Manchester United Women v West Ham United Women match programme, Women's Super League, 12.11.23

OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

2023/24 SEASON • VOLUME 06 ISSUE 05

MANCHESTER

UNITED WOMEN V

WEST HAM UNITED WOMEN

Barclays Women’s Super League SUNDAY 12 November 2023 ○ 12PM

#allredallequal

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08/11/2023 13:50

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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 09 COUNTDOWN TO KICK-OFF 13

REDS REPORT

15

KATIE ZELEM COLUMN

16

JAYDE RIVIERE INTERVIEW

25

MUW ACADEMY

26

SIGNED PLAYER POSTER

29

MY HEADSPACE

30 DERBY DAY PREVIEW 37

MU FOUNDATION

38

THE OPPOSITION

41

FAN PAGES

04 16 03

44 JUNIOR REDS 47

STATS SECTION

50 ADDED-TIME QUIZ

41 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 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

08/11/2023 12:41

AS WE RETURN TO WSL DUTIES, THE BOSS WANTS TO SEND US OFF TO OLD TRAFFORD NEXT WEEK WITH A BIG WIN TODAY

MARC SKINNER G

04

UNITED WOMEN

ood afternoon and welcome back to Leigh Sports Village, where we are looking forward to another exciting game, against West Ham United.

We’ve had a tough start to the season. We aim to win every game and as we get used to playing together over the coming fixtures and develop the necessary relationships that can only be forged with time, our performances will increase. After the cup game in midweek, we are now ready to focus on the league once again. There are so many good elements from the games played already and we will expect those good elements to increase throughout the season, whether it’s in the league, Conti Cup or FA Cup. While we are building on our performances, it’s also important to look forward. The games are coming thick and fast and it’s not long before the Manchester derby at Old Trafford. It’s definitely one that has been in the calendar since the start of the season.

Our team has an abundance of character and we show that in every performance. We will be aiming to produce the qualities again today. It’s important that we concentrate and focus on controlling the game as much as possible and finishing the chances

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we create. I said after the game against Brighton that we couldn’t have that many chances without putting more away. We should have scored more.

Looking at our latest opponents, Rehanne Skinner’s side have been impressive in some of their performances so far this season. I’m sure they will be looking to overcome their result against Bristol City. With this in mind we have to make sure we get up to our full performance levels and focus on how we can limit West Ham’s chances while also maximising ours.

Rach Williams came on once again against Brighton to score an equaliser. She is doing what she does best. I’m running out of words for how to describe her. Rach is a great footballer and person.

I understand why she has become a fans’ favourite – she is not just good at what she does on the pitch but she is so genuine off it as well. She is delivering her role with excellence and is a handful for any team she plays against.

We hope you enjoy the game and, as always, thank you for your support.

08/11/2023 12:51

HEAD COACH

TS

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UNITED WOMEN

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BIG PICTURE

IN REMEMBRANCE...

United manager Marc Skinner walks alongside his Brighton counterpart Melissa Phillips ahead of last Sunday’s WSL match at Broadfield Stadium, with both carrying wreaths in honour of those to have lost their lives in conflicts across the world.

With today’s fixture falling on Remembrance Sunday, there will be a minute’s silence before kick-off, while a number of armed forces representatives are special guests here at LSV: LCpl Lucy Turner (Army), Lt Anna Squires (Navy), Cpl Katie Patterson (RAF) and Manchester United Armed Forces Supporters’ Club representative Thomas Houston.

Together we’ll remember those who served, and ensure their sacrifices are not forgotten.

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BIG PICTURE 07

UNITED WOMEN

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WE WILL REMEMBEr THEM MANCHESTER UNITED ARTHUR BEADSWORTH

GEORGE GOSNELL

FREDERICK OKORO

FRANCIS CARPENTER

ALFRED GRIFFITHS

HUBERT REDWOOD

THOMAS CLIFFORD

HUGH KERR

HARRY REYNOLDS

GEORGE CURLESS

HARRY LEVIS

JAMES SEMPLE

BERNARD DONAGHEY

OSCAR LINKSON

WA LT E R S P R AT T

GEORGE ELMORE

PATRICK MCGUIRE

JOHN THORNLEY

DAVID FENNER

CHARLES NEWCOMBE

ALEXANDER TURNBULL

GILBERT GODSMARK

THOMAS WALL

WEST HAM UNITED Frank Cannon

William Jones

Frederick ‘Frank’ Costello

William Kennedy

Frederick Griffiths

William Kirby

Sydney Hammond

Arthur Stallard

T h e f a l l e n p l ay e r s o f M a n c h e s t e r U n i t e d a n d W e s t H a m u n i t e d w h o g a v e t h e u lt i m a t e s a c r i f i c e .

We will remember them.

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08/11/2023 13:26

M AT C H P R E V I E W

COUNTDOWN TO KICK-OFF

Could the manager look to Parris or Garcia this afternoon, considering their past success against our opponents?

Marc’s unbeaten Reds take on Rehanne’s Hammers, with three important WSL points up for grabs

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UNITED WOMEN

Just three days on from our Conti Cup opener here at Leigh Sports Village, we’re back on home soil, this time in the Women’s Super League, with Rehanne Skinner’s West Ham the opposition.

These words are being written ahead of Thursday’s cup tie, but it’s very likely we’ll see some changes to the starting XI today, while it’s a certainty that the crowd will be bigger, with our large contingent of WSL season ticket holders back in the stands, on what is hopefully a sunny noon kick-off to match the conditions for our last league game here, against Leicester City.

The aim will be for a better result than that day, however, with the 1-1 scoreline against the Foxes being one of three draws in our opening five league outings, alongside two wins. The stats would suggest a draw is unlikely – none of West Ham’s last 19 WSL away games have finished level

(W7 L12), while the Londoners have lost all three previous away games to United without scoring (0-2, 0-3 and 0-4). Unlike us they have managed to beat Brighton away in recent weeks, though (with ex-Red Kirsty Smith on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win), which will act as a firm reminder that we cannot underestimate our latest opponents.

United’s 2-2 draw at Brighton in our last WSL game once again saw us crank up the pressure late on – indeed, a league-high 10 of our 12 goals this season have come in the second half, while our last five WSL goals have been scored after the 75th minute... and not just by Rachel Williams!

If you’re after some more pre-match trivia, keep an eye out for Lucia Garcia’s and Nikita Parris’s involvement: Lucia already has three United goals against West Ham (averaging one every 38 minutes of play) while Nikita has netted twice and assisted three more in her three previous WSL home games against them – although they came with previous clubs Manchester City and Arsenal.

Anyhow, enough of the numbers. Let’s play ball!

