edward Harman – love Aunty Amy and Other Amy!
Season ticket holder Harry is here with sister Jessica –and they both love Melvine!
Chelsea and Ryan are matchday regulars who got married last week. And as part of their honeymoon they are here today!
it! ● Happy 25th wedding anniversary to Simon and Marie Gore ● It’s great to see Issi Fox – no.8 from Home Farm FC Dublin ● Suzanne O’Connell is celebrating her 56th birthday next week – Emma, Graham, Dave and
Phoebe (left) is 11 today and here as a surprise with Daisy. Have a great day out, girls!
Liam send their love ● Happy 16th birthday Darcey Howe ● Sophie James is celebrating her 15th birthday – all our love, say Mum and Dad ● A warm welcome to Christina Williamson, a lifelong Red who is turning 80! ●
What a photo from last Sunday – of 13-year-old Lucy. The passion!
Here are Morden girls Mary and Julie flying the flag for the Reds at Wembley.
Hi, Isla-May Scanlan – happy ninth birthday ● Happy birthday, Larnie! ● Happy 12th birthday Emily – love Mum, Dad, Henry, Annabelle and Niamh ● Hello to Sadhbh, Jenna, Laurena and Joe from Dublin ● Georgia wishes happy birthday to her mum, Jacky Turnock ● Happy birthday Kyle Gilmour ● All the best to birthday girl Katy Ashcroft, from the Ashcroft gang! ● Happy 40th Simon, love Jade, Bailey, Sophie, Poppy and Daisy ● Alizah Shah is turning nine – all the best!
Ruby Allen ● Annie Pearson ● Emily Smith ● Isla Tuff ● Darcey Watson ● Phoebe Watson ● Faye Bellis ● Freya Durrans ● Tyla-Leigh Lannigan
Happy 7th birthday to Scarlett, from your mummies and Jameel.
watch the
make history last week. So did we, Luca!
Over the page you’ll find our final centre spread of the 2023/24 campaign – a ‘story of the season’ creation that we, quite frankly, absolutely love. It’s the handiwork of local illustrator and passionate Red Millie Chesters (pictured). After she sketched a poster in a similar style for the club’s International Women’s Day event at Old Trafford in March, we had to ask Millie if she’d be up for doing another one for today’s Old Trafford fixture, and following a few post-Wembley updates (we couldn’t leave that out, could we?!) her fine work is right here.
○ To see more of her brilliant drawings (which includes this season’s Conti Cup final programme cover, as held by Millie, above), visit milliechesters.com
A letter to my younger selfKelly Smith | Former Professional Footballer & Barclays Football Ambassador
Dear Kelly,
One day you’ll let your hair grow long, because you won’t have to pretend to be a boy just to be allowed to play football. The world of football might not seem to be set up for you right now, but that’ll change and your story will be celebrated by women and girls everywhere.
Right now your feet hurt because your football boots are too small. Mum and Dad can’t afford adult sizes but absolutely nothing will stop you playing.
Hang in there - it’ll all be worth it, I promise.
That move across the pond (yes, America!) to play football when you’re 17 will be one of the hardest things you’ll do. Moving away means you’ll no longer have Mum and Dad on the sidelines to drown out opposition parents shouting stuff like, ‘break her legs!’.
Those awful comments are because you’re playing better than their sons and they can’t handle it.
Embrace the journey ahead. You’ll play plenty of games in boots that fit (even if the kit doesn’t) – 117 times for England, 112 for Arsenal, and more than 130 in the US.
Proud moments are ahead of you, so those boots might make your toes wonky, but they pave the path to greatness. You’ll retire as England’s top goal scorer and future generations of Lionesses will call you their hero.
Love, Kelly x
We’ve made a record-breaking commitment to women and girls’ football.
But for us, it’s never just about women’s football, it’s about creating a brighter future together.
