Manchester United Women v Liverpool Women match programme WSL 28.09.19

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OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2019/20 SEASON • VOLUME 02 ISSUE 02

BARCLAYS FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2019 KICK-OFF 12pm

24/09/2019 11:17

WIN. RINSE. REPEAT.

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or visit KohlerUnited.com

CONTENTS

WELCOME Defeat to Arsenal in our last outing was tough to take, but a dozen days on Casey Stoney’s side are back in action – and what better way to move on from that dramatic late loss than by going head-to-head with traditional club rivals Liverpool?

Skipper Katie Zelem is certainly eager to get out on the pitch today (p11), while summer signing Hayley Ladd praises the Reds’ home ground, as well as the vocal fans in her five-page interview (p20). A new addition to the match programme is ‘Shiv’s diary’ (p27), where the Reds’ no.1 shares her behind-the-scenes stories as she takes a sabbatical. As well as her words, photography-loving Shiv will be sharing plenty of pics as the season progresses.

Talking of photos, we’ve got plenty more great shots and messages from you fantastic supporters (p16) – and you can keep them coming by emailing MUWomenfamily@manutd.co.uk.

p4

Casey Stoney column

p7

Arsenal match report

p11 Katie Zelem column p13 MU Foundation p15 Fred’s fan zone/gallery

MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB 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 CBE Secretary Rebecca Britain Honorary president Martin Edwards

p20 Hayley Ladd exclusive p27 Siobhan Chamberlain p30 Today’s opposition p33 Player and team statistics

PROGRAMME TEAM Editor Charlie Ghagan Editor-in-chief Ian McLeish Contributors Harriet Drudge, Feargal Brennan, Sam Carney Design Anthony Moore Photography Ash Donelon, John & Matt Peters, Getty, PA Thanks to Haylee Howe, John Shiel, Andy Kelly Printed by MuPrint.com © Manchester United 2019

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HEAD COACH

CASEY STONEY THE HEAD COACH’S COLUMN

The attitude of every single player has been spot on, and as long as we continue to believe in ourselves, the goals and the victories will come...

Hello and welcome to Leigh Sports Village where today we welcome Vicky Jepson and Liverpool.

We couldn’t have asked for a harder start – just promoted and first up at this level it’s the Etihad in front of over 31,000 people, and then the champions at home.

Though we don’t have any points from those matches, I have been so impressed with the players. Their attitude and application has been excellent, and I truly couldn’t demand any more from them in that respect.

Defensively, we have to be proud of where we’re at. A new back four still getting to know each other and building relationships, plus a new keeper too. Mary has been a great addition in terms of her presence and she showed exactly why she’s an international against Arsenal and why she should be pushing to be England’s no.1. She kicks well, distributes well, makes big saves in big moments and it was an all-round outstanding performance from her.

We need to make sure we’re creating a lot more and finishing at the other end, though. We’ve shown we belong at this level, now it is about believing it. We need to relax

in that 18-yard box and trust our instincts. We’re getting in the right positions, creating opportunities but putting too much pressure on ourselves. We scored a lot of goals last season and Jane Ross is a proven scorer at this level.

We’ve worked a lot on finishing over the last few weeks; now it is time to trust ourselves and the goals will come.

Liverpool will be out to get their first points, too, and they have players who can hurt us: Courtney Sweetman-Kirk scores a lot of goals and Mel Lawley is a good signing.

We know we’re going to have to be at our best, but we also know it’s a game we’re capable of winning.

We are very much still on a journey – I said last season about crawling, walking, then running. We’re in year two and there’s still a long way to go so you’ll need to be patient with us – and you have been because you’re as much a part of this as we are. We’re building something special and it’s amazing to have you with us.

Enjoy the game.

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HEAD COACH

Y “DEFENSIVELY, WE HAVE TO BE PROUD OF WHERE WE’RE AT. AT THE OTHER END WE NEED TO RELAX IN THAT 18-YARD BOX AND TRUST OUR INSTINCTS” Manchester United Women v Brighton Hove Albion 08

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Mancheste

LAST TIME AT LSV

MATCH CENTRE Ross worked hard in attack and was unfortunate not to net her first goal for United

• Late van de Donk winner so cruel on battling Reds • Strong defensive display had kept champions at bay Captain Katie swings in a corner

Lauren James takes on her former club

KEY STATISTICS MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN 0 ARSENAL WOMEN 1 MONDAY 16 SEPTEMBER, LEIGH SPORTS VILLAGE Scorer: van de Donk (89) Attendance: 2,530 Referee: Abigail Byrne United line-up: Earps; A Turner, McManus, M Turner, Smith; Ladd, Zelem, Toone; Sigsworth (Hanson 78), Ross (James 58), Galton Subs not used: Mikalsen, Harris, Green, Arnot, Edwards

A late Danielle van de Donk goal gave champions Arsenal all three points in Manchester United Women’s first home game of the WSL season.

The Dutch midfielder, on as a substitute, struck after 89 minutes to break United hearts after a hard-fought second half in which Reds’ keeper Mary Earps excelled, denying Kim Little on several occasions.