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01

SKINNER v SKINNER

08/11/2023 12:49

WSL PREVIEW 10

ACROSS THE WSL The big news story in England’s top flight since our last home league outing has come from Kingsmeadow, where Chelsea announced that Emma Hayes will be stepping down at the end of the season, having picked up 13 major trophies during her time with the reigning champions, as well as leading the Blues to the Women’s Champions League final for the first time in their history.

They’ve also enjoyed a strong start to the current campaign as they seek a fifth straight WSL title, and heading into this weekend they are one of only two unbeaten teams in the division, along with Marc Skinner’s Reds. Today Chelsea are at Walton Hall Park, where they’ll face our Thursday-night cup opponents, Everton, at 1pm.

Brian Sorensen’s Toffees have had a mixed start in the league, stunning their city rivals Liverpool at Anfield while keeping things tight at the back, only for a five-goal beating by United in their last home outing to see them slip down the table.

As for Liverpool, they’ve accrued 10 points from 12 either side of that Merseyside derby loss, and today Matt Beard’s side take on Tottenham at Brisbane Road – kick-off is 12.30pm.

On the opposite side of Greater Manchester this afternoon, Manchester City will be out to bounce back from their defeat at Arsenal – and get back in the winning habit ahead of their trip to Old Trafford next weekend – when they host Brighton at 1pm. The Seagulls showed their quality against the Reds recently in a 2-2 draw, and they’ll be hoping to get something from

UNITED WOMEN

CARL A WA R D’ S V I L L A AR E AT BRI STO L C I T Y TODAY – COULD TH I S BE T H E DAY TH E Y BRE A K T H E I R DU C K?

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Emma Hayes’s side are in Merseyside this afternoon

Leicester host the final game of the day, as Arsenal come to the King Power

their latest test against a Manchester side. At 2pm, the two teams at the bottom of the table, Bristol City and Aston Villa, meet at Ashton Gate. The hosts, back in the WSL this season after two years in the Championship, finally got off the mark with a 3-2 win against West Ham, but Carla Ward’s Villa – who many predicted to be pushing the top three this season – have yet to win a point in five games in 2023/24. Could this be the day they break their duck?

And finally on this busy Sunday, there’s the 6.45pm fixture, to be broadcast live on Sky Sports from the King Power Stadium: Leicester v Arsenal. Willie Kirk’s Foxes have certainly upped their game since last season, and three points against Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners would be their biggest scalp yet so far in 2023/24.

08/11/2023 12:49

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

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02/10/2023 22:35

POTM Malard ended October with a third goal for the Reds

CHANGE FOR TV On Tuesday it was announced that our WSL home game against Liverpool on Sunday 17 December has a new kick-off time, of 12.15pm (rather than the previously announced 12.30pm kick-off). This request came from the BBC, with the game to be broadcast live. It’s only 15 minutes earlier, but if you’re travelling to LSV, don’t forget! Our WSL fixture the previous weekend, away to Tottenham, has also been selected as a broadcast pick – the game at Brisbane Road on Sunday 10 December will kick-off at 6.45pm, and is live on Sky Sports. For ticket availability, scan the code below.

FIVE DAYS AGO

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AWARDS FOR EARPS Monday also saw Mary Earps graciously claim another special accolade, this time at the 2023 Northwest Football Awards. Our goalkeeper, who has had a truly remarkable year, was the recipient of the Billy Seymour Impact Award, which recognises an individual who has had a significant positive effect on football in the region. It came just days after Mary was named The Sunday Times’ Sportswoman of the Year for 2023.

SIX DAYS AGO

MALARD WINS POTM Melvine Malard’s action-packed start to life at United led to her winning October’s Player of the Month award. Our no.9 made five appearances last month, scoring three goals, and she secured 46 per cent of the fan vote, ahead of Geyse and Rachel Williams.

Congrats, Melvine!

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NINE DAYS AGO

l at e s t → ticket news

UNITED WOMEN

PRENTON PARK DATE Staying with tickets, details were confirmed last week for our Conti Cup away game against Liverpool.

A 7pm kick-off on Wednesday 22 November at Prenton Park, away fans will be in the Cowshed end. Tickets (£10/£5) are on sale now – please scan the code (right), select the women’s tickets tab top-left, where the ‘buy now’ option for this fixture will redirect you to the Liverpool website.

SIX DAYS AGO

View from the Cowshed – ahh, how it takes us back to 19 August 2018!

01

REDS REPORT

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

TIMELINE OF ALL THE RECENT NEWS

Another night of recognition for our keeper

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

ZEL’S NOTES

WE’VE BEEN PL AYING WITH REAL CHARACTER OF L ATE, SAYS THE CAPTAIN, BUT WE NEED MORE POINTS TO SHOW FOR IT

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15 The skipper is calling on the Reds to score first today, rather than having to chase the game

of the WSL again and we need to keep learning from each game we play, and making sure we don’t make the same mistakes.

After two games here at Leigh Sports Village, we’ll be looking forward to playing at Old Trafford next Sunday. We are looking forward to seeing a record crowd there as well so make sure you have your tickets to see us take on City.

That’s all set to be another massive day for the team, but for the time being our only focus is on today’s fixture, where the aim will be the same as our aim next Sunday: three WSL points.

UNITED WOMEN

fter the Conti Cup game in midweek, we are back at Leigh again, and we’re ready to put in a strong performance against West Ham. For me and the rest of the squad, we look at our last league outing at Brighton as two points dropped. They are the sort of games that we have to get three points from. We cannot afford to be dropping points like that in such a small, close table as the WSL. Teams have really improved now so if you are not taking the chances that you’re creating, they will come back and punish you. I think all the teams in the division, not just the top ones, have made some great signings in recent months, and it’s really improved the quality across the league.

That means each game is tougher so you have to do more to win.

So far this season, I think as a team we can be happy with the character we’ve shown. The fact we came from behind twice against Brighton to make sure we got a point is really important but we also know that we should never have let it get to that point in the first place.

We’ve conceded the opening goal in too many games this season. We want to be competing at the top

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J AY D E R I V I E R E 16

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J AY D E R I V I E R E

TEN MONTHS ON FROM SWAPPING AMERICA’S MIDWEST FOR ENGLAND’S NORTH-WEST, JAYDE RIVIERE IS LOVING LIFE AND LOOKING FORWARD TO WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR HER IN THE RED SHIRTS OF BOTH UNITED AND CANADA

Manchester’s a friendly city – it just feels like home...

17

INTERVIEW: HELEN ROWE-WILLCOCKS

It feels like a good place to start would be your full debut – the Champions League home leg against PSG. How was that experience?