Read the full letter at home.barclays/football
DEDICATED RED JESS MORRIS (LEFT) ON WHAT OLD TRAFFORD MEANS TO HER – PLUS FLYING PHONES, PRE-MATCH HOT DOGS, AND HER HIGH HOPES FOR THE CENTRE-BACK WHOSE NAME IS ON HER SHIRT...
There’s something about the feeling you get at Old Trafford, once you see the pitch and how big everything is... it’s magic! It’s great that United Women have that connection to the stadium, and if we didn’t play there it’s something I’d miss. But the atmosphere is Leigh is something different – it’s a family vibe where you can walk around and find so many people you know. I love that too, so I think we’ve got the balance right –a few games at Old Trafford, with the rest at Leigh.
I must admit, though, I am lucky in that Leigh Sports Village is only 10 minutes away from where I live, and that was what first piqued my interest when United Women were reformed. I’d always been a United fan through my dad –he loved United so much as a kid, he’d save up his dinner money all week to go and watch them play, so he was always going to make sure I loved them too. I hadn’t watched much women’s football before United reformed, to be honest, but I’ve been making up for that since!
My earliest United memory was the 1999 Champions League final. Growing up in Wigan, I was a rugby fan too and fortunate enough to see them get to the Grand Final a few times, which has meant I have more Old Trafford memories – some good, some bad! So even from following the rugby, I got that special feeling
at Old Trafford – walking into the stadium would make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
I’ve seen us play at a few other big stadiums, including Villa Park this season. I’ll remember that one as I got a bit too excited celebrating our winner – my phone flew out my pocket and smacked someone in the head! Every time I see that person at games now, I just think, ‘that’s the one thing she’s going to remember me for – I’m the fan who nearly knocked her out at Villa!’.
But that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it, bringing people together, and not just on matchdays. United Women means more to me than just the football; it’s the people and the new friends I’ve
Software test manager
Jess is a big fan of Maya – she’s got the shirt to prove it...
IT WAS MINUS-FOUR DEGREES AND I COULDN’T FEEL MY TOES, BUT I STILL REMEMBER THINKING, ‘IT’S SO MISERABLE BUT THERE’S NO PLACE I’D RATHER BE’
met along the way as well. I’m talking about people from all around the world that I never would’ve crossed paths with otherwise. This team, this club, bonds people from all walks of life, and I’m so grateful to have met these people.
I’ve seen so many games live, but it’s funny the ones you remember the most, such as Everton in the Conti Cup last season. The weather was miserable, it was minus-four degrees, and they sold out of tea, coffee, hot chocolate – even the Bovril! – as it was that cold. I couldn’t feel my toes, and it honestly took me a few days to defrost, but I still remember thinking, ‘it’s so miserable but there’s no place I’d rather be... even if I can’t feel my limbs!’ And thankfully we won the game.
I’m the type of fan who always has a pre-match ritual. When we’re at Leigh, I like to get down there early to have a drink in the pub near the ground, and I’ll swing by to see Andy who sells the Barmy Article fanzine, where we’ll have a chat and I’ll pick up the latest issue if there’s a new one. Then I’ll head into the stadium. Me and my
partner have a superstition in that we always have to share a hot dog, so we make sure that’s done, then we’ll get up there into the terrace.
It’s so hard for me to pick a favourite player because I love them all, I really do, but if I had to pick one I’d say Maya Le Tissier because her name is on the back of my shirt. She’s come into the United squad and really proved herself despite being so young, and she’s definitely got a massive future ahead of her. It’s lovely to see she’s just signed another contract with us as well. I’ll think Maya will make a great captain one day.
Whether it’s Maya or any of the players, I love that the team and the fans have a connection. It’s nice that you can still hang around after games and sometimes you can meet them. I realise as the women’s game continues to grow that this is something we’ll probably see less of, because the players just won’t have time to meet everyone, but I still feel like that connection will be there. The women’s game is unique in that way and I’m so glad to have United Women in my life.
AS ANOTHER EVENTFUL CAMPAIGN DRAWS TO A CLOSE TODAY, WE PRESENT OUR TOP ’23/24 MOMENTS...
