Manchester United Women v Leicester City Women match programme, Continental League Cup, 14.12.23

OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

2023/24 SEASON • VOLUME 06 ISSUE 07

MANCHESTER

UNITED WOMEN V

LEICESTER CITY WOMEN

FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup, group B thursday 14 december 2023 ○ 7PM

#allredallequal

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02/10/2023 23:28

IT’S MATCHDAY!

W H AT ’ S I N S I D E

04 HEAD COACH’S COLUMN 06 BIG PICTURE 09 COUNTDOWN TO KICK-OFF 13

REDS REPORT

19

KATIE ZELEM COLUMN

21

MY... FIRST HEROES

22

SIGNED PLAYER POSTER

24

HANNAH BLUNDELL INTERVIEW

30 THE OPPOSITION 33

FAN PHOTOS

35

MU FOUNDATION

36 JUNIOR REDS 39 STATS SECTION

24

04 03

40 FIXTURES & RESULTS 42

ADDED-TIME QUIZ

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MATCH PROGRAMME TEAM Editor Charlie Ghagan Editor-in-chief Ian McLeish Contributors Helen Rowe-Willcocks, Courtney Hill, Jamie Spencer, Adam Bostock, Sean Mullan, Matthew Brown Photography Charlotte Tattersall, Ash Donelon, John Peters, Matt Peters, Getty, Alamy Design Tom Chase, Kulsum Karolia Thanks to Ellie Decrop, Steve Bennett, Benjamin Williams Printed by MuPrint.com © Manchester United 2023

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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 Secretary Rebecca Britain Honorary president Martin Edwards

12/12/2023 08:40

AFTER AN IMPRESSIVE WSL WIN IN LONDON ON SUNDAY, THE BOSS IS LOOKING FORWARD TO A CUP NIGHT AT LSV...

MARC SKINNER W

04

UNITED WOMEN

elcome back to Leigh Sports Village. It feels like it’s been a while since we last had a game here.

Tonight’s match is really important to us. We want to progress in this cup so we need to perform in every game. I’ve been really impressed with how the players have addressed the Continental Tyres League Cup this season.

Every single player has been trying really hard. We want silverware for the club, as that’s ingrained in us here at United.

I’ve been impressed with both performances so far in our group. We looked really strong against Everton and then we stuck it out in a hard test against Liverpool. We know tonight is going to be another test but it’s one we are ready for, and have prepared well for.

We, and the other teams in this group, have the most difficult draw in the cup and I’ve been really pleased with how the players have taken up that challenge. We’ve had to rotate a lot for these games and it’s great to see the squad depth we have.

Every player has stepped up when they’ve been given a chance.

Utilising the squad is key.

Part of game management – especially in these last few games before the winter break – is that you have to look ahead.

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We want to win every game so we have to look at Sunday’s Liverpool league game as well when we are considering team selection. But with the injuries we have – we only had five outfield substitutes on the bench at Tottenham – those who’ve just returned from playing for their countries could need to play all three of our games this month. On the back of an international break that can be difficult.

What is important for me is that I want to see the same temperament in every game, whoever plays. I want to see an attitude to win. We need to make sure we show the right character.

We know Willie Kirk’s Leicester City are going to be a challenge. They got a draw out of us earlier this season in the league and they are progressing as a side. We know it’s going to be another tough challenge. Tonight we want to turn that draw into a win. And we want the three points, not just one, or two from winning the shoot-out.

Finally, I’d just like to say a word about Hayley Ladd. I’ve worked with her for a long time and she’s a consummate professional; a quiet leader who leads by example and always prepares properly. Hayley has an excellent football brain and gives us stability, and I’m delighted she’s extended her contract with us.

Enjoy the game.

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HEAD COACH 05

UNITED WOMEN

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BIG PICTURE

VIEW FROM THE PRESS BOX...

The Reds and Blues of Manchester line up ahead of our last home fixture, three-and-a-half weeks ago. The wet and wild weather couldn’t dampen the pre-match excitement, with some serious pyrotechnics bringing a fresh approach to the Old Trafford walkout shortly before this photo was taken from the press box, located in the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand. Alas, the 90 minutes ahead wouldn’t go as we’d all hoped, as United lost a WSL home game to City for the first time, but what an advert it was for the WSL, as 43,615 fans made for a brilliant atmosphere, and both clubs continued to blaze a trail for women’s football in the region. For those watching from the warmth of home, Sky Sports gained its highest audience for a WSL fixture, peaking at 589,000. A disappointing scoreline, yes, but we’ll be back in M16 – and who knows how many fans will be cheering us on next time...

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BIG PICTURE 07

UNITED WOMEN

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12/12/2023 08:38

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

Nikita Parris was our match winner on United’s last Conti Cup outing

Reds’ penultimate fixture of 2023 offers opportunity to overtake our big local rivals in Conti Cup group

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UNITED WOMEN

Much has happened since the Reds were last at Leigh Sports Village, just over a month ago when we put five past West Ham without reply in the WSL. Yes, there was the disappointment of a derby-day defeat at Old Trafford but the response since that rainy Sunday in M16 has been impressive: three games on the road – against Liverpool, Bristol City and Tottenham – yielding three wins and three clean sheets.

We had to work so hard in all three of those contests, not least the first one, as we put another Conti Cup victory on the board against Liverpool.

While we weren’t as ruthless as our Conti Cup opener – the 7-0 win v Everton – Marc Skinner was delighted with the resilience on display at Prenton Park, as we dug deep to, in his words, “see out the

game with brains.” It was a win that puts us into a strong position in the Group B table, and another win tonight against Willie Kirk’s Leicester would move the Reds into top spot, above Manchester City, with nine points from three games. The Foxes have the same ambitions, however – a win for them would see them overtake both us and City, and Kirk’s side will arrive with much belief: not only did they claim two points away to City in their last Group B game (courtesy of the shoot-out after a 2-2 draw), but they drew here at LSV in October, frustrating the Reds throughout a 1-1 WSL draw.

