Manchester United Women v West Ham United Women match programme

OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2020/21 SEASON • VOLUME 03 ISSUE 01

SPECIAL EDITION TO MARK OUR FIRST OLD TRAFFORD FIXTURE

BARCLAYS FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE SATURDAY 27 MARCH 2021 • KICK-OFF 11.30 AM

01_MUW WEST HAM OT COVER (approved).CGSMIM.indd 4 West Ham United

V

24/03/2021 14:42

KOHLER® reverse osmosis water filtration kiosk provides school children in rural India with safe water.

Today 2.1 billion people live without safe water.

UNITED WE CAN HELP

MAKE SAFE WATER FOR ALL A REALITY. UNITE FOR SAFE WATER. SafeWaterForAll.com

p02 IFC ad.indd 4

25/03/2021 11:25

CONTENTS

WHAT’S INSIDE... p4 HEAD COACH’S column p7 MILESTONE MATCHES p8 BIG PICTURE p11 LATEST NEWS

MANCHESTER UNITED F O O T B A L L C L U B LT D Co-chairmen Joel Glazer, Avram Glazer Directors Bryan Glazer,

p13 your inspiring messages

Kevin Glazer, Edward Glazer,

p15 CAPTAIN’s column

Ed Woodward, Richard Arnold,

p16 Meet the squad p18 CHRISTEN PRESS INTERVIEW p24 Olympics at old trafford p27 half-time quiz p28 Today’s opposition

Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Michael Edelson, Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Alex Ferguson, David Gill CBE Secretary Rebecca Britain Honorary president Martin Edwards MATCH PROGRAMME TEAM Editor Charlie Ghagan Editor-in-chief Ian McLeish Contributors Sean Mullan, Harry Robinson

p31 Appearance statistics

Photography Ash Donelon,

p32 season statistics

Thanks to Haylee Howe,

p34 from the archives

John & Matt Peters, Getty Andy Ball, Julie Ferguson, Rachael Temple, John Shiel & Chris Leuty/MuPrint.com © Manchester United 2021

Manchester United Women v West Ham United Women 03

03_CONTENTS.CGIM.indd 4

24/03/2021 19:45

HEAD COACH

CASEY STONEY THE HEAD COACH’S COLUMN

The stadium might be different on this special day, but the target remains the same: a victory to keep us in the chase for a top-three finish in the WSL It’s an early kick-off today, and as much as this match is an important moment for this team, I have to see it as just another game – and one we need three points from. Everyone wants to play at Old Trafford, of course, but it’s my job to pick a team to win.

It’s a change of surroundings from Leigh Sports Village, but we haven’t trained any differently this week to how we would for a normal home game. Well, apart from the fact that we’re now based at the Aon Training Complex until the end of the season, which has given us the ability to train more effectively. We’ve been there a couple of weeks now, and while we’ve had to modify a few things due to the current protocols, we’re getting there.

Our last game, away to Arsenal, was bitterly disappointing. I didn’t think we played badly – it was the lowest possession Arsenal have had under Joe Montemurro – but we needed to turn that into chances, and turn those chances into goals. How we went in at half-time 1-0 down, I’ll never know. The key message was to stay in the game as long as possible, not concede, wait

for them to come out – as they needed to win – and then capitalise, but the early goal put us on the back foot.

We need to do better today against a dogged West Ham side. Any team near the bottom in late March will be fighting for their lives, and they will want to spoil the party at Old Trafford. They will bring a physical game, load the ball into the box, and that’s what they are good at so we will need to be ready against a tricky opponent.

I’m sure you fans are massively disappointed to miss out on the team’s first game at Old Trafford, but the way I see it is that hopefully this is just a dress rehearsal for what’s to come. We can play today without the expectation from the fans, but then we do it again.

And next time we make sure we get a record crowd for a women’s game in this country, because if any club can do that, it’s this club.

In the meantime, I just hope we can put in a performance to make you all proud today.

04 Manchester United Women v West Ham United Women

04_05 CASEY (approved).CGIM.indd 4 West Ham United

24/03/2021 14:34

HEAD COACH

to manage at the stadium. asrenal, bitter diss, dont think performed badly. lowest possession arsenal have had under JM but got to turn poss in chances, and turn those chanes into goalsm, and how we went in at half-time 1-0 down i’;ll never know. it was diss cos our sloippy poss turned over ball early doors, very much message was to stay in game as long as possible, dont conced, they have to win and willl come out and then we can capitalise, but early goal put on bvack foot, gave us alot to do. but have to be pleased with elements but key moments when didnt take chances cost us. unf not in our hands GD, they have still got to win all their games and we need to make sure we win ours.

ns SL

“I’M SURE YOU FANS ARE MASSIVELY DISAPPOINTED TO MISS OUT ON THIS GAME, BUT THE WAY I SEE IT IS THAT HOPEFULLY THIS IS JUST A DRESS REHEARSAL FOR WHAT’S TO COME” Manchester United Women v West Ham United Women 05

04_05 CASEY (approved).CGIM.indd 5

24/03/2021 14:34

Mancheste

GET

YOUR

YOOU N

Get your game face on.

We want you to be on top of your game.

If you’re grooming or styling, every product we make has been created to help you make a statement - whether it’s with the ball at your feet or just walking down the street.

Have the confidence to make your mark.

Discover your perfect Remington product at: www.remington.co.uk/manutd

p06 ad.indd 4

25/03/2021 11:27

AND AFTER!

TEN MEMORABLE GAMES

RED LETTER DAYS Today is yet another milestone match for United Women, who have made plenty of headlines since the team was formed less than three years ago...

19 August 2018: First competitive game

Liverpool 0 United 1

Kicking off in style with a late win on Merseyside in the Continental League Cup.

25 August 2018: First home game

United 0 Reading 2

The 4,835-strong attendance remains a record for United at Leigh Sports Village.

9 September 2018: First league game

Aston Villa 0 United 12

What a start! This incredible Championship success is our biggest victory to this day.

17 April 2019: Promotion secured

United 5 Aston Villa 0

The Reds ensured we would rise to the WSL with three games remaining.

20 April 2019: Championship success

▶

WATCH!

United 7 Crystal Palace 0

Another big win as United clinched the title, dropping just five points all season.

UNITED SECURE A FIRST TROPHY

7 September 2019: First top-flight fixture

Manchester City 1 United 0

A then-record WSL crowd of 31,213 for what was the first women’s Manchester derby.

28 September 2019: First WSL win

United 2 Liverpool 0

Another landmark win achieved against Liverpool with two late strikes – happy days!

20 October 2019: First derby victory

United 2 Manchester City 0

Katie Zelem and Jess Sigsworth were on target in a sensational Continental Cup win.

8 November 2020: Landmark league win

United 1 Arsenal 0

Ella Toone sealed a first WSL win over any of the ‘Big Three’ (Arsenal, City, Chelsea.)

27 March 2021: First Old Trafford game

United

v

West Ham

Let’s make another special memory with three points at the Theatre of Dreams!

Manchester United Women v West Ham United Women 07

07_MILESTONES.CGSMIM.indd 4

25/03/2021 11:03

BIG PICTURE

08_09_BIG PIC NEW.v2 IM.indd 4

25/03/2021 11:04

BIG PICTURE

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS It’s been 20 days since our last home outing, and despite the continued absence of any supporters at Leigh Sports Village, it didn’t stop Jackie Groenen and Kirsty Hanson sending plenty of love to their team-mates and club staff in the stands after Hanson had given the Reds a first-half lead against Aston Villa; the Scotland international firing home a looping left-footed shot from outside the area. Jess Sigsworth would make it 2-0 just before the interval with a header, before Katie Zelem nodded in a third after 73 minutes to round off a very positive day’s work. Today’s outing, of course, will be rather different as United make the temporary transition from one home to another – here’s hoping for similar celebrations on the pitch at Old Trafford.

▶

WATCH!

ALL THe goals from the win

08_09_BIG PIC NEW.v2 IM.indd 5

25/03/2021 11:04

Mancheste

In the UK, only 8% of girls aged 5-18 meet the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

Through our football sessions, we help to grow self-confidence and empower girls to have a more active lifestyle.

p26 ad.indd 4

25/03/2021 11:30

AND AFTER!

NEWS

LATEST STORIES

CUP CAMPAIGN CONTINUES Reds to enter delayed competition in last 32 next month The 2020/21 Vitality Women’s FA Cup is set to resume at the end of March, having initially been paused in January, when ‘non-elite’ sport was suspended in the UK. With one first-round tie still to be played, and just one game from the second round having been completed, the current schedule will allow both stages to be completed by 4 April.

The third round would follow a week later, with United entering in the fourth round, away to one of Sunderland, Sheffield FC, Burnley or Fylde – all of whom would represent first-time opposition for Casey Stoney’s team.

Conversations are

ongoing with regards to a date for the fifth round, which is intended to be completed this season, while up to three subsequent rounds may be played out in the following campaign.

This would be similar to the 2019/20 season, when the fifth-round fixtures were played in February 2020 before the next games took place six months later in September, as Manchester City eventually went on to beat Everton at Wembley in the final on 1 November.

United’s maiden Cup adventure, when the club was still in the FA Women’s Championship in 2018/19, included an impressive 2-0 away success at top-flight Brighton, before London Bees were dispatched 3-0 at Leigh Sports Village.

A narrow extra-time defeat to Reading followed as the Royals emerged 3-2 winners, with the Reds also losing to eventual champions City by the same scoreline last season, with Stoney and her players now aiming for a longer stay this time around.

LANDMARK TV DEAL IS ANNOUNCED There’s going to be even more chances to see United in action on TV in the near future after a new WSL broadcast deal was announced by Sky Sports and BBC Sport.

Between 2021/22 and 2023/24, Sky Sports will show a minimum of 35 matches and a maximum of 44. BBC Sport will have at least 18 on BBC One and Two, with the remaining games on the Red Button or online. All other fixtures will be available for free on the FA Player. The FA’s Kelly Simmons said.

“It is one of the biggest deals commercially, definitely for women’s football in terms of a domestic deal, and up there for women’s sport. It’s going to be hugely visible next season. I’m sure it’ll inspire thousands and thousands of girls to play the game.”

▶

WATCH!

United reached the quarter-final The Reds were edged out in a derby-day in ourbefore exiting stagethriller last season last Women’s FA Cup outing, played January 2020 theincompetition away at Reading

TOP 10 GOALS FROM 2019/20

Manchester United Women v West Ham United Women 11

11_NEWS.CGSMIM.indd 4

25/03/2021 11:04

Football is All to play for for girls Football is All to play for for girls

Whether we’re striving to become the best of the best or inspiring the next generation, together let’s make this season #AllToPlayFor Football gives girls confidence, on and off the pitch.

That’s committed giving opportunities girls in England To findwhy out we’re how Barclays are to creating equal access tovisit football in schools by 2024. #AllToPlayFor with football, barclays.com/football Whether we’re striving to become the best of the best To out how Barclays are creating opportunities orfind inspiring the next generation, together let’s make with football, visit barclays.com/girlsfootball this season #AllToPlayFor Football gives girls confidence, on and off the pitch.

That’s committed giving opportunities girls in England To findwhy out we’re how Barclays are to creating equal access tovisit football in schools by 2024. #AllToPlayFor with football, barclays.com/football To find out how Barclays are creating opportunities with football, visit barclays.com/girlsfootball

@BarclaysFooty Barclays Bank UK PLC. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register number 759676). Registered in England. Registered number 9740322. Registered office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP. @BarclaysFooty p12 Barclays ad.indd Bank 4 UK PLC. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential 24/03/2021 14:26 Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register number 759676). Registered in England. Registered number 9740322. Registered office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP.

PICTURE GALLERY

HERE IN SPIRIT! A small selection of messages for the players, kindly sent to us by you dedicated supporters. Thank you for the many submissions...

‘Come on United! Believe and you will achieve. We (the fans) are right behind you,’ is the message from Sarah Partington.

‘We miss these moments!’ writes Bill, age 7. Ah, we miss them too, Bill, but before you know it we’ll all be back singing in the stands.

‘Wishing the girls the best of luck at Old Trafford. I just know we can get that Champions League spot!’ Keep the faith, Charlotte.

‘Be the one future generations will remember forever.’

Inspirational stuff from Sergio, a passionate Red from Guatemala.

‘Good luck to Casey, the players and all the staff – we’re with you in spirit and can’t wait to be back.’ See you soon, David Pritt.

‘Old Trafford, the Theatre of Dreams... dream big!’ is what Liv and Jo tell us. They saw the future when this pic was taken.

‘Today is a brand new day with a fresh challenge, so embrace it – gie it laldy!’ (‘Give it your all’ in Scottish slang.) Thanks, Louise!

‘Great leaders don’t tell you what to do – they show you how it’s done. We are a club of leaders.’

Very wise words from Lacey, 11.

‘This team has come a long way in a short period of time and we still have much more to achieve,’ predicts supporter Sameer Rai.

‘Reach for the stars’ is what James, age 5, suggests the Reds do. Hopefully a few rockets will hit the West Ham net today.

‘Do it for every girl at home! The Theatre of Dreams is our reality – write history!’ Sounds like Janine Oliveira is all ready for kick-off.

Nigel Jenkin from Cornwall: ‘Enjoy it, embrace it – role models to inspire the next generation.

Forever doing the badge proud.’

Manchester United Women v West Ham United Women 13

13_GALLERY.CGIM.indd 4

24/03/2021 17:48

EVERY GOAL EVERY CELEBRATION EVERY MOMENT EVERY TEAM FOLLOW THE ACTION LIVE ON

p14 ad.indd 4

FREE faplayer.thefa.com

24/03/2021 14:24

CAPTAIN

KATIE ZELEM THE CAPTAIN’S COLUMN

Today will be a proud moment for every one of us (especially the childhood Reds!) and the future is starting to look even brighter for the club we love It would be fair to say that today means quite a lot to me – l’m not the only one in the squad to have come up through the United youth set-up as a kid and be a United fan – so it’s a huge occasion.

I’ve trained and played at a few other big stadiums – we all remember the game at City last season – and I can’t wait to see our team do the same at Old Trafford, and hopefully get back to winning ways against a wellorganised West Ham side, who will be out to cause us problems from set-pieces. Although third place is now in Arsenal’s hands after their win last week, anything can happen – we’ve got five games, they’ve got six, and we’re facing similar teams. We were deflated after that defeat, of course, as we knew a positive result would have kept

“ONE PIECE OF GOOD NEWS IS THE NEW TV DEAL – ACCESSIBILITY TO WATCH GAMES MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE”

third place in our hands, but there’s still a lot to play for. I actually thought we were the better team, but the difference was they managed to score two scrappy goals and we couldn’t take our chances.

One really good piece of news this week was the announcement about the WSL TV deal, with Sky and BBC both showing games next season. I must have read every single article about it! It’s such good news as I think accessibility to watch games makes a big difference in getting new people into sport, and it’s almost like a cycle: a huge company invests, which can lead to better facilities, pitches and general standards, and that can increase finances across the game and hopefully have a snowball effect.

We’ve had our own upgrade this month, being at the Aon Training Complex, where the pitches are great, as I’m sure it will be today! This game will be special, but it’ll be even more special when we can see our friends, family and you fans cheering us on once again.

Manchester United Women v West Ham United Women 15

15_ZELEM (approved).CGIM.indd 4

24/03/2021 19:41

MEET THE SQUAD

22

27

FRAN BENTLEY

MARY EARPS

Position Goalkeeper DOB 26/06/2001 Nationality English

4

AMY TURNER

Position Defender DOB 04/07/1991 Nationality English

Position Goalkeeper DOB 07/03/1993 Nationality English

17

ONA BATLLE

Position Defender DOB 10/06/1999 Nationality Spanish

2

MARTHA HARRIS

Position Defender DOB 19/08/1994 Nationality English

20

KIRSTY SMITH

Position Defender DOB 06/01/1994 Nationality Scottish

3

MARIA THORISDOTTIR Position Defender DOB 05/06/1993 Nationality Norwegian

21

MILLIE TURNER

Position Defender DOB 07/07/1996 Nationality English

32

10

12

14

TARA BOURNE

KATIE ZELEM

HAYLEY LADD

JACKIE GROENEN

Position Defender DOB 17/07/2003 Nationality English

Position Midfielder DOB 20/01/1996 Nationality English

Position Midfielder DOB 06/10/1993 Nationality Welsh

Position Midfielder DOB 17/12/1994 Nationality Dutch

16 Manchester United Women v West Ham United Women

16_17_THE SQUAD ALTERNATIVE.CGSMIM copy.indd 4

24/03/2021 15:57

MEET THE SQUAD

28

37

CARRIE JONES

LUCY STANIFORTH

11

7

9

ELLA TOONE

JESS SIGSWORTH

13

16

18

LEAH GALTON

IVANA FUSO

LAUREN JAMES

KIRSTY HANSON

19

23

24

77

JANE ROSS

ALESSIA RUSSO

CHRISTEN PRESS

TOBIN HEATH

Position Midfielder DOB 04/09/2003 Nationality Welsh

Position Forward DOB 24/05/1994 Nationality English

Position Forward DOB 18/09/1989 Nationality Scottish

Position Midfielder DOB 02/10/1992 Nationality English

Position Forward DOB 12/03/2001 Nationality Brazilian

Position Forward DOB 08/02/1999 Nationality English

Position Forward DOB 02/09/1999 Nationality English

Position Forward DOB 29/09/2001 Nationality English

Position Forward DOB 29/12/1988 Nationality American

Position Forward DOB 13/10/1994 Nationality English

Position Forward DOB 17/04/1998 Nationality Scottish

Position Forward DOB 29/05/1988 Nationality American

Manchester United Women v West Ham United Women 17

16_17_THE SQUAD ALTERNATIVE.CGSMIM copy.indd 5

24/03/2021 15:57

CHRISTEN PRESS

“THE GIRLS HAVE DONE A GOOD JOB OF GIVING ME A BRITISH EDUCATION!” 18 07 Manchester Manchester United United Women Women v West v Brighton Ham United HoveWomen

18-23_INTERVIEW (approved).CGIM.indd 4

25/03/2021 11:04

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Six months on from swapping the US for the UK, forward Christen Press is certainly making the most of Manchester life under the current restrictions – and the double World Cup winner is looking to be part of club history today...

Interview: Harry Robinson

You must be looking forward to playing at Old Trafford? This game is a historic occasion...

I’m incredibly excited to play at Old Trafford. I was able to go there at the beginning of the season to see it and do my photoshoot there and it has so much rich history for the club so it will be a really exciting moment for the team.

Back in 2012, the United States women’s national team played at Old Trafford in the Olympics, beating Canada 4-3 in an amazing semi-final. You were a reserve player in the squad but were you inside the ground watching that game?

Yes, exactly, I was and I did watch it there. That whole tournament was an amazing moment for the USWNT and it was such a great game. Having so many fans at stadiums carrying so much football history – it was really something special. Being in an Olympic year now and preparing for Tokyo, it’s great to look back at that time when the stadiums were full. That’s obviously not what we’re able to look forward to this summer [in Japan]; it will be quite different, but it’s always a global celebration of what sport means. It’s the opportunity for people from different backgrounds and different walks of life to be able to compete on an equal playing field, to win and to represent their communities, and that game at Old Trafford in 2012 was truly special.

Old Trafford will not be the first iconic stadium you’ve played at. Do you still get that butterflies feeling when you stand by the edge of the pitch and look up at these massive arenas?

Certainly. We [American footballers] always feel that when we come over to Europe. There’s just a different history that we don’t have in the US. It feels really special.

I’m fortunate to have had that experience a few times in my career and it definitely influences the way you feel before a game, the energy that you bring into it, but it also just brings some perspective as to what you’re doing and why you’re here.

There won’t be fans inside the ground for the West Ham game, which is a great shame, but we imagine you have felt the support of United fans online since you and Tobin joined the club?

One of the first things that the girls told us when we joined was that the fans are amazing. We’ve absolutely been able to feel that and appreciate that this season.

Hopefully soon, we’ll have our first experience of playing in front of the fans and that would be truly meaningful.

It’s stating the obvious a bit but life is not normal right now. You’ve moved country during this time (and are probably one of the few people in the world to do that!) but are you enjoying the UK? I am! This has been an incredibly challenging, tragic time and a time of recognising where we are as a global community. I have felt so lucky to be able to do what I love and to come over to the UK and experience different people and a different culture, especially a different culture of football that I think is going to be incredibly important to my football story when I’m looking back.

Ultimately it hasn’t felt to me like there’s nothing to do or that the world has stopped because I’ve been lucky to be able to be with my team and compete and do what I love. That has been such a blessing. I don’t feel ⊲

“THERE’S A DIFFERENT HISTORY [IN EUROPE] THAT WE DON’T HAVE IN THE U.S. – IT DEFINITELY INFLUENCES THE WAY YOU FEEL BEFORE A GAME” Manchester United Women v West Ham United Women 19

18-23_INTERVIEW (approved).CGIM.indd 5

25/03/2021 11:04

Mancheste

CHRISTEN PRESS

▶

WATCH!

our october win v west ham

FACTFILE: Date of birth 29 December 1988

Back out onofthe training last California Place birth Losground Angeles, month after returning to the Reds, Position Forward where Aimee continues to learn from record 12 apps (8 starts); 2 goals her United more experienced team-mates

Previous clubs 2009-10 Pali Blues; 2011 MagicJack 2010 Kopparbergs/Goteborg FC; 2013-14 Tyreso FF 2014-17 Chicago Red Stars; 2018 Kopparbergs/ Goteborg FC; 2018-19 Utah Royals FC International career USA (142 apps, 60 goals)

like I haven’t experienced the UK, I feel like I’ve just experienced the UK in a pandemic. That’s something which is very rare and unusual but I think when times are hard you actually see how people really are. I’ve been able to spend a lot of time in the city centre and experience the weather and the culture, the people coming and going, the coffee shops... there’s been a lot of good in this hard time.

Back to the football – your first United goal came against West Ham last autumn, in a 4-2 away win.

They’ve changed manager, switched formation and we suppose you’ll be confident but wary of a side who need some big performances to stay up?

Absolutely. I think it’s an exciting game. It’s incredibly important to our team to win this match to continue to put pressure on the top three and do everything in our power to be contention for the Champions League. It’s also extremely important for them given where they are in the table. That makes the match particularly exciting.

We’ve seen they play a similar style of football as they did under the previous manager so a lot of the things will

Christen’s excellent finish against today’s visitors West Ham back in October was her first goal for the Reds

be the same but ultimately, games towards the end of the season are always harder; there’s always more pressure and so they’re always more exciting.

How have you found playing in the WSL? Most people would say you are at your best when you can drive at defenders one-on-one. Are you finding it easier or more difficult to find chances to do that in the WSL compared with in the US or in internationals?

It’s certainly more compact in this league. It’s less transitional and so there’s a lot less of those opportunities to be running, to be flying into space, to be able to find big pockets to receive [the ball]. It’s challenging. The expectation is that most of the time we are trying to break down a team in an organised defence through our organised attack, so that just presents different challenges and different opportunities.

You’ve said before that you enjoy the process of finding your scoring rhythm. Is it about the satisfaction of getting it right that makes it so good?

In my career, I’ve learned to embrace the challenge when it doesn’t come easily. Those are the moments I look back on and I’m most proud of. It is the process of learning a new system, a new style of play and a new league. If it’s quick and easy and successful, the opportunity to grow is not as great as if it’s challenging. I really do embrace that

20 Manchester United Women v West Ham United Women

18-23_INTERVIEW (approved).CGIM.indd 6

25/03/2021 11:04

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Our two experienced American forwards have a winning mentality they are keen to share with their United team-mates

“THE MENTALITY TOBIN AND I BRING TO THE TEAM IS, ‘IT’S DONE AND IT’S DONE’. WE HAVE TO LEARN [FROM DEFEATS] BUT YOU ALSO HAVE TO HAVE PRESENT-MOMENT AWARENESS...

THAT’S A REALLY HARD THING TO DO AS AN ATHLETE” and in this season, in particular, I’ve been able to work on so many elements of my game that I never really focused on before. Those are different tools that I can add to my arsenal so I’m a more complete player.

Talking of Arsenal, that was tricky last Friday.

Having been top of the league for a while, the pressure on you as a team has grown. We imagine you have a role in helping a young squad cope with that?

Yeah, I think it was an extremely hard loss. It’s disappointing but it’s also last weekend. We’re looking forward now. The mentality that Tobin and I bring to the team is, ‘it’s done and it’s done’. We have to learn but you also have to have present-moment awareness.

That’s a really hard thing to do as an athlete but they

say the best athletes have the shortest memories and they’re able to live in the moment that they’re in. It will be incredibly challenging for the team to win our last five games and it will show strength, humility and grit if we’re able to do that. That’s something we can stay focused on. We do [discuss it as players]. I think there’s definitely a culture here where people’s voices can be heard and shared, and I think that’s both emotional and tactical.

You played alongside Lauren James against Arsenal. She’s a great young talent, isn’t she...

That’s exactly what she is: a spectacular young talent.

I think it was the first time I’ve played in a match with her; it’s been a long time coming. It’s been great to work ⊲ Manchester Manchester United Women Unitedv Women West Ham v Chelsea United Women 21 15

18-23_INTERVIEW (approved).CGIM.indd 7

25/03/2021 11:04

Mancheste

Keep active and play football at a safe distance

Supported by

p22 ad.indd 4

25/03/2021 11:31

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Christen, then with Swedish side Tyreso, walks out for the 2014 Women’s Champions League final – and it’s a competition she’d love to play in once again while representing the Reds

with her and to mentor her but also to learn from her.

It’s always great to be alongside special players with different talents because you naturally start to pick up so much from them. I hope she feels the same about me!

Champions League qualification is still very much the aim despite Arsenal having a game in hand on us. What would achieving that aim do for the players, the club and for you personally?

It’s been the goal since the moment we got here and I think from before that for the team. It’s a gamechanger because of the prestige and the honour that it would bring to the players but also because of the resources and opportunities that it gives to the club to grow.

That’s the beauty of it – you’re playing for something a little bit bigger than yourself. I’ve played in three different rounds of the Champions League in my life [for Swedish sides Kopparbergs/Goteborg FC, then Tyreso FF, including the 2014 final] and it was absolutely the most important game every single time it came up, no matter who the opponent was.

You said you’re enjoying the UK but we just want to check one thing: have you tried beans on toast and have you had a roast dinner yet?

Yes and yes! The girls have done a good job of giving me a British education. I can’t do beans in the morning

[THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE] HAS BEEN THE GOAL SINCE THE MOMENT WE GOT HERE... THAT’S THE BEAUTY OF IT – YOU’RE PLAYING FOR SOMETHING A LITTLE BIT BIGGER THAN YOURSELF so I haven’t embraced that, but Tobin has! The Sunday roast is very nice. It’s actually like a Thanksgiving dinner for us but we only do that once a year and you guys do it every Sunday!

And finally, staying on the subject of food, if you were sitting down in front of a big Champions League match this week, what would be your ideal meal to be sitting down with?

Well, confession... I don’t cook at all! What I enjoy is a hearty, warm pasta meal. I feel like that’s comforting.

Manchester United Women v West Ham United Women 23

18-23_INTERVIEW (approved).CGIM.indd 8

24/03/2021 19:53

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL AT OLD TRAFFORD

GOLD STANDARD Today’s fixture might be a special one for United, but it’s not the first time Old Trafford has hosted women’s football – as one of our own recalls all too well...

O

n 6 August 2012, glossed-over Canadian eyes stared into a Mancunian night sky, hearts beating fast, stomachs churning with disbelief. Metres away, Tobin Heath and her United States team-mates wheeled in every direction, their ecstatic smiles lit up by the floodlights at Manchester’s Theatre of Dreams.

A near-decade has passed since Old Trafford last hosted a women’s football match. It remains one of the sport’s greatest games in Olympic competition.

The USWNT sought a fifth-consecutive Olympic final; Canada, a first. Defeated finalists in the 2011 World Cup, the US had additional ambitions of enacting revenge on a Japan side who had triumphed on penalties in Germany a year earlier and now awaited in the final once more. But three days before the gold-medal match at Wembley came a second fixture in M16 in the women’s competition (alongside the seven that would be held here in the larger men’s tournament that summer).

The reigning Olympic champions from the US were one of the biggest draws from across the 15-day women’s tournament, along with the hosts and Brazil, with a crowd of 29,522 watching ‘the Stars and Stripes’ defeat North Korea 1-0 to clinch a quarter-final spot in the first Old Trafford encounter on 31 July. The North Koreans – perhaps still angered after the South Korean flag was accidentally displayed next to faces of their players in

their Hampden Park opener, causing them to leave the pitch in protest – gave the Americans a scare that night, with Heath coming on at half-time for Megan Rapinoe, but in the excitement stakes it had nothing on what was to follow when the US returned in the last four.

Olympic football can be quickly lost in the frantic frenzy of entertainment of all disciplines. This all-North American clash could not be; it was a furiously fast-paced game that began with two fouls inside the first minute.

Canada first asserted themselves through Christine Sinclair. A delicate outside-of-the-boot touch sent her marker towards the Stretford End while she deftly finished into the bottom corner. Rapinoe levelled with a curling corner that snuck past the leaping Sinclair at the near post – a gol Olimpico (a goal scored directly from a corner) and the first-ever such strike scored at an Olympic Games (the term was coined by Argentinian reporters after Cesareo Onzari pulled off the trick against reigning Olympic men’s champions Uruguay in a 1924 friendly).

Back to 2012, and it’s 1-1 at Old Trafford, with just over an hour on the clock. A powerful header from Sinclair would soon recapture Canada’s lead, and it sparked a 14-minute period in which four goals would be scored.

Responding to another moment of quality from Sinclair was once again Rapinoe, rasping a powerful shot from the edge of the area that cannoned in off the far-left post. The battle commenced. Sinclair headed in

24 Manchester United Women v West Ham United Women

24_25 2012 MEMORIES.CGSMIM.indd 4 West Ham United

24/03/2021 14:40

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL AT OLD TRAFFORD

MANCUNIAN NEUTRALS MADE THEIR WAY UP SIR MATT BUSBY WAY WITH THAT THROB OF ADRENALIN THAT FOLLOWS FOOTBALL’S FINEST SPECTACLES once again, wrapping up a hat-trick. Two US players had guarded their near post at a corner but the accurate quality of the header from Sinclair – whose semi-final heroics would earn her the honour of being Canada’s flag bearer in the closing ceremony – was too good.

There was little time to revel in the achievement, with the 26,630 crowd transfixed. With 10 minutes to play, referee Christina Pedersen blew up against Canada’s Erin McLeod, claiming the keeper had taken too long to distribute the ball. By the letter of the law, she had, although fans, players and coaching staff alike were surprised to see said rule enforced.

Has that ever happened before or since at Old Trafford? From the indirect free-kick, Heath teed up Rapinoe to unleash a drive at goal. She did, at which point the ref pointed to the spot, having noticed the ball smack against Marie-Eve Nault’s arm.

Once more, Canadian protests ensued.

Despite the fury felt by Canada’s players, such was the pace of the game, the penalty was ready to be taken only 22 seconds later.

Abby Wambach – the US’s Old Trafford match-winner against North Korea – tucked it home with aplomb.

Three goals each, and deep breaths all around the ground come the full-time whistle.

The intensity of the tie didn’t diminish in extra-time, with the final few minutes fast-paced and end-to-end.

Canada held the ball deep inside the US half well into the 122nd minute but still the US squirmed their way out and towards victory. Rapinoe won a throw-in. Then

Heath. Then Morgan. They had progressed halfway up the pitch. Wambach spread the play wide to the right and the crossed ball into the box was suspended in the air, waiting to be directed towards its natural resting place, the back of the net. Future WSL forward Alex Morgan did the honours, rising above her marker and making a sweet connection that sent the US a step closer to gold.

Tears were shed on both sides. Canada felt robbed – back home, newspapers would describe the game as ‘the equivalent of pilfering the chalices from one of the sport’s cathedrals – while the USA felt fortunate, and the Mancunian neutrals made their way up Sir Matt Busby Way on this summer evening with that pulsating throb of adrenalin that follows football’s finest spectacles.

Sadly, Heath’s injury, which has kept her out of action since January, will deny her a return to Old Trafford today, but like the rest of us, our no.77 will be glued to the action. “This beautiful country hosted [the Olympics] and it was great... I played at Old Trafford twice,” Tobin told the UTD Podcast recently as she recalled that glorious summer of 2012. “Each Olympics is very different because of the host country; that’s why it’s such a beautiful competition. And to have the expectations of your country on your shoulders is something really powerful.”

Nine years on, the same sentiment applies to her current club side, as the Reds continue to reach new heights and break new ground under Casey Stoney.

Manchester United Women v West Ham United Women 25

24_25 2012 MEMORIES.CGSMIM.indd 5

24/03/2021 14:40

Mancheste

JOIN THE LIONESSES SUPPORTERS CLUB

Get access to exclusive competitions, priority tickets and the latest England news.

TheFA.com/joinLSC p10 ad.indd 4

19645_LSC A5 PROGRAMME AD_v2.indd 1

24/03/2021 14:28

04/09/2020 09:13

QUESTION TIME

HALF-TIME QUIZ

Three rounds of four questions to test your knowledge of the Reds – including previous encounters with the Hammers. Good luck! ⬤ HISTORY LESSON 1. Which current England international was United Women’s first captain?

2. Who were our first league opponents at Leigh Sports Village? Clue: we won 3-0 on 20 September 2018.

8. Who hit our first strike in both the FA Women’s Championship and the Women’s Super League? ⬤ TODAY’S OPPONENTS 9. What is the aggregate score from our three meetings with West Ham so far?

3. Which goalkeeper, who won 50 caps for England, was our regular no.1 during our first season?

4. How many of our first 47 games in all competitions finished as draws?

10. In which competition was our first game against the Hammers, in January 2019?

?

⬤ GOALS, GOALS, GOALS! 5. Who scored United Women’s first-ever competitive goal?

7. How many goals did we score in 20 games en route to promotion in 2018/19: 98, 99 or 100?

▶

WATCH!

TOP 10 GOALS FROM 2018/19

11. Which member of the current Reds squad joined us from West Ham ahead of the 2019/20 season?

12. Which two Reds got their first goals in October’s 4-2 victory in the reverse fixture against the Hammers?

ANSWERS:

6. Name the two Reds to net five times in a single game.

1. Alex Greenwood; 2. Sheffield United; 3. Siobhan Chamberlain; 4. One; 5. Lizzie Arnot; 6. Jess Sigsworth and Ella Toone; 7. 98; 8. Lauren James; 9. United 8-5 West Ham; 10. Continental League Cup; 11. Jane Ross; 12. Tobin Heath and Christen Press

Manchester United Women v West Ham United Women 27

27_QUIZ.CGSMIM.indd 4

25/03/2021 11:04

OPPOSITION

Australia interational van Egmond brings height to the attack, and she has seven goals in all competitions (four in the WSL) so far this season

TODAY’S VISITORS TO OLD TRAFFORD...

WEST HAM UNITED

The Irons have changed manager since we last faced them, with the new boss still seeking his first WSL win, despite notable signs of improvement West Ham arrive at Old Trafford seeking not only to topple Casey Stoney’s Champions League-chasing Reds but also to avenge a heartbreaking late equaliser conceded against Birmingham City in their last match.

Olli Harder’s side have had 10 days to decide just how they will achieve those dual objectives, with New Zealand-born Harder denied his first win as West Ham manager with just seconds to play at Victoria Road.

The Hammers’ Emily van Egmond had capitalised on a goalkeeping error to draw things level just after half-time and, having struggled for goals this season, West Ham were delighted to go ahead in the 73rd minute thanks to a sweetly struck left-footed drive from Katerina Svitkova.

A win would have seen West Ham leapfrog Birmingham but the unmarked Ruby Mace levelled at the back post in the 94th minute. West Ham’s Laura Vetterlein described the late goal as “really painful” while Harder encouraged his players to “take the positives and move forward”.

Difficult circumstances have greeted Harder in his first job in the WSL. He’s in charge of a side that suffers from consistent inconsistency. West Ham haven’t managed back-to-back league wins since December 2018. Building any kind of rhythm or momentum with such a record is tricky. When they do carve out good chances, today’s visitors score them at a decent rate. The problem is creating those chances. Before the home draw against Birmingham – in which they managed seven shots on target – Harder’s team had registered only three shots on target in four games, and all of them came in the 1-1 draw

HARDER HAS INTRODUCED A 3-4-3 FORMATION, IN PART DUE TO THE DEPARTURE OF RACHEL DALY

28 Manchester United Women v West Ham United Women

28-29_OPPO.CGSMIM.indd 4

24/03/2021 14:36

D

w nt

OPPOSITION

Having previously played for Arsenal, Chelsea and England, captain Gilly Flaherty has plenty of experience at the top level

with Bristol City. Against Manchester City (0-4), Brighton (0-1) and Chelsea (0-2), it was straight blanks, with zero shots on target.

SHARING THE GOALSCORING LOAD West Ham’s record against the top four (six defeats from six, with 28 goals conceded) should provide United with some confidence. This is, though, a team gelling together under a new coach. Harder has introduced a 3-4-3 formation, in part due to the departure of Rachel Daly, back to Houston Dash. Daly had been the league’s most accurate finisher in her nine games this season, scoring three goals from only seven attempts. With Adriana Leon, the side’s creative Canadian winger, now ruled out for the season after undergoing foot surgery, West Ham must find other sources of attacking quality.

Having found the target in their 4-2 defeat to the Reds in October (Daly netting the other), van Egmond is the team’s top WSL scorer this season (4) and has regularly been pushed forward from midfield. The Australian no.27 will be hoping to see team-mates Martha Thomas (right) and Kenza Dali find their scoring boots in the weeks ahead to share the load at a crucial time. Only one side will be relegated from the WSL this season, and while West Ham currently hold that spot, the congested nature of the table’s bottom third would see them rise up to ninth with victory at Old Trafford today.

28-29_OPPO.CGSMIM.indd 5

ONE TO WATCH MARTHA THOMAS

THE MANAGER OLLI HARDER

A lively start to life at West Ham in 2019/20 was sadly curtailed by injury and lockdown for Thomas. She made her return to action in the previous meeting between today’s teams, and since that fixture in October, the English-born, American-raised player has started all but one game and, although she has just a solitary goal to her name this term, should be regarded as a key threat at Old Trafford.

A right-footed forward, the 24-year-old has a knack for finding space and the goals will surely start coming soon for the Scottish international, who won her first senior cap against Ukraine 12 months ago, scoring two goals in a 3-0 victory to help Scotland win the inaugural Pinatar Cup friendly competition.

“I’ve had a whirlwind, round-the-world management career,” Harder has said. Appointed for a “progressive coaching style” and “exceptional attention to detail”, the 34-year-old prides himself on using his experience of coaching in China, the USA, New Zealand and Norway to act as an empathetic and understanding manager.

Fluency in Norwegian and German helps too with a diverse dressing room.

He was born in New Zealand to a German father (hence the football, rather than rugby, interest) and recently enjoyed success in Norway with Klepp IL, earning nominations for Norway’s Coach of the Year in 2017 and 2018. He joined West Ham in December to replace current Bristol City interim boss Matt Beard.

24/03/2021 14:36

80 MUTV.indd 1

p35 IBC ad.indd 4

02/03/2021 16:42

25/03/2021 11:33

STATISTICS

2020/21 SEASON TEAM & PLAYER STATISTICS Teams

P

App Gls App Gls App Gls App Gls

Ona Batlle

14 0 0 0 2 0 16 0

W D L GD Pts

League

FA Cup

League Cup

Total

Mary Earps

17 0 0 0 1 0 18 0

Ivana Fuso

0(5) 0 0 0 0(1) 0 0(6) 0

Leah Galton Jackie Groenen

15 6

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

15(2) 0

0 0 3 0 18(2) 0

Kirsty Hanson

8(7) 4 0 0 1(2) 0 9(9) 4

Martha Harris

3(1) 0 0 0 0 0 3(1) 0

Tobin Heath

7(1) 4 0 0 2(1) 0 9(2) 4

Lauren James

3(5) 1 0 0 1 0 4(5) 1

Carrie Jones

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

Hayley Ladd

12(5) 1

Abbie McManus

FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE TABLE

CURRENT SEASON : APPEARANCES/GOALS

0 0 2(1) 0 14(6) 1

5 0 0 0 2 1 7 1

Lotta Okvist

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

Christen Press

8(2) 2 0 0 0(2) 0 8(4) 2

1 Chelsea

17 14 2 1 44 44

Emily Ramsey

2 Manchester City

17 13 3 1 43 42

Jane Ross

2(5) 2 0 0 2 0 4(5) 2

3 UNITED

17 11 2

Alessia Russo

3(1) 3 0 0 1 0 4(1) 3

4 Arsenal

16 10 2 4 36 32

Jessica Sigsworth 3(6) 2 0 0 1(1) 0 4(7) 2

5 Everton

17 7 4 6 5 25

Kirsty Smith

8(2) 0 0 0 1 0 9(2) 0

6 Brighton

17 6 3 8 -15 21

Lucy Staniforth

2(7) 0 0 0 1(1) 0 3(8) 0

7 Reading

17 4 8 5 -6 20

Maria Thorisdottir 2(1) 0 0 0 0 0 2(1) 0

4 17 35

0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0

8 Tottenham Hotspur 17 4 5 8 -13 17

Ella Toone

16(1) 6

0 0 1(2) 0 17(3) 6

9 Birmingham City

16

Amy Turner

15(1) 0

0 0 2 0 17(1) 0

10 Aston Villa

15 3 1 11 -28 10

Millie Turner

11 Bristol City

17 2 4 11 -47 10

Katie Zelem

3

3

10

-18

12

12 West Ham United 15 2 3 10 -18 9

17 2 0 0 3 0 20 2 11(2) 2

0 0 2(1) 0 13(3) 2

ALL-TIME APPEARANCES & GOALS

FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE TOP SCORERS

Total

FA Cup

League Cup

Total Total

FA Cup

League Cup

Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal)

14

App Gls App Gls App Gls App Gls

App Gls App Gls App Gls

Fran Kirby (Chelsea)

12

Millie Turner

69 4 - - - - - Abbie McManus 25 2 - - - -

Sam Kerr (Chelsea)

12

Ella Toone

67 28 - - - - - Charlie Devlin 20 6 - - - -

Caitlin Foord (Arsenal)

9

Katie Zelem

63 20 - - - - - Ona Batlle 16 0 - - - -

Ellen White (Manchester City)

9

Amy Turner

61 3 - - - - - Aimee Palmer 15 1 - - - -

Pernille Harder (Chelsea)

8

Kirsty Hanson

60 12 - - - - - Christen Press 12 2 - - - -

Jill Roord (Arsenal)

7

Jessica Sigsworth 59 24 - - - - - Tobin Heath 11 4 - - - -

Caroline Weir (Manchester City)

7

Lauren James

54 27 - - - - - Lucy Staniforth 11 0 - - - -

Ella Toone (Manchester United)

6

Leah Galton

53 14 - - - Lotta Okvist 10-

Leah Galton (Manchester United)

6

Kirsty Smith

47 1 - - - - - Emily Ramsey 6 0 - - - -

Martha Harris

42 1 - - - - - Ivana Fuso 6 0 - - - -

FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE TOP ASSISTS

10 0 - - - -

Hayley Ladd

41 2 - - - - - Alessia Russo 5 3 - - - -

37 0 - - - - - Naomi Hartley 3 0 - - - -

Chloe Kelly (Manchester City)

10

Mary Earps

Katie McCabe (Arsenal)

10

Jackie Groenen

36 0 - - - - - Maria Thorisdottir 3 0 - - - -

Beth Mead (Arsenal)

8

Lizzie Arnot

34 9 - - - - - Fran Bentley 1 0 - - - -

Fran Kirby (Chelsea)

7

Mollie Green

29 16 - - - - - Rebecca May 1 0 - - - -

Sam Kerr (Chelsea)

6

Siobhan Chamberlain 27 0 - - - - - Aurora Mikalsen 1 0 - - - -

Beth England (Chelsea)

6

Alex Greenwood

27 5 - - - - - Carrie Jones 1 0 - - - -

Hayley Ladd (Manchester United)

5

Jane Ross

27 6

(Names in italics have left the club)

Manchester Manchester United Women Unitedv Women West Ham v Chelsea United Women 31 23

31_APP STATS.CGSMIM.indd 4

24/03/2021 14:35

LINE-UP

SCORE

KICK-OFF

OPPOSITION

DATE

COMPETITION

FIXTURES & LINE-UPS

AUGUST SEPTEMBER WSL

Sun 6

Chelsea (H)

2.30pm

1-1

Earps

Smith

WSL

Sun 13

Birmingham City (A)

2pm

5-2

Earps

Smith McManus M Turner

McManus

M Turner

Batlle Ladd

Zelem

Han

Batlle

Zelem 1

Ha

Groenen

OCTOBER WSL

Sun 4

Brighton (H)

12pm

3-0

Earps

CC

Wed 7

Liverpool (A)

2pm

1-3

Ramsey A Turner

Smith

McManus

McManus 1 M Turner

M Turner

A Turner

Groenen

Smith

Ladd

Groenen

WSL

Sat 10

Tottenham Hotspur (A) 12.30pm 1-0

Earps

A Turner

McManus

WSL

Sun 18

West Ham United (A)

12.30pm 4-2

Earps

A Turner

Ladd

Han

M Turner 1

Galton

Ladd

Zelem

McManus

M Turner

Okvist

Groenen

Rus

Rus

He

Zelem

NOVEMBER WSL

Sun 8

Arsenal (H)

2.30pm

1-0

Earps

Batlle

A Turner

M Turner

Galton

Ladd Groenen

Han

WSL

Sat 14

Manchester City (H)

12.30pm 2-2

Earps

Batlle

A Turner

M Turner

Galton

Ladd

Sig

CC

Thu 19

Manchester City (H)

7pm

Ramsey Batlle

A Turner

M Turner

Galton

Zelem Groenen

0-0*

Groenen

Han

DECEMBER WSL

Sat 5

Aston Villa (A)

12.30pm 2-0

Earps

Smith

A Turner

M Turner

Batlle

Ladd

WSL

Sun 13

Reading (A)

12.30pm 2-1

Earps

Batlle

A Turner

M Turner

Smith

Ladd 1 Groenen

Groenen Hea

Hea

CC

Wed 16

Everton (A)

7pm

0-1

Earps

Batlle

McManus

M Turner

Okvist

Zelem

Gro

WSL

Sun 20

Bristol City (H)

12pm

6-1

Earps

Batlle

A Turner

M Turner 1 Smith

Groenen Zelem

Ga

Ladd

JANUARY WSL

Sun 17

Chelsea (A)

2.30pm

1-2

Earps

Batlle

A Turner

M Turner

Smith

Ladd

Groenen

Han

WSL

Sun 24

Birmingham City (H)

12pm

2-0

Earps

Harris

A Turner

M Turner

Batlle

Groenen

Ladd

Too

WSL

Sun 31

Everton (A)

2.30pm

2-0

Earps

Smith

A Turner

M Turner

Batlle

Zelem Ladd

Too

FEBRUARY WSL

Sun 7

Reading (H)

12.30pm 0-2

Earps

Thorisdottir A Turner

M Turner

Batlle

Zelem Ladd Han

WSL

Fri 12

Manchester City (A)

7pm

0-3

Earps

Thorisdottir A Turner

M Turner

Batlle

Zelem

Ladd

Too

MARCH WSL

Sun 7

Aston Villa (H)

12pm

3-0

Earps

Harris

A Turner M Turner

Batlle

Groenen

Zelem 1 Too

WSL

Fri 19

Arsenal (A)

6.30pm

0-2

Earps

Harris

A Turner

Batlle

Zelem

Groenen

WSL

Sat 27

West Ham United (H)

11.30am

M Turner

APRIL WSL

Sun 4

Brighton (A)

2pm

FA

Sun 18

FA Cup R4 (A)

2pm

WSL

Sun 25

Tottenham Hotspur (H) 12pm

WSL

Sun 2

Bristol City (A)

2pm

WSL

Sun 9

Everton (H)

2pm

MAY

KEY:

WSL - Women’s Super League

Scorers Bold

First sub

Fourth sub

CC - FA Continental League Cup

Penalty •

Second sub

Fifth sub

FA - Women’s FA Cup

* won on penalties

Third sub

Yellow/red card

(United score listed first. All fixture dates/kick-offs are subject to change)

32 Manchester United Women v West Ham United Women

32_33_SEASON STATS.CGSMIM.indd 4 West Ham United

24/03/2021 17:21

Too

SEASON STATISTICS

FOLLOW US ONLINE

Facebook: manutdwomen

YouTube: /ManUtd

Twitter: @manutdwomen

Instagram: @manutdwomen

SUBS USED

Email contact: MUWomenfamily@manutd.co.uk

Hanson

Toone

Galton 1 Ross Groenen James Okvist –

Hanson 2

Toone 1

Galton

Ross 1 Ladd

A Turner Russo

Okvist

– –

Hanson

Toone 1 •

Russo 1 Staniforth Heath Press

Ross 1

–

n

Russo

Toone

Heath

Ross Hanson Galton Staniforth

Zelem

Press

Russo

Groenen

Heath

Press Toone Hanson Smith

Staniforth

–

Heath 1 Toone

Russo 2 Hanson Ladd Staniforth

Press 1

–

Press Sigsworth Zelem James

Staniforth

Galton

Galton

n

Hanson

Toone 1 Heath

n

Sigsworth

Toone

n

Hanson Staniforth

Heath 1

James

Press

Hanson 1 James Staniforth –

Heath Press Toone Sigsworth

n Heath Toone 1 Galton 1 James Staniforth Ross –

n

Heath Toone

Galton 1 Hanson Staniforth

Groenen Sigsworth

Ross

Galton 2

Heath 2

Sigsworth 1

n

Hanson

Toone

Galton

Toone 1 Zelem

Toone 1

Hanson Toone

Toone

n

Toone

Groenen

Galton

Toone

Galton Galton

Staniforth

Press

Ladd

–

–

–

Fuso Ladd Ross James 1 Sigsworth

–

Fuso Harris

Hanson 1 James

– –

Hanson

– –

Galton 1 James Smith Fuso Hanson –

Groenen

Staniforth

Toone

– –

Ross Zelem –

Galton Hanson Heath Toone

Press 1 Sigsworth Hanson James –

– –

Press

Groenen Sigsworth Fuso –

–

Press

Hanson Sigsworth Fuso –

–

Sigsworth 1 Fuso Ladd Thorisdottir Press

Sigsworth Ladd –

Ross

Jones

–

–

Manchester United Women v West Ham United Women 33

32_33_SEASON STATS.CGSMIM.indd 5

24/03/2021 17:21

FROM THE ARCHIVES

REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME? We recall a maiden meeting with West Ham from January 2019, when the second-tier Reds laid down another marker in the cup

OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2018/19 SEASON, VOLUME 1 ISSUE 9

v

UNITED WOMEN WESTFAHAM CONTINENTAL TYRES

It’s been two years and two months since United Women first took on the top-flight Hammers, in what was another fixture of note at Leigh Sports Village: our first-ever knockout cup tie.

The Continental League Cup quarter-final was a tough one to call: the Reds were flying high in the Championship in our inaugural campaign, but we’d only faced three WSL teams previously (two wins and one loss), all in the same competition’s group stage. As for Matt Beard’s West Ham, they had gone into the new year on the back of four straight wins, resulting in midfielder Julia Simic and forward Alisha Lehmann both receiving FAWSL Player of the Month nominations for December.

On a bitterly cold Wednesday night in Greater Manchester, thankfully it was the Reds who rose to the occasion, cheered on by 1,029 brave souls in big coats. After Kirsty Smith and Alex Greenwood had both pushed forward to go close in the early stages, it was a Lauren James cross, deflected into her own net by Katie Longhurst, that gave us a 17th-minute lead, with Jess Sigsworth’s powerful strike making it 2-0 on 53 minutes, not long after the visitors had struck the Reds’ woodwork in pursuit of an equaliser. Job done, a sixth consecutive home win, and into the semi-finals we marched...

LEAGUE CUP QUARTