Manchester United Women v Manchester City Women match programme, Women's Super League, 19.11.23

OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

2023/24 SEASON • VOLUME 06 ISSUE 06

MANCHESTER

UNITED WOMEN VV

MANCHESTER CITY WOMEN

Barclays Women’s Super League SUNDAY 19 November 2023 ○ 4.30PM

#allredallequal

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14/11/2023 20:16

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02/10/2023 23:28

IT’S MATCHDAY!

06 BIG PICTURE 09 COUNTDOWN TO KICK-OFF 13

REDS REPORT

17

KATIE ZELEM COLUMN

18

LEAH GALTON INTERVIEW

25

FAN PHOTOS & MESSAGES

28

SIGNED PLAYER POSTER

30 FAN INTERVIEW 32

RECORD CROWDS

40 THE OPPOSITION

W H AT ’ S I N S I D E

04 HEAD COACH’S COLUMN

04

PRESS THE PAGE NUMBERS TO NAVIGATE

45 MU FOUNDATION

03

48 JUNIOR REDS 51

STATS SECTION

54 ADDED-TIME QUIZ

32

18 MATCH PROGRAMME TEAM Editor Charlie Ghagan Editor-in-chief Ian McLeish Contributors Helen Rowe-Willcocks, Jamie Spencer, Sean Mullan, Matthew Brown Photography Charlotte Tattersall, Ash Donelon, John Peters, Matt Peters, Getty, Alamy Design Tom Chase, Kulsum Karolia, Jake Paul, Andy Ball Thanks to Ellie Decrop, Steve Bennett, Benjamin Williams, Jonny Cooper 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, Richard Arnold, Michael Edelson, Sir Alex Ferguson, David Gill CBE Secretary Rebecca Britain Honorary president Martin Edwards

15/11/2023 09:09

IT’S A SPECIAL DAY FOR SO MANY REASONS, AND MUCH LIKE HIS PLAYERS THE HEAD COACH CAN’T WAIT FOR KICK-OFF...

MARC SKINNER H

04

UNITED WOMEN

ello and welcome to Old Trafford, for this important WSL game against Gareth Taylor’s Manchester City.

Derby days are always special occasions and we are excited to play in front of what we hope is a record home crowd for us this afternoon. Whenever we play Manchester City the games are tight but we will continue to play with ambition on the ball; ambition to make sure we keep attacking as much as possible throughout the whole game.

Prior results have little bearing on such games, with the derby always bringing out an extra edge for everyone involved. We have back-to-back clean sheets and that’s something we want to build on once again. We are also unbeaten in 13 WSL games and in our last two games we’ve had eight different goalscorers grabbing 12 goals.

While we really want to continue adding to those wonderful statistics we are reaching already this season, we also still have levels to climb.

Despite the 5-0 scoreline against West Ham last weekend, there was a period of play in the second half in which I thought we could have been better and the players agreed, so we really want to improve on that today.

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We go into this game wanting to remember the core of Manchester United is about hard work, creativity and the will to win. We need to make sure we are fully focused for the full 90 minutes, and that we don’t have any lapses in concentration. It’s important to remember that defending is a team effort and not just the defence’s job. Manchester City have some strong players and we know they’ll bring a lot of strength all over the pitch. We know we’ll all need to defend properly if we are to halt their attacking threat. We are prepared to make Old Trafford a fortress, just like Leigh Sports Village is.

While the whole team is ready and prepared for this game, I would like to give a special mention to Jayde Riviere. As a childhood Manchester United fan, it is a real honour for her to be the first Canadian to play at Old Trafford for this football club, and in a game as big as this one. Jayde has really stepped up this season and this will be a special day for her.

I hope you enjoy the game, and make sure you keep singing loud and proud.

Your collective voice always gives us the extra edge and it will be so important once again.

Up the Reds!

14/11/2023 20:20

HEAD COACH 05

UNITED WOMEN

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14/11/2023 20:20

BIG PICTURE 06

THE TURNER PRIZE...

UNITED WOMEN

Millie Turner goals don’t come about too often, but when they do they always seem to get us out of our seats! That was the case again last Sunday when the centre-back decided to rampage forward through the West Ham midfield, before picking up a superb pass from Leah Galton, then cutting inside to curl home a wonderful finish from the edge of the box.

While it might not have proved as crucial as her last two United goals in terms of the final score – a pair of vital, game-changing headers away to Arsenal and Aston Villa last season – the sheer quality of her eighth United goal made this one for the Millie T scrapbook. “In the international break we were working on finishing and shooting, and I was scoring some screamers... so that’s what you get!” she smiled after watching the goal back. We love to see it!

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15/11/2023 09:03

BIG PICTURE 07

UNITED 5 WEST HAM 0

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UNITED WOMEN

SEE THE GOALS!

15/11/2023 09:03

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

Get set for a momentous ­afternoon in the WSL – a first United versus City women’s game at Old Trafford...

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UNITED WOMEN

The Reds and the Blues of Manchester have seen an awful lot of each other since we first met in 2019 (remarkably, today will be meeting no.13) but there’s one significant difference to this latest encounter – venue: Old Trafford.

Coming into this eighth WSL tussle between the teams, the mood around the United camp couldn’t be any more positive. Back-to-back wins against Everton (7-0 in the cup) and West Ham (5-0 in the league) have seen Marc Skinner’s side put our slightly stuttering start to 2023/24 firmly behind us, with the new signings really beginning to click, while a few more established players have found some serious form. Heading into this weekend, only United and Chelsea remain unbeaten in the WSL, while our league home record dating back to last term is formidable: we’re unbeaten in our last

11 at home (W8 D3), keeping seven clean sheets along the way and winning five of those – including two at Old Trafford – by at least a four-goal margin.

As for our visitors, their strong start to the campaign has stumbled since November began, with WSL defeats to Arsenal (1-2) and Brighton (0-1 at home) seeing them drop to sixth place. The result against the Gunners meant Gareth Taylor’s side have now lost four of their last six WSL games on the road, including fixtures at the tail-end of 2022/23, which is as many losses as they managed in their previous 28 away league matches.

Those recent stats may not paint a pretty picture for those of a blue persuasion in the crowd today, but as the enduring football cliché goes, when it comes to any derby, the ‘form book goes out the window’, right? The ‘usual rules of the game don’t apply’, correct? Like any good cliché, much of that does ring true, but don’t believe the notion that ‘it means more’ to the local players involved.

Today will see two international, multicultural teams of the highest quality duke it out, with

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01

DERBY DAY IN M16

15/11/2023 09:02

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

KN OWI N G W H O TO START WIT H , AN D W H O TO UN LE A S H F ROM T H E BEN CH , C OU L D P ROV E KE Y TO THE TACT I C A L BAT TLE I N T H E DU G O U T World Cup finalists and Ballon d’Or Feminin nominees likely to be lining up for both sides – from England to Jamaica, Canada to Venezuela, and countless nationalities in between. And every player on the pitch will know the importance of today, including exactly what’s at stake in terms of the WSL table: three massive points that even in this early stage of the season could prove defining in terms of their team’s 2023/24 ambitions in this tightest of league tables, where every defeat feels hugely costly for those targeting the top spots.

The visitors are set to be buoyed by the likely return of skipper Alex Greenwood, who has been back in full training this week, two weeks after sustaining a head injury while on England duty.

A natural leader at the back (as we’ve seen for ourselves, of course), City fans will be hoping her return to the side makes a big difference to the Blues’ chances of getting back to winning ways.

Greenwood’s replacement as United skipper, Katie Zelem, coincidentally sustained a head injury against West Ham last weekend – albeit it a less serious one – and she’s all set to proudly lead the team out at Old Trafford for a fifth time today.

Further forward, both sides have a wealth of attacking talents to choose from, and knowing

WATCH!

WHEN UNITED AND CITY LAST MET UNITED WOMEN

Derby day no.12 was one to savour for the Reds

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who to start with, and who to unleash from the bench, could prove key to the tactical battle in the dugout. Nikita Parris’s scoring form means she’ll surely be involved against her old club, but with Geyse, Melvine Malard, Leah Galton, Lucia Garcia and Rachel Williams also finding the net recently (21 goals between them this season), who’ll start, and who’ll be held back until the second half?