Whatever happens tonight, there will be plenty on the line when we head to City in late January, with the aim being to secure top spot, rather than hoping to claim one of the two best runners-up positions from across the five groups. Chelsea – who received a bye due to their participation in the UWCL group stage – are the only side already in the quarters – and how we want to join them as we chase that first bit of major silverware. Let’s go!

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TOP SPOT IN OUR SIGHTS

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C O N T I N E TA L T Y R E S L E A G U E C U P 10

CONTI CUP PREVIEW The end of the group stage is already in sight, with only one more matchweek in late January to come after this week’s set of fixtures. Given that three of the competition’s five groups feature an uneven number of teams, some sides played their final game last night. Only group winners reach the last eight automatically, but with two places up for grabs for the best runners-up (calculated via points-per-game), every point matters.

In United’s group, Liverpool and Everton met yesterday, although with both sides already eliminated it was far from a high-stakes Merseyside derby. Having already played three times, Manchester City are not in action this week and will conclude their Group B fixtures when we travel across town to Joie Stadium next month.

In the other northern group, Durham and Aston Villa, first and second respectively prior to kick-off, went head-to-head last night. Durham’s famous

Durham have proven deadly in the shoot-out stakes

GROUP B TABLE (AS OF 12 DEC 2023) Team

UNITED WOMEN

P

W

PW

PL

L

GD

1

Manchester City 3

2

0

1

0

2

Pts 7

2

UNITED

2

2

0

0

0

8

6

3

Leicester City

2

1

1

0

0

1

5

4

Liverpool

3

0

0

0

3

-3

0

5

Everton

2

0

0

0

2

-8

0

PW – penalty shoot-out win (2pts)/PL – penalty shoot-out loss (1pt) The five group winners qualify for the quarter-finals, alongside the two best runners-up and Chelsea (who received a bye)

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Ex-Red Amy Turner and Tottenham had a big north London derby last night

resilience has shone through up to now after they claimed two penalty shoot-out bonus points to top up their tally. Sunderland still had a chance to cling to the coattails of the top sides in Group A, but fellow second-tier outfit Blackburn were only playing for pride when the teams met last night.

Sheffield United, winless so far, didn’t have a game and will finish against Blackburn in January.

This week’s biggest fixture among the southern groups was yesterday’s north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham at Meadow Park.

Spurs in particular were flying after their opening two games yielded nine goals from seven different scorers and two clean sheets. Arsenal made harder work of their earlier victories, including a last-gasp winner at second-tier Southampton. Group D’s other fixture this week saw Bristol City and Reading, both already eliminated, meet last night.

The two four-team groups in the south have not seen any action this week and both will wrap up on 24/25 January with the rest of the opening phase. In the all-Championship Group C, Crystal Palace and London City Lionesses each have four points and it will be winner-takes-all when they meet next month. Lewes and Watford cannot top the group but either could give themselves a chance at being one of the two best runners-up.

Lastly, Brighton are firmly in control of Group E. They face Charlton in January, while West Ham travel to Birmingham. Only a big goal difference swing in those final fixtures would stop Brighton winning the group, but a victory for Charlton or West Ham could prove key in the runner-up stakes.

12/12/2023 08:38

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FOUR DAYS AGO

0 TOTTENHAM 4 UNITED Women’s Super League Brisbane Road, Sun 10 Dec

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UNITED WOMEN

ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY: Efficient Reds show a ruthless side following international break, as comfortable win moves us to within four points of top spot – helped by Arsenal’s win against Chelsea earlier in the day.

THE LONG ROAD SOUTH: A 6.45pm kick-off in east London on a Sunday evening – a matter of weeks after we had the same timeslot for Brighton away – was understandably a source of frustration for our dedicated travelling fans, but many made the 400-mile round-trip, and indeed outsang the home fans on a windy night that saw just over 2,000 fans in attendance at Leyton Orient’s 9,000-capacity stadium.

COME IN NO.9: Melvine Malard made her first start since the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, and she looked lively from the off, although it was

ex-Red Martha Thomas who nearly made an early breakthrough for Spurs, forcing Mary Earps into a good save.

BEND IT LIKE BLUNDELL: It was just before the half-hour mark when the opening goal arrived, as Spurs keeper Becky Spencer – no doubt distracted

by Malard’s presence – allowed a very deep cross from Hannah Blundell to bounce all the way into the net. Melvine was initially credited with the strike, but it was later awarded to Hannah – just her third goal for United.

MELVINE MAKES HER MARK: As the second half began, our French striker would soon help United turn the screw, first assisting for Ella Toone to finish emphatically, then scoring herself from the edge of the box to make it three just before the hour mark.

SKINNER RINGS CHANGES: Geyse, Garcia, Naalsund, Williams and Evans would all join the action as the clock ticked on, but it was midfield mainstay Hayley Ladd who made it four, slotting the ball home from Garcia’s pass.

OPPOSITION REACTION: “We protected the goal well and they had around five shots so they are effective with their chances,” observed Spurs boss Robert Vilahamn. The Swede wasn’t wrong: five shots on target, four goals scored is the sort of efficiency we all want to see from the Reds.

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REDS REPORT

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

TIMELINE OF ALL THE RECENT ACTION AND NEWS

Melvine makes it three – and she was definitely claiming this one!

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

MALTA TRAINING CAMP

United Women are to head back to Malta in January, when the squad will prepare for the resumption of the season with a winter training camp. As the home of United’s official destination partner, Visit Malta, and one of our largest overseas supporters’ clubs, the island will no doubt provide another great reception for our the

Miyazawa strikes to give her side the advantage

0 BRISTOL CITY 2 UNITED

Reds. Marc Skinner’s side enjoyed a successful trip there last January and defeated local side Birkirkara. This time our friendly opposition will

18 DAYS AGO

Women’s Super League Ashton Gate, Sun 26 Nov

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UNITED WOMEN

ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY: Patient Reds get second-half breakthrough at Ashton Gate, with Miyazawa and Parris on target for the visitors.

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER RECORD: On a chilly Sunday lunchtime just south of the River Avon, Bristol City’s primary stadium pulled in 14,138 supporters – a home record for the hosts.

