Manchester United Women v Leicester City Women match programme, FA Women's Championship, 10.03.19

OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2018/19 SEASON, VOLUME 1 ISSUE 11

v LEICESTER

CITY WOMEN

FA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY 10 MARCH 2019 KICK-OFF 12pm

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W E LC O M E

SPRING IN OUR STEP THREE STRAIGHT WINS HAS THE REDS BOUNCING INTO MARCH

Inside today’s match programme:

N EWS ALE RTS

p4 Casey Stoney column p7 Report: Sheffield United p8 Reports: Bees/Leicester p10 Barmy Army’s songbook p13 Alex Greenwood column

p14 p21 p22 p24 p26

POTM AWARD FOR TOONE

GIRLS SO CLOSE IN FA YOUTH CUP

United forward Ella Toone has been named FA Women’s Championship Player of the Month for February, beating Spurs’ Angela Addison, Gemma Bryan of Crystal Palace and Millwall’s Evie Clarke in the online vote. It was some month for our teenage no.7, who found the net six times – turn to p14 to hear from Ella herself.

Manchester United Football Club Limited

Ella Toone interview Foundation school visit Player statistics Today’s opposition 2018/19 team statistics

Last weekend was a big one for United’s U16 girls as they faced Chelsea in the semi-finals of the FA Girls’ Youth Cup. The young Reds – part of United’s Regional Talent Club – held the Blues to a 3-3 draw at Chelsea’s Cobham Training Ground, only to be defeated 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out. An agonising finale for the Reds, but they did the club proud.

Co-chairmen Joel Glazer, Avram Glazer Directors Bryan Glazer, Kevin Glazer, Edward Glazer, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Ed Woodward, Richard Arnold, Michael Edelson, Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Alex Ferguson, David Gill Secretary Rebecca Britain Honorary president Martin Edwards

MU Women match programme: Editor Charlie Ghagan Editor-in-chief Ian McLeish Contributors Harriet Drudge, Joe Ganley, Adam Bath Photography Getty, PA Images, John Peters, Matthew Peters Thanks to Haylee Blease, Suzie Hamilton, Julie Ferguson, John Shiel, Shane Higgs, Dan Smith @ Leicester City Women Printed by MuPrint.com ⬤ Copyright Manchester United 2019

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H E A D C OAC H ’ S C O L U M N

Casey Stoney

THE HEAD COACH’S COLUMN

With only seven league games left to play, we must have the right mentality going into every single one

G

ood afternoon and welcome to Leigh Sports Village. Leicester City are our visitors today and having played them relatively recently, our mentality will be key. The game at Farley Way Stadium is fresh in the memory so we need to make sure we don’t think it’ll be exactly the same in terms of the scoreline and the way we played that day.

Our second-half performance at Leicester was particularly impressive – we moved the ball well and exploited their weaknesses – but we’re prepared for a different game plan from Jonathan Morgan and his team today, with the possibility of them banking up to try to stop us playing through them. We will need to up our level once again to get the win.

It was great to be able to get some consistency in our performances last month, and a bit of momentum by having a run of games so close together. We attacked well in all our February fixtures and could have scored more than we did if we’d been more ruthless in front of goal.

But it was a really positive spell for us and the clean sheets in our last three matches were really pleasing. If we get the

structure right behind the ball it always gives us a chance of winning the game.

Today’s game comes on the back of an international break so our preparation has been slightly different. We’ve had to manage the returning players, and assess how they’ve recovered from long flights and playing lots of minutes. We’ve had the luxury of having 10 players still here, though, meaning we’ve been able to work on the finer details with them.

We’ve also been able to give them some time off, so they’ll be coming into this game fresh.

March is going to be a huge month for us, finishing off with a fixture against Tottenham away. Every week is massive because we can’t afford to drop points. Today’s league game is as important as Charlton in a couple of weeks and the Spurs match at the end of the month.

Spurs keep finding a way to win, which is a sign of a good side. Our aim is to go into that game on the last day of the month in a position where we’re high on confidence because we’ve picked up six points from our two previous Championship fixtures, starting right here.

Enjoy the game.

04 Manchester United Women v Leicester City Women

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H E A D C OAC H ’S C O L U M N

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REDS BLUNT THE BLADES Zelem quick out the blocks to kick-start away rout

SHEFFIELD UNITED WOMEN 0 UNITED WOMEN 4 WEDNESDAY 20 FEB | CHAMPIONSHIP | OLYMPIC LEGACY PARK | SCORERS: ZELEM 1, JAMES 27, TOONE 41 (PEN), GREEN 51 | ATTENDANCE: 1,008

United Women made it three straight victories and clean sheets as the Reds comfortably beat Sheffield United at Sheffield’s Olympic Legacy Park.

Casey Stoney made four changes to her starting XI from the FA Cup win against London Bees, with Amy Turner, Katie Zelem, Leah Galton and Lauren James coming into the fold. As for the Blades, manager Carla Ward named a squad that was missing 10 first-team players, with the hosts having to call on several youth players to fill the void.

United broke the deadlock within seconds of the kick-off. Alex Greenwood won a corner on the left and played it short to Katie Zelem, who curled the ball into the top-right corner.

This early setback did not dampen the hosts’ spirit, however, and they soon had a great chance, as Chloe Dixon dragged the ball wide of Siobhan Chamberlain’s post. The Blades then weathered a flurry of United chances.

Leah Galton whipped in a fierce cross which Zelem pulls the strings as United boss the midfield

Green converts to put the seal on another impressive away win

was cleared behind while Greenwood almost scored direct from the resulting corner.

It was Lauren James who doubled our lead just before the half-hour mark, the teenager dancing her way through the Blades’ defence before confidently slotting the ball home.

Just before half-time, James was played through by Zelem and our no.10 looked set to make it three, only to be brought down inside the box by Danielle Cox. Ella Toone made no mistake from the penalty, ensuring United went into half-time with an iron grip on the game.

Green got the fourth goal six minutes into a second half that was low on chances. Our no.8 converted a header from close range following Toone’s floated cross from the left as the Reds saw out the away win in comfortable fashion.

United: Chamberlain; Harris, A Turner, M Turner, Greenwood; Zelem (Hanson 56), Green, Toone; Sigsworth (Palmer 69), James, Galton (Arnot 75) Substitutes not used: Ramsey, Smith Manchester Manchester United United Women Women v Leicester v ReadingCity FC Women 07

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M ATC H R E P O R TS

UNITED WOMEN 3 LONDON BEES 0 SUN 17 FEB | WOMEN’S FA CUP | LEIGH SV | SCORERS: TOONE 27, GREEN 33, DEVLIN 87 | ATT: 838

Reds march on in FA Cup with solid home display MU Women progressed to the last eight which was fired just wide, while Charlie of the Women’s FA Cup after comfortably Devlin couldn’t convert Martha Harris’s cross. beating Rachel Yankey’s London Bees There was a change of goalkeeper for the at Hyde United’s Ewen Fields.

Reds midway through the second half, as Despite having the lion’s share of possession, Emily Ramsey was handed her United debut, chances were few and far between for Casey replacing Siobhan Chamberlain in order to Stoney’s side in the opening give the 18-year-old some 25 minutes, but when one vital first-team experience. finally came, Ella Toone made At the other end, Kirsty no mistake. Put clean through Smith so nearly made it 3-0 on goal, the teenager saw with a venomous strike that her initial shot well saved Quantrill punched clear. Lauren

by Sarah Quantrill, but Toone James then hit the bar, before Devlin is congratulated by fellow scorer Green fired home the rebound.

Devlin finally got the third, 3-0 after making it Quantrill then did well to confidently chipping the deny Alex Greenwood, but keeper to put the tie to bed.

Bees couldn’t keep out Mollie Green’s neat finish, from Lizzie Arnot’s United: Chamberlain (Ramsey 64); Harris, cross, to make it 2-0 to the hosts.

Palmer, M Turner, Smith; Greenwood (Hanson Stoney’s side continued to push for a third 77), Green, Toone; Sigsworth (James 60), after the break. Jess Sigsworth had an effort Devlin, Arnot. Subs not used: Turner, Galton

LEICESTER WOMEN 0 UNITED WOMEN 7 WED 13 FEB | CHAMPIONSHIP | FARLEY WAY STADIUM | SCORERS: TOONE 15, 17, 66 (PEN), 88, HANSON 52, GREENWOOD 54, JOHNSON (OG) 85 | ATTENDANCE: 824

Toone in unstoppable form at Farley Way Stadium Ella Toone scored four as United Women returned to FA Women’s Championship action with a convincing 7-0 away victory against Leicester City Women at Farley Way Stadium.

In what was just our second league game of 2019, two quick-fire goals in the first half from Toone helped put the Reds in control – the first after she capitalised on a poor clearance from the hosts; the second coming after a superb through ball by Mollie Green.

The lead could have been three before the break, although Toone powers in our second on 17 minutes Katie Zelem’s penalty was

saved by goalkeeper Demi Lambourne after Jess Sigsworth was fouled in the area.

After the interval, United bagged five more.

Kirsty Hanson was on the end of a delightful cross from Charlie Devlin while Alex Greenwood netted with a sumptuous free-kick into the roof of the net. Toone completed her hat-trick from the penalty spot while an own goal from Nat Johnson ensured the Reds had a sixth. Toone scored her fourth and a magnificent seventh with a brilliant long-range effort.

United: Chamberlain; Smith, A Turner, M Turner, Greenwood; Zelem (Arnot 57), Green (Devlin 46), Toone; Hanson, Sigsworth (James 71), Galton. Subs not used: Ramsey, Harris, Hartley, Palmer

08 Manchester United Women v Leicester City Women

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“NO KID WANTS TO GET TOLD OFF FOR SWEARING!”

One group of devoted MU Women fans have been rewriting the songbook this season – with Reds of all ages helping them to raise the atmosphere...

If you’ve attended any United Women game this since we’ve started singing them we’ve been season, home or away, you won’t have failed keen to get as many other fans as possible to notice the self-proclaimed ‘MUWFC Barmy involved. It was the brainchild of one of the group, Army’, a dedicated group of Reds who have Natalie Burrell, to create a proper songbook, print been in full voice throughout every fixture. it out and give it to other fans at the game.”

The vocal fans, who have also created a That’s exactly what Marc, Natalie and other number of eye-catching banners, made some members of the Barmy Army did ahead of new friends ahead of January’s the League Cup tie with the home meeting with West Hammers, and it was well Ham when they handed received among fellow Reds out an unofficial songbook, within the 1,029-strong crowd. in an effort to encourage as “Some people at the front many fellow matchgoing joined in with us [singing] once The songbooks and Reds as possible to cheer the game started and I saw banners made the on Casey Stoney’s side. they were reading from the long trip to Charlton One of the group, songbook,” says Marc. “Later Marc Henry, who runs the on they were starting chants @muwfcbarmyarmy Twitter account, told us how themselves from the songbook – it was the songbook came about: “Quite a few of us are great to see others get involved like that, also season ticket holders at Old Trafford, and not just us mad-heads at the back!” we started sharing some of our favourite United As well as adapting some traditional United chants on our WhatsApp group, which we then chants to work with the players’ names – not to began adapting for the women’s team,” explains mention the manager’s (‘Casey’s at the wheel, tell Manchester-born Marc, 44, who attends games me how good goes it feel…’) – the Barmy Army with his wife Deborah. “We also came up with have been keen to cut out the curse words as some original chants for the women’s team, and they cheer on Stoney’s Reds. “Families are such 10 Manchester United Women v Leicester City Women

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Marc (back row, far right, next to wife Deborah) and Natalie (front left) are among the ‘Barmy Army’ at every MU Women game – and we salute you all!

a big part of the crowd, and we want them to be comfortable joining in,” says Marc. “I sometimes take my niece, and for her to be able to sing all the song – rather than stopping halfway because of the swear words – can only help get more people joining in. And no kid wants to get told off for swearing!”

The songbook currently consists of five pages, but as Marc tells us, “it’s constantly evolving”, with updated versions to be distributed as the season goes on. “We hired a minibus for the away game against Charlton, and two rows of us were coming up with new chants all the way down to London. We’ve also been keeping an eye on Twitter – so if anyone has a new chant they’d like added, just let us know.

The songbook is for every United fan.”

Marc admits the aforementioned Stoney chant is his favourite – “it got everyone going at Charlton… well, for 11 minutes until it got abandoned, anyhow” – while wife Deborah would put the club’s classic ‘Calypso’ chant at the top of her list. Much like with those in the stands, however, inclusivity is the key, with the chants covering the entire squad.

“We all love this team and the United badge, and we’re supporting every single one of these players,” adds Marc. “For most of us, we started following the women’s game because we love United. To be honest, I didn’t expect to get into it quite as much as I have done, but it feels as if this team is making a bit of history in every game.

We’re so proud to be a small part of that.”

FIVE OF THE BEST Our picks from the songbook ⬤ ‘Ooh ah, Martha Harris, ooh ah, a little bit more; Ooh ah, Martha Harris, you’re the one we’re singing for.’ ⬤ ‘Woooahhh, we got Leah Galton; woooahhh, super Leah Galton; woooahhh, she never gives the ball awayyy.’ ⬤ ‘Gonna score, she’s gonna score, Jess Sigsworth’s gonna score; how she scores them I don’t know, with her head or with her toe; all I know is Siggy’s gonna score.’ ⬤ ‘She’s our Scots girl at the back, turns defence into attack; down the left or down the right, Kirsty Smith is dynamite.’ ⬤ ‘Kirsty Kirsty Kirstyyyyy, Kirsty Hanson of MUFC; with a jink and a trick, she is skilful and quick; and she’s Hanson of MUFC.’ You can follow @muwfcbarmyarmy on Twitter

Emily Ramsey and Amy Turner show their support

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CA P TA I N ’S C O L U M N

WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO STAMP OUR AUTHORITY ON THE LEAGUE THIS MONTH... WE’RE READY FOR WHAT’S AHEAD

Alex Greenwood

THE CAPTAIN’S COLUMN

I

n more ways than one, it’s nice to be back home! Our last match was a home fixture but not here in Leigh, and though we enjoyed the game against London Bees and progressed to the next round of the FA Cup, it’s great to be back here with you all again.

I’ve also been away, with England at the SheBelieves Cup in the United States. It was a brilliant test for us and to face three world-class opponents is the perfect way to prepare for the World Cup. The team are in a great place on and off the pitch and excited for the next few months leading into the summer.

At United, we’re all really excited about the remaining months of the season. Our last three games were so important for us to get some

The squad can be really proud of how we negotiated a busy February

momentum going and continue with our push for promotion. We put in professional performances in every game, getting the job done and scoring plenty without conceding, which is always a good habit to get into. I was so proud of how the team came through such a challenging run of games.

Ella Toone had a particularly good month, scoring six of our 14 goals in those three games and it was great to see her named the division’s Player of the Month for February. Ella can be whatever she wants to be in the game. She is a fantastic talent and plays football with a freedom and flair that’s a real asset to our squad.

Leicester are the visitors today, and I know I say this every week but it will be another tough game. We prepare to win and the girls who haven’t been away have been working hard, as well as enjoying some good time off to rest. The last few days have been about getting everyone back together and focusing on the job in hand.

The next few games are probably the most important of the season. We have an opportunity to stamp our authority on the league this month and we have a big game away at Reading in the FA Cup, which could take us to another semi-final.

It’s a massive month, and we’re ready for what’s ahead.

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M E LALRAT H TO AO HN AE R RI NI ST EI N R TVEI ERW VI EW

“I WAS GUTTED TO LEAVE THIS CLUB” Back representing the team she adores, former United girls’ forward Ella Toone is in the form of her life – and the teen is “buzzing” to get back on that pitch...

It’s been over two weeks since our last game – what have you been up to, Ella?

It’s been a slightly different week for me. Usually I’d be at an England camp with my age group, but there hasn’t been one this time, so I’ve been training here. Outside of training, I’ve been out and about with friends – anyone who knows me will tell you I can never sit still!

With 10 goals in your last seven starts you must be very happy with your form?

Yeah, I am. Once you get a few goals u ­ nder your belt, you step out on the pitch with more belief, and you can see that across the team. Everyone’s buzzing right now.

Four of those goals came against today’s opponents, Leicester.

Where does that game stand on your list of career highlights?

Right near the top. It was my first senior hat-trick, so it was a special night. To then get another goal was unbelievable.

And the skipper put you on penalty duties...

She did. I’ve taken penalties for England [at U17 and U19], so I have experience.

Alex knew what it would mean to me to get a hat-trick, so credit to her for giving me the ball and believing in me that I could put it away.

Talking of the match ball, did you get to keep it that night as our hat-trick hero?

No! For some reason I didn’t manage to get it. I don’t know if the referee just forgot, but I’ll have to remember to ask next time!

While this week has all been about focusing on the return game against Leicester, you must all have one eye on next Sunday’s fixture away to Reading...

Yes, that’s a massive test for us in the FA Cup. We lost to Reading back in August and we just want to prove to people how much we’ve improved as a team since then. We’ve come so far – our togetherness, our tactical, physical and technical attributes, they have all improved – and we’re really looking forward to facing them once again.

14 Manchester United Women v Leicester

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M A RE TH L LAA HTO A RORNI SE IIN NTTEER RVVIIEEW W

The recent Continental Tyres League Cup semi-final against Arsenal was strong evidence of the continued progress you talk about...

Absolutely.

Toone takes on We’d still only the Royals in our been playing first home fixture six months, and Arsenal were top of the WSL at the time, but we put on a big performance to show how far we’ve come.

We learned lots from that game, and we’ll take that into the Reading match next weekend.

Then there’s the small matter of Spurs away in the league later this month. How much are you looking forward to that?

Of course, we want to put in big performance down there and hopefully get back to the top.

We’ve been winning week in, week out but are still second, so we’ve been looking forward to playing our games in hand. Every game is massive now if we want to win the title.

You were part of a Manchester City squad that had real success in the league and cup between 2016-18.

How would a winner’s medal with United this season compare to that?

Oh, it would be incredible. I didn’t get much game time at City, but obviously I was happy when they were doing well. United is my team, though – the team I’ve supported since I was little – and to win a medal with United is something I always dreamed of growing up. I still find it unbelievable just to be part of the club’s first ever women’s team.

Age: 19 Born: Tyldesley Position: Forward Previous clubs: 2007-13 Manchester United (girls) 2013-16 Blackburn Rovers (girls) 2016-18 Manchester City International career: England (youth)

▲

Looking back to last year when you were still at City, what was your initial reaction when you heard United were to create a senior women’s side?

I was so happy to hear it. I spent a long time with United’s girls, and was gutted to leave this club as all I ever wanted to do was to keep playing for United. Now I’m back here, it feels like we’re making history every day.

ELLA’S STATISTICS

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H E R E

T O

C R E AT E

MANCHESTER UNITED AWAY JERSEY 18/19

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08/01/2019 12:21

E L L A TO O N E I N T E R V I E W

I LOVE MY CHANT, IT’S CLASS! THE CHANTS GIVE US ALL A LITTLE BOOST WALKING OUT

Banner picture: @muwfcbarmyarmy

Tell us how your move here came about?

Casey got in touch with my agent, I met Casey, and everything she said I just loved and wanted to be a part of. I’d never met Casey before then but I’d heard a lot about her and watched her play. She was such an important player, and it’s great for me to play under someone with so much experience. She just wants the best for everyone in our squad.

for England’s youth teams so stayed in touch.

I always looked up to Zel and Millie. I’d look them up on Instagram and see how Zel was getting on at Juventus!

You’re part of England’s U20 set-up, although you missed last summer’s U20 World Cup through injury. How much of a disappointment was that?

I was absolutely gutted, to be A young Ella developed her honest, as it’s the biggest game as part of United’s Regional Talent Club Looking back to your younger tournament at that age group. I’d years, we hear you were also worked so hard to get there, and quite a handy tennis player.... it was my first injury, so that was I used to play a bit of tennis, yeah [laughs]. I was hard to take. I struggled at first, but I look back all right but I wasn’t an Andy Murray or anything! I now and think that everything happens for used to play all sorts of sports – as I said before a reason, and that injury made me stronger I’ve never been able to sit still – but football as a person. I was at United by was always 100 per cent the no.1. then, and getting to know my team-mates more every day, so When you’re not kicking a ball there were benefits, although I about now, how do you keep do love representing my country. yourself entertained?

I still live with my mum and dad Let’s finish with our incredible but I’m always out and about doing fans. How much do you enjoy something, usually round Mollie, hearing ‘Toon-eee!’ ring Millie and Charlie’s house – around the stands?

I might as well just live there!

I love my chant, it’s class!

All the chants from the fans You were one of seven players from are great, especially as we’re walking out on United’s girls’ set-up to return. Had you to the pitch, when it gives you a little boost stayed in touch with many of them? ahead of the game. I love the banners they’ve I knew them all, but didn’t play with any of created also [above left]. We’re so lucky them apart from Em [Ramsey] – and we played to have such great support. ⬤ Manchester United Women v Leicester City Women 17

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M U F O U N DAT I O N

REDS TRIO GET PUPILS MOVING! Amy, Charlie and Kirsty get active with club charity to encourage physical literacy at primary schools United Women players Amy Turner, Charlie Devlin and Kirsty Hanson paid a visit to one of MU Foundation’s partner schools recently, as part of a physical literacy programme for primary school pupils.

‘Move With Manchester United’ is a 10-week initiative aimed at promoting competent and confident movers, and the trio of Reds weren’t afraid to get moving themselves as they spent a day with the kids at St Helen’s C of E Primary School, based in Hollins Green, Warrington.

“We’ve been doing little drills and it’s all been ball-orientated,” explained Amy during the session. “We’ve done different sports – such as tennis, hockey, football and basketball – and different tricks, focusing on balancing and coordination. It’s been a really good day.”

To become ‘physically literate’, children need to be part of activities which promote locomotion (movement from one point to another), stability (body balance in static and dynamic movement situations) and object control (sending, receiving and controlling an object), and the Foundation’s primary schools coordinator Jordana Roberts was delighted with how the session went.

“It’s been brilliant to see the players engaging with the pupils,” said Jordana. “The players are fantastic role models for young people and seeing them here today shows they care about the work we do through the Foundation. Most importantly they’ve played their part in getting the children active and encouraging them to try different sports.”

Chatting to young fans Hanson goes in has become for a high five! a common

The United players share some stories and laughs with the St Helen’s pupils

occurrence for the United Women squad following games this season, especially here at Leigh Sports Village, and United centre-back Amy insisted the players love every minute of it.

“It means a lot for us to come out and work with young people,” the United no.4 told us. “For us to come into a primary school like this, it’s only a short time out of our day, but something we really enjoy doing. Some of us have experience of working in schools before and we love seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces when we walk up.”

The club’s associated charity uses football to engage and inspire young people to build a better life for themselves, as well as unite the communities in which they live, with St Helen’s C of E being just one of a number of partner primary schools across the region. The Foundation’s other objectives with pupils of this age group include ‘Eat Well with Manchester United’ and ‘Premier League Reading Stars’, as well as structured football sessions – with participation, confidence and self-esteem the key areas of focus. “It’s really important for the club to have a Foundation and it doesn’t take much for us to do something like this,” added Amy. “We’d all agree we’d love to do more things and meet kids from the surrounding areas.”

For more information about Manchester United Foundation, visit www.mufoundation.org Manchester United Women v Leicester City Women 21

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STONEY’S SQUAD

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MARTHA HARRIS Position Defender DOB 19/8/1994 Nationality English

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LUCY ROBERTS Position Defender DOB 11/5/2001 Nationality English

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SIOBHAN CHAMBERLAIN Position Goalkeeper DOB 15/8/1983 Nationality English

3

EMILY RAMSEY Position Goalkeeper DOB 16/11/2000 Nationality English

FRAN BENTLEY (out on loan) Position Goalkeeper DOB 26/6/2001 Nationality English

4

ALEX GREENWOOD Position Defender DOB 7/9/1993 Nationality English

AMY TURNER Position Defender DOB 4/7/1991 Nationality English

20

21

KIRSTY SMITH Position Defender DOB 6/1/1994 Nationality Scottish

MILLIE TURNER Position Defender DOB 7/7/1996 Nationality English

12

NAOMI HARTLEY Position Defender DOB 12/1/2001 Nationality English

6

AIMEE PALMER Position Midfielder DOB 25/7/2000 Nationality English

22 Manchester United Women v Leicester City Women

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P L AY E R STAT I ST I C S

8

MOLLIE GREEN Position Midfielder/forward DOB 4/8/1997 Nationality English

7

10

KATIE ZELEM Position Midfielder DOB 20/1/1996 Nationality English

14

CHARLIE DEVLIN Position Midfielder DOB 23/2/1998 Nationality English

▲ FOCUS ON... ▲ ▲

16

LAUREN JAMES Position Midfielder DOB 29/9/2001 Nationality English

9

14

ELLA TOONE Position Forward DOB 2/9/1999 Nationality English

11

LEAH GALTON Position Forward DOB 24/5/1994 Nationality English

As leading scorer for Millwall last season (nine goals), attack-minded midfielder Charlie Devlin has continued to charge into the box at the right time for United, with four goals from six starts and eight substitute appearances. It was with the Lionesses where Charlie began her junior career, with her first professional contract coming at Arsenal ahead of her 2017 return to Millwall. Adept at linking play between midfield and attack, since our last home fixture she’s celebrated her 21st birthday – many happy returns, Charlie!

17

LIZZIE ARNOT Position Forward DOB 1/3/1996 Nationality Scottish

18

KIRSTY HANSON Position Forward DOB 17/4/1998 Nationality Scottish

JESS SIGSWORTH Position Forward DOB 13/10/1994 Nationality English

19

EBONY SALMON (out on loan) Position Forward DOB 27/1/2001 Nationality English

Manchester United Women v Leicester City Women 23

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L E I C E ST E R C I T Y WO M E N

THE VISITORS

It’s been an encouraging debut season at this level, with the Foxes standing up to Spurs last time out...

O

ne of five new teams to be awarded a place in the second flight for the inaugural Women’s Championship season, the Foxes have made an accomplished fist of things so far in 2018/19.

Jonathan Morgan’s side lie in the respectably solid position of sixth, despite a challenging run of four straight defeats in all competitions leading up to today’s trip to Leigh Sports Village – including a 7-0 loss at home to United.

But their determined, steely side was in evidence in their most recent outing, when they came within seconds of becoming the first side this season to stop Tottenham from scoring in a Championship game. Agonisingly, Spurs midfielder Angela Addison netted in the 96th minute, leaving Leicester to rue several promising missed chances of their own.

Nevertheless, the Foxes’ assistant manager Michael Makoni believes the performance gives them plenty of encouragement heading into today, where they will be keen to restore some pride after that heavy defeat at Farley Way Stadium last month. “It’s a case of the girls having the belief that they showed [against Spurs],” said Makoni. “They can do that, and apply that, when they play Pacy no.9 Johnson is a hard worker in the attacking third

TH E M A N A G E R: Jonathan Morgan Previously manager of Leicester Women’s reserve team, Morgan assumed first-team responsibilities in 2015 and immediately masterminded a “perfect” promotion season of 22 wins from 22 games that restored Leicester to the third flight. His ambitious leadership also inspired the side to reach the fifth round of the FA Women’s Cup for only the second time in the club’s history last term.

Morgan’s efforts this season suggest there is plenty more to come from this incarnation of LCWFC. Manchester United. No doubt we’ll feel we can make up for what happened [in February].”

JOHNSON AND AXTEN’S THREAT

The Foxes’ commitment to attack was on full display against Spurs, and no side outside the top four has scored more than Leicester’s 24 goals. Their first action in the transfer market last summer was to sign speedy striker Melissa Johnson from Sheffield United, and the 27-year-old has proven a big success.

Currently the team’s most potent attacking player, with seven goals and two assists, Johnson has formed a good partnership with Rosie Axten, who has four goals and two assists of her own. Johnson was named the second-flight’s Player of the Month twice last season, and it will be her threat that United will be most concerned about today.

24 Manchester United Women v Leicester City Women

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H E R E

T O

C R E AT E

MANCHESTER UNITED HOME JERSEY 18/19

ADI1001478 MUFC WOMENS_HOME 18-19_A5_P3.indd 1

08/01/2019 12:18

S E AS O N STAT I ST I C S

DATE

August

OPPOSITION

KO

CT Sun 19 Liverpool CT Sat 25 Reading

VEN RES

ATT

STARTING LINE-UP

2pm 12pm

A H

1-0 0-2

829 4,835

Chamberlain Smith Chamberlain Smith

A Turner A Turner

M Turner M Turner

Greenwood Greenwood

Green Green

3pm 7pm 2pm 12pm

A H A H

12-0 3-0 5-0 0-0

1,165 2,003 642 2,244

Chamberlain Chamberlain Chamberlain Chamberlain

A Turner A Turner A Turner A Turner

M Turner M Turner M Turner 1 M Turner

Smith Greenwood Greenwood Greenwood

Zelem 1 • Zelem 1 • Palmer Zelem

LG Sun 14 Charlton Athletic 12pm H

3-0

2,349

Chamberlain Smith

A Turner

M Turner

Greenwood

Green

September LG LG LG LG

Sun 9 Thu 20 Sun 23 Sun 30

Aston Villa Sheffield United London Bees Durham

Harris Harris Smith Harris

October November LG Sun 4 Tottenham Hotspur LG Sun 18 Crystal Palace LG Sun 25 Millwall Lionesses

12pm 2pm 12pm

H A H

4-1 5-0 8-0

2,367 975 1,467

Chamberlain Harris A Turner Chamberlain Harris A Turner Chamberlain Smith A Turner

M Turner M Turner M Turner

Greenwood Greenwood 1• Greenwood 1•

Palmer Green 2 Green 3

Lewes Durham Durham Everton

2pm 7pm 12pm 7pm

A H A A

2-0 1-0 1-3 3-0

1,958 686 912 267

Chamberlain Chamberlain Chamberlain Chamberlain

Smith Harris Smith Harris

Hartley A Turner A Turner A Turner

M Turner M Turner M Turner M Turner

Greenwood Greenwood Greenwood Smith

Zelem Zelem Zelem Zelem 1

London Bees West Ham United

2pm 7pm

H H

9-0 2-0 x

1,889 1,029

Chamberlain Harris Chamberlain Harris

M Turner A Turner

Greenwood M Turner

Smith Smith

Zelem 1• Zelem

Chamberlain Chamberlain Chamberlain Chamberlain Chamberlain

A Turner A Turner A Turner Palmer A Turner

M Turner M Turner M Turner M Turner M Turner

Greenwood Smith Greenwood 1 Smith Greenwood

Zelem Zelem Zelem Greenwood Zelem 1

December LG CT LG CT

Sun 2 Wed 5 Sun 9 Thu 13

January LG Sun 6 CT Wed 9

February FA CT LG FA LG

Sun 3 Thu 7 Wed 13 Sun 17 Wed 20

Brighton (R4) Arsenal (SF) Leicester City London Bees (R5) Sheffield United

12.30pm A 2-0 764 7.30pm A 1-2 1,836 7.45pm A 7-0 x 824 2pm H 3-0 838 7pm A 4-0 1,008

Harris Harris Smith Harris Harris

March LG Sun 10 FA Sun 17 LG Sun 24 LG Sun 31

Leicester City 12pm H Reading (QF) 2pm A Charlton Athletic 2pm A Tottenham Hotspur 1pm A

April FA Sun 14 LG Wed 17 LG Sat 20 LG Sun 28

Semi-final – – Aston Villa 7pm H Crystal Palace 12pm H Millwall Lionesses 2pm A

May

P

– N 2pm H

W D L GD Pts

1 Tottenham 15 13 0 2 19 39 2 UNITED

13 11 1 1 59 34

3 Durham

14 8 5 1 21 29

4 Charlton

14 9 2 3 19 29

5 London Bees 16 7 0 9 -16 21 6 Leicester City 16 6 2 8 7 Aston Villa

-7 20

14 4 5 5 -10 17

8 Sheffield Utd 13 4 1 8 -13 13 9 Lewes

15 4 1 10 -17 13

10 Crystal Palace 16 11 Millwall

3

1 12 -18 10

14 1 2 11 -37 5

KEY TO STATS: LG – FA Women’s Championship;

CT – FA Continental Tyres League Cup; FA – Women’s FA Cup Scorers Bold • Penalty x Own goal *after extra-time Sent off First sub Second sub Third sub

LEAG U E C U P, G R O U P TWO N O RTH

FA WO M E N’S C HAM PI O N S H I P

FA Sat 4 Final (Wembley) LG Sun 12 Lewes

P W D L GD Pts

1 UNITED 4

3 0

1

3

9

2 Reading 4 2 1 1 4 7

-------------------------------------

3 Everton 4

2 0

2

-1

6

4 Durham 4

1 1

2

-3

4

5 Liverpool 4

0

2* 2

-3

4

* Liverpool awarded two bonus points – one for each penalty shoot-out victory following a draw

26 Manchester United Women v Leicester City Women

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West Ham United

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eenwood eenwood

S E AS O N STAT I ST I C S

SUBSTITUTES USED

STAY UP

TO SPEED

WITH MU WOMEN!

Green Green

Zelem Zelem

James James

Arnot 1 Arnot

Sigsworth Sigsworth

Hanson Hanson

Toone Palmer

Galton Galton

Devlin Toone

Zelem 1 • Zelem 1 • Palmer Zelem

Devlin Green Zelem Toone

James 2 James Green 2 James

Galton Toone Arnot Arnot

Sigsworth 5 Sigsworth James 1 Sigsworth

Hanson 2 Hanson 1 Hanson Hanson

Green 1 Arnot 1 Sigsworth Galton

Toone 1 Palmer Toone 1 Devlin

Palmer Devlin Hartley Smith

eenwood

Green

Zelem 1

Palmer

Hanson

Sigsworth 1 Arnot 1

Toone

Harris

Devlin

eenwood eenwood 1• eenwood 1•

Palmer Green 2 Green 3

Zelem Zelem Zelem 1

Toone Devlin James 1

Hanson Arnot 2 Hanson

Sigsworth 2 James 1 Toone Hanson Sigsworth 1 Arnot

Galton Sigsworth Toone 1

Green Smith Bentley

Devlin 1 James Palmer

eenwood eenwood eenwood mith

Zelem Zelem Zelem Zelem 1

Green 1 Green 1 Green Green

Palmer James Toone 1 Greenwood

Toone 1 Hanson Hanson Sigsworth

Sigsworth Sigsworth Devlin James 1

Devlin Toone Sigsworth Hanson

Galton Arnot James Toone

James Devlin

Galton –

mith mith

Zelem 1• Zelem

Green 1 Green

Toone 2 Greenwood

Arnot 1 James

Devlin 2 Hanson Sigsworth 1 Arnot

Palmer Hanson

Hartley Toone

James 2 –

eenwood mith eenwood 1 mith eenwood

Zelem Zelem Zelem Greenwood Zelem 1

Green Green 1 Green Green 1 Green 1

Toone Greenwood Toone 4 • Toone 1 Toone 1 •

Hanson Sigsworth Hanson 1 Sigsworth Sigsworth

Sigsworth James Sigsworth Devlin 1 James 1

James 2 Hanson Devlin James Hanson

Galton Toone Arnot Ramsey Palmer

Arnot Arnot James Hanson Arnot

mith eenwood eenwood eenwood

Arnot Galton Arnot Galton 1

Devlin Galton Galton Arnot Galton

Facebook: manutdwomen

Twitter: @ManUtdWomen

YouTube.com /ManUtd

APPEARAN C E S / G OALS (ALL C O M PS) Apps

Lizzie Arnot

12 (6)

6

Fran Bentley Siobhan Chamberlain Charlie Devlin Leah Galton Mollie Green

0 (1) 21 6 (8) 6 (7) 18 (2)

0 0 4 1 14

Alex Greenwood Kirsty Hanson Martha Harris

20 15 (5) 13 (1)

3 4 0

Goals

Apps

Naomi Hartley

1 (2)

0

Lauren James Aimee Palmer Emily Ramsey Jess Sigsworth Kirsty Smith

13 (7) 5 (6) 0 (1) 17 (3) 14 (2)

11 0 0 10 0

Ella Toone Amy Turner Millie Turner Katie Zelem

11 (10) 18 21 20

13 0 1 7

Goals

Instagram: @manutdwomen

Match programme picture requests: MUWomenfamily @manutd.co.uk

Manchester United Women v Leicester City Women 27

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Mancheste

MANCHESTER UNITED ­WOMEN

Siobhan CHAMBERLAIN (GK) Martha HARRIS Alex GREENWOOD Amy TURNER Aimee PALMER Ella TOONE Mollie GREEN Jess SIGSWORTH Katie ZELEM Leah GALTON Naomi HARTLEY Emily RAMSEY (GK) Charlie DEVLIN Lucy ROBERTS Lauren JAMES Lizzie ARNOT Kirsty HANSON Kirsty SMITH Millie TURNER

1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21

LEICESTER CITY WOMEN

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 21 23 24 26 27

Demi LAMBOURNE (GK) Ella FRANKLIN-FRAITURE Sarah JACKSON Nicole NYMOEN Holly MORGAN Charlotte GREENGRASS Sophie DOMINGO Melissa JOHNSON Rosie AXTEN Freda AYISI Hayley JAMES Charlotte CLARKE (GK) Leigh DUGMORE Fiona WORTS Freya THOMAS Rachel BROWN Nat JOHNSON Natasha HUDSON Lucy JOHNSON Mai MONCASTER Libby SMITH Serena CLARKE (GK)

MATCH OFFICIALS Referee: James Bell Assistant referees: Daniel Guest, Simon Kells

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