Skinner’s substitutions have regularly proved inspired, breathing new life into his entire side.

Seven of our last 10 goals in the WSL have been scored after the 75th minute, and so often those goals have involved his ‘game changers’.

It’ll be fascinating to see how things pan out on the pitch over the next 90 minutes, while there will also be much curiosity over the final attendance figure, with over 40,000 tickets having been sold as of Tuesday. How high will that number go?

Come 6.30pm tonight we’ll know all the answers, and hopefully every United fan inside Old Trafford will be exiting down Sir Matt Busby Way with a big smile on their face as they ponder that other all-too familiar derby-day adage: taking home the ‘bragging rights’. Come on United!

FAN ACTIVITIES There’s plenty going on outside Old Trafford ahead of kick-off today, including a fanzone marquee near the ticketing office on the north-west side of the stadium. Inside the fanzone you’ll find a DJ, a choir and face-painting, as well as some giveaways from Manchester United’s club partners.

There will also be some activity on the Apollo pitch for young fans to join in.

We’d also like to welcome our many mascots for the match – Lola Scarborough, Frankie Busfield, Meredith Laithwaite, Summer Nobre, Katie Rodger, Khushal Gorsia, Ellie Simms, Abbie Currie, plus a few others. We hope you all have a fantastic day at the Theatre of Dreams.

15/11/2023 09:02

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02/10/2023 22:35

5 UNITED 0 WEST HAM

Women’s Super League Leigh Sports Village, Sun 12 Nov

13 REDS REPORT opener only.CGIM.indd 1

Viviane Asseyi and Katie Zelem collided heads. It lead to Asseyi leaving the game, while Zelem played on with a bandage.

THREE UP BY THE BREAK: Mackenzie Arnold in the West Ham goal was kept busy as the chances kept coming, with Toone and Galton going close. But it was left to Millie Turner to make it 2-0 with a cracker on 42 minutes (which, it turned out, she’d promised her dad on his birthday!) Soon after, Nikita Parris continued her great form in front of goal, confidently smashing home: 3-0.

HAMMERS TIME: Despite our lead, the Reds were on the back foot for a long spell after the break, with Mary Earps having to command her box to retain her clean sheet as Riko Ueki and others threatened. Indeed, we didn’t have a second-half shot until the 75th minute.

SUBS SEAL IT: Once again, it was our ‘game changers’ from the bench who stepped up with their fresh legs late on.

Lucia Garcia finished well on her right foot to make it 4-0, before Melvine Malard – who is proving a real ‘fox in the box’ – pounced late on for 5-0. Five goals, five different goalscorers. Nice.

SKINNERS’ VERDICTS: “What pleased me most was the fluidity – when you play against us we can attack in so many different ways,” said Marc Skinner, while namesake Rehanne said of her West Ham side: “In this league we have to be competitive every week and today we gave too much time and space. You can’t give Man United that without being punished for it.”

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UNITED WOMEN

ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY: Another huge goal haul from Marc Skinner’s Reds sees off the Hammers, whetting the appetite even more for derby day.

PRE-MATCH TRIBUTES: Ahead of the game, armed forces representatives laid wreaths on the LSV pitch, as the players and 4,396 fans in attendance partook in a respectful Remembrance Sunday tribute to all those to have lost their lives in conflicts around the world.

GEYSE’S EARLY OPENER: For all her bewitching attacking play in her first six appearances, our Brazilian no.23 was still awaiting a first WSL goal, so no wonder she looked so pleased to head home Hinata Miyazawa’s high ball into the box after three minutes, setting the tone for a fine first half from the Reds.

HEAD-ON-HEAD: A worrying moment came near the half-hour mark, when

...before Malard rounds things off

01

REDS REPORT

SEVEN DAYS AGO

M AT C H A C T I O N

TIMELINE OF ALL UNITED’S RECENT MATCHES

Geyse’s all smiles after opening the goals...

14/11/2023 20:29

M AT C H A C T I O N 14

TEN DAYS AGO

7 UNITED 0 EVERTON

Continental Tyres League Cup Group B Leigh Sports Village, Thu 9 Nov

UNITED WOMEN

ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY: Conti Cup campaign begins in devastating fashion as Reds put seven past Everton without reply – less than three weeks after beating the same opponents 5-0 in the WSL. PHALLON FEELS THE LOVE: Phallon Tullis-Joyce made her debut in goal, and we could see what it meant to her, both ahead of the game and when she shared her pride at full-time following a clean sheet. Not that she had too much to do...

HEAD START: Both sides shared the possession in the opening stages, but the Reds looked far more dangerous in the final third. And once we’d netted two headers within two minutes – Nikita Parris (28 mins) and Rachel Williams (30 mins), both from pinpoint Jayde Riviere crosses – there was no looking back for Marc Skinner’s side on an evening when we had 20 shots to the visitors’ one.

PARRIS IS BURNING: Nikita was the star of the show, adding two more second-half goals to claim her first United hat-trick, after Hayley Ladd had made it 3-0. Poor old Emily Ramsey – facing her old club in the Everton goal – could do little to stop on the onslaught, with Geyse (her first United goal) and Leah Galton adding to the Toffees’ agony in miserable conditions in Leigh.

RABJOHN ON FOR RIVIERE: One of the biggest cheers of the night among the 1,804 crowd came on 63 minutes – first for the departing Riviere after another dynamic display on the right of defence, and then for her replacement, Evie Rabjohn, as she made her debut for the Reds and looked very assured with her distribution.

STANDOUT MOMENT: Parris’s hat-trick clincher to make it 5-0. An excellent team move saw Geyse turn brilliantly near the centre circle before finding Ella Toone, who raced through one-on-one with Ramsey. Unselfishly, and with a defender chasing her down, Toone still had the composure to square the ball into the path of Parris, who tapped it home. A ‘chef’s kiss’ of a goal... much like the all-round performance from the Reds, who face Liverpool away on Wednesday next in Group B.

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Captain-for the-night Ladd gets her first goal of the season

Geyse and Parris were two standout performers

Rabjohn enjoyed her half-hour on the pitch

CONTINENTAL TYRES LEAGUE CUP, GROUP B TABLE Team

P

W

D

L

GD

1

Manchester City

2

2

0

0

2

Pts 6

2

UNITED

1

1

0

0

7

3

3

Leicester City

1

1

0

0

1

3

4

Liverpool

2

0

0

2

-2

0

5

Everton

2

0

0

2

-8

0

The five group winners qualify for the quarter-finals, alongside the two best runners-up and Chelsea (who received a bye due to their involvement in the Women’s Champions League group stage)

14/11/2023 20:32

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

ZEL’S NOTES

THIS STADIUM WILL ALWAYS EVOKE FOND MEMORIES, SAYS KATIE, AND SHE KNOWS THE REDS CAN CREATE A SWEET MOMENT TODAY

B

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17 Bandaged up last Sunday following a clash of heads, but Zel battled on to help us to victory

could be limited so I am glad she took her chance and was able to show what she’s all about.

We know we can expect a large, possibly record-breaking crowd, for this game. We pride ourselves on how loud our fans are and the incredible support you give us. That’s something that is so close to Manchester United’s heart and a key part of the DNA of this team. We are so proud to have the support that we do. We hope we can get the result you want today, and if it’s your first United Women game we hope to see you back again – both at Old Trafford and at Leigh Sports Village!

UNITED WOMEN

eing a Manchester United fan and playing in games such as this one is so special, but every one of us is super excited. Even if it’s just from watching United v City games on TV growing up, we all know how important derby day is when the two Manchester sides come together.

Playing the game at Old Trafford makes it extra special. We get brilliant crowds at Leigh Sports Village, but for so many Reds, games here are what they grew up with. Our idols played here and some of our favourite memories from being young are from being here.

Every time we play here, these games become more special, and hopefully we can create an atmosphere that is incredible today. Some of the girls haven’t had the chance to play here yet – I know when they arrive they’ll understand why it’s called the Theatre of Dreams.

Looking back on our last couple of games, it was amazing to see Phallon and Evie make their debuts. They both had great games against Everton in the Conti Cup, and it was extra special for Phall to keep a clean sheet.