DOMINANT FIRST HALF: With Hinata Miyazawa, Katie Zelem and Ella Toone bossing the midfield, the Reds had all the possession before the break, but chances were few and far between as the Robins’ well-organised defence held us back.

HINI’S FIRST FOR THE REDS: When the opener finally arrived it came with a slice of fortune on 50 minutes, as Miyazawa’s long-ranger, from Toone’s tee-up, deflected off Chloe Mustaki to wrong-foot goalkeeper Olivia Clark.

TOONE’S SECOND ASSIST: Just five minutes later Miyazawa and Toone combined again – Hini playing in Ella down the left, with our no.7 placing a perfect cross on to the onrushing head of Parris.

FURTHER CHANCES: The introduction of Ladd, Malard, Williams and Garcia helped Skinner’s side maintain the attacking momentum, on a day when we had 72 per cent possession and 24 shots, but we had to settle for 2-0 despite the best attempts of Toone and Parris (both of whom drifted offside when finding the net) and the lively Malard (who struck the bar). Still, job done.

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be PSV Eindhoven. The game has been scheduled for Friday 5 January (6pm local time), at the 3,038-capacity Tony Bezzina Stadium in Paola.

EARPS WINS BBC PRIZE

Mary Earps has won the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award, becoming the first goalkeeper to do so. It is Mary’s latest recognition for an outstanding year – she ended 2022/23 with an all-time record number of WSL clean sheets, and went on to win the Golden Glove at the World Cup as England reached the final. Earps received the most votes from fans based on a five-player shortlist – selected by an expert panel – via the BBC Sport website. Earps pipped Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati to the accolade, while Chelsea’s Sam Kerr came third. Congratulations, Mary!

SIX IN ENGLAND SQUAD

The recent international break saw six Reds called up for England duty – a record number for United and a higher number than any other club.

While Millie Turner’s call-up by Sarina Wiegman got the headlines, it came alongside the expected selections of Mary Earps, Maya Le Tissier, Ella Toone and Katie Zelem for England’s final Nations League matches. Grace Clinton, on loan from United to Spurs, was also in the squad.

Toone scored as England beat the Netherlands 3-2, but the Lionesses just missed out to the Dutch in claiming a spot at the 2024 Olympics (as Team GB) despite also beating Scotland 6-0.

12/12/2023 08:36

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12/12/2023 09:17

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

0 LIVERPOOL 1 UNITED

22 DAYS AGO

Continental Tyres League Cup Prenton Park, Wed 22 Nov ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY: Nikita Parris (with a goal) and Phallon Tullis-Joyce (with a save) grab the headlines as United maintain our perfect start in Conti Cup Group B. SEVEN CHANGES FROM DERBY DEFEAT: As well as Phallon in sticks, Riviere, Evans, Ladd, Miyazawa, Williams and Garcia all came into the starting XI, as Marc Skinner again looked to utilise his squad in this competition.

KEETS STRIKES AGAIN: Following a handful of half-chances – from Ella Toone, Lucia Garcia and Rachel Williams – our first-half superiority was eventually rewarded on 41 minutes.

Picking the ball up on the edge of the area, Parris showed slick skill to evade her defender and fire from range, with a slight deflection helping it beyond goalkeeper Teagan Micah.

HOSTS UP THEIR GAME: Matt Beard’s side started the second half with more intent, but Tullis-Joyce, and Gemma Evans in front of her, showed great composure to keep them out.

PHALLON’S BIG MOMENT: As Liverpool pushed increasing numbers forward late on, it looked as if it had paid off as Missy Bo Kearns smashed a half-volley at goal from close range... but no! With next to no time to react, a fully stretched Tullis-Joyce palmed the ball over the bar. What a finale – no wonder the American was mobbed at full-time.

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1 UNITED 3 MANCHESTER CITY

25 DAYS AGO

Women’s Super League Old Trafford, Sun 19 Nov ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY: A record-breaking day off the pitch, but it can’t mask a below-par display against our rivals on the Old Trafford stage.

CAPTAIN’S OPENER: Katie Zelem became our record scorer in M16 when she smashed home a penalty on 21 minutes, following a handball from Alex Greenwood – Zel’s fourth goal at Old Trafford.

DID IT CROSS THE LINE? The game’s pivotal moment came on the half-hour mark, as Geyse followed up her initial shot to slot the ball home from out wide. But with the officials deeming the ball to have crossed the line before she shot (and goal-line tech not used in the WSL), it was ruled out. We’re still not sure, but our frustration was compounded as City scored twice within minutes.

BLUES TAKE CONTROL: Jill Roord and Lauren Hemp got the two goals, and 10 minutes into the second half it was 3-1, after Khadjia Shaw charged down a Mary Earps clearance to score.

NO LATE COMEBACK: While a second yellow for City’s Laia Aleixandri gave the Reds fresh belief with 20 minutes to play, Gareth Taylor’s side remained composed with a two-goal cushion, and there would be no way back for United as our unbeaten WSL record this season came to an end.

17

UNITED WOMEN

Skinner and assistant Charlotte Healy pass on their instructions

Derby delight as Zel puts us 1-0 up – but the cheers would be short-lived

12/12/2023 08:36

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

ZEL’S NOTES

THE REDS’ SKIPPER SINGS THE PRAISES OF THOSE TO HAVE STARRED FOR US IN THE CONTI CUP SO FAR THIS SEASON...

W

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19 If we’re to go far in this cup, every Red will play an important role

win we need if we want to top this group and guarantee ourselves a spot in the next round.

The importance of squad rotation is huge, as we don’t have the biggest squad at the minute. We have quite a few injuries so rotating where we can is really important.

The performances all the players are putting in shows the quality we have across the squad and I’m sure there will be more of that in this Leicester game.

Whether a player starts the game or is on the bench, everyone gets behind each other and supports those on the pitch, and that is key to this team.

UNITED WOMEN

e’re looking forward to this Leicester game. So far this season we’ve done well in the Continental Tyres League Cup and it’s something we are really putting our focus into this season. We want to win something and this is another opportunity to bring silverware to the club, which is very important to us all.