It was amazing, honestly. It is something you dream about when you are a kid. I’d never have thought that I’d play in the Champions League when I was a kid and there I was contending in the competition. To make my debut at home was amazing and one I’ll take with me forever.

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We were stood outside LSV watching you all arrive when a staff member ran over to a man to hand them a ‘Riviere’ shirt. Was that your dad?

Yeah, my dad was there! It was the first time he’s seen me in a United jersey. It was also his birthday so it was a whole bunch of celebrations. It added an extra special feeling to it knowing he was in the crowd and able to share that moment with me.

Your position in that game raised eyebrows when the starting XI was announced, with you selected in a more advanced position...

I was just as surprised as anyone else, but I had played as a winger when I was a teenager. It was more of a formational base because of certain ways we wanted to play, so Marc told me he

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

It wasn’t just a big night for you, but a part of club history as well, of course...

Yes. I wasn’t at the club when it started out but to see the impact it made for the players who have been here that whole time, and who went through the transition of being a Championship player, then going into the WSL and into what the club has evolved into... I was really honoured to be part of that. There’s a lot that has been put in that I might not have been part of, but even the players

who have moved on in that time, I know those girls left the club in a better place, even if they aren’t with us now. To be part of it was unreal.

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J AY D E R I V I E R E 18

wanted to push me up into the winger position.

You have to do what you have to do when you are asked to play, and I was glad to do that.

It’s coming up to a year since you signed for the club. How has 2023 been for you generally?

It’s been good, honestly. I’ve really enjoyed it.

When I came in January, I came towards the back end of the season so I really saw what it is like to have to push and push to play in the FA Cup final, to reach the Champions League places and fight for the WSL title. Now to be part of the actual season, to be here for pre-season and see what it is really like to be a professional athlete, it’s really refreshing. I feel like I’m really a part of the team.

How have you found life in Manchester?

It’s been good. I’ll never say I love the weather here but I definitely enjoy the surroundings and I definitely think one of the most amazing things is the group of girls here. Coming into training, when it’s pouring down with rain and knowing you have to train in it, they are the group who will always put you in a good mindset with good energy.

They are an amazing group of girls and they have made my transition here really smooth.

We were going to ask if you’d got used to the rain yet – we’ll take that as a ‘no’ then...

You know what it is? The rain here is different. It comes at all angles – and sideways. It’s different from normal rain that comes straight down. It’s the absolute worst! I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it because you cannot see half the time. I’ll never be someone who loves the rain [laughs]!

Away from the weather, what would you say is the best thing about Manchester?

I think it’s the culture. It’s a friendly city, and

UNITED WOMEN

I CAME TO T H E WS L BECAUSE S O M AN Y T E A M S ARE CON TEN DERS, A N D YOU ARE S E EI N G T H AT MORE TH I S Y E A R S O FAR

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everything is so close which I really like. It just feels like home. I can go out of my apartment and go for coffee or meet people. It’s really close-knit.

How has the transition been from going from college football in Michigan to coming to England and playing professional football?

It’s definitely been challenging. You go from a college, university system where you are with girls who are typically around the same age as you. You are in a more of a secure environment, you don’t have all the freedom. I was taking classes, going to training and then playing games. You would play two to three games a week so it’s a packed schedule. Here you can see the professionalism is quite different. You are treated like a professional athlete, and there are expectations about what it is to be a Manchester United player. There are some expectations you have to uphold.

The training is very different too. There’s a competitiveness to it. It’s definitely quite different

08/11/2023 12:48

J AY D E R I V I E R E Pushing forward against Leicester – a game that saw Jayde join the action after just nine minutes

but then again, when you put all that aside and you come back to the group of girls that you are around, they help make that transition smooth.

FULL NAME Jayde Yuk Fun Riviere DATE OF BIRTH 22 January 2001 PLACE OF BIRTH Markham, Ontario, Canada

YOUTH CAREER 2005-14 Pickering SC 2014-17 Markham SC 2017-19 Vancouver Whitecaps REX COLLEGE CAREER 2019-21 Michigan Wolverines 47 games, 1 goal

INTERNATIONAL CAREER Canada 41 caps, 1 goal

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Have you spoken much to Marc Skinner about your progression since you joined?

I have, yes. Unfortunately, I had my knee injury last season. It was an unfortunate one, blocking a shot and my knee responded to that. That threw off a little bit of the trajectory for the plan for me.

All I can do is put my head down and get to work in training and give the coach a reason to put me in when the time comes, and then hopefully I’m able to show the fans what I’m made of.

The injury to Gabby George was particularly hard to watch from the stands but how do you as a player prepare to come on when you’re thrown into a game so early on like that?

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

SENIOR CAREER 2022 AFC Ann Arbor 4 games, 0 goals 2022- Manchester United 5 games, 0 goals

The top four from last season have already dropped points and there have been some impressive performances across the WSL. Is that suggesting it’s going to be a tough season?

I think so. I came to the WSL because so many teams are contenders, and you are seeing that more this year so far. You are seeing teams that are having big upsets and that shows women’s soccer is growing, but also that no one is taking anything for granted. The competitiveness of the league is just going to keep going up. But we have a lot of high expectations from the coaches, and from ourselves, so we aren’t necessarily happy with the start we’ve had. We can definitely do better.

08/11/2023 12:48

J AY D E R I V I E R E Lining up for her country against Republic of Ireland at this summer’s World Cup finals

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UNITED WOMEN

It’s definitely harder, because the moment I went on was so soon in the game [after nine minutes against Leicester]. I hadn’t really warmed up yet; we’d just sat down and started watching the game. People are still getting used to the match.

It’s definitely hard but I have been given the tools through training and by the coaching staff to prepare. You have to be ready for any notice.

I am still learning. I am obviously getting more game time which I am pleased with but it’s in an unfortunate circumstance. It’s so unfortunate for Gabby but one thing Marc really likes to say is that we thrive through adversity. We have a team full of players who can play in multiple positions and are ready whenever needed. To be put in that position, I have to make the most of it. I definitely watch the full-backs enough to learn how we are going to play but the more I do play, the more I will gain in confidence.

Let’s move on to international football – how was the Women’s World Cup experience for you over the summer?

It was awesome. It was my second

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C E M E NT ING M YS E LF A S A STA RT E R F O R C A NA DA...