She’s been training so hard, so she deserves it. It’s always a difficult role when you come into a team and you know your game time

14/11/2023 20:32

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW 18

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14/11/2023 20:33

L E A H G A LT O N

AS LEAH GALTON GETS SET FOR THE REDS’ FIFTH TRIP TO OLD TRAFFORD, SHE TELLS US WHY SQUAD CAMARADERIE AND PREPARATION ARE THE BUILDING BLOCKS FOR SUCCESS... HELPED BY A SPOT OF LEGO!

We bring in new players with warmth and with love

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INTERVIEW: HELEN ROWE-WILLCOCKS

We’re speaking the day after a particularly wet evening at LSV, when we played Everton – have you dried out yet, and how did you enjoy the game, getting on the scoresheet in a 7-0 win?

No, I am still soaking wet! I’m not sure I’ll ever be dry again [Laughs]. It did feel nice to win like that and score, though. It’s a relief for a forward whenever you get on the scoresheet and be part of the reason the team wins.

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Have you got a favourite you’ve built so far?

I’m on little cars at the minute – today I’m doing a James Bond one. Saf will build anything and everything. Rach is very Harry Potter themed.

[Safia, hearing the chat, comes over...]

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We’re at a point now where all the outfield players, except those who are injured, have featured for us this season. Is the squad rotation something which is fundamental?

I think it shows you the depth of the squad. That the players can play as soon as they’re needed, and they can deal with whatever’s thrown at them.

Before we move on to the derby, we have to talk about something new at the training ground which we’ve heard about – Lego club!

[Smiles] Saf [Middleton-Patel] was the founder of the club really. Rachel [Williams] used to build Lego at home so she brought it into work. I was a newbie; I didn’t really play Lego. Well, I used to when I was young but now Saf has got me back into it. We have a little club, which is Jess [Simpson], Saf, Rachel and me. We have some part-timers too, but we are the main features!

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW 20

A DERBY G I V ES BOT H TE AMS THAT E X T R A F I G H T, AN D TH E Y AR E U S UA L LY A BI T MOR E P H YS I C AL Safia: Rach is building the Triwizard lake at the minute and she has Hedwig on the go as well.

I’m building a shark and Jess is on cars, like Leah.

Leah: So it’s a nice mixture of things!

It sounds fun, we want to join! When we spoke to Safia recently about her autism diagnosis, she mentioned that you were reading a book about autism to understand more. Was that something which was important to you?

Saf brought in the book and I really wanted to read it. I am starting to learn a bit more now, and it’s nice because it has made our friendship even stronger. I think I understand her a lot more and it’s important to try and get other people to understand her as well. It helps so much for her to be her. I think our team does that really well.

It shows just how much of a close-knit group this squad is. Whenever we talk to anyone in and around the squad the word ‘togetherness’ is the one which seems to be used the most...

UNITED WOMEN

Safia shares a selfie from Lego club!

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Scoring at the Etihad was just one of many high points for the winger last season

Looking around, this is the strongest, most close-knit group I have ever been a part of.

Since I’ve been here from five years ago you can see how much it’s built up from where it started. It’s just getting stronger and stronger.

They keep recruiting the right kind of people.

We don’t have any people who think they are too good or too important here so everyone just gels together. We bring in the new players with warmth and with love and they just gel straight away. It’s a really nice feeling. As a new player it can be daunting joining a new team but here we welcome them with open arms.

Now we have to talk about the derby. Since it was announced as an Old Trafford fixture, it feels like the fans have been looking forward to this one. Is that the same for the players or do you just think about whichever game is next?

We always get told we have to think game by game, which we do because every game is important, but playing at Old Trafford... it’s amazing. The pitch is great, we get even more fans and they are always great at Old Trafford, so we’re just hoping we can win for them.

14/11/2023 20:33

FULL NAME Leah Danielle Galton DATE OF BIRTH 24 May 1994 PLACE OF BIRTH Harrogate, North Yorkshire

YOUTH CAREER Knaresborough Celtic, Harrogate Railway, Leeds United COLLEGE CAREER 2012-15 Hofstra Pride (New York) 82 games, 48 goals

INTERNATIONAL CAREER England U15, U17, U19 level

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As someone who has featured at Old Trafford several times before, have any of the new players asked you what to expect, or have you given them any pointers?

It’s one of those things you cannot really explain.

You just have to witness it and be there. Some of the girls who are new and haven’t played at Old Trafford are really excited for it. These games are always hyped up in the media, adding to the excitement, and it’s nice to see new players experience that for the first time.

Is it important to find the balance between the excitement of these games, and making sure people see that the women’s teams deserve to play at such stadiums – that’s it’s not a privilege to be there?

Exactly. The excitement builds because we don’t

U MN UI TWEFDC _W2O3M/ E2 N4

SENIOR CAREER 2010-12 Leeds United 38 games, 9 goals 2016-17 Sky Blue FC (New Jersey) 30 games, 5 goals 2018 Bayern Munich 2 games, 0 goals 2018- Manchester United 116 games, 36 goals

Leigh Sports Village has been a fortress over the last few seasons. Does the team’s approach differ going into Old Trafford home games?

Personally, I prepare exactly the same. I like the feeling of Old Trafford games. The feeling is different. Obviously playing at Old Trafford – we don’t do that every week so when we do and we walk out on to the pitch, it’s an unbelievable feeling and it gets me every time. My preparation and the way the team prepares though is exactly the same. I don’t think there’s anything in the changing rooms that I would do at LSV and not do at Old Trafford. We have to treat it like a normal game because really it is. We are just playing at a bigger stadium and I really do love playing at the big stadiums. I am excited to do it once again.

L E A H G A LT O N

Derbies always add that extra level of excitement. If last season’s game at Leigh Sports Village is anything to go by, we could be in for a real treat, couldn’t we...

Games against City are always exciting, and then games at Old Trafford are always exciting as well.

We go full throttle into every match we play, but because it’s ‘Manchester versus Manchester’, it gives both teams that extra fight and they are usually a little bit more physical than other games.

Hopefully it will be another good game with lots of goals, and we can take the three points again.

14/11/2023 20:33

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Galton rounds off the scoring 10 days ago in our emphatic cup victory against Everton – her 36th goal for the Reds

22

play at Old Trafford that often, so it’s natural to see. It’s exciting, it’s different, the stadium is massive and the pitch really is unbelievable. It’s like a carpet. It gives you a real buzz even for me so I cannot imagine how it feels for people like Tooney who grew up as Manchester United fans.

You have scored at Old Trafford, while you also scored in the derby at the Eithad last season. It must be an extra special feeling scoring in such important games...

I really did enjoy that game against City. I think it was one of my best performances in my career.

I felt like we were unlucky [to only draw] but it also could have gone either way. To watch it must have been a great game. I am excited to go again in a game like that. Hopefully I’ll get selected and I can go out and enjoy it again.

UNITED WOMEN

Our attendance record looks set to be beaten in this game. What does it mean to see that support, with fans turning out in such numbers?

It’s amazing really. Not only do they get to come and watch us perform and play against City – and paint the town red, of course – but it’s an experience. It’s so different to Leigh. Leigh is amazing but a change of scenery is also nice with

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YO U C A N HE A R T HE FA NS E VE RY W HE R E INS ID E O LD T R A FF O R D. IT EC HO E S A ND I T ’ S A N U NB E LIE VA B LE F E E LING W HE N YO U S C O R E a bigger number of fans. You can hear the fans everywhere inside Old Trafford, it’s a special place.

It echoes and it’s an unbelievable feeling when you score. Hopefully we can go and smash it, and smash that attendance record too.

After over five years at the club, what does being a United player mean to you these days?

The first feeling I have is of family. Taking out the context of football, if I strip it back, I immediately think family. They are obviously not my blood family but it’s like a different type of family. I spend so much time with these girls, I care about them all so much and that is what makes it so much easier when we go and play. You want to fight for your family and we want to go out and give everything we can for each other.

14/11/2023 20:33

Manchester United Home 23/24

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‘Happy birthday Joanne Hitchborn – we hope you have a great day, love Hubby, Mariah, Scarlett, Gracie and Abbey.’