So far in this competition there have been lots of goals – most of which came in the Everton game! We had five different scorers that night, which shows how supportive we are of each other, and the save from Phall in the Liverpool game was tremendous.

A perfect example of a player excelling in this cup is Nikita Parris, who won our Player of the Month award for November. I’m so happy for her, she really deserves it. Keets is in unbelievable form. She understands her role and she reads the game so well.

In the formation we’ve been playing, that position really suits her.

Leicester have been tough opponents for all the top sides so far this season. We have already drawn with them in the league, of course, so it’s going to be a difficult game again – a real challenge but something we have to get over to get the

12/12/2023 08:37

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I said to myself, ‘I’d like to be like her’

IRENE GUERRERO

MY… FIRST HEROES

MIDFIELDER IRENE GUERRERO PICKS A PL AYER, COACH AND NON-FOOTBALL FIGURE WHO HAVE DRIVEN HER TO SUCCESS

32 91

It’s hard for me to choose only one coach who has been a hero for me, because every coach has given me different things. In your career, you find people that inspire you, that push you in every game, but I will say my first coach – Maria Pry, at Real Betis. Angel Villacampa at Levante UD is another... but if I have to choose, I’ll say Maria because she was my first one.

He’s from another sport, basketball, but I liked Kobe Bryant’s mentality. I read his book, The Mamba Mentality, recently. I like the way he used challenges to push him on to a new chapter of his life, through a lot of hard work. You can be very talented, but you also need to work hard, to improve your performance.

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Pry coached Irene at Real Betis

Spain legend Losada

UNITED WOMEN

I n te r v i e w : A da m Bos to c k

Vicky Losada was the first player who really inspired me. I watched her play for Spain in the 2015 World Cup, when she scored Spain’s first goal. From that moment, I said to myself, ‘I’d like to be like her.’ Vicky is a midfielder and, at the moment, she plays for Brighton but before she played for Barcelona. I had the opportunity to play with her in the international team – it was only for a short time but it was a dream come true.

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HANNAH BLUNDELL

A TWO-TIME CONTI CUP WINNER, HANNAH BLUNDELL SPEAKS OF HER DESIRE TO MAKE IT THREE WITH THE REDS – AND SHE KNOWS WE’LL HAVE A STRONG CHANCE OF GOING ONE STEP CLOSER IF WE CAN BEAT THE FOXES...

I do think this United team is destined for trophies

25

INTERVIEW: COURTNEY HILL

How have you enjoyed playing in the Conti Cup games so far this season, having started both, with two wins from two games?

I’ve enjoyed it. We’ve played very well in those games. I think because we got knocked out of the Champions League, it meant we were in the Conti Cup so it was kind of like, ‘okay, we’re going to put our foot down in this competition.’ As a team we feel like we deserve to be in the Champions League, but I think we’ve performed very well in the Conti Cup games we have played, and we’re looking forward to the Leicester game as well.

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We know you’re comfortable on either side of defence, but you’ve swapped sides more than usual so far this season – how have you found that, and your 2023/24 form in general?

It’s been okay. I think I’d like to be performing better in the sense of contributing to goals, or keeping them out of our net. But for me, personally, I’ll always do whatever I can to help the team, whether that’s play on the left, play on the right... play in goal if I have to! [Laughs]. It is nice to get the stability of playing on one side and sticking to it, but thankfully I’m comfortable playing either side. It’s nice to know that Marc

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

Two clean sheets from two in this cup is pleasing also, especially for you defenders – how much does that mean to you? Or to put it another way, how frustrated would you have been if Everton had made it 7-1 late on?!

Clean sheets is definitely something we pride ourselves on, especially as defenders and I know

goalkeepers do as well. It’s nice that we’ve been able to keep clean sheets in this competition. This season in general there have been so many goals.

Every team is conceding goals everywhere, so it’s definitely harder to keep clean sheets, but when we do it is something we’re very proud of.

12/12/2023 08:34

HANNAH BLUNDELL

has that confidence and belief that he can play me there and not worry that I need support or anything to change the position.

FACTFILE

It’s probably that versatility which has seen you start every game so far this season, which must pleasing for you…

FULLbe NAME JayneMy Blundell Yeah,Hannah definitely. main aim is to be in that OF BIRTH startingDATE line-up every week and thankfully that May 1994 has been25 the case. Unfortunately we’re short in PLACE OF BIRTH East in the full-back numbers at theEastbourne, back, especially Sussex areas, but we have the likes of Leah and Gemma, POSITION Full-back who can jump in and play full-back as well. But it YOUTH CAREER is definitely nice to be constantly playing every Polegate Grasshoppers week and just helping the team where I can.

Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, Charlton Athletic

26

SENIOR CAREER We noticed that Millie and Maya have traded 2013-21 Chelsea, positions in the centre on occasion. What’s 161 games, 11 goals the thinking there – is that a conversation 2021you’re allManchester involvedUnited in, in relation to what 51 games, 2 goals side the full-backs are playing on?

INTERNATIONAL CAREER Yes. IEngland think the noticeable one was the City game 3 caps/0 goals [at Old Trafford]. With Jayde picking up that little knock it was tough. They [the coaches] wanted to get a little bit of those connections, with me and Millie playing alongside each other more than me and Maya. But we’re professionals, and if something is not working then we’re comfortable in getting back to basics.

Hannah enjoyed marking her 150th WSL appearance (as well as her 50th start for the Reds) with a rare goal on Sunday

UNITED WOMEN

Your consistency has been incredible since you joined the club. Three seasons into your United career, do you feel justified in your decision to come here from Chelsea?

Definitely. The main reason I wanted to join was to be playing regularly again. Of course, that was never a given when I came in, I knew I had to find my position, but I also wanted to fall back in love with football. And just being here, the club has

helped massively and it’s something I’m very grateful for. I knew the decision was always going to be tough, being at a club like Chelsea for 10 years I knew the decision was always going to be hard, but I knew deep down that United was the club for me, the club I wanted to be at.

It’s pushed my game on and I’m doing well every single season and pushing my game on more. I’m very happy with the decision I made. I think this club is only going in one direction and it’s something I want to be a part of.