At the other end, Jane Ross had the home side’s best chance, seeing her effort saved by Manuela Zinsberger in front of a 2,530-strong crowd at Leigh Sports Village.

Casey Stoney was forced into making two changes to the side which fell to a valiant defeat in our season

opener at the Etihad. Jackie Groenen shone in that game but picked up a knock that ruled her out of contention, while Lotta Okvist missed out on her home debut with concussion. Kirsty Smith and Amy Turner came into the side, with Smith a direct replacement for Okvist at left-back and Hayley Ladd moving into midfield to allow Turner to slot into a right-back role.

The Gunners brought back star striker Vivianne Miedema after she was ruled out of their opening-day win over West Ham, and England midfielder Jordan Nobbs made her first competitive start since suffering an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury in November.

Last season’s WSL champions lost just once on the road all season in 2018/19 – a 2-0 reverse to Manchester City – but if the Reds were overawed by the level of opposition we failed to show it during a combative opening period in which most of the play was contested in the middle of the park.

With Jane Ross ploughing a lone furrow up front as the fulcrum of the team’s formation, the onus was on our wide players to provide penetration down the touchline and our first opening of the night came on 14 minutes when Jess Sigsworth beat Katie McCabe for pace on the right. Sigsworth crossed for Ella Toone who, on ⊲ Manchester United Women v Liverpool FC Women 07

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LAST TIME AT LSV

“A LOT OF TEAMS WILL FIND IT VERY DIFFICULT HERE. THEY ARE ARE A VERY GOOD SIDE” – JOE MONTEMURRO, ARSENAL BOSS

Earps was sensational between the sticks on her home debut for the Reds

THE BIG NUMBERS

7

15

Number of shots on the Arsenal goal by Casey Stoney’s side

Number of players used so far this season, with Kirsty Smith the latest

1/2 Final 2018/19 WSL positions of our first two opponents: Arsenal (1st); City (2nd)

0 Games in WSL with bigger attendance over weekend of Arsenal game

the stretch, headed just wide of Zinsberger’s goal. It was an encouraging start for Casey Stoney’s side, with the Gunners allowed precious little time to settle on the ball. Toone especially was proving a thorn in the Londoners’ side, twice shooting over the bar, first when running unchallenged from the centre circle and then after Zinsberger could only half-punch a corner clear.

Arsenal struggled to carve out any opportunities of note in the opening half-hour. But, thanks to the precise passing of Nobbs and the hard running of Beth Mead, they eventually found their rhythm and it took a double save from Earps to deny Miedema.

The Netherlands’ record scorer connected well with Lisa Evans’s cross but Earps parried the initial effort and quickly recovered to snuff out any chance of a rebound and ensure both teams went in level after 45 minutes.

After a word or two, no doubt, from boss Joe Montemurro at the break, the visitors moved up a gear once the teams re-emerged and Jill Roord tested Earps with an early sighter from distance.

United continued to demonstrate our ability on the break as the game sprung into life, with Ross seeing her shot saved by Zinsberger after being played through by Amy Turner just before the hour.

Just moments later, Arsenal’s Little found herself in a similar position but Earps once again did well to narrow the angle and divert the ball to safety.

Scottish midfielder Little was Arsenal’s most obvious threat, and she fired just wide when United allowed her a little too much space with 20 minutes left on the clock.

As the Gunners pushed for a winner, Evans and then Mead spurned decent chances, the former shooting straight at Earps after finding space on the left and the latter dragging her effort wide from the opposite side.

Earps again did brilliantly to push Little’s shot over the crossbar and when Miedema saw her curling effort bounce back off the upright, it seemed as if United were going to come away from the game with a point.

But, as the champions kept up the pressure in the closing stages, substitute van de Donk was on hand to bundle a bouncing ball into the net and leave the devastated Reds’ defenders sprawled on the turf.

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CAPTAIN

KATIE ZELEM THE CAPTAIN’S COLUMN

Much has changed since we last faced Liverpool, but with our new signings continuing to settle in, we can’t wait to walk back down that tunnel today...

A quieter weekend than usual last weekend means we’ve had to wait to get back on to the pitch after the Arsenal result, so we’re excited to welcome Liverpool to Leigh Sports Village this afternoon.

Our journey as a professional side started with an away fixture against them in the League Cup last season.

I remember how nervous we were to get going and how amazing it felt when Lizzie [Arnot] scored with her shins late on! Hopefully it won’t be as tense and as tight this time if we play the way we know we can.

We’re two different sides now, of course, but Liverpool are a good team who are well organised. They’ve got pace up top so we’ll need to watch out for that.

“WE’LL TAKE POSITIVES FROM THE ARSENAL MATCH, AND WE WILL LOOK TO BUILD ON THEM”

We’ll take the positives from the Arsenal match. In hindsight, a 1-0 loss to the champions wasn’t the worst result and we’ll be out to build on the good moments and improve on what we didn’t do quite as well. We need to keep the ball better and take our chances but if you look at our defending, it was a credit to our backline and Mary [Earps] that Arsenal didn’t score until the 89th minute.

Mary and the other signings have settled in really well.

It was a shame Lotta [Okvist] and Jackie [Groenen] were unavailable for the last match, but in Hayley Ladd we’ve got a great new presence in the team. She’s technical, aggressive and very good defensively – someone we needed in midfield, though she’s played in defence too.

Playing in different positions is a credit to her and shows how versatile she is. Every squad needs players like that.

Casey has signed good players who are good people.

We work well as a group and we’ve shown we can compete against the best. Now our focus is on three points.

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MU FOUNDATION

ENGAGE

⬤

INSPIRE

⬤

UNITE

GOALKEEPING MASTERCLASS Aspiring shot-stoppers from Manchester United Foundation receive coaching and advice from the best at the club’s Aon Training Complex United men’s team goalkeepers Sergio Romero and Lee Grant, along with goalkeeping coach Emilio Alvarez, recently put some young keepers from the club’s Foundation projects through a masterclass session at the Aon Training Complex.

Girls and boys from various Foundation programmes were delighted to attend the workshop and receive top tips from the Reds’ shot-stoppers. The 15 participants represented the Foundation’s partner schools and BTEC Sport programme, as well as girls’ development and community engagement projects, with each participant holding aspirations of being a goalkeeper. Understandably, they relished the opportunity to train with the United trio.

Romero, Grant and Alvarez put the young keepers through their paces as they worked their way through footwork, handling and diving techniques. Grant, now in his second season with the Reds, explained some of the advice he’d been sharing with the youngsters. “We’ve been talking about keeping your head and hands still, moving with your feet in line, and then we tried to bring that into game situations,” said Grant.

“The best way to practise is with other people, to get used to making contact, working through people and catching the ball around people. Mistakes are a part of the game but you need to try and minimise them and put as much distance between mistakes and keep going – the next ball is always the most important.”

Alvarez shares some tips with the young keepers

Following the workshop, the Foundation keepers had the chance to ask some questions, including how to manage mistakes, tackle a 2v1 situation and come forward for crosses.

Tom Oldbury, football coordinator for the Foundation’s community engagement programme, said the event was hugely beneficial to the budding keepers, adding: “This opportunity for our young people to train with first-team keepers was one we couldn’t pass up. The opportunity to take advice from professionals really had an impact and it’s great that the players take the time to give back in this way.”

The goalkeeping masterclass can be viewed on Manchester United Foundation’s YouTube channel

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WORK OF MANCHESTER UNITED FOUNDATION, HEAD TO MUFOUNDATION.ORG 12 Manchester United Women v Liverpool FC Women

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SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER 2019, KO 12.45PM TICKETS £10 ADULTS / £1 KIDS THEFA.COM/TICKETS

AVA I L A B L E AT A D I DA S. C O M

KIDS’ QUIZ

FRED’S FAN Z ON E Check out these six Reds meeting the fans!

Can you link each player to the clues below?

1 MCMANUS

2 MIKALSEN

3 HANSON

4 EARPS

5 GROENEN

6 ROSS

A

I turned 21 in April, and I’ve come on as a substitute for both of United’s WSL games so far this season.

B

Only six women have more Scotland caps than me (129) – and only one has more Scotland goals (59).

Answers: 1=C; 2=E; 3=A; 4=F; 5=D; 6=B 15_16_kids.CGIM.indd 4

C

I grew up as a United fan, and in my first game for the Reds earlier this month I played against my former club.

D

I hit the post on my debut against City, and I used to be a youth champion at judo for my country!

E

I’m from the country where United Women went on tour this summer, and I’m the Reds’ most recent signing.

F

In the year after winning my first cap for England in 2017, I went to play for the champions of Germany.

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FAN PHOTOS

RE DS ’ GA LL ERY

Send your top pictures to MUWomenfamily@manutd.co.uk

#17 Left to right alongside Casey we have Elspeth, Matilda and Luke – all three of them loved watching United lift the Championship trophy in May.

This is Ella, aged 9, at the last home game of the 2018/19 season – with her no.1 player Lauren James! Hope to see you back here soon, Ella!

TAKE FIVE WITH...

LIZZIE ARNOT On my TV...

Killing Eve, a few of us in the squad watch it together.

Making me laugh...

The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice. I’m a big fan of Bake Off but this show makes me laugh out loud!

Margaret Shepherd (standing tallest on the back row) is not only a big Red, but she’s a pioneer of women’s football, having played for Manchester ­Corinthians in the 1960s at a time when such teams were forbidden to play on FA pitches. This is a picture of her team reuniting over 50 years on!

What I’m reading...

Something to Tell You [by Lucy Diamond]. I like to read at night to relax and this book makes me want to keep reading... but it’s hard as I get tired!

On my playlist...

My go-to artists are Little Mix and Lewis Capaldi.

Who’s inspiring...

Here is LJ again, this time with young Evan, who says he’s going to score like Lauren when he plays for his club Ringley Park Rangers.

Wishing Charlotte (right of pic) the best of luck at uni as she goes off to study Physical Education and School Sport, from Marnie (and Lizzie too!).

I saw the Ronaldo interview with Piers Morgan – his drive, mental attitude and application is very inspiring.

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The best stories are yet to be written The world is watching. The fans are waiting. The players are ready. The new Barclays FA Women’s Super League season is here, and it’s all to play for.

Creating opportunities with football. #AllToPlayFor

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SNAPSHOT

FOCUSING ON THE POSITIVES Casey Stoney rallies the troops after a late goal denied United a point in our last WSL outing, against champions Arsenal. As she told MUTV: “We defended immensely and it’s devastating for them that we conceded.”

Twelve days on, her Reds will be hoping for another solid display at the back – plus a bit more luck at the other end...

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SNAPSHOT

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INTERVIEW

HAYLEY LADD PROFILE: Date of birth 6 October 1993 Place of birth Dacorum, Hertfordshire Position Midfield/defence United record 2 apps; 0 goals Previous clubs: 2009-12 Arsenal 2012 Kokkola Futis 10 (loan) 2012-15 Coventry City 2015-17 Bristol Academy/Bristol City 2017-19 Birmingham City International career Wales (56 caps, 2 goals)

C

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INTERVIEW

“I’D DESCRIB E MYSE LF AS A

TE NACIOUS, COM PETITIVE KIN D OF PLAYER...”

New signing Hayley Ladd couldn’t be prouder of what she’s achieved for club and country in 2019 – but her no.1 focus right now is getting points on the board with the Reds...

How have you enjoyed your first few months at Manchester United, Hayley?

They’ve been really good, I’ve settled in well. The girls and the staff have been really welcoming so it’s made it so easy. I’m really enjoying being here.

Did you know many of the team before joining?

I only really knew Millie, through playing with her at Bristol.

She was a good friend to have here – she showed me the ropes, where to go and took me out for lunch. Millie was a great help to me fitting and settling in at United.

What have been your highlights so far?

Playing my first game, putting the strip on ahead of that first competitive game at Manchester City, walking out of the tunnel... they really highlight where you are and the type of club you’re playing for.

What was it like making your debut in front of over 30,000 supporters in the game?

It was an amazing experience and I’ll never forget it. To be fair, that being my full debut was pretty special, although of course we would have liked to have got more out of the game.

How are you and the team feeling after two good performances, but two narrow defeats against Manchester City and Arsenal?

We’re feeling really positive. We know that we can hurt teams, though we also know there’s lots of work still to do. We’ve got a really good foundation, we’re threatening. We just need to refine the other elements of our game to make us competitive with the best teams in the league. Everyone’s excited to get back down to work and hopefully get some points on the board. ⊲

“MILLIE WAS A GREAT HELP TO ME FITTING AND SETTLING IN AT UNITED. SHE SHOWED ME THE ROPES AND WHERE TO GO” Manchester United Women v Liverpool FC Women 21

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Mancheste

INTERVIEW

Hayley lined up at right-back on her debut, where she put in a strong display against an experienced side

You stepped out at Leigh Sports Village for the first time as a Manchester United player in the game against the Gunners. How did that feel?

That was brilliant. I have never played in the stadium before, and stepping out, it’s such a nice ground, with a lovely pitch. It’s great to get that feeling of playing at home, and feeling comfortable. I’m really happy to be able to play here, representing this club.

You’ve already played in a couple of positions. What would you say is your best?

Either centre-midfield or centre-half. I can read the game fairly well which means I can cover a number of positions. But my preference is midfield.

What do you like about midfield?

That you’re in the thick of the action a lot. I’d describe myself as a tenacious, competitive kind of player, so that allows me to demonstrate that. I just like being involved!

Who’s the player you always want on your side in training?

We’ve obviously got a number of really talented players.

I guess a player that I’d not seen play much before and I really value is Katie Zelem. She’s a really talented player, a great link-up player as well, you know she’s always looking

for you if you make a run. She always wants to combine and build the play and keep possession.

What are your hopes for your first season here?

We’ve said we want to be competitive but every game we go into, we want to get maximum points too. We’ve been realistic about these first two games, but having seen how dangerous we can be, we want to give everyone in the league a really tough match.

You won your 50th cap for Wales earlier this year. How much pride did you take in that?

That was massive for me to reach that milestone. It was a great feeling to get that many caps. Going out there, representing your country, your family... it’s a great feeling. Hopefully we can top that off with some more good performances and get to a major finals.

Do you believe you can play for Wales in a major tournament one day?

We know how tough it is to get through but we have laid some really good foundations. This Euros [Euro 2021, to be played in England] is something we’re really going for; with the calibre of the squad we have now we’ve got a really good chance of doing something special. There’s a mixture of ability on the pitch and real camaraderie off it.

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INTERVIEW

professional lifestyle, where you’re really making big strides, physically as well as technically.

Friend and former Bristol City team-mate Millie Turner has helped Hayley adjust to life at a new club

“EVERYONE AT BIRMINGHAM WAS KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON UNITED. WE COULD SEE GOOD THINGS WERE HAPPENING” How did you first get into football? Are your family a sporty family?