FAN PHOTOS & MES SAGES

FAN GALLERY

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

Hannah – pictured with her Mam a few years ago! – is 16 tomorrow. Her present?

A United shirt and tickets for the derby!

01

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Happy 10th birthday to William Booker. Today’s game is a pre-birthday treat. Enjoy it!

Happy 9th birthday to Paige O’Rourke. Lots of love, Mum, Neil and Leyton.

Happy 12th birthday, Hattie.

Love Mum, Dad and Charlie.

Lottie, aged 7, can’t wait to see Tooney and Zel (who she shares a birthday with) today.

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Ella Toone fan Rosie will be 11 on 20 November and Mum, Dad, Sonny and George wish you a very happy birthday!

UNITED WOMEN

‘This lad and all that rabble with him travel from Worcestershire to every home match (and a few away ones). Happy 82 years young Dave, you legend!’

14/11/2023 20:44

FAN PHOTOS & MES SAGES

Happy 13th birthday to season ticket holder Teagan – love Mum, Dad and Mason.

Welcome to Old Trafford to Lyla, along with mum Mel and grandma Sandra.

‘Good luck this season, ladies! We hope to see you back at Wembley this season!’ write Danni and Sarah.

‘Happy 13th birthday, Elise – bring on a win for the Reds! All our love Grandma and Nat Nat.’

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Here’s young Millie, who loves the mighty Reds almost as much as her dad.

‘Happy 6th birthday Mini, and enjoy the match. Love Mummy, Daddy and Jenson.’

Have an amazing day, Maisie-Lou Bate – love Mom and Harry.

Happy 12th birthday, Grace. Love Uncle Martin and Auntie Shannon.

UNITED WOMEN

Hello to sisters Alex and Faye – it’s Alex’s birthday this weekend, and her favourite player is Maya Le Tissier.

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Wishing Heidi Clothier a very happy 11th birthday! Lots of love from all your family.

14/11/2023 20:44

● Charlie Cunniff is here to celebrate his 17th birthday. ● A very happy 13th birthday Nia Davies – lots of love from Dad, Mum and Harry. ● ‘Come on you Reds!’ say Alyssa and Lola. ● Faye Mallia turned 11 yesterday. All the best! ● Meghan Leddy is travelling over from Dublin with her parents to watch today’s big game. ● Jess Simpson would like to wish her sister Paige a happy 26th birthday. ‘We usually go together, but I can’t make it to this game,’ says Jess. ● Happy eighth birthday, Libby Wynne. With lots of love from Mum, Dad and Ethan. ● Happy 9th birthday Izzy – love Mum, Dad and Eadie.

FAN PHOTOS & MES SAGES

YOUR MESSAGES

● Zaniyah Benn-Gray is celebrating his 10th birthday, and he’s here in a group of 12 as a surprise trip! ● Happy 14th birthday, Oscar – love Mum, Katelyn and Grandad. Hope you get to see a win today! ● Happy 16th to Amelie Payne, love from Mummy, Daddy, Isabella and Hannah. Amelie is cheering on United with her family, and her godmother Jenny. ● Erin O’Connor turned 11 last Sunday. Happy birthday! ● Three generations of the Walker family are attending the game: Robin and Sue have been United fans for over 60 years; others with them include the youngest Walkers: Hannah, Phoebe, Freddie, Fin and Billy. ● All the best to Liaghnisha Foster, who is 13 today. ● Happy 11th birthday, Aoife – enjoy your first game and experience at Old Trafford. Love always, Mum, Dad, Ciara (happy birthday to you as well) and Harper.

27 Happy 13th birthday for 17 November, Georgia! She plays herself for Morecambe Girls.

Harriet, aged nine and from Cheadle Hulme, was so excited to see her idol EllaToone (and Fred!) at LSV recently.

Happy (early!) birthday Berry Wells, from your mum and dad.

Her top players are Mary and Ella.

Jemima will be celebrating her 9th birthday at Old Trafford today. Lucky Jemima!

Hello to Ellie Chattwood – it’s her 21st birthday today.

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

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UNITED WOMEN

Here’s Willow, a brilliant keeper for Westbury Ninjas. She’s here on a surprise day out!

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14/11/2023 20:45

FAN INTERVIE W

UNITED ARE THE TEAM FOR ME! OUR NEW SERIES TO SALUTE UNITED WOMEN’S MOST DEDICATED FANS BEGINS IN BANGALORE, INDIA, WHERE NAMRATA YADAV (LEFT) IS MORE THAN HAPPY TO LIVE ON ‘MANCHESTER TIME’!

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I live in Bangalore, which is four-and-a-half hours ahead of the UK, but I’m used to living on Manchester time whenever I need to. I’ve done it for a few years now. For a night game that could mean staying up very late! For the PSG away leg, it was more like 4am – I was up chatting online after the game for a couple of hours, as I just couldn’t sleep after that one.

Like a lot of fans, my love of United began with the men’s team. Euro 2004 was the first time I properly watched football with my dad, and I just really liked Wayne Rooney, who was England’s best player and about to join United. I know this sounds superficial, but United’s 2004/05 kit was really nice, so that was another reason why I started following United. Hey, these things are important when you’re 11 years old!

UNITED WOMEN

Rooney’s lovely kit (complete with added ripped collar)

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It wasn’t as easy to follow United back then.

I lived in New Delhi – I moved to Bangalore four years ago – and I’d check newspapers and read the internet to keep up, and eventually I was able to watch a few games online. As I got older I started following the US women’s national team but it was during the Women’s World Cup in 2019 when a friend of mine put in our WhatsApp group that Jackie Groenen had scored [in the semis for the Netherlands]. It’s funny, we’d never talked about women’s football before – ever! – but as Jackie had just joined United it just got us both excited, and I’ve followed United Women closely ever since.

I’ve never been to the UK but I’m hoping to get over next May. I’ll have to try and make it for the football season, but I’m told I wouldn’t like it any earlier in the season, as I’m used to 25-35 degree heat every day! It would be amazing to see the players in the flesh, and properly meet some of the people I’ve been chatting to for a few years.

United Women has a strong fan community.

For the men’s team, there are millions of fans who, like me, can’t actually go to games, and as such it’s easy to feel like you’re on the periphery of the fandom. But with the women’s team, although there are far fewer of us, we all feel connected, and we can discuss our opinions without the noise that can surround those who follow the men’s side.

14/11/2023 20:46

We can have strong opinions about a game – as I often do! – but most people on social media are mature about it. The journalists who cover the women’s game are approachable too, and you can put forward your points to them. Lots of people might tell you your opinion is wrong, but you can usually have that open discussion. It’s much harder to do that with the men’s team.

This team is genuinely inspiring. I’ve followed United for almost 20 years but the first time I’ve felt like I wanted to go out and play football since I was 11 was after I started following United Women. Only when you see people like yourself playing, it makes you want to get involved as well.

I’m used to watching us play on my phone, and at least that gives you flexibility! I remember being at a wedding and watching United Women play West Ham. Indian weddings usually go on late so it was perfect. If it had been Liverpool v United – the two biggest teams in India – the other guests might have understood, but they were like, “why are you watching West Ham at a wedding?!”

I’ve had a few interactions with the squad, which have been really nice. On my birthday

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Bangalore: usually warmer than Leigh

last year, Leah Galton – my favourite player – was asked if she could wish me a happy birthday.

That was the best present! I’ve also done a lot of sketches [see one below] – I did one of Casey Stoney when she left, which a year later she commented on to thank me! That was great.

When I heard about Emma Watson’s injury, I wanted to make her a card. I was thinking about what to sketch, and I thought of her name, and Hermione Granger making a potion to help her get better. I put a lot of heart into it, but after I sent it I got worried she might not have seen Harry Potter due to her age... but she had!

It was a shame we couldn’t go further in the Champions League, and that’s what kept me awake until 4am. But we have to remember it was our first time in the competition, and we were knocked out by a very good side.

Once we’ve qualified two or three times, that’s when a team can be more confident of making a proper impact. I’m sure we’ll be back again.