I ’ D LOVE TO P L AY F O R M Y COUN TRY AG AI N . I LO O K AT I T AS S O M E T H I N G I CAN ’ T CO N T ROL . . . S AR I N A [WI EG MAN] H A S T H E S AY

With such versatility and consistency, surely you’d make an ideal squad member for an international tournament! If the opportunity came to add to your three England caps, how would you react?

I kind of look at it as... of course everyone wants to play for their country, I would love to do that

24-29_Hannah B interview (approved).CGIM.indd 30

12/12/2023 08:34

HANNAH BLUNDELL All three of Hannah’s England caps to date came back in 2018

again, but I always look at it as something I can’t control. All I know in my head is that as long as I’m performing for United, then I’m content in the situation I’m in. It would be nice to get a call-up but if it doesn’t happen, I’m still happy in my situation and my focus will always be United.

Ultimately it’s not my decision, Sarina [Wiegman] has the final say on the players she wants to pick.

If I’m involved, happy days. If not, so be it.

FULL NAME Hannah Jayne Blundell DATE OF BIRTH 25 May 1994 PLACE OF BIRTH Eastbourne, East Sussex

YOUTH CAREER 2001-03 Polegate Grasshoppers 2003-05 Brighton & Hove Albion, 2005-06 Chelsea 2006-10 Charlton Athletic 2010-13 Chelsea

INTERNATIONAL CAREER England 3 caps, 0 goals

24-29_Hannah B interview (approved).CGIM.indd 31

You don’t see much of her on the pitch as she’s usually on the opposite flank, but how impressed have you been by Jayde Riviere’s season so far, now she’s starting more games?

27

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

SENIOR CAREER 2013-21 Chelsea, 161 games, 11 goals 2021- Manchester United 71 games, 3 goals

What we’d all love of course, is a first bit of major silverware for United, and you know all about winning the Conti Cup with Chelsea.

How enjoyable were those 2020 and 2021 triumphs? And how much would it mean to you and the club to repeat that with United?

Everyone in sport is competitive, everyone plays a sport to win, and to do that with United would be something really special, because I feel like every season we’re just doing better and better. Last season we were close to winning a trophy; we didn’t quite get there but we learned a lot from that. Going into this season, we started the Conti Cup very well but we can’t dwell on that. We have to make sure the next time we play in it we put in another great performance to get another win.

I do think this United team is destined for trophies and I feel like we can do it – and hopefully that first trophy comes a lot sooner rather than later.

12/12/2023 08:34

HANNAH BLUNDELL Blundell sees Riviere’s confidence improve with every game the young Canadian plays

28

I think she has been incredible. She’s grown every single game. I remember in pre-season she was asking me, ‘should I do this, or should I do that?’ and I was just saying, ‘do what you need to do, and believe in yourself’. I feel like she might have a little bit of doubt because she didn’t have regular games last season, but she has pushed on so much this season. She has contributed to goals, she’s defended incredibly. There is so much more to come from Jayde and it is such an exciting time for her. I think she will be a very important person for this club in the future.

UNITED WOMEN

And a word on Gabby George, as we’re sure you full-backs support each other. Have you had regular contact with her since her injury?

I speak to Gabby quite a lot. She is actually in quite high spirits, which is nice. We have a laugh and a joke off the pitch and it’s just about trying to make sure she stays positive. Touch wood, I’ve not had an injury like that or been out for that length of time, so I can’t really relate in that sense, but I think she is such a positive person and a big personality within the group, even though she’s

24-29_Hannah B interview (approved).CGIM.indd 32

W HE NE VE R A C O NT I C U P GA M E C O M E S A LO NG , W E M A K E S U R E W E P R ACT IS E P E NA LT IE S A S B E ST W E C A N. . . O F C O U RS E I’ D A LWAYS TA K E O NE F O R T HE T E A M IF NE E DS B E only been here for a short period of time. She works hard in the gym during rehab and stays positive. Again, she will be a big part of this club.

In recent years, penalty shoot-out defeats in this competition have proved costly in terms of bonus points. Is that something you practise regularly ahead of these cup ties – and would you put your hand up to take one yourself?

I’m not much of a penalty taker myself, but of course I would always take one for the team if needs be. Yeah, we do practise them. Whenever a Conti Cup game comes along, we make sure we

12/12/2023 08:34

HANNAH BLUNDELL

Winning tonight’s competition with Chelsea in 2021

Hannah in action when we last faced Leicester

practise them as best we can. Hopefully the games don’t come down to that, but I think if they do we’ll be best prepared for it.

And while Leicester’s shoot-out win against Manchester City would seem to be a good result for us in terms of the group standings, it does open up the possibility that Leicester would go above us if they win this game, so

24-29_Hannah B interview (approved).CGIM.indd 33

29

And while we’re sure you’d rather focus on the current season, it must have been a lovely feeling when you found out your team-mates voted you Players’ Player last year. What does this group mean to you, away from the pitch as much as on it?

I just have a lot of love for this team. We all pride ourselves on the togetherness in this group. To be voted Players’ Player from this group really meant a lot. For me, personally, I always take pride in being a close-knit group, which is something we want to make sure we continue to do. This year we’ve had a lot of changes, so that’s something we need to focus on... getting that togetherness we’ve always had but with the new players coming in as well. But I’ve got a lot of love for this group and we all want to win trophies together. ●

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

Leicester have undoubtedly improved this season, as we saw ourselves in the 1-1 draw at LSV in the league. What are your memories of that game – was it one we should have won?

I do look at it as two points dropped. We gave away a goal that was defensively preventable but I think looking back it, it was a reminder of how this league gets tougher every year. No game is a guarantee and we have to perform in every game. I think Leicester will take points off many other teams as well – they are a good side and they do make it difficult. But hopefully we’ve learned from that game, so going into the Conti Cup game I hope we come up with a better performance and result than we did that day.

we can’t dismiss them from taking that one guaranteed qualifying spot, can we...

Definitely not. As I said, they can take points off any team. I feel like our group is probably the hardest with the teams we’ve got in there so it is going to make it a lot harder to get out of this group, but I have full faith in this team.