WORDS: CHARLIE GHAGAN
Our Conti Cup exit in January was contentious, to say the least, but the assured performances of Phallon Tullis-Joyce in all four games was a definite positive. And there was no better display of the New Yorker’s incredible dexterity than in game no.2, away to Liverpool. With United one-up as the clocked ticked down, a leveller looked a certainty when Bo Kearns walloped a bouncing ball goalwards from near the penalty spot. With Leanne Kiernan blocking her path, Phallon had the awareness to first push past her opponent, before diving at full stretch to tip the ball over, all in a split-second for a save that would ultimately preserve her clean sheet. ‘Wow!’ posted the official WSL account on X (Twitter), alongside an exploding head emoji. We couldn’t have put it better ourselves...
Phallon went left, while Mary Earps went right (main picture) as she clawed the ball to safety against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final, following Lauren James’s hanging header that looked destined for the corner. With Earps needing to shift direction before making the leap, her quick feet set her up for a famous stop – one that prompted an amusingly shouty reaction from our stopper to fire up every Red at LSV, not unlike a certain moment in the World Cup. With United hanging on for a brutally tense 2-1 victory, the save would prove to be one of the defining moments of our glorious Cup run.
What a day in Leigh last month, as we finally got the better of today’s opponents Chelsea
Again, it’s Chelsea at home in the FA Cup. “The noise was the best I’ve ever heard there,” was how Katie Zelem assessed it – and she should know, having barely missed a kick at LSV since 2018. If anyone in the crowd needed a pick-me-up at kick-off, Lucia Garcia’s first-minute opener duly provided it, and the regular drama to follow kept us all gripped: Rachel Williams’s header to make it 2-0; Lauren James’s strike just before the break to pull one back (followed by some amusing LJ hijinks as she revelled in the panto villain role); Earps’s wonder save as the Blues ramped up the pressure – and finally the sweet, sweet sound of the final whistle.
Unsurprisingly, we’re going to go for last Sunday. Much like 12 months previously, the sea of red flags covering an entire end of Wembley was a beautiful sight, and as for the noise when our no.7 unleashed a Tooney classic just before the break – our first-ever goal at the national stadium – the decibel count was off the scale. Hopefully we’ll score many, many goals at Wembley in the years ahead, but we’ll do well to beat the first, both in terms of quality and sheer volume generated from those in the stands.
Turner beats West Ham keeper Mackenzie Arnold, finishing off an incredible solo goal that put us 2-0 up in an eventual 5-0 win
Seven of Williams’s 11 goals this term have come as a sub, and against the Saints she turned a 1-1 scoreline into a 3-1 win
Singling out one Ella Toone effort was already proving tricky enough following her December dink at Spurs (see ‘assist of the season’), plus her exquisite strikes from outside the box against Brighton (a), Newcastle (h) and Leicester (a), but Ella only went and added yet another long-ranger to the mix in the Cup final. Her Wembley effort was jaw-droppingly good, but we can’t dismiss the others, especially the manner in which she opens up her body to tee up the shot at Brighton. So instead of deliberating, let’s just salute the player who’s undoubtedly been the most regular scorer of brilliant goals this term. ‘Your defence is terrified!’
Millie T v West Ham (home) in November. Partly because we can’t decide on a single Toone goal, but we love this one because it was just so unexpected: from a defensive position, our no.21 lays the ball out wide to Toone, before decisively charging into the Hammers’ half and pointing to where she wants the ball returned to her, by which time Leah Galton was only to happy to oblige.
You can almost sense the West Ham players thinking, ‘what is Turner doing up here?’ And when our centre-back does get that ball back, she cuts inside to deceive opponent Lisa Evans on the corner of the area, before unleashing a finish that Tooney would have been proud of. It remains Millie’s only United goal that hasn’t come from her head, which makes it even more special in our book.