I T ’ S A N HO NO U R TO P U LL O N T HAT J E RS E Y A ND S E E T HE B A D G E O N M Y C HE ST World Cup with Canada; I was really honoured to be part of that squad, especially with what we are fighting with off the pitch [earlier this year the women’s team launched a protest over pay equity issues and budget cuts]. It had a lot of significance. It wasn’t how we wanted to go out [in the group stage] but I think any team who falls short of winning the tournament would feel like that. We would always expect more. Playing a big part in a Canada team which has gone through the growing pains, and then cementing myself as a starter, is an honour. It’s always an honour to pull on that jersey and see the Canada badge on my chest.

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J AY D E R I V I E R E

With Jayde back to full fitness, the manager has been pleased with what he’s seen from her in recent weeks

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TO BE I N A C O U N T RY W H I C H IS FA LLING IN LOVE WI TH WOM E N ’ S S O C C E R , AN D P L AYING IN T HE S E STADIU M S W H ER E T H E FANS A R E C O M ING OUT I N S U C H N U M BERS, IT ’ S A M A Z ING

We’d like to finish by going back to the WSL. The crowds have already been electric and

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there have been attendance records broken across the league including at Leigh Sports Village. Does it feel special to be part of something that is clearly growing in the UK? Absolutely. Women’s soccer has evolved so rapidly in the UK and it’s really refreshing to see because it’s unfortunately not growing that exponentially in Canada. To come here and be in a country which is falling in love with women’s soccer, and playing in these stadiums where the fans are coming out in such numbers, it’s amazing. We can share the men’s stadiums and it gives the right to the women’s game – that’s amazing to be part of.

Our fans are absolutely crazy, they come out, they always show up for the team, and it’s so special to see that. You’ll never see that anywhere else.

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

Did you see many differences from the previous Women’s World Cup, held in France?

For me specifically, I was a lot younger in 2019 when I went to my first World Cup; my role was very different. In 2019, I was very much an impact player – I’d come on for the last few minutes and give it my all – and this time I was a starter, where you have to say that age doesn’t matter. I was 18 at my first one and 22 this time round. Now being 22 and having a bigger role to take on in the World Cup is quite different. But as great as the experience was, we wanted to come out of the group, place higher and potentially win the competition.

08/11/2023 12:49

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ACADEMY

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Y M E D CA

FIND OUT WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING BEHIND THE SCENES AS WELL AS ON THE PITCH FOR UNITED WOMEN’S JUNIOR TEAMS

Change of set-up beneath seniors

Earlier this year, the FA confirmed the awarding of

20 Professional Game Academy Licenses (PGAs) for the 2023/24 season, to clubs in the WSL and Championship, with these academies forming part of the new-look player pathway in the English game. This revised pathway aims to identify and develop the very best talent across the

U10s-U12s

country, while also making the game more diverse, accessible and inclusive. The PGAs have replaced the WSL Academies and will provide a high-quality training environment to ensure players coming out of the pathway are ready to compete at the highest levels of the domestic and international game. Within the new United set-up, the PGA encompasses the Under-21s, led by head coach Lewis

U13s-U14s

25

Craig, and the Under-16s, managed by Chris Dearden. In the younger age groups, what was previously the Regional

England Women coach from U16-U23 level. She also

Talent Club (RTC) is now the Girls’ Academy, covering the

held the position of talent technical coach for the

Under-10 to Under-14 age groups. The teams in this level

North West Regional Talent Programme.

will continue to be run by Manchester United Foundation.

New appointments

Strong start for youngsters

On the pitch, United’s U21s have really impressed

As part of this new structure, United’s U16s team has

lately, starting the season with six league wins from

moved to Leigh Sports Village, which will be their full-time

six – the Reds beating Birmingham City, London City

base alongside the U21s. United’s PGA now has a full-time

Lionesses, Sunderland, Liverpool, Bristol City and

operations manager, Hannah Mitchell, while Amanda

Blackburn Rovers. They are also in the quarter-finals of

Goodwin was recently appointed Academy manager.

the PGA Cup, to be played on 13 December at home to

Amanda joins the club from the FA, where she was a

Liverpool. United’s U16s are playing in the JPL (Junior Premier League), which is predominantly made up of boys’ teams and mixed teams, ensuring a real challenge for United’s all-girls side, who have two important cup Preston (11 November) and the PGA Cup quarter-finals (made up of only Women’s academy teams), away to Southampton on 18 November. We wish them, and all

U21s coach Lewis Craig

25_MUWFC_ACADEMY.CGIM.indd 1

Academy manager Amanda Goodwin

the other junior teams, the best of luck in the weeks and months ahead, and we’ll continue to keep you updated on their 2023/24 progress in these pages.

UNITED WOMEN

games in the calendar this month: in the JPL Cup, away to

08/11/2023 13:33

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I’ve always been a grafter

RACHEL WILLIAMS

MY… HEAD SPACE

RACHEL WILLIAMS ON THE BENEFITS OF HARD WORK...

AND DIY, WHICH KEEPS HER CLOSE TO HER LOVED ONES When I was younger I never thought I could make a living out of football, so plastering was very much my job back then. Football was my dream but I was a full-time plasterer, with football in the background. It wasn’t always easy finding that balance – my job by day, training by night, and helping my brother and sister around that.

I often get asked about my plastering, but it’s not the only thing I do to relax – I like all DIY! It’s always helped me switch off. I love spending time with my family, and I don’t mind it when one of my siblings says: “Come round, Rach – this wall needs painting!” I won’t do plumbing or electrics but anything else, I’m happy to get involved and help with, and it allows me to escape from the football – it’s so important to get that head space.

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

Even now as a professional footballer, I still think of myself as a plasterer. I’ve always been hands-on, a grafter, which I think I get from my dad. That’s grounded me, and I think I’m a better footballer and person because of that.

29_MUWFC_My-Headspace.CGIM.indd 1

“Come on in, sis... we’ve got a little job for you”

UNITED WOMEN

I’ve always taken care of my siblings. Just chilling with the family and getting together with them is the important thing to me, whether or not I’m holding a paintbrush or a trowel!

32 9

08/11/2023 12:47

B RING O N TH E D UNITED’S MOST HIGH-PROFILE FIXTURE YET IN M16 IS JUST A WEEK AWAY, AND WHAT AN OCCASION IT PROMISES TO BE...

30

UNITED WOMEN 30-34_MUWFC_DERBY-DAY.CGIM.indd 18

08/11/2023 12:50

D E R B Y D AY P R E V I E W

E DE R BY!

WORDS: JAMIE SPENCER

“F

30-34_MUWFC_DERBY-DAY.CGIM.indd 19

31

UNITED WOMEN

or us, and for Manchester City, I don’t think there’s a bigger game.”

This is how lifelong United fan Ella Toone views the Manchester derby.

“I grew up watching these derbies, so to be involved in them now, it’s really special. These are the games we play for.”