12/12/2023 08:34

LEICESTER CITY

Delight at City’s Joie Stadium as Leicester win the shoot-out to pick up a Conti Cup bonus point that could yet prove vital

30

UNITED WOMEN

While tonight’s visitors haven’t yet added to their back-to-back victories to begin their WSL campaign, Leicester are already streets ahead in 2023/24 of where they were at this stage of the two previous seasons – both of which started with nine consecutive league defeats.

Instead, it’s nine points from their first nine WSL outings, with the top half of the table within reach in time for Christmas. That marked improvement has also been reflected in the Conti Cup, where the Foxes are targeting a first knockout berth since reaching the semi-finals three seasons ago.

Everton and Liverpool are already eliminated from this tough group, but Leicester have given themselves a chance of upsetting United and Manchester City in pursuit of top spot or a best runners-up place. They may have narrowly lost to Liverpool (1-2) and City (0-1) in the league recently, but the Foxes beat the former on matchday one of tonight’s competition and were 2-0 up away against City in their last Conti Cup outing. That one

30-31_MUWFC_Oppo.CGIM.indd 38

eventually finished 2-2, with Leicester claiming a shoot-out bonus point. Yet after also letting a 2-0 lead slip at Brighton in the WSL at the weekend – the Seagulls scoring after 82 and 88 minutes – Willie Kirk spoke of a “fear” that needs addressing to see out games. “Sometimes when we’re winning, there is a feeling that maybe we shouldn’t be winning against this team, or we’ve now got something to lose,” said the Foxes’ head coach.

After what was a busy summer, Leicester have already started business to keep strengthening in the winter transfer window. Japanese midfielder Saori Takarada – a team-mate of Hinata Miyazawa when Japan won the U20 World Cup in 2018 – has agreed a pre-contract that will see her join the club on 1 January after a spell at Linkoping in Sweden.

But there has been some less positive news this month, with Hannah Cain suffering an ACL injury while on Wales duty. The forward was one of those to net from the spot against City in the Foxes’ last Conti Cup tie, but Cain now faces a long spell out.

12/12/2023 08:33

THE VISITORS

LAST LINE-UP v BRIGHTON (AWAY, WSL) 10.12.23

LEITZIG GREEN

HOWARD

THIBAUD

TOP SCORER

JUTTA RANTALA It’s four goals so far this season for the versatile Finland international, one of a number of summer signings doing the business for the Foxes. In that respect, she is one goal ahead of fellow new arrivals Lena Petermann and Janice Cayman. The 24-year-old Rantala is capable of operating comfortably in midfield or on the left of the frontline.

BOTT

PALMER

WHELAN

TIERNEY

PETERMANN

CAYMAN

RANTALA

SUBS USED: NEVIN, GOODWIN, SIEMSEN

31

E M E RG I N G TA L E N T

HEAD COACH

MISSY GOODWIN

WILLIE KIRK

The Redditch-born winger spent a decade in Birmingham’s youth ranks and later made one first-team appearance for Aston Villa before joining Leicester just under two years ago. Now 20, she enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with the Foxes in 2022/23, playing in every WSL game, and she signed a long-term deal in the summer.

Casey Stoney’s former assistant got the Foxes job in November 2022 and is the club’s longest-serving manager since their promotion to the WSL. Having also led Bristol City into the top flight, the Scot’s time at United was brief after being offered the chance to take over at Everton only six months after forming part of our inaugural coaching staff.

promotions through

● They successfully applied

● When they reached the

regional leagues in four

to join the Championship in

Conti Cup semis in 2020/21,

● United’s overall record v

straight years after their

the same season as United

only a narrow 1-0 to Bristol

Leicester is P10 W7 D2 L1.

2004 formation, with Rachel

in 2018/19 – our first clashes

City denied Leicester a

● The Foxes enjoyed

Williams an original player.

were 7-0 and 6-1 Reds wins.

place in a first major final.

30-31_MUWFC_Oppo.CGIM.indd 39

UNITED WOMEN

THE KNOWLEDGE

12/12/2023 08:33

Sparking teamwork in your community

Sp in y

Search Barclays Community Football Fund to find out more

Search B

Since 2022, Barclays has helped over 2,500 groups make football more accessible through the Barclays Community Football Fund.

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Since 20 more ac

12/12/2023 09:21

FAN PHOTOS

FAN GALLERY

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

Hello Mia! She is ‘Saf’s no.1 fan’ and loves chatting with her at games.

Season ticket holder Eloise is a big fan of Mary – she travels from Stockport to watch her hero play.

01

33

‘Happy birthday Alison (aka Mum)! Love you, from Megan’.

‘Come on you Reds!’ say Alyssa (8) and Lola (14).

To George. Merry Christmas, son!

Love Mum and Dad.

Happy birthday Charlotte Walker, pictured with Ella. Have a top day.

‘To David, Charley and Cayley. Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, love Mum and Dad x’

This is Grace with Safia – and look, Grace even brought a ‘SAF’ picture with her. Love it!

UNITED WOMEN

Billy was so excited to get tickets for the derby for his 9th birthday. It looks like it too!

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Season ticket holder Olivia, aged 9, attends with her dad. Hi, both!

12/12/2023 08:32

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

A touch of class!

Lessons for Irene and Phallon on school trip Phallon said: “We’ve been able to join some amazing students, taking a science class – learning about genetics – and also Spanish, which I haven’t taken since high school, so the students helped me out a bit!

“We finished off with some nice shooting practice, which was super fun. Working with

35_MUWFC_MU-Foundation (approved).CGIM.indd 1

SCAN HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO _>

35

UNITED WOMEN

Young people at Levenshulme High School were delighted to welcome Irene Guerrero and Phallon Tullis-Joyce as part of an exciting recent school day.

Levenshulme is one of Manchester United Foundation’s 77 partner schools and colleges, and the Reds pair took time out to make the special visit to South Manchester.

Irene and Phallon visited science and Spanish classes before rounding off a rewarding afternoon on the football pitch by lending some sporting advice and signing autographs.