Want to share your love for the Reds? Email us at muwomenfamily@manutd.co.uk

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UNITED WOMEN

Two important players in Namrata’s life...

FAN INTERVIE W

I REMEMBER BEI N G AT A W EDDI N G AN D WATC H I N G U S PL AY ON M Y P H ON E – IN DI AN WEDDI N G S G O ON L ATE SO I T WA S P E R F ECT !

14/11/2023 20:46

C ROW D ED

H O U SE S WHO KNOWS WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON THE PITCH TODAY, BUT IN THE STANDS IT LOOKS VERY LIKELY TO BE A RECORD-BREAKING GAME OF SOME DESCRIPTION. HERE WE RECALL THE BIGGEST ATTENDANCES IN THE WOMEN’S GAME – FOR THE REDS, AND BEYOND...

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WORDS: CHARLIE GHAGAN

15/11/2023 09:04

RECORD: 30,196

MANCHESTER UNITED v ASTON VILLA WSL, OLD TRAFFORD, 3 DEC 2022

As 2022 began, our record home gate had been in place since game no.1 at Leigh Sports Village – that sunny Saturday in late August 2018, when even a defeat to Reading couldn’t extinguish the optimism among the crowd of 4,835. That record was always going to be obliterated for our first Old Trafford fixture with fans, against Everton on Mother’s Day last March, with 20,241 fans attending the WSL fixture. West Ham’s second visit here (they’d previously lost in M16 behind closed doors, of course) would see an even larger figure of 27,919 come through the turnstiles – helped by it coinciding with the latest ‘Women’s Football Weekend’ to promote games nationwide – but it was our Old Trafford fixture in-between that saw the Reds breach the 30K mark. And those at the game were treated to our best performance yet at the Theatre of Dreams as Aston Villa came to town on a crisp December day: an emphatic, 5-0 win as Zelem (left), Galton, Russo, Batlle and Williams (in the 90th minute, naturally all scored to briefly take us back to the WSL summit.

UNITED 5 VILLA 0

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UNITED WOMEN

SEE THE GOALS!

B I G G E S T AT T E N D A N C E S

UNITED WOMEN HOME FIXTURE

15/11/2023 09:04

The current WSL record was set just last month

WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE FIXTURE

RECORD: 54,115

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ARSENAL v LIVERPOOL EMIRATES STADIUM, 1 OCT 2023

UNITED WOMEN

The Gunners have been playing the odd game at the Emirates for well over a decade now, and there’s no doubt that the London club have impressively led the way in the WSL in more recent years. Indeed, Arsenal have now sold more than 40,000 tickets for a women’s match on five separate occasions in less than two seasons, including for our famous 3-2 win there (exactly a year ago today). Come the start of the current season, another exciting summer on the international stage had only drummed up interest further, and the Emirates was pushed closer towards its capacity for the visit of Matt Beard’s Liverpool, who would leave with a shock 1-0 win.

Beard had previously been Liverpool boss when they were the opponents at the Emirates in 2013 (a game the Merseysiders also won, this time by a 4-0 margin). The crowd that day, to see the best team in the country kick off their title defence at home? A meagre 2,017 within that humongous four-tiered bowl. Talk about progress.

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There were more white shirts than red ones, but how Old Trafford embraced the Euros 16 months ago

WOMEN’S DOMESTIC FIXTURE WORLDWIDE

RECORD: 77,390

CHELSEA v MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN’S FA CUP FINAL, WEMBLEY, 14 MAY 2023

e at

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RECORD: 68,871

ENGLAND v AUSTRIA

WOMEN’S EURO 2022, 6 JUL 2022

The Lionesses’ Euros 2022 opener at Old Trafford sold out months before the match, with excited fans filling the East Stand forecourt hours ahead of the game, and Reds such as Mary Earps and Ella Toone (below) receiving a particularly warm welcome by the many United fans in attendance.

And with plenty of Austria supporters making the trip to Manchester, it made for a proper atmosphere on a blustery night, even if Sarina Wiegman’s eventual champions weren’t at their very best as they began the tournament with a nervy 1-0 win thanks to Beth Mead’s lopped finish into the East Stand net after 15 minutes. The attendance would smash the competition record – the previous high was 43,301 for the Germany v Norway 2013 final in Stockholm – but it would be beaten once again for the Wembley showpiece 25 days later.

WIDE

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Reds were seeking a maiden major trophy in our first-ever cup final, Emma Hayes’ Blues were out to land part one of the Double, and a Sam Kerr strike on 68 minutes would see them to the Cup, despite the immense efforts of those in red.

Such is the current trajectory of the women’s club game in England, it surely won’t be too long before this fixture sells out every year, regardless of the teams involved – a far cry from a decade ago, when Arsenal beat Bristol Academy in the final at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium (attendance: 4,988).

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U MN UI TWEFDC _W2O3M/ E2 N4

The red flags in the United end made for quite a sight at Wembley six months ago

Now we enter the realm of records that include games beyond our borders – the biggest attendance for a domestic women’s club fixture, anywhere on the planet.

And Marc Skinner’s Reds are proudly part of this one, even if the result didn’t go our way at Wembley. Again the record was beaten with ease – the previous high was 60,739 (­Barcelona v Atletico Madrid in 2019), with the Women’s FA Cup final selling out for the first time (the previous record, from 2022, saw 49,094 see Chelsea beat Man City). While the

B I G G E S T AT T E N D A N C E S

WOMEN’S FIXTURE AT OLD TRAFFORD

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RECORD: 80,203

The players walk out for the first Olympic final (men’s or women’s) to be played in England since 1948

UNITED STATES v JAPAN

GOLD MEDAL MATCH, WEMBLEY, 9 AUG 2012

Now we’re past the 80K mark, and – not for the first (or indeed last) time in this feature – Wembley is the venue. It’s a good excuse to wistfully recall the 2012 Olympics; a summer which seemed to inspire the whole nation as crowds flocked to every event, many of which took place well beyond London (such as Old Trafford, which hosted group and knockout games for men’s and women’s football).

Unfortunately for Casey Stoney and her team-mates within the Team GB squad, the women were beaten by Canada in Coventry at the quarter-final stage, but the eventual gold medal match still received huge attention in the capital, with every American and Japanese visitor desperately seeking out any spare tickets. In front of a record attendance for

WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL FIXTURE IN EUROPE

RECORD: 87,192

ENGLAND v GERMANY

EURO 2022 FINAL, WEMBLEY, 31 JUL 2022

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The Women’s Euros gripped a nation last summer from the moment the tournament kicked off at Old Trafford, and those lucky souls to have successfully applied for final tickets – some of which were £7.50 for under-16s! – were left rubbing their hands together after England and Germany progressed from the semis. Unlike the chaotic scenes that marred the men’s Euros final at the same stadium the previous summer, everyone seemed to be in the correct seat for this game, and the positive vibes reached a whole new level when our own Ella Toone scooped a wonderful goal home just after the hour mark.

The Germans would hit back, before Chloe Kelly went shirtless in celebration following her extra-time winner, on the greatest day yet for the Lionesses. Rarely has the new Wembley been so packed, with 87,192 being higher than every men’s FA Cup final since 2018. (The record for the new Wembley? 89,874, for the 2008 men’s FA Cup final between Portsmouth and Cardiff).

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UNITED WOMEN

Reds embrace as England Women win a first major trophy

the women’s game at the Olympics, the US won 2-1 to avenge their 2011 World Cup final loss and claim their fourth Olympic gold in women’s football. With the biggest stadium at Paris 2024’s tournament holding just under 70,000, this attendance record is one that won’t be beaten any time soon.