Knowing when to unleash a game-changing sub is something Marc Skinner has excelled at –a highly impressive 17 goals came from the bench last season, and we’re just one behind that total in ’23/24 with a game to play. Melvine Malard certainly didn’t hang around when it came to showing us her ability to make an impact, scoring on her debut within five minutes of coming on to give us the lead v Arsenal. Four days later, sub Mel took one minute less to level v PSG.
The ‘super sub’ tag doesn’t bother Rachel Williams – indeed, she thrives on it, with 44 of her 55 Reds run-outs seeing her scurry on to the grass after getting the call. Few in the game are better at being in the right place at the right time when a high ball drops into the box – as she demonstrated so well on day one at Villa Park with a last-gasp winner, and especially at Southampton in the Cup, when tiring opposition legs just couldn’t cope with Rach’s muscle and energy, as she scored with two headers.
A tough one this, with Irene Guerrero’s through ball for Nikita Parris to finish at Everton right up there. Leah Galton and Jayde Riviere have also pinged in some sublime assists from open play, as has Katie Zelem from set-pieces, while Geyse’s trickery and power from the right (Brighton at home being a fine example) deserves high praise. Decisions, decisions...
We’ll settle on Melvine Malard’s pass for Ella Toone to score at Spurs in December. With her back to goal and opponent Molly Bartrip tight to her, our no.9 beautifully controls a long ball from Maya
Le Tissier, before holding off her opponent as she turns to lob a perfectly weighted left-footed ball over the heads of the Spurs defence and into the path of Toone. Ella’s dinked finish was equally impressive, but it was Mel who made it.
IN WITH A SHOUT... Our first steps on the European stage. The draw in the qualifying round couldn’t have been any tougher (as backed up by PSG’s subsequent charge to the semis), but such heavyweight opposition only added to the tingling sense of occasion as the Women’s Champions League anthem made its debut over the LSV speakers in early October. And as for the second leg at Parc des Princes, while the scoreline was far from magnifique, it was a momentous, hair-raising night for players and fans alike, especially when Lisa Naalsund scored.
OUR PICK... Forget the goosebumps, if you had a tear in your eye as Katie Zelem raised the trophy last Sunday, you certainly weren’t the only one –a moment we’d all been dreaming about for six years: the lifting of a first major trophy. Yes, the Championship success of 2018/19 was special, but this was something else: a full house at Wembley, as we rejoiced in a beautiful moment of collective pride and joy. More of the same next year, please! ●
Football sessions for girls aged 12 to 14 who want to play their way.
Our Under-21s are English champions, securing their crown with a 3-1 victory over Arsenal in the national play-off final earlier this month. Goals from Amelia Oldroyd, Tamira Livingston and Megan Sofield in Hemel Hempstead capped off a fantastic season for the group, who had sealed the Academy Northern Division title a week before with an incredible three-goal comeback. Requiring a draw to finish top, United trailed by three goals at Leicester, only to show – in the words of head coach Melissa Brown, who took charge in February –“remarkable determination and character to come away with the result.” Strikes from Aoife Farrell, Layla Proctor and Megan Sofield brought the game level, giving United the required point to claim top spot. As per league rules, a shoot-out followed to determine a bonus point, and with two saves from Jen Handy, Brown’s team won that as well. “I’m so proud of this talented group of special players and people,” the manager reflected after. Indeed, the entire Academy set-up should be proud. Ten of the girls involved in the national play-off final have progressed through the age groups, and success has continued at lower age groups, too. The U16s had their own final triumph over Arsenal, who were
the holders of the Women’s Professional Game Academy Cup until goals from Scarlett (two) and Jessica led United to success. Congratulations, girls!
There was naturally a celebratory feel about the Academy’s end-of-season awards held at Old Trafford. Amelia Oldroyd, who has been at United for a decade, was named U21 Player of the Year, being credited by the coaches with “always finding ways to challenge and develop herself and her game, demanding incredibly high standards of herself and her team-mates.” The players voted Lucy Newell as their POTY, after she performed excellently for both our U21s and West Brom during a loan spell in the third tier. Lucy has also trained regularly with the first team and has shown that “her focus and drive is second to none” as “an outstanding athlete, technician, team-mate and all-round footballer.” At U16 level, no.10 Sienna was named POTY for her consistent displays, with defenders Dixie and Holly voted Young POTY and Players’ POTY respectively. Awards were also given to three players who epitomise the club’s values, with Jen Handy and Holly Deering receiving the prizes at U21 level, and Millie for the U16s.
“I’m super proud of her, the way she’s developed and everything she’s become.”
These are the words of one of the Foundation’s high school partnership officers, Lauren Davies, describing a former pupil at Whalley Range High School – one of the Foundation’s 77 partner schools. With praise like that, it’s clear this former pupil, Arissa, has a story that’s worth celebrating. “The first time I met Arissa, we bounced off each other straight away,” continues Lauren, who first
came into contact with Arissa at Whalley Range four years ago. At that time, Arissa found it hard to manage her emotions, and was enrolled on a programme to help – leading to Lauren’s mentoring intervention. “I met Lauren when I got put in a youth violence prevention programme,” says Arissa. “If I ever felt I was struggling, I’d just go to Lauren. You always have that [special] teacher or person in school; Lauren was definitely that person for me. She definitely saved me in a lot of ways.”
Their bond has proven to be the platform for Arissa to go on to achieve so much. She is now a student on the Foundation’s college programme, and an active and engaged participant at Street Reds, the Foundation’s free community football programme, where she is also a volunteer Youth Voice panel member.
That’s led to her speaking with community leaders such as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, starring in a recent Manchester United podcast about the local community, and being presented with a Premier League Community Captain award by Bruno Fernandes.
“Participants here at the Street Reds session are looking up to Arissa,” adds Lauren.
“When you see her now, she’s always smiling. That’s what the Foundation does, it can turn your life around. I can’t wait to see what Arissa does in the future and the impact she has on people in the community.”
Scan below to see Arissa feature in the latest #UnitedandMe ↓
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v BRISTOL CITY (HOME) WSL, 05.05.24
USED:
Emma Hayes conceded the WSL title race was “done” in the aftermath of Chelsea’s 4-3 loss at Liverpool on 1 May. But the reigning champions were thrown a lifeline in dramatic fashion a few days later when Arsenal scored twice in the final minutes of their trip to Joie Stadium to end Manchester City’s run of 14 straight WSL wins.
Massively buoyed by that result, the reopening of the title door saw Chelsea respond a few hours later by putting eight past Bristol City. Guro Reiten scored four and assisted another in a result that also swung the goal difference just into Chelsea’s favour, which could prove crucial. Three points behind City with a game in hand, Wednesday’s trip across London to face Spurs (result not known at time of writing) was another crunch game.
The Bristol City win was Hayes’s last game at Kingsmeadow before she departs to take over the United States women’s national team ahead of the Olympics. An important moment, certainly, but as she said herself after the game: “There’s no time for sentimentality. There’s a title to be won.”
Chest-thumping her way through four goal celebrations, an inspired display from Reiten put her side right back in the title race
Chelsea’s hopes of ending the Hayes era on the ultimate high by winning a quadruple have been dashed in recent months, making that seventh WSL triumph – the previous six all won under Hayes – so vital to the Blues. An extra-time strike from Arsenal’s Stina Blackstenius (who would later reignite Chelsea’s WSL campaign with her double at City) led to a narrow loss in the Conti Cup final, before Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final loss to United. Then came a Champions League semi-final exit, as Chelsea fell agonisingly short of the only trophy to elude the team, despite inflicting Barça’s first home defeat in five years in the first leg.
It isn’t just managerial change coming. After the final home game of the season, special tribute was paid to club legend Fran Kirby following the announcement of her impending departure, on the back of nine prolific years with the club. The Blues are also bidding farewell to long-serving defender Maren Mjelde after today’s game. Whatever happens on the pitch this afternoon, it’ll surely be emotional come the full-time whistle.
Three months before Hayes walked through the doors at Chelsea’s old Wheatsheaf Park home in Staines, the Blues lost the 2012 FA Cup final on penalties. It was the closest they’d come to a major trophy, only to fall just short. All that seems a very long time ago now.
Under the guidance of the Camden-born boss, the team would be transformed, but it wasn’t a quick fix: Chelsea finished second from bottom in the WSL in Hayes’s first full term, but a 2015 FA Cup success, in the first final held at Wembley, kicked off a reign of domestic dominance. Weeks later, a first WSL title arrived – the first of six (plus the 2017 Spring Series) over the next nine years prior to this season, which is to be her last at Kingsmeadow. Cup success has been just as plentiful (five FA Cups and two Conti Cups), and while European glory would just elude her Blues, they’ve come mightily close on five occasions, including a final in 2020/21.
The 47-year-old, an MBE and CBE for services to football, has been the beating heart of the Blues’ success, a born motivator with a sharp tactical brain. She was named 2021’s Best FIFA Women’s Coach, the same year as her induction into the WSL Hall of Fame, while in January she became the first woman to receive the prestigious Football Writers’ Association Tribute Award.
Now, international football beckons with the USA women’s national team. It’s a country where she spent much of her late twenties and early thirties gaining invaluable lessons, alongside a spell as assistant coach at Arsenal (2006-08), that would help shape her future success. There is perhaps no bigger job in women’s football than the one
I’M A BIT OF A SOBBER. I THINK I’LL CRY MY EYES OUT FOR THE LAST FEW WEEKS
she’s soon to take on, but the unrelenting hunger to win that Chelsea have known in recent years seems a perfect match for the USWNT machine. “I fully understand the place this team has in US society – I’ve lived it,” she said upon accepting the job, while she’s also acknowledged her desire to step down from the day-to-day demands of club football. “I’ve driven four hours to and from this place [Chelsea] six days a week for 12 years. I have a five-year-old that needs more of his mummy. That’s important.”
While she’s no doubt excited about what lies ahead, you can be sure that today she’ll only be thinking about one last WSL trophy.
D F
SAM KERR
MIA FISHEL
ZECIRA MUSOVIC
#1 Age: 27
Nationality: Sweden
Signed from FC Rosengard in 2021, she had an excellent World Cup for Sweden last year, and has shared duties with Hampton this term.
HANNAH HAMPTON
#24 Age: 23
Nationality: English
Ex-Birmingham and Aston Villa keeper has four England caps. She made her Chelsea debut in December’s win v Bristol City.
MILLIE BRIGHT
#4 Age: 30
Nationality: English
The tough-tackling skipper, who captained England to the World Cup final last year, is back in the Chelsea team after injury.
JESS CARTER
#7 Age: 26
Nationality: English
Into her sixth year at Chelsea, the composed defender is fulfilling the potential she showed as a teenager while at Birmingham.
ASHLEY LAWRENCE
#12 Age: 28
Nationality: Canadian
The attacking full-back has won over 130 caps for Canada, and made the move to the Blues from PSG last summer.
EVE PERISSET
#15 Age: 29
Nationality: French
Described as ‘tenacious’ by boss Hayes, Perisset played 32 games in her debut term of ’22/23, en route to the Double.
MAREN MJELDE
#18 Age: 34
Nationality: Norwegian
Scored the only goal when we first met Chelsea in the WSL, in 2019. Hugely experienced, today is her farewell to the club.
NIAMH CHARLES
#21 Age: 24
Nationality: English
Wirral-born Charles was the youngest starter at the 2021 UWCL final, and she’s since grown into a real leader.
KADEISHA BUCHANAN
#26 Age: 28
Nationality: Canadian
Three-time Canadian Player of the Year moved from Lyon in 2022, and was controversially sent off v Barça last month.
D F D F D F
NATHALIE BJORN
#39 Age: 27
Nationality: Swedish
D F
Signed from Everton in January, the Swede made her first start against United that month, assisting a goal.
SOPHIE INGLE
#5 Age: 32
Nationality: Welsh
Previously at Chelsea in 2012/13, she returned in 2018, following spells at Bristol City and Liverpool.
SJOEKE NUSKEN
#6 Age: 23
Nationality: German
Ex-Eintracht Frankfurt player was signed ahead of the season, and she’s hit double figures for goals in 2023/24.
MELANIE LEUPOLZ
#8 Age: 30
Nationality: German
The no.8 retired from Germany duty last year, with 79 caps, as she looks to balance her career with becoming a parent.
GURO REITEN
#11 Age: 29
Nationality: Norwegian
The 2023 Ballon d’Or Feminin nominee has won 10 trophies in five years with Chelsea, and remains a key player for them.
JOHANNA RYTTING KANERYD
#19 Age: 27
Nationality: Swedish
Another Swede within the ranks, the no.19 arrived from BK Hacken in August 2022.
ERIN CUTHBERT
#22 Age: 25
Nationality: Scottish
The Scot is a real leader in the middle, having been at Chelsea since 2016. She recently surpassed 50 goals for the club.
JELENA CANKOVIC
#28 Age: 28
Nationality: Serbian
Having idolised fellow Serbian Sasa Ilic when she was a kid, Cankovic has Barcelona and FC Rosengard on her CV.
CATARINA MACARIO
#9 Age: 24
Nationality: American
Brazil-born USA international scored within six minutes of her Blues debut in March, having recovered from an ACL injury.
LAUREN JAMES
#10 Age: 22
Nationality: English
The dangerous forward netted 28 goals in 56 games for United (2018-21), and she’s found real form in front of goal this term.
FRAN KIRBY
#14 Age: 30
Nationality: English
A Blues legend, she holds their all-time record for goals (107), with her nine-year spell coming to an end this afternoon.
AGGIE BEEVER-JONES
#33 Age: 20
Nationality: English
After two successful loans to Bristol City and Everton, the Academy star has stepped up to the Blues’ first team in 2023/24.
MAYRA RAMIREZ
#35 Age: 25
Nationality: Colombian
A big-money arrival in January, the ex-Levante forward brings power and precision to the attack, and she has three goals in 12 games.
Our record-breaking commitment to women’s and girls’ football is an investment in so much more. It’s an investment in creating a brighter future together.
1
Left: Zelem’s assist for Toone v Leicester was her sixth of the season in the WSL – can our captain top the assists chart (below) on the final day of the campaign?
Right: no player has made more starts in a single campaign for the Reds than Maya Le Tissier in 2023/24 (32 starts ahead of today’s game)
Head coach: Marc Skinner
Gabby George
Maya Le Tissier
Aoife Mannion
Hannah Blundell
Ella Toone
Irene Guerrero
Melvine Malard
Katie Zelem
Leah Galton
Hayley Ladd
Jayde Riviere
Gemma Evans
Lisa Naalsund
Lucia Garcia
Hinata Miyazawa
Millie Turner
Nikita Parris
Geyse
Evie Rabjohn
Mary Earps (GK)
Rachel Williams
Emma Watson
Alyssa Aherne
Olivia Francis
Lucy Newell
Phoebe Chadwick
Head coach: Emma Hayes
Zecira Musovic (GK)
Mia Fishel
Aniek Nouwen
Millie Bright
Sophie Ingle
Sjoeke Nusken
Jess Carter
Melanie Leupolz
Catarina Macario
Lauren James
Guro Reiten
Ashley Lawrence
Fran Kirby
Eve Perisset
Nicky Evrard (GK)
Maren Mjelde
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd
Sam Kerr
Niamh Charles
Erin Cuthbert
Hannah Hampton (GK)
Kadeisha Buchanan
Jelena Cankovic
Jorja Fox
Ann-Katrin Berger (GK)
Aggie Beever-Jones
Mayra Ramirez
Nathalie Bjorn