M U F O U N D AT I O N

The Reds pair enjoyed meeting pupils at the all-girls high school

Manchester United Foundation, especially being a new player, it’s just been really great to see what the Foundation is doing so that we can directly impact these students. Being able to help our nearby communities – I really love that, especially with the responsibility of being a sportsperson. It’s so important to give back.”

Irene added: “The time in the classroom was really fun, and for me, the best class was Spanish – that was my favourite.

“It’s a good to enjoy the time with the children. The girls look up to you and ask about your day in training. It’s good to have a close relationship between us, to show them if they dream big and work hard, that they can be whatever they want.”

The visit certainly left a lasting impression on the pupils. One of them, Nadine, said: “It’s been amazing and I’ve really liked meeting the players. it’s really nice and inspiring. It’s definitely driven me to do better and the players telling me how good I can be made it feel very special.”

12/12/2023 09:04

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

MCR MIX-UP! 36

REARRANGE THESE LETTERS TO FIND THREE CURRENT UNITED STARS…

MAZY AT HAWAIIAN MAIN MARVELLED JOLLY ALP TOUCHLINES

UNITED WOMEN

GIRLS IN GREEN WHO ARE THESE MYSTERY UNITED STARS?

U 2

1

3

MCR mix-up answers: 1. Hinata Miyazawa; 2. Melvine Malard; 3. Phallon Tullis-Joyce Girls in green answers: 1. Ella Toone; 2. Jayde Riviere; 3. Hayley Ladd 36-37_MUWFC_Junior-Red-Leicester-CGIM.indd 1

12/12/2023 09:04

K I D S ' PAG E S

150-UP

DID YOU KN OW, THE RED S’ REC ENT WIN AT BR WA S OU R 150 th COM PET ITI VE GA ME ! CAN YOUIST OL CIT Y THE SE OTH ER LAN DM AR K MATCH ES? REC ALL GAME #1

MAN CITY v UNITED 07.09.2019

LIVERPOOL v UNITED 19.08.2018

WSL GAME #1 37

UNITED v WEST HAM 27.03.2021

GAME #50

EVERTON v UNITED 23.02.2020

OLD TRAFFORD GAME #1

UNITED v LEICESTER 05.03.2022

36-37_MUWFC_Junior-Red-Leicester-CGIM.indd 2

UNITED WOMEN

GAME #100

12/12/2023 09:04

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

AD TEMPLATE.indd 1

02/10/2023 22:50

● FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE TABLE 1

Team

P

W

D

L

GD

Pts

Chelsea

9

7

1

1

18

22

2

Arsenal

9

7

1

1

15

22

3

Manchester City

9

6

1

2

16

19

4

UNITED

9

5

3

1

15

18

5

Liverpool

9

4

3

2

3

15

6

Tottenham

9

3

3

3

-6

12

7

Everton

9

3

2

4

-7

11

8

Leicester

9

2

3

4

-6

9

9

Brighton

9

2

2

5

-11

8

10 Aston Villa

9

2

0

7

-11

6

11 Bristol City

9

1

2

6

-13

5

12 West Ham

9

1

1

7

-13

4

● UNITED APPEARANCES AND GOALS, 2023/24 PLAYER

WSL

FA CUP

LEAGUE CUP

UWCL

TOTAL

APP

GLS

APP

GLS APP

GLS

APP

GLS

APP

GLS

Hannah Blundell

9

1

0

0

2

0

2

0

13

1

Mary Earps

9

0

0

0

0

0

2

0

11

0

Gemma Evans

0(4)

0

0

0

2

0

0

0

2(4)

0

Leah Galton

7(1)

1

0

0

0(2)

1

2

0

9(3)

2

Lucia Garcia

4(5)

2

0

0

2

0

1(1)

0

7(6)

2

Gabby George

3

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

4

0

Geyse

6(1)

1

0

0

0(1)

1

1(1)

0

7(3)

2 0

Irene Guerrero

0(1)

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0(1)

Hayley Ladd

4(1)

1

0

0

2

1

0

0

6(1)

2

Maya Le Tissier

9

1

0

0

2

0

2

0

13

1

Melvine Malard

5(3)

4

0

0

0(1)

0

1(1)

1

6(5)

5

Hinata Miyazawa

5(3)

1

0

0

2

0

0(2)

0

7(5)

1

Lisa Naalsund

1(3)

0

0

0

1(1)

0

2

1

4(4)

1

Nikita Parris

6(2)

4

0

0

2

4

0

0

8(2)

8

Evie Rabjohn

0

0

0

0

0(1)

0

0

0

0(1)

0

Jayde Riviere

5(2)

0

0

0

2

0

2

0

9(2)

0

Ella Toone

8(1)

2

0

0

1(1)

0

2

0

11(2)

2

Phallon Tullis-Joyce

0

0

0

0

2

0

0

0

2

0

Millie Turner

9

1

0

0

0

0

2

0

11

1

Rachel Williams

0(9)

4

0

0

2

1

0(1)

0

2(10)

5

Katie Zelem

9

1

0

0

0(1)

0

2

0

11(1)

1

UNITED ALL-TIME APPS & GOALS

Parris leads the way for United with Conti Cup goals this season

39

Ladd looks on course to become just the sixth player to reach 100 appearances for United Women

● WSL TOP SCORERS, 2023/24 SEASON

● ALL-TIME RECORDS: GAMES

● ALL-TIME RECORDS: GOALS

7

Apps

GLS

Khadija Shaw (Manchester City)

6

Ella Toone

144

Ella Toone

46

Lauren James (Chelsea)

6

Katie Zelem

141

Leah Galton

36

Martha Thomas (Tottenham Hotspur)

6

Millie Turner

124

Katie Zelem

31

Lauren Hemp (Manchester City)

5

Leah Galton

120

Lauren James

28

Jill Roord (Manchester City)

5

Mary Earps

107

Alessia Russo

26

Agnes Beever-Jones (Chelsea)

5

Hayley Ladd

94

Jessica Sigsworth

26

Amalie Thestrup (Bristol City)

5

Kirsty Hanson

90

Nikita Parris

17

Ona Batlle

77

Mollie Green

16

Hannah Blundell

71

Kirsty Hanson

16

Amy Turner

67

Hayley Ladd

11

Jessica Sigsworth

66

Rachel Williams

11

Jackie Groenen

60

Lucia Garcia

10

Alessia Russo

59

Lizzie Arnot

9

Kirsty Smith

58

Vilde Boe Risa

8

Lauren James

56

Martha Thomas

8

Martha Thomas

53

Millie Turner

8

Martha Harris

49

Jane Ross

7

Maria Thorisdottir

45

Charlie Devlin

6

Vilde Boe Risa

44

Alex Greenwood

5

Maya Le Tissier

44

Melvine Malard

5

● WSL TOP ASSISTS, 2023/24 SEASON Victoria Pelova (Arsenal)

4

Sam Kerr (Chelsea)

3

Lena Petermann (Leicester City)

3

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Chelsea)

3

Ella Toone (United) 3 Jessie Fleming (Chelsea)

3

Niamh Charles (Chelsea)

3

Laia Aleixandri (Manchester City)

3

Maisie Symonds (Brighton & Hove Albion)

3

UNITED WOMEN

Elisabeth Terland (Brighton & Hove Albion)

39_MUWFC_App-Stats (up to Spurs).CGIM.indd 1

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

APPEARANCES, GOALS & ’23/24 WSL STATISTICS

12/12/2023 09:01

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

4-0

2,152

Earps

Riviere

Le Tissier

Turner

Blundell 1

Zelem

Ladd 1

DECEM BER WSL

Sun 10

Tottenham (A) 6.45pm

CC

Thu 14

Leicester City (H) 7pm

WSL

Sun 17

Liverpool (H) 12.15pm

JA NUA RY

40

FA

Sun 14

Fourth round

WSL

Sun 21

Chelsea (A) 12.30pm

CC

Wed 24

Manchester City (A) 7pm

WSL

Sun 28

Aston Villa (H) 12pm

F EBRUA RY WSL

Sun 4

Brighton (H) 12pm

CC

7/8

Quarter-finals

FA

Sun 11

Fifth round

WSL

Sat 17

Arsenal (A) 2pm

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

Sat 30

Final

WSL

Sun 31

Everton (H) 12pm

FA

Sun 14

Semi-finals

WSL

Sun 21

Tottenham (H), 12pm

WSL

Sun 28

Leicester (A) 3pm

WSL

Sun 5

Liverpool (A) 2pm

FA

11/12

Final

WSL

Sat 18

Chelsea (H) TBC

A PR IL

MAY

UNITED WOMEN

United score listed first. All fixtures subject to change – TV picks confirmed until 28 January.

Visit ManUtd.com/fixtures for latest fixtures information

40-41_MUWFC_Fixtures (up to Spurs).CGIM.indd 1

12/12/2023 09:01

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

2023/24 SEASON SCHEDULE

FOLLOW THE REDS:

41

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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

12/12/2023 09:01

QUESTION TIME

ADDED-TIME

QUIZ

PROVE YOUR UNITED WOMEN KNOWLEDGE BY TAKING UP OUR CHALLENGE!

CA R E E R PAT H S

Can you identify these current Reds from their clubs before they moved to United?

1. LIVERPOOL

JUVENTUS

UNITED

2. ARNA-BJORNAR

BRANN

UNITED

3. MICHIGAN WOLVERINES

AFC ANN ARBOR

UNITED

How well do you know United’s free-scoring forward, Nikita Parris?

KEETS QUARTET

42

4 At which current Women’s Super League club did Nikita start her career as a teenager?

5

6

In which year did Parris make her senior debut for England: 2014, 2015 or 2016?

Parris was our third-highest scorer last season behind Alessia Russo and which current squad member?

7 For which of these North West clubs has Nikita NOT previously played: Everton, Liverpool or Manchester City?

What can you remember from the Reds’ past meetings with the Foxes?

THREE TO FINISH

→

UNITED WOMEN

8

Aside from Ella Toone, who is the only other Red to score in 2019’s 11-1 League Cup win v Leicester who is still at the club?

9

How many of United’s previous 21 group games in the Conti Cup have been settled on penalties: three, five or seven?

10

The Reds have reached the Conti Cup semi-finals three times; once facing Arsenal and twice taking on which club?

ANSWERS 1. Katie Zelem; 2. Lisa Naalsund; 3. Jayde Riviere; 4. Everton; 5. 2016; 6. Leah Galton; 7. Liverpool; 8. Hayley Ladd; 9. Five; 10. Chelsea

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12/12/2023 09:09

Manchester United Home 23/24

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

MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN Head coach: Marc Skinner

LEICESTER CITY WOMEN Head coach: Willie Kirk

Gabby George

3

1

Janina Leitzig (GK)

Maya Le Tissier

4

2

Courtney Nevin

Aoife Mannion

5

3

Sam Tierney

Hannah Blundell

6

4

CJ Bott

Ella Toone

7

5

Sophie Howard

Irene Guerrero

8

6

Aimee Palmer

Melvine Malard

9

7

Deanne Rose

Katie Zelem

10

8

Jutta Rantala

Leah Galton

11

9

Lena Petermann

Hayley Ladd

12

10 Aileen Whelan

Jayde Riviere

14

11 Janice Cayman

Gemma Evans

15

13 Monique Robinson

Lisa Naalsund

16

14 Josie Green

Lucia Garcia

17

17 Julie Thibaud

Hinata Miyazawa

20

19 Remy Siemsen

Millie Turner

21

20 Missy Goodwin

Nikita Parris

22

21 Hannah Cain

Geyse

23

23 Lize Kop (GK)

Evie Rabjohn

25

27 Shannon O’Brien

Mary Earps (GK)

27

32 Ava Baker

Rachel Williams

28

38 Holly Mears

Emma Watson

34

41 Jess Reavill

Safia Middleton-Patel (GK)

39

47 Simone Sherwood

Lucy Newell

55

49 Denny Draper

Phallon Tullis-Joyce (GK)

91

M ATC H

O F F IC I A LS

Referee Phoebe Cross Assistants Georgia Ball, Jacob Graham Fourth official Abby Dearden

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12/12/2023 09:09