B I G G E S T AT T E N D A N C E S

WOMEN’S FIXTURE AT THE OLYMPICS

14/11/2023 20:48

B I G G E S T AT T E N D A N C E S

ANY WOMEN’S FIXTURE WORLDWIDE

RECORD: 91,648

BARCELONA v WOLFSBURG WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL, NOU CAMP, 22 APR 2022

WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL FIXTURE WORLDWIDE

RECORD: 90,185

UNITED STATES v CHINA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP FINAL, ROSE BOWL, 10 JUL 1999

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There aren’t many stadiums on Earth capable of housing over 90,000, regardless of demand for tickets, but the mighty Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California is one of them. (For a really daft stadium capacity, search up India’s Motera Stadium, where the Cricket World Cup final is being played today.) United’s men played at the Rose Bowl in July 2014, beating LA Galaxy 7-0 in Louis van Gaal’s first game in charge, but even the epic crowd that day was shy of the total when the USWNT won the ultimate prize on home soil. Much like the USA 94 men’s final at the Rose Bowl, it would be decided on penalties following a 0-0 draw, and Brandi Chastain’s celebration after firing home the decisive kick (with her weaker foot!) remains one of the most iconic images in women’s football (above).

The Rose Bowl record stood for almost 23 years as the biggest crowd in any women’s game, but if any venue was likely to trump that, it was the Nou Camp – a stage befitting the myriad talents of Barcelona Femeni, where they’ve increasingly played in recent years prior to its temporary closure for redevopment this summer. In March 2022, a UWCL Clasico against Real Madrid drew in 91,553. Barça won with ease, setting up an even more tantalising semi, against Wolfsburg.

The 95 additional bums on seats saw the record go once more, and Barça won again – their 40th win in their 40th game that season, although Lyon would beat them in the UWCL final. How long will this record last? Possibly not too long – once the Nou Camp redevelopment is complete in 2026, it’ll have space for 105,000 (and it’ll have a roof). Barça Femeni v United Women in the UWCL in three years’ time? Hell, yeah!

BUT LET’S NOT FORGET...

53,000 DICK, KERR v ST HELENS CHARITY MATCH, GOODISON PARK, 27 DEC 1920

UNITED WOMEN

As much as we love to harp on about the incredible recent development of the women’s game, some of the crowd figures from a century ago are staggering – not least for this charity game between the Preston-based works team of Dick, Kerr & Co (right), and St Helens Ladies. Popularity of

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women’s football increased greatly during the First World War, with Dick,

You’ll have to trust us, that is Barça v Wolfsburg down on the pitch...

Kerr leading the way as they travelled to countless charity games to raise money for injured servicemen. This was one such fixture, played in front of 53,000 at Everton’s home, which Dick, Kerr won 4-0. Within a year the FA banned women’s teams from playing on FA-affiliated grounds, forcing most women’s team to disband, while others such as Dick, Kerr continued to play away from the spotlight. The team was finally dissolved in 1965, six years before the FA ban was finally lifted.

14/11/2023 20:48

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

Discover more in the Manchester United App.

DXC.com

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02/10/2023 22:34

MANCHESTER CITY WORDS: JAMIE SPENCER

40 City arrive with a point to prove having dropped eight points from their first six WSL games

UNITED WOMEN

Today’s visitors were haunted by two of their former players last weekend as Brighton sprang a shock at City’s Joie Stadium – Lee Geum-min scoring the Seagulls’ winner against her old club in the 81st minute, assisted by another ex-City name in Pauline Bremer.

A narrow 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on Bonfire Night means it’s successive league defeats for Gareth Taylor’s side coming into today’s game. But their start to 2023/24 had been strong, City comfortably seeing off West Ham, Bristol City and Leicester in the WSL, as well as being just seconds away from securing a statement win over Chelsea – Guro Reiten equalising for the champions deep into stoppage-time. City played more than half of that game with 10 players following Alex Greenwood’s harsh second yellow for apparent timewasting, and they finished it with only nine players when

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Lauren Hemp later joined the ex-United skipper in being dismissed. Taylor considers his team hard done by and earning a tag he feels is undeserved, with left-back Leila Ouahabi also sent off against West Ham this season. “Three red cards suggests to anyone who hasn’t watched us play that we’re a dirty team,” he said. “But anyone who’s watched us would never say that. We’re a good, young team that maintains possession really well, are exciting to watch, and we’d like to keep 11 on the pitch!”

Khadija Shaw is back among the goals this term, with three in six games, but it’s Chloe Kelly who leads the way with five. Summer signing Jill Roord, back in English football after a spell at Wolfsburg, is also a major goal threat with three to her name in the WSL this season. After City drew a rare blank against Brighton, they’ll all be keen for a better day in front of goal this afternoon.

14/11/2023 20:49

THE VISITORS

LAST WSL LINE-UP v BRIGHTON (HOME, WSL) 12.11.23 KEATING

KENNEDY

ALEIXANDRI

MORGAN

YOUNG KEEPER

KHIARA KEATING The 19-year-old, who came off the bench when Ellie Roebuck was shown a red card in the previous derby in May, has been installed as City’s no.1 this season, with Sandy MacIver playing in the Conti Cup. As a result of her club form, Keating was called into the senior England squad for the first time last month.

BLAKSTAD

ROORD

KELLY

HASEGAWA

SHAW

ANGELDAHL

FOWLER

SUBS USED: HEMP, PARK, CASPARIJ, CASTELLANOS

41

MIDFIELD MAESTRO

HEAD COACH

YUI HASEGAWA

GARETH TAYLOR

The Japan international was the player City chose to replace Keira Walsh upon her move to Barça in 2022, and the Blues have reaped the rewards. The 26-year-old midfielder was included in the PFA Team of the Year last season and was among the 30 nominees for the 2023 Ballon d’Or Feminin.

A centre-forward for City (among numerous other clubs) during his own lengthy playing career, the 50-year-old was handed a 12-month contract extension as City Women boss at the end of last season. This is his fourth campaign in charge but he’s held varying coaching roles within the wider club for more than 12 years.

than any side in the

the current attendance

● The Blues’ Academy

competition’s history (six).

record for this fixture.

Stadium (now named Joie

● City have won the WSL

● A crowd of 44,259 watched

● Ex-Blues Caroline Weir

Stadium from this season) is

once (2016), finishing

the derby at the Etihad

and Ellen White are the

linked to the Etihad Stadium

runners-up more times

last December, which is

top derby scorers (four).

via a 190-metre bridge.

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UNITED WOMEN

THE KNOWLEDGE

14/11/2023 20:49

THE OPPOSITION

FORWARD

MIDFIELDER 42-43_Oppo_Profiles.CGIM.indd 28

14 ESME

MORGAN

Age 23 / English Raised in Sheffield but a lifelong City fan who got her first season ticket aged three.

33 ALANNA

KENNEDY

Age 28 / Australian Her WSL bow came with Spurs in 2020, after playing for many clubs in Australia and the US.

25 YUI

HASEGAWA

Age 26 / Japanese Won five Japanese titles before moving to Europe – first with AC Milan, then West Ham.

10 DEYNA

CASTELLANOS Age 24 / Venezuelan On the shortlist for FIFA’s ‘The Best’ award in 2017, aged 18, also placing third for Puskas Award that year.

GOALKEEPER DEFENDER

Age 31 / English Joined City in 2015 after coming through at Sunderland and earning college scholarship in US.

DEFENDER

STOKES

MIDFIELDER

DEFENDER

42

3 DEMI

MIDFIELDER

DEFENDER

DEFENDER

A CLOSER LOOK AT THOSE WHO COULD LINE UP FOR THE BLUES THIS AFTERNOON...

FORWARD

PLAYER PROFILES

1

ELLIE ROEBUCK

Age 24 / English Sheffield-born stopper replaced England veteran Karen Bardsley as City’s no.1, aged 18.

4 LAIA

ALEIXANDRI

Age 23 / Spanish Taught her trade by Barcelona aged 12-17, before her senior debut came at Atletico Madrid.

15 LEILA

OUAHABI

Age 30 / Spanish The Champions League in 2020/21 was the pinnacle of her success with Barça.

She joined City in 2022.

7 LAURA

COOMBS

Age 32 / English Recalled to England squad last season, nearly eight full years since her Lionesses debut.

41 JULIE

BLAKSTAD

Age 22 / Norwegian Versatile left-sided player who spent three months on loan with BK Hacken this year.

11 LAUREN HEMP

Age 23 / English The four-time PFA Young Player of the Year hit a career-high 21 goals in 2021/22.

14/11/2023 20:50

18 KERSTIN

CASPARIJ

Age 23 / Dutch A speedy, self-confessed modern full-back, she arrived from Twente in summer 2022.