Now that the stage will be Old Trafford, it only takes those feelings on to another level.

Manchester derbies have been a regular fixture of the women’s football calendar since September 2019 when the Reds, having stormed to the Women’s Championship title in our debut season under Casey Stoney, were promoted to the WSL. That very first meeting between the teams, for our inaugural match in the top division, set what was then a new WSL record attendance of 31,213, on a day when Mary Earps made her debut (left).

Alongside seven league meetings since then, United and City have also met five times in cup competitions. City have the edge, with five wins to our three, alongside four draws (one of which was followed by a shoot-out victory for the Reds), but last season’s WSL results – when we took four points off City – should give us belief heading into meeting no.13. Toone could be one player set to face her former club, where she’ll be seeking a first derby goal. The same applies for Nikita Parris, while for City, Alex Greenwood (left) is likely to have recovered from a head injury in time to face her old side, having worn the armband for both clubs.

08/11/2023 12:50

Manchester United Home 23/24

© 2023 adidas AG

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

D E R B Y D AY P R E V I E W Our penalty ace Zelem leads the way with Old Trafford goals for the Reds

HOW HIGH W ILL TI C KET SALES GO ?

With a first Manchester derby at Old Trafford comes the distinct possibility of a new attendance record for a United Women home game, which stands at 30,196 from last season’s win against Aston Villa. The current WSL record, four years on from that record-breaking trip to the Etihad, is now 54,115, set by Arsenal on the opening weekend of this season, against Liverpool. That figure is still significantly less than Old Trafford’s overall capacity and therefore within reach next Sunday, with a late flurry of ticket sales expected, helped by the international break kicking in for the men’s team.

L ATE ST SLICE OF D ER BY H ISTO RY

30-34_MUWFC_DERBY-DAY.CGIM.indd 20

R ELISH I N G T H E M O M E N T Yesterday saw United’s men line up at the Theatre of Dreams for a milestone match – a 2,500th game at the stadium, as they took on Luton Town.

United Women are looking forward to game number five there, but in years to come these early fixtures will stand out in the history books.

For Ella Toone (left), Katie Zelem and Millie Turner – all local girls to have featured regularly in our previous M16 games – they’re understandably excited about this one. “We relish these moments, and the derby has always got that little bit of an edge,” says Zelem, who has scored a team-high three goals at the stadium. And we can’t forget Gabby George, who is back with the Reds, having grown up with Katie and Millie in our youth ranks.

Gabby has played on the famous pitch too, as an opposition player for Everton, but sadly injury will deny her the chance to play next week.

33

STA R N A M E S O N E I T H E R S I DE Such has been the rapid growth of the women’s game over the past few seasons, our players have become household names in their own right.

Thousands will be delighted just to catch a glimpse of Mary Earps in the flesh next weekend – Mary having finished fifth in the recent Ballon d’Or, as well as being the reigning Best

MUWFC_23/24

United Women have played at the iconic stadium on four occasions over the past three seasons, beating West Ham (twice), Everton and Aston Villa during that time to maintain a perfect record there: 14 goals scored, only one conceded. But with all due respect to the Hammers, the Toffees and the Villans, the visit of City is by far our biggest challenge yet in M16. And it takes on extra meaning with it being our closest neighbours in the away dressing room. After all, this is a city that’s been both united and divided by football for the best part of 150 years, since Newton Heath LYR beat St Mark’s (West Gorton) 3-0 on 12 November 1881, a decade before the teams’ first competitive meeting. By 1902 the fixture would be more easily identifiable

as Manchester United v Manchester City. The first-ever men’s derby at Old Trafford would take place on 17 September 1910, with Ernest Mangnall’s Reds winning 2-1.

08/11/2023 12:50

D E R B Y D AY P R E V I E W 34

FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper, World Cup Golden Glove winner, newly crowned Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year... and she’ll probably have another award or two on the list by the time the year’s out. Leah Galton, Lucia Garcia and Hayley Ladd are three players who seem to thrive at Old Trafford, and all have scored against City.

There will also be a first taste of derby day for Hinata Miyazawa, Geyse and Melvine Malard, all of whom have played on the very biggest stages with their former clubs and international teams.

Now those players will get a feel for the decades of history that fills the very air inside the Theatre of Dreams and be able to breathe it in under the atmosphere of a floodlit early-winter’s evening.

Miyazawa collected the World Cup Golden Boot during the summer, Geyse gave England a tough time at a sold-out Wembley in April’s Finalissima, and both she and Malard have won the Champions League. It feels like a stage that is made for them, and it’ll no doubt leave Marc Skinner with some selection headaches ahead of kick-off.

As for Gareth Taylor’s side, their unbeaten start to the WSL season came to an end away to Arsenal last weekend, but the quality is clear to see, and they seem like a team intent on achieving big things following the disappointment of last term’s fourth-placed finish. Chloe Kelly and Bunny Shaw are two attacking threats we’ve seen much of in the past, but the addition of Dutch midfielder Jill Roord from Wolfsburg this summer is one more player we’ll need to watch particularly closely.

P LE NT Y AT STAKE Last season’s home derby in May, where 7,864 raucous fans threatened to blow the roof off Leigh Sports Village, was a key moment in our history.

That 2-1 triumph, secured by a dramatic late goal from Lucia Garcia almost straight after an inch-perfect tackle from Maya Le Tissier to stop

UNITED WOMEN

JUST SCAN HERE FOR TICKETS!

30-34_MUWFC_DERBY-DAY.CGIM.indd 21

City potentially winning it at the other end, was the result which guaranteed Champions League qualification for the first time. It was the culmination of a season of hard work and growth, as well as being a first league win over City after being left disappointed with only a 1-1 draw at the Etihad. That display had shown our progress, taking the lead in a hostile atmosphere, no longer feeling like an underdog against a far more established City, and reflecting on the result as two points dropped, rather than a point gained.

Even in the relatively early stages of 2023/24, there is already so much at stake next week. The overall development of the WSL as a whole means

A RO C K ING O LD T R A FF O R D C A N O NLY HE LP D R IVE T HE REDS ON THROUGHOUT OUR L AT E ST HISTO R IC FIX T U R E the league is more competitive and of higher quality from top to bottom than ever before. The margins for success are so small and every single point counts massively, potentially making all the difference come the end of the campaign. Our victories over Arsenal and City last season showed that, and the Reds now have to reproduce such results if we are to better that second-place finish – or at least ensure that Champions League qualification wasn’t just a one-off.

A rocking Old Trafford next Sunday can only help drive the Reds on throughout our latest historic fixture, so if you haven’t yet got your tickets, what are you waiting for?!