We’re not a football family really, although my dad used to weightlift and play rugby – obviously being Welsh, he’s big into rugby! I think that’s where I get my competitiveness from. But my mum just always thought me and my sister had a real affinity to football and got us playing for a local side, St Albans City FC, as soon as possible.

And tell us a bit about your pathway to becoming a professional footballer...

My development years were spent at the Arsenal Centre of Excellence, where I came through the Academy. You get your first taste of what full-time and professional football can be like. From there I went to Bristol and then on to Birmingham, where my contract was full-time. We were training every day and I started living that full-time,

You’re one of a few in the squad with WSL experience – and you enjoyed a fine season with Birmingham last year, finishing fourth.

What were your highlights from that campaign?

It was a brilliant experience; we had a great squad and team spirit. We had similar ambitions and our manager at the time, Mark Skinner, was a big part of that. We learnt a hell of a lot from him and had a great winning culture. We went into every game knowing we’d all put our bodies on the line for each other.

Were you keeping track of what was going on at United?

Everyone was keeping a close eye on what was going on.

We could see good things were happening and United were running the show in the Championship. When I heard they were interested in me it was a great feeling.

Do you have any players you model your game on, or role models from within the game?

Playing with Sophie Ingle at Wales, watching her when she plays in midfield... her intelligence just shines through in every performance and she always makes it look so easy. She’s someone I look up to and I aspire to play a similar sort of role.

What’s been your best moment in football so far in your career?

Getting my 50th cap for Wales in the snow against Italy [in January]. That was a really special moment.

The manager came up with ‘Team United’ team-building activities last year to get the squad out of their comfort zone. Had you heard about that before you arrived?

I heard about the spiders! I’m definitely glad that was last year, I just hope they don’t repeat it again! But ⊲

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INTERVIEW

Taking aim against Arsenal from her favoured position on the pitch: midfield

it’s nice to hear that’s a big focus for the manager here – team culture and togetherness is something that’s so important. The first one [bonding session] this year was sumo wrestling. We split into two teams in these big fat suits in this inflatable area. It was just the funniest thing – one of those things where you’ve still got videos on your phone and when you look back you can’t help but laugh!

Have you done anything like that before?

No, definitely not. It’s really nice when a manager and staff think outside of the box. We really appreciate that as players, the time taken to implement things like that. It’s been brilliant working with Casey. Everybody hangs on to her every word, she’s got everyone’s respect immediately from being a player. She knows exactly what it’s like, what we’re thinking and feeling most of the time.

But she’s also a modern manager who wants us to play attacking football and get the ball down. It’s a dream come true to have a manager who wants to play that kind of football and trusts you on the ball.

Next up it’s another big match in the Women’s Super League, as we face Liverpool today. What

Hayley loves to represent her national team, with the first of her 56 caps coming way back in June 2011

“TEAM TOGETHERNESS IS SO IMPORTANT AND IT’S NICE TO HEAR THAT’S A BIG FOCUS FOR THE MANAGER HERE” can we expect from them and what have your experiences been like playing them previously?

They’re a really good side and have recruited well over the summer. They’ve got some really good attacking threats in particular which we’ll have to wary of.

And how do you relax away from the game?

I enjoy spending time with family and friends and going out for food – I really like Japanese food at the moment.

Outside of football, are there any other sports you were/are particularly into?

I like playing table tennis, we have that sometimes in camp. I fancy myself as a half-decent player!

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DON’T MISS A GAME

THIS SEASON BUY TICKETS: MANUTD.COM/MUWTICKETS

SIOBHAN CHAMBERLAIN

SHIV’S It’s been a tough start to the season results-wise, but also a really positive one on so many levels, helped by a spot of Strictly -style dancing on Monday!

I’d like to start my first Siobhan is expecting column by thanking her first child in the new year, but she’ll every one of you remain a regular who passed on your sight on matchday! congratulations and well-wishes following my announcement over the summer. It was so lovely to read all the messages, and myself and my husband are so grateful for every single one. It’s an exciting few months ahead, that’s for sure!

I have to admit, though, it’s been hard not being out there on the pitch, and I’m sure I’ll feel the same today for what is another big game, against a club I used to play for. I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve never missed games through injury during my career, so not being involved on a matchday is something I’m still getting used to. I’m keen to be involved as much as possible, though, and do my best to help Casey and the team however I can.

Strangely, I get more nervous when I’m not playing as I have no control over what’s happening on the pitch, so come matchday I’ve been making sure I stay busy. For the City game I took my camera along. As most people probably know, I love taking photos so it was great to be able to do that at the first Manchester derby in front of such an amazing crowd.

For the Arsenal game I did some punditry work with BT

Sport. It was a really good opportunity and I enjoyed it, but I’d definitely have enjoyed the post-match analysis more if the game had ended after 88 minutes!

As well as being behind the camera and occasionally in front of it, I was also pleased to be asked to write a column for the programme, which I hope you enjoy reading throughout another historic season for the team.

Considering our two WSL performances so far, everyone in the camp is rightly staying positive, and that was certainly the feeling I got on Monday when I joined the squad for the latest ‘Team United’ event – ballroom dancing! It was meant to be ‘pregnancy appropriate’ but it ended up being a lot more lively! We did salsa and the jive and I was absolutely knackered... I’m not sure bump enjoyed all the jumping around! It was a lot of fun, though, and everyone got involved, which was great considering how far out of their comfort zone a few of the players were!

After all that dancing, I’ve no doubt that everyone will be looking out for each other today, and I’m sure there will be another fantastic turnout from you vocal fans.

The attendance on Monday was the division’s highest of the weekend and hopefully we can smash that this afternoon.

Manchester United Women v Liverpool FC Women 27

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PLAYER PROFILES

MEET THE 2019/20 SQUAD In the spotlight is our new no.5, who will hope to make her third appearance today

27

1

13

22

SIOBHAN CHAMBERLAIN

EMILY RAMSEY

FRAN BENTLEY

Position Goalkeeper DOB 15/8/1983 Nationality English

Position Goalkeeper DOB 16/11/2000 Nationality English

Position Goalkeeper DOB 26/6/2001 Nationality English

15

2

3

MARY EARPS

AURORA MIKALSEN

MARTHA HARRIS

LOTTA OKVIST

Position Goalkeeper DOB 7/3/1993 Nationality English

Position Goalkeeper DOB 21/3/1996 Nationality Norwegian

Position Full-back DOB 19/8/1994 Nationality English

Position Full-back DOB 17/2/1997 Nationality Swedish

4

5

AMY TURNER

ABBIE McMANUS

Position Centre-back DOB 4/7/1991 Nationality English

Position Centre-back DOB 14/1/1993 Nationality English

One of three new arrivals announced on 1 July, the Prestwich-born defender joined from Manchester City, having lined up for the Blues across 10 seasons, either side of a year with Sheffield in 2013/14. First called up to England’s senior squad in February 2018, she’s since picked up 17 caps, and was part of the Lionesses’ World Cup squad.

20 KIRSTY SMITH Position Full-back DOB 6/1/1994 Nationality Scottish

28 Manchester United Women v Liverpool FC Women

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PLAYER PROFILES

21

8

MILLIE TURNER

MOLLIE GREEN

KATIE ZELEM

HAYLEY LADD

Position Centre-back DOB 7/7/1996 Nationality English

Position Midfield DOB 4/8/1997 Nationality English

Position Midfield DOB 20/1/1996 Nationality English

Position Mid/defence DOB 6/10/1993 Nationality Welsh

14

7

10

9

12

11

JACKIE GROENEN

ELLA TOONE

JESSICA SIGSWORTH

LEAH GALTON

Position Midfield DOB 17/12/1994 Nationality Dutch

Position Mid/forward DOB 2/9/1999 Nationality English

Position Forward DOB 13/10/1994 Nationality English

Position Winger DOB 24/5/1994 Nationality English

16

17

18

19

LAUREN JAMES

LIZZIE ARNOT

KIRSTY HANSON

JANE ROSS

Position Mid/forward DOB 29/9/2001 Nationality English

Position Winger DOB 1/3/1996 Nationality Scottish

Position Winger DOB 17/4/1998 Nationality Scottish

Position Forward DOB 18/9/1989 Nationality Scottish

Manchester United Women v Liverpool FC Women 29

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OPPOSITION

Bradley-Auckland won the team’s Players’ Player of the Year award for 2018/19

Lining up away to Tottenham ahead of their last WSL outing

TODAY’S VISITORS

LIVERPOOL

Much like Manchester’s Reds, the opposition are still seeking a first win of 2019/20, and the boss might be tempted to mix things up with her line-up...

League champions in 2013 and 2014, Liverpool have found life in the WSL a bit tougher since then, and following an eighth-place finish last term, they’ve endured a disappointing start to 2019/20 under manager Vicky Jepson.

Having started the campaign with back-to-back league defeats – first to Reading, then to newly promoted Spurs, both by a 1-0 scoreline – the Merseysiders then lost 3-2 at home to Championship side Sheffield United in their opening match of the Continental League Cup. Regardless of Liverpool’s struggles to get going this term, today’s opposition boast a side full of top-flight experience, and they’ll arrive in Leigh with a solid game plan based on pressurising their opponents, while looking to utilise the pace of their forwards on the counterattack.

At the back, Sophie Bradley-Auckland is the base around which Liverpool’s team is built, and the captain

provides leadership and aerial strength in both boxes. The absence of regular defensive partner Niamh Fahey will be a blow, however, as the Ireland international serves a suspension after picking up a straight red card in the loss to Spurs, with Jemma Purfield expected to slot in today.

EARLY BALLS INTO THE BOX Jepson has altered between a 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 formation so far this season, although the personnel has generally remained the same until this point. Amy Rodgers, Jade

CAPTAIN BRADLEY-AUCKLAND IS THE BASE AROUND WHICH LIVERPOOL’S TEAM IS BUILT

30 Manchester United Women v Liverpool FC Women

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OPPOSITION

Bailey and Niamh Charles are the likely trio that will look to match United in the centre of the park, but the key factor will be how such a relatively inexperienced threesome cope with the energy and stamina of United’s new-look midfield.

Up front, Liverpool appear short on confidence right now, but they do carry a very specific type of threat. Jessica Clarke (see right) is likely to start on the right of an attacking three, with Jepson potentially making changes elsewhere.

Rinsola Babjide and Ashley Hodson both put in encouraging displays in the defeat to the Blades, and either could force their way into a starting berth on the left. Through the middle, ex-Everton striker Courtney Sweetman-Kirk has got the nod for the opening two WSL games, and while she is yet to score, her pace and direct style can make her a tricky opponent to keep tabs on.

Movement in behind is not the focus of their attacking tactics with Sweetman-Kirk on the pitch, but instead they will look to break quickly and get early balls into the box for the team’s no.9.

Sweetman-Kirk can push forward with real speed

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ONE TO WATCH JESSICA CLARKE

THE MANAGER VICKY JEPSON

Leeds-born Clarke is just one of a few experienced campaigners in the ranks.

A versatile and creative midfielder, Jessica has operated on both the left and right so far this season, providing plenty of energy behind the attack.

With Liverpool basing their game on a high press of the opposition defence, whichever side Jessica is deployed on, her role is to quickly turn over possession and exploit spaces in between full-backs and central defenders. It worked to great effect at times last season and United’s full-backs will need to be alert to the 30-year-old.

Previously a player for Macclesfield Town Ladies, Jepson was promoted from Liverpool’s assistant manager in the early stages of last season, following the departure of Neil Redfearn.

Her first major managerial role following a decade of picking up vital experience as a coach, she steadied the ship as her team won four of their final seven league games. While 2019/20 hasn’t started as Jepson would have hoped, given her coaching background, allied with all the WSL experience within her squad, she’ll be confident of leading Liverpool up the table in the weeks ahead.

24/09/2019 11:31

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DO WNLOAD THE ADIDAS APP NO W © 2019 adi das AG 2019 adi das AG

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29/07/2019 15:

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STATISTICS

TABLES & PLAYER STATISTICS

FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE TABLE

Teams

P

W D L GD Pts

APPEARANCES/GOALS 2019/20

Player

League

FA Cup

League Cup

Total

App Gls App Gls App Gls App Gls

Mary Earps

2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

Leah Galton

2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

Jackie Groenen

1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

Kirsty Hanson

0(2) 0 0 0 0 0 0(2) 0

Lauren James

0(2) 0 0 0 0 0 0(2) 0

Hayley Ladd

2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

Abbie McManus

2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

Lotta Okvist

1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

Jane Ross

2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

Jess Sigsworth

2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

1= Manchester City 2 2 0 0 3 6

Kirsty Smith

1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

3 Arsenal

2 2 0 0 2 6

Ella Toone

2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

4 Chelsea

2 1 1 0 1 4

Amy Turner

1(1) 0 0 0 0 0 1(1) 0

5 West Ham

2 1 0 1 0 3

Millie Turner

2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

6 Tottenham Hotspur 2 1 0 1 0 3

Katie Zelem

2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

1= Everton

2 2 0 0 3 6

7 Reading

2 1 0 1 -1 3

8 Brighton

2 0 2 0 0 2

9 Bristol City

2 0 1 1 -2 1

10=Birmingham

2 0 0 2 -2 0

10=Liverpool

2 0 0 2 -2 0

10=Manchester United 2 0 0 2 -2 0

CONTINENTAL LEAGUE CUP GROUP C

Teams

P

W D L GD Pts

UNITED CAREER APPEARANCES/GOALS

1 Manchester City 1 1 0 0 +5 3

Player

App Gls App Gls App Gls App Gls

2 Birmingham City 1 1 0 0 +1 3

Lizzie Arnot

12(5) 6 1(1) 0 3(2) 1 16(8) 7

3 Manchester United 0 0 0 0 0 0

Fran Bentley

0(1) 0 0(1) 0 0 0 0(2) 0

4 Everton

1 0 0 1 -1 0

Siobhan Chamberlain 18 0 3 0 6 0 27 0

5 Leicester City

1 0 0 1 -5 0

Mary Earps

TWENTY STARTS FOR OUR NO.20 Kirsty Smith made her first appearance of the season against Arsenal, where our no.20 also joined the eight-strong list of players to have made 20 starts for the Reds. The Scottish full-back has 24 appearances in total since her arrival from Hibernian last summer, and while she’s the only outfield player on that list of eight yet to find the target, she’s chipped in with some cracking assists from out wide.

League

FA Cup

League Cup

Total

2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

Leah Galton

12(4) 3 1(1) 0 3(2) 1 16(7) 4

Mollie Green

14(4) 13 3 1 6 2 23(4) 16

Jackie Groenen

1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

Kirsty Hanson

12(7) 5 2(1) 0 3(3) 0 17(11) 5

Martha Harris

12(3) 1

Lauren James

12(8) 14 0(3) 2

3 0 4 0 19(3) 1 6

1 18(11) 17

Hayley Ladd

2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

Abbie McManus

2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

Lotta Okvist

1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

Emily Ramsey

2 0 0(1) 0 0 0 2(1) 0

Jane Ross

2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

Jess Sigsworth 17(4) 17 3 0 6 1 26(4) 18 Kirsty Smith

14(3) 0 1(1) 0 5 0 20(4) 0

Ella Toone

18(4) 14 3 1 0(6) 0 21(10) 15

Amy Turner

17(1) 2 2 0 6 0 25(1) 2

Millie Turner

22 2 3 0 6 0 31 2

Katie Zelem

20 10 2 0 6 1 28 11

Manchester United Women v Liverpool FC Women 33

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LINE-UP

ATTENDANCE

SCORE

VENUE

KICK-OFF

OPPOSITION

DATE

FIXTURES & LINE-UPS

SEPTEMBER AUGUST WSL Sat 7

Manchester City

3pm

A

0-1

31,213 Earps

Ladd

McManus

M Turner

Okvist

Gro

WSL Mon 16

Arsenal

7.30pm

H

0-1

2,530

A Turner

McManus

M Turner

Smith

Lad

WSL Sat 28

Liverpool

12pm

H

Earps

OCTOBER WSL Sun 13

Tottenham Hotspur

CC

Manchester City

12pm

Reading

12.30pm H

Sun 20

WSL Sun 27

12.30pm A H

NOVEMBER CC

Everton

12.30pm A

WSL Sun 17

Sun 3

Chelsea

2pm

A

CC

Leicester City

7.30pm

H

Brighton

12pm

H

WSL Sun 1

West Ham United

3pm

A

WSL Sun 8

Everton

12pm

H

CC

Birmingham City

7.30pm

A

Birmingham City

2pm

A

WSL Sun 5

Bristol City

12pm

H

WSL Sun 12

Liverpool

12pm

A

Thu 21

WSL Sun 24

DECEMBER

Wed 11

WSL Sun 15

JANUARY

CC 15/16 Quarter-final

WSL Sun 19

Tottenham Hotspur

H

FA

Round four

CC 29/30 Semi-final

Sun 26

12pm

FEBRUARY WSL Sun 2

Reading

2pm

A

WSL Sun 9

Chelsea

12pm

H

WSL Wed 12

Brighton

7.45pm

A

FA

Round five

Sun 16

WSL Sun 23

Everton

CC

Final

Sat 29

12.30pm A N

MARCH Quarter-final

WSL Sun 22

West Ham United

12pm

H

WSL Sun 29

Manchester City

12pm

H

WSL Sun 5

Arsenal

2pm

A

FA

Semi-final

Bristol City

A

FA

Sun 15

APRIL Sun 19

WSL Sun 26

3pm

MAY FA

Sat 9

WSL Sat 16

Final

N

Birmingham City

H

CONTACT US via email

34_35 season stats.CGIM.indd 4 West Ham United

TBC

Message and picture requests: MUWomenfamily@manutd.co.uk

Ticket information: Call 0161 868 8000 or visit ManUtd.com/Tickets

24/09/2019 11:36

WSL - Women’s Super League

Scorers Bold

First sub

CC - FA Continental League Cup

Penalty •

Second sub

FA - Women’s FA Cup

x Own goal

Third sub

SUBS USED

KEY:

* after extra-time

Groenen Ladd

Zelem

Toone

Sigsworth

Ross

Zelem

Toone

Sigsworth

Ross

Galton

A Turner

Galton James

Hanson

James

Hanson

-

FOLLOW US online

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Facebook: manutdwomen

Twitter: @manutdwomen

YouTube: /ManUtd

Instagram: @manutdwomen

24/09/2019 11:37

MANCHESTER UNITED ­WOMEN

Siobhan CHAMBERLAIN (GK) Martha HARRIS Lotta OKVIST Amy TURNER Abbie McMANUS Ella TOONE Mollie GREEN Jessica SIGSWORTH Katie ZELEM Leah GALTON Hayley LADD Emily RAMSEY (GK) Jackie GROENEN Aurora MIKALSEN (GK) Lauren JAMES Lizzie ARNOT Kirsty HANSON Jane ROSS Kirsty SMITH Millie TURNER Fran BENTLEY (GK) Maria EDWARDS Mary EARPS (GK)

LIVERPOOL FC WOMEN 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 27

1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 14 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Anke PREUSS (GK) Leighanne ROBE Rhiannon ROBERTS Niamh FAHEY Sophie BRADLEY-AUCKLAND Jessica CLARKE Jade BAILEY Courtney SWEETMAN-KIRK Christie MURRAY Melissa LAWLEY Ashley HODSON Niamh CHARLES Frances KITCHING (GK) Amy RODGERS Rinsola BABAJIDE Missy Bo KEARNS Becky JANE Jemma PURFIELD Kirsty LINNETT

MATCH OFFICIALS: Referee Lucy Oliver • Assistants Melissa Burgin, Cristiana Hattersley • Fourth official Ed Duckworth

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24/09/2019 11:37