12 FILIPPA

ANGELDAHL

Age 26 / Swedish Played for four clubs in Sweden before moving to City in 2021. Won Olympic silver medal with Sweden.

8 MARY

FOWLER

Age 20 / Australian Talented forward who arrived in Manchester last year after impressing for Montpellier in France.

16 JESS

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PARK

Age 22 / English Last season’s form on loan with Everton earned her a place on England’s World Cup standby list.

GOALKEEPER DEFENDER DEFENDER

Age 30 / English Captained United to the Championship in 2019, then won Champions League with Lyon in 2020.

MIDFIELDER

GREENWOOD

FORWARD

5 ALEX

FORWARD

GOALKEEPER DEFENDER DEFENDER MIDFIELDER FORWARD

Age 25 / Scottish Former Everton keeper recently switched international allegiance from England to Scotland.

35 KHIARA

KEATING

Age 19 / English Part of United’s youth system as a child until moving across town to join City aged 11.

6 STEPH

HOUGHTON Age 35 / English Club legend with 121 England caps, she played her 200th City game in March 2021.

30 RUBY MACE

Age 20 / English Played seven senior games for Arsenal as a teenager before joining City in 2021.

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20 JILL

ROORD

Age 26 / Dutch Ex-Arsenal midfielder played in last season’s Champions League final with Wolfsburg.

9 CHLOE KELLY

Age 25 / English Grew up a QPR fan, she made her senior debut for Arsenal at 17. Now in fourth season at City.

21 KHADIJA SHAW

Age 26 / Jamaican Prolific ‘Bunny’ Shaw, signed from Bordeaux, was City’s top scorer last term, with 31 goals.

THE OPPOSITION

FORWARD

MACIVER

P L AY E R P R O F I L E S

22 SANDY

14/11/2023 20:50

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

Happy hub!

Wes Brown visits Foundation partner school to launch safe space lounge for students’ use

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young people in Greater Manchester see a real need for safe places for them to go to outside of school. Inspired by this, the school and the Foundation have worked together to refurbish the community hub that is already on the school site.

The space features a games room complete with pool table and games console, a chill-out room where students can relax and socialise, and a quiet workspace where students can study and complete work.

Royton and Crompton is one of 34 high school partnerships

Visit mufoundation.org for more

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UNITED WOMEN

United men’s team legend Wes Brown visited Royton and Crompton E-ACT Academy recently to celebrate the school’s partnership with the Foundation, while launching a ‘safe space’ hub for students.

The celebration event saw the official opening of the safe space – named the GCE (Games, Chill-out, Electronics) Lounge by students. Wes also ran a practical football session, while there was an assembly to provide more details about the partnership, which included a Q&A with Wes. Student-voice work conducted by the Foundation revealed that

M U F O U N D AT I O N

Fred the Red joins the party as the kids enjoy a rewarding day at Old Trafford

at which a Foundation officer is based full-time to work with the students and build positive relationships within the community. Funding secured through the partnership has also provided gym facilities at Royton and Crompton, as showcased on a recent tour.

Andrea Atkinson, headteacher at E-ACT Royton and Crompton Academy, said: “I want to say a big thank you to Manchester United Foundation for funding the GCE Lounge.

It’s brilliant that we can offer students somewhere to hang out, and even better that it sits alongside our existing community hub, which the Foundation has also helped us refurbish. School is about more than just what happens in the classroom and we are delighted to be able to offer these assets to young people in our community.”

Wes Brown said: “The communal space of the GCE Lounge is fantastic, especially that it has been designed and developed by the students.

“The facilities across the school are brilliant; it’s very different to when I went to school. It’s great that the young people are so involved and take command of what they need and how to benefit their school and community.”

14/11/2023 20:51

M U F O U N D AT I O N

£40,000 RAISED FROM SLEEP OUT AT STADIUM Zel and Millie step inside the Women’s First Team building

MILLIE’S EXCLUSIVE TOUR OF THE NEW MUW BUILDING

46

UNITED WOMEN

United Women’s new training facility at Carrington won’t just benefit the current first-team squad, but generations to come from the Girls’ Academy.

Katie Zelem is among the current Reds to have progressed through the Girls’ Academy, managed

by Manchester United Foundation up to Under-14 level, and she recently welcomed one of United’s Under-16 team for an exclusive tour of the facility.

Millie, a goalkeeper who joined the Girls’ Academy as an under-9, said: “Carrington has a special feeling to it.

It’s very professional and it’s the best place players can be to succeed, as a team and individually.

“It’s good for the younger generation to see what they can achieve. It’s only going to grow and get bigger. It shows how the club is going to progress further and further for the next generations.”

46 Foundation pt2 (approved).CGIM.indd 1

Manchester United’s second stadium sleep out in support of vulnerable young people, held just over a fortnight ago, has raised more than £40,000 for charity.

Over 120 fans braved the wind and rain at Old Trafford by swapping their beds for a sleeping bag in a bid to raise vital funds and awareness for young people experiencing poverty and hardship during the winter months.

Supporters from across the UK bedded down while overlooking the iconic Old Trafford pitch as part of the

special event, from which all funds raised will be split between Manchester United Foundation and youth homelessness charity, Centrepoint.

Foundation chief executive John Shiels said: “The sleep out was a life-affirming experience with a great camaraderie of everyone coming together for such a worthy cause.

“We are thankful to everyone who took part or donated – your contribution will make an immense difference to young people in hardship this winter.”

Sleep out participants get set for a long night inside Old Trafford

14/11/2023 20:53

WHERE

GREATNESS LIVES

WOMENSLEAGUES.THEFA.COM

AD TEMPLATE.indd 1

02/10/2023 22:52

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

SUPER SCORERS 48

HERE’S EVERY UNITED WOMEN PLAYER TO FIND THE NET SO FAR AT THE THEATRE OF DREAMS!

3

1

UNITED WOMEN

ALESSIA RUSSO

ONA BATLLE

LEAH GALTON

KATIE ZELEM

LAUREN JAMES

HAYLEY LADD

2

CHRISTEN PRESS RACHEL WILLIAMS

LUCIA GARCIA

48-49_MUWFC_Junior-Reds-City-CGIM.indd 1

14/11/2023 20:56

K I D S ' PAG E S

EVER-PRESENTS

TOD AY THE SE FOU R RED S COU LD KEE P UP THE PLAYIN G IN EVE RY UN ITE D WO ME N GA ME AT OLDIR RU N OF TRA FFO RD !

HAYLEY LADD MARY EARPS

4 945

KATIE ZELEM

ELLA TOONE

GUESS THE REDS

1

2

CAN YOU NAME THESE UNITED STARS, PAST AND PRESENT, FROM OUR FOUR PREVIOUS OLD TRAFFORD OUTINGS? 3 UNITED WOMEN

Guess the Red answers: 1. Kirsty Hanson; 2. Hannah Blundell; 3. Millie Turner 48-49_MUWFC_Junior-Reds-City-CGIM.indd 2

14/11/2023 20:56

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

Search Barclays Community Football Fund to find out more

Barclays Bank UK PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services London E1422:51 5HP. AD TEMPLATE.indd 1 Register number: 759676). Registered in England. Registered no. 9740322. Registered office: 1 Churchill Place, 02/10/2023

(Does not include yesterday’s Chelsea v Liverpool fixture)

● FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE TABLE 1

Team

P

W

D

L

GD

Pts

Chelsea

6

5

1

0

14

16

2

Arsenal

6

4

1

1

6

13

3

UNITED

6

3

3

0

11

12

4

Tottenham

6

3

2

1

5

11

5

Liverpool

6

3

2

1

3

11

6

Manchester City

6

3

1

2

6

10

7

Leicester

6

2

1

3

-3

7

8

Brighton

6

1

1

3

-4

7

9

West Ham

6

1

1

4

-8

4

6

1

1

4

-9

4

10 Everton 11 Aston Villa

6

1

0

5

-10

3

12 Bristol City

6

1

0

5

-11

3

● 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

6

0

0

0

1

0

2

0

9

0

Mary Earps

6

0

0

0

0

0

2

0

8

0

Gemma Evans

0(3)