Lucia got the headlines when we last met, but Maya more than played her part

08/11/2023 12:50

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

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Pupils get book smart Old Trafford event helps inspire young students

37_MUWFC_MU-Foundation.CGIM.indd 1

AM Dassu, who distributed free copies of her children’s novel, Kicked Out. The children also enjoyed views of the pitch as they met Fred the Red as part of a spectacular day to inspire them about the importance of reading. Chase, 10, from Primrose Hill Primary, said: “We learned about reading being a superpower: the more you read, the cleverer you can become, even if you just learn a few more words than you did yesterday.”

St Philips C of E Primary pupil Jahvel, also 10, added: “The

Visit mufoundation.org for more

37

UNITED WOMEN

Pupils from three of the Foundation’s partner primary schools celebrated all things reading and writing with a special event at Old Trafford ahead of Children’s Reading Week.

The youngsters visited the stadium, where they took part in educational workshops with Read Manchester.

In addition to the workshops – delivered by Actiphons, poet Griot Gabriel and Show Racism the Red Card – participants also enjoyed a talk with author

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

atmosphere was crazy! I liked having the opportunity and I’m so grateful. I’m going to read lots more, and the book we got, Kicked Out, it looks really good and I think I’m going to enjoy it.”

Read Manchester has provided the Foundation with almost 12,000 books to distribute to young people since the start of the 2021/22 season. Those books, with a collective value of just over £71,000, have been given out to pupils from Years 4 to 7 across 45 partner schools.

Aaron Liburd, one of the Foundation’s primary education officers, said: “We are pleased to have been working with Read Manchester, as our collaborative work has allowed young people to advance their reading ability.

“Encouraging children to read and providing them with free books helps them to learn important skills for inside and outside the classroom, supporting mental wellbeing while hopefully fostering the start of a lifelong passion for reading, too. Bringing children to Old Trafford with AM Dassu is so powerful – using the aspirational environment of the stadium can help children understand the importance of reading and motivate them to pursue their goals in life.”

08/11/2023 12:46

WEST HAM UNITED

38

Asseyi gives the Hammers the lead from the penalty spot a week ago, but their opponents Bristol City would fight back

UNITED WOMEN

“We have to be the best in both boxes, to compete in those areas and be more determined than the other team – I don’t think we were in that regard,” was how a disappointed Rehanne Skinner responded to her side’s shock home defeat to Bristol City last weekend.

While it was the first points of the season for their newly promoted opponents, the Hammers went into the game with a more positive outlook.

A tough opening to 2023/24 had handed them clashes with Manchester City and Chelsea (both 2-0 losses in which they had their moments), while in between they beat Brighton, and later rescued a point against Liverpool. There has also been a victory against second-tier Charlton in the Conti Cup, while things initially looked to be going to plan against Bristol City, when Viviane Asseyi put West Ham ahead, before they eventually lost 3-2.

Dagny Brynjarsdottir is a notable absentee.

The club captain announced in August that

38-39_oppo spread.CGIM.indd 38

she is pregnant with her second child and will sit out this season. Meanwhile, Lucy Parker and Grace Fisk, both called up by England in recent years, have left since last season, as has midfielder Kate Longhurst.

But the summer arrival of Riko Ueki, international team-mate of our own Hinata Miyazawa, is proving to be a home run already.

Like Hini, the 24-year-old scored for Japan against Spain during the summer when her country demolished the eventual champions in the World Cup group stage. Ueki’s goal against Liverpool came in the 95th minute to snatch a point, while she also netted the killer second in the win over Brighton. With another against Bristol City, Ueki’s WSL tally already stands at three in five games. It helps that international colleagues Risa Shimizu and Honoka Hayashi were already at the club and encouraged Ueki to became the latest Japan star to wear the claret and blue shirt.

08/11/2023 12:46

THE VISITORS

LAST WSL LINE-UP v BRISTOL CITY (HOME, WSL) 05.11.23

ARNOLD

S TA N D - I N S K I P P E R

DENTON

CISSOKO

COOKE

SMITH

EVANS

SHIMIZU

HAYASHI

ATKINSON

ASSEYI

UEKI

MACKENZIE ARNOLD The Australian keeper has taken over the captaincy from Brynjarsdottir this season. Although massively experienced at club and international level, 2023 has almost been a watershed for the 29-year-old in terms of wider recognition, following an outstanding World Cup on home soil during the summer. She joined the Hammers in 2020, on the back of a year with Chicago Red Stars.

SUBS USED: STRINGER, FILIS, ZIU, ADEMILUYI

39

EXPERIENCED DEFENDER

HEAD COACH

HAWA CISSOKO

REHANNE SKINNER

New vice-captain and now into her fourth season at the club, the France international’s first half performance at Old Trafford in March was a significant reason why the Hammers were able to frustrate United until after the break.

The former PSG, Marseille and Soyaux defender is known for her tight marking and hard tackling.

Once her namesake Marc’s boss at Leicester, well over a decade ago, Skinner – who will celebrate her 44th birthday tomorrow – was appointed

by West Ham this summer. She had previously delivered Tottenham’s highest WSL finish (fifth) in 2021/22 and has also worked on the Wales and England coaching staff, at junior and senior levels.

costly 1-1 in February 2022.

● West Ham’s first season as

Leon and Jane Ross have

● The Hammers’ only win

a top-flight club in 2018/19

all played for both us and

● United have won six of the

was the very first meeting

was the subject of BBC Three

West Ham, while ex-Red

eight previous meetings with

between the clubs – a

reality series Squad Goals.

Kirsty Smith is now with

West Ham, drawing once – a

3-2 WSL win in 2019.

● Martha Thomas, Adriana

the east London club.

38-39_oppo spread.CGIM.indd 39

UNITED WOMEN

THE KNOWLEDGE

08/11/2023 12:46

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

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

AS WE ONCE AGAIN PERUSE THE PAGES OF THE MUWSC SONGBOOK, HOME-AND-AWAY RED SHANE HIGGS (LEFT) GETS US ALL SET FOR DECEMBER... SO YOU’VE GOT A FEW WEEKS TO LEARN THESE VERY TRICKY LYRICS!

ON THE TWELFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME, TWELVE HAYLEY LADDS, ELEVEN HAYLEY LADDS, TEN HAYLEY LADDS, NINE HAYLEY LADDS, EIGHT HAYLEY LADDS, SEVEN HAYLEY LADDS, SIX HAYLEY LADDS, FIIIIIIIVE HAY-LEY LA A ADDS! FOUR HAYLEY LADDS, THREE HAYLEY LADDS, TWO HAYLEY LADDS, AND A SUPER HAYLEY LADD. UNITED! UNITED!

We’re sure this man (a singer-songwriter himself these days) would approve of the adaptation...

41_Sing songsheet Shane.CGIM.indd 1

where it feels like syllables are shoehorned in. It’s an art form! And for the last bit, instead of ‘... and an Eric Cantona’, it’s ‘... and a super Hayley Ladd.’

So Hayley got the nod because of her syllables?

Not just that! She also wears no.12, which makes it perfect, plus she didn’t really have a proper chant when we first started singing this in 2019.

It is a good ’un – if also a bit of a long ’un...

It does test you, yeah, and I’ll be out of breath by the end. And if something big happens in the game, it’ll kill the chant. Weirdly though, we’ve never scored while it’s been sung. What would be great is if Hayley scored just as we got to the end.

That would be amazing! How are you enjoying the atmosphere at games this season?

It’s been really good, and it’s nice to see away fan numbers increase with other clubs. It’s great to have a bit of back and forth, as it can get lonely at times, singing to ourselves. No other team has out-sung us yet though!

Scan for the full songbook _>

41

UNITED WOMEN

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

Forgive us if we ignore the first 11 verses of this one, Shane (we’re sure most Reds recognise it!)

Yeah, we hijacked the classic men’s team chant, to make it a bit more relevant to United Women. It makes it relatable, although I still sometimes get confused and start singing ‘Twelve Cantonas!’ before I remember it’s about Hayley Ladd...

Why Hayley? Why not ‘Twelve Millie Turners’?

That wouldn’t really scan, would it. We’re big on keeping the syllables correct. I don’t like chants

With a Christmas jumper and her own Christmas chant, all Hayley needs now is a Christmas goal!

08/11/2023 12:45

WHERE

GREATNESS LIVES

WOMENSLEAGUES.THEFA.COM

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02/10/2023 22:52

A warm welcome to Alana and Lucy – avid supporters of United Women and both season ticket holders.

FAN PHOTOS

FAN GALLERY

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

Happy birthday Alison – lots of love, Tom, Tara, Vianney and Pips.

01

43

Here is Marnie, Maya’s no.1 fan – especially after she generously gave Marnie her shirt last season!

Belated happy birthday to Faye Forster, from Bec, Paul, Callum, Ava and Joseph.

Keira! Happy 16th birthday from Mum , Dad and Callum and all your fellow Reds.

All the best to season ticket holder Lauren Postill – it was her 30th birthday on Friday. We hope you enjoyed it!

43_Fan-Messages.CGIM.indd 1

Charlotte McGill celebrated her 11th birthday this week – her favourite player is Ella Toone.

UNITED WOMEN

Happy 5th birthday to Joseph. He loves watching the team, and Fred the Red.

08/11/2023 12:46

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

NAME GAME MATCH THE WSL CLUBS TO THEIR NICKNAMES! 44

ARSENAL BRIGHTON EVERTON LEICESTER WEST HAM

FOXES GUNNERS HAMMERS SEAGULLS TOFFEES

UNITED WOMEN

GUESS THE RED IDENTIFY THESE THREE HIDDEN UNITED STARS!

2 1

3

Name game answers: Foxes: Leicester; Gunners: Arsenal; Hammers: West Ham; Seagulls: Brighton; Toffees: Everton Guess the Red answers: 1. Nikita Parris; 2. Katie Zelem; 3. Maya Le Tissier 44-45_MUWFC_Junior-Red-WestHam-CGIM.indd 1

08/11/2023 13:40

THE SE FIV E HAVE MA DE AT LEA ST ON E SEN IOR FOR BO TH UN ITE D AN D WE ST HA M…AP PEA RA NC E

K I D S ' PAG E S

PLAYED FOR BOTH KIRSTY SMITH

UNITED: 2018-22 WEST HAM: 2022-PRESENT

MARTHA THOMAS

WEST HAM: 2019-21 UNITED: 2021-23 4 54

JANE ROSS

WEST HAM: 2018-19 UNITED: 2019-21

ADRIANA LEON

WEST HAM: 2019-22 UNITED: 2022-23

UNITED: 2018-23 WEST HAM: 2021 (LOAN)

44-45_MUWFC_Junior-Red-WestHam-CGIM.indd 2

UNITED WOMEN

EMILY RAMSEY

08/11/2023 13:40

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

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● FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE TABLE 1

Team

P

W

D

L

GD

Pts

Chelsea

5

4

1

0

11

13

2

Manchester City

5

3

1

1

7

10

3

Tottenham

5

3

1

1

5

10

4

Liverpool

5

3

1

1

3

10

5

Arsenal

5

3

1

1

2

10

6

UNITED

5

2

3

0

6

9

7

Leicester

5

2

1

2

1

7

8

West Ham

5

1

1

3

-3

4

9

Brighton

5

1

1

3

-5

4

10 Everton

5

1

1

3

-6

4

11 Bristol City

5

1

0

4

-9

3

12 Aston Villa

5

0

0

5

-12

0

● UNITED APPEARANCES AND GOALS, 2023/24 * PLAYER

WSL

FA CUP

UWCL

TOTAL

APP

GLS

APP

GLS

APP

GLS

APP

Hannah Blundell

5

0

0

0

2

0

7

GLS 0

Mary Earps

5

0

0

0

2

0

7

0

Gemma Evans

0(2)

0

0

0

0

0

0(2)

0

Leah Galton

3(1)

1

0

0

2

0

5(1)

1

Lucia Garcia

4(1)

1

0

0

1(1)

0

5(2)

1

Gabby George

3

0

0

0

1

0

4

0

Geyse

3

0

0

0

1(1)

0

4(1)

0

Irene Guerrero

0(1)

0

0

0

0

0

0(1)

0

Hayley Ladd

3

0

0

0

0

0

3

0

Maya Le Tissier

5

1

0

0

2

0

7

1

Melvine Malard

3(1)

2

0

0

1(1)

1

4(2)

3

Hinata Miyazawa

3(2)

0

0

0

0(2)

0

3(4)

0

Lisa Naalsund

0(1)

0

0

0

2

1

2(1)

1

Nikita Parris

2(2)

2

0

0

0

0

2(2)

2

Jayde Riviere

2(1)

0

0

0

2

0

4(1)

0

Ella Toone

4(1)

1

0

0

2

0

6(1)

1

Millie Turner

5

0

0

0

2

0

7

0

Rachel Williams

0(5)

4

0

0

0(1)

0

0(6)

4

Katie Zelem

5

0

0

0

2

0

7

0

UNITED ALL-TIME APPS & GOALS

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

APPEARANCES, GOALS & ’23/24 WSL STATISTICS

47

Toone’s cracking strike against Brighton means she’s within five goals of a half-century for United

● WSL TOP SCORERS, 2023/24 SEASON Martha Thomas (Tottenham Hotspur)

6

Elisabeth Terland (Brighton & Hove Albion)

5

Rachel Williams (United) 4 3

Jill Roord (Manchester City)

3

Riko Ueki (West Ham United)

3

Kate McCabe (Arsenal)

3

Marie-Therese Hobinger (Liverpool)

3

Chloe Kelly (Manchester City)

3

Amalie Thestrup (Bristol City)

3

● WSL TOP ASSISTS, 2023/24 SEASON

● ALL-TIME RECORDS: GOALS *

Apps

GLS

Ella Toone

138

Ella Toone

45

Katie Zelem

136

Leah Galton

35

Millie Turner

120

Katie Zelem

30

Leah Galton

114

Lauren James

28

Mary Earps

103

Alessia Russo

26

Kirsty Hanson

90

Jessica Sigsworth

26

Hayley Ladd

90

Mollie Green

16

Ona Batlle

77

Kirsty Hanson

16

Amy Turner

67

Nikita Parris

11

Jessica Sigsworth

66

Rachel Williams

10

Hannah Blundell

65

Lizzie Arnot

9

Jackie Groenen

60

Lucia Garcia

9

Alessia Russo

59

Hayley Ladd

9

Kirsty Smith

58

Vilde Boe Risa

8

Lauren James

56

Martha Thomas

8

Martha Thomas

53

Jane Ross

7

Martha Harris

49

Millie Turner

7

Maria Thorisdottir

45

Charlie Devlin

6

Niamh Charles (Chelsea)

3

Vilde Boe Risa

44

Alex Greenwood

5

Maisie Symonds (Brighton & Hove Albion)

3

Lucy Staniforth

41

Tobin Heath

4

47_MUWFC_App-Stats CGIM.indd 1

UNITED WOMEN

Sjoeke Nusken (Chelsea)

● ALL-TIME RECORDS: GAMES *

* Stats do not include Thursday’s Conti Cup game v Everton

Brighton’s Maisie Symonds is joint-top of the WSL assists charts with Chelsea’s Niamh Charles, with Katie Zelem one of nine players on two assists

08/11/2023 12:45

2023/24 SEASON SCHEDULE

FIXTURES & RESULTS COMP

OPPOSITION

SCORE ATT

LINE-UP

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

Earps

Riviere

Le Tissier

Turner

Blundell

Miyazawa

Zelem

NOV EM BER

* Result not known at time of print

48

DATE

AUGUST O CTO BER

WSL

Sun 5

Brighton (A) 6.45pm

2-2

3,444

CC

Thu 9

Everton (H) 7pm

*

WSL

Sun 12

West Ham (H) 12pm

WSL

Sun 19

Manchester City (H) 4.30pm

CC

Wed 22

Liverpool (A) 7pm

WSL

Sun 26

Bristol City (A) 12.30pm

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 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.

Visit ManUtd.com/fixtures for latest fixtures information

48-49_MUWFC_Fixtures.CGIM.indd 1

08/11/2023 12:49

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

–

2023/24 SEASON SCHEDULE

FOLLOW THE REDS:

–

49

48-49_MUWFC_Fixtures.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

08/11/2023 12:49

QUESTION TIME

ADDED-TIME

QUIZ

TEN TRICKY POSERS TO PUT YOUR REDS KNOWHOW TO THE TEST! Can you fill in the blanks from our first WSL meeting with West Ham, in December 2019?

WHO’S MISSING?

1.

?

11. GALTON

2. ________ 21. M TURNER

12. LADD 14. ________

23. EARPS 5. McMANUS

19. ________

10. ZELEM 18. HANSON

4. A TURNER

50

Identify these Reds based on the last five clubs each have played for…

CA R E E R PAT H S 4. MADRID CFF

BENFICA

MADRID CFF

BARCELONA

UNITED

5. BIRMINGHAM CITY

BRISTOL CITY

READING

WOLFSBURG

UNITED

6. CHELSEA

NOTTS COUNTY

BIRMINGHAM CITY

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR UNITED

You’re in the home straight, with just this quartet of questions to go...

FOUR TO FINISH 7

→

UNITED WOMEN

8 9 10

Which two Reds scored their first goals for the club in last season’s 2-0 win away to West Ham? Our first competitive meeting with the Hammers was in the Conti Cup in January 2019 – at which stage of the competition?

Current Hammer and former Red Kirsty Smith joined United from which Scottish club in 2018?

How many of our previous eight competitive fixtures against West Ham have finished in United victories?

ANSWERS 1. Martha Harris; 2. Jackie Groenen; 3. Jane Ross; 4. Geyse; 5. Mary Earps; 6. Rachel Williams; 7. Lucia Garcia and Hannah Blundell; 8. Quarter-finals; 9. Hibernian; 10. Six 50_MUWFC_Quiz IM.indd 1

08/11/2023 13:42

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

WEST HAM UNITED WOMEN Head coach: Rehanne Skinner

Gabby George

3

1

Mackenzie Arnold (GK)

Maya Le Tissier

4

2

Kirsty Smith

Aoife Mannion

5

3

Risa Shimizu

Hannah Blundell

6

4

Abbey-Leigh Stringer

Ella Toone

7

5

Amber Tysiak

Irene Guerrero

8

7

Lisa Evans

Melvine Malard

9

8

Emma Snerle

Katie Zelem

Riko Ueki

10

9

Leah Galton

11

10 Dagny Brynjarsdottir

Hayley Ladd

12

11 Izzy Atkinson

Jayde Riviere

14

12 Emma Harries

Gemma Evans

15

16 Jess Ziu

Lisa Naalsund

16

17 Mel Filis

Lucia Garcia

17

18 Anouk Denton

Hinata Miyazawa

20

19 Honoka Hayashi

Millie Turner

21

20 Viviane Asseyi

Nikita Parris

22

21 Shannon Cooke

Geyse

23

23 Hawa Cissoko

Evie Rabjohn

25

24 Jessie Stapleton

Mary Earps (GK)

27

25 Megan Walsh (GK)

Rachel Williams

28

30 Katie O’Hanlon (GK)

Emma Watson

34

36 Soraya Walsh

Safia Middleton-Patel (GK)

39

35 Princess Ademiluyi

Phallon Tullis-Joyce (GK)

91

41 Keira Flannery

M ATC H

O F F IC I A LS

Referee Phoebe Cross • Assistants Sian Massey-Ellis, Ruby Sykes Fourth official Declan Brown

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08/11/2023 12:43