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

1(3)

0

Leah Galton

4(1)

1

0

0

0(1)

1

2

0

6(2)

2

Lucia Garcia

4(2)

2

0

0

1

0

1(1)

0

6(3)

2

Gabby George

3

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

4

0

Geyse

4

1

0

0

0(1)

1

1(1)

0

5(2)

2 0

Irene Guerrero

0(1)

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0(1)

Hayley Ladd

3

0

0

0

1

1

0

0

4

1

Maya Le Tissier

6

1

0

0

1

0

2

0

9

1

Melvine Malard

3(2)

3

0

0

0

0

1(1)

1

4(3)

4

Hinata Miyazawa

4(2)

0

0

0

1

0

0(2)

0

5(4)

0

Lisa Naalsund

0(2)

0

0

0

1

0

2

1

3(2)

1

Nikita Parris

3(2)

3

0

0

1

3

0

0

4(2)

6

Evie Rabjohn

0

0

0

0

0(1)

0

0

0

0(1)

0

Jayde Riviere

3(1)

0

0

0

1

0

2

0

6(1)

0

Ella Toone

5(1)

1

0

0

0(1)

0

2

0

7(2)

1

Phallon Tullis-Joyce

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

1

0

Millie Turner

6

1

0

0

0

0

2

0

8

1

Rachel Williams

0(6)

4

0

0

1

1

0(1)

0

1(7)

5

Katie Zelem

6

0

0

0

0(1)

0

2

0

8(1)

0

UNITED ALL-TIME APPS & GOALS

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

APPEARANCES, GOALS & ’23/24 WSL STATISTICS

51

Maya Le Tissier’s next appearance for the Reds will be her 41st, moving her into our all-time records list below

Williams and Parris are among the 13-strong list of those to have scored at least three WSL goals so far this term

● ALL-TIME RECORDS: GAMES ● WSL TOP SCORERS, 2023/24 SEASON Martha Thomas (Tottenham Hotspur)

6

Elisabeth Terland (Brighton & Hove Albion)

5

Rachel Williams (United) 4 Agnes Beever-Jones (Chelsea)

3

Stina Blackstenius (Arsenal)

3

Chloe Kelly (Manchester City)

3

Kate McCabe (Arsenal)

3

Sjoeke Nusken (Chelsea)

3

Nikita Parris (United) 3 3

Marie-Therese Hobinger (Liverpool)

3

Amalie Thestrup (Bristol City)

3

Riko Ueki (West Ham United)

3

● WSL TOP ASSISTS, 2023/24 SEASON

Apps

GLS

Ella Toone

140

Ella Toone

45

Katie Zelem

138

Leah Galton

36

Millie Turner

121

Katie Zelem

30

Leah Galton

116

Lauren James

28

Mary Earps

104

Alessia Russo

26

Hayley Ladd

91

Jessica Sigsworth

26

Kirsty Hanson

90

Mollie Green

16

Ona Batlle

77

Kirsty Hanson

16

Hannah Blundell

67

Nikita Parris

15

Amy Turner

67

Rachel Williams

11

Jessica Sigsworth

66

Lucia Garcia

10

Jackie Groenen

60

Hayley Ladd

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

Niamh Charles (Chelsea)

3

Maria Thorisdottir

45

Charlie Devlin

6

Victoria Pelova (Arsenal)

3

Vilde Boe Risa

44

Alex Greenwood

5

Maisie Symonds (Brighton & Hove Albion)

3

Lucy Staniforth

41

Tobin Heath

4

51_MUWFC_App-Stats (up to West Ham).CGIM.indd 1

UNITED WOMEN

Jill Roord (Manchester City)

● ALL-TIME RECORDS: GOALS

14/11/2023 20:57

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

Le Tissier

Turner 1

Blundell

Toone

Zelem

WSL

Sun 19

Manchester City (H) 4.30pm

CC

Wed 22

Liverpool (A) 7pm

WSL

Sun 26

Bristol City (A) 12.30pm

Riviere

DECEM BER WSL

Sun 10

CC

Thu 14

Leicester City (H) 7pm

WSL

Sun 17

Liverpool (H) 12.15pm

Tottenham (A) 6.45pm

JA NUA RY

52

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 17 December.

SEE THE GOALS!

UNITED 7 EVERTON 0

Visit ManUtd.com/fixtures for latest fixtures information

52-53_MUWFC_Fixtures (up to West Ham) CGIM.indd 1

15/11/2023 09:04

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

2023/24 SEASON SCHEDULE

FOLLOW THE REDS:

53

52-53_MUWFC_Fixtures (up to West Ham) CGIM.indd 2

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

15/11/2023 09:04

QUESTION TIME

ADDED-TIME

QUIZ

LOOKING BACK AT OUR FOUR PREVIOUS OLD TRAFFORD ENCOUNTERS…

2021: UNITED 2 WEST HAM 0 1. Which fan-favourite former Reds midfielder provided the assist for Christen Press to score our second goal? →

1.

2. Which future Red, now with Tottenham, was in the West Ham starting XI that day?

2022: UNITED 3 EVERTON 1 3. In which minute did Everton take a surprise lead against the Reds: fourth, 14th or 24th?

54

4. By what means did Alessia Russo net both of her goals: left foot, right foot or head?

5. At which end did Katie Zelem fire us ahead from the penalty spot: Stretford End or Scoreboard End (East Stand)? →

2022: UNITED 5 VILLA 0 6. To the nearest thousand, how many fans were at the game?

7. Who scored what proved to be her final goal for United? →

?

8. This was United’s second-biggest WSL win of the season, but against which historic rival was our biggest victory of the campaign – a 6-0 win in January 2023?

UNITED WOMEN

2023: UNITED 4 WEST HAM 0 9. How many minutes did it take Lucia Garcia to → score after coming off the bench: five, 10 or 15?

10. This result helped United leapfrog which club to go top of the Women’s Super League table?

ANSWERS 1.Jackie Groenen; 2. Martha Thomas; 3. Fourth; 4. Head; 5. Stretford End; 6. 30,000 (30,196); 7. Ona Batlle; 8. Liverpool; 9. 10 minutes; 10. Chelsea

54_MUWFC_Quiz.CGIM.indd 1

14/11/2023 21:00

Manchester United Home 23/24

© 2023 adidas AG

H23834_MUFC_FW23_AWAY_WOMENS_KV_A5.indd 1 AD TEMPLATE.indd 1

28/09/2023 16:50 02/10/2023 22:47

MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN Head coach: Marc Skinner

MANCHESTER CITY WOMEN Head coach: Gareth Taylor

Gabby George

3

1

Ellie Roebuck (GK)

Maya Le Tissier

4

3

Demi Stokes

Aoife Mannion

5

4

Laia Aleixandri

Hannah Blundell

6

5

Alex Greenwood

Ella Toone

7

6

Steph Houghton

Irene Guerrero

8

7

Laura Coombs

Melvine Malard

9

8

Mary Fowler

Katie Zelem

Chloe Kelly

10

9

Leah Galton

11

10 Deyna Castellanos

Hayley Ladd

12

11 Lauren Hemp

Jayde Riviere

14

12 Filippa Angeldahl

Gemma Evans

15

14 Esme Morgan

Lisa Naalsund

16

15 Leila Ouahabi

Lucia Garcia

17

16 Jess Park

Hinata Miyazawa

20

18 Kerstin Casparij

Millie Turner

21

20 Jill Roord

Nikita Parris

22

21 Khadija Shaw

Geyse

23

22 Sandy MacIver (GK)

Evie Rabjohn

25

25 Yui Hasegawa

Mary Earps (GK)

27

30 Ruby Mace

Rachel Williams

28

33 Alanna Kennedy

Emma Watson

34

35 Khiara Keating (GK)

Safia Middleton-Patel (GK)

39

41 Julie Blakstad

Lucy Newell

55

Phallon Tullis-Joyce (GK)

91

M ATC H

O F F IC I A LS

Referee Cheryl Foster • Assistants Ceri Williams, Georgia Ball Fourth official Rebecca Welch

56_MUWFC_back cover (officials added) Man City.CG.indd 1

14/11/2023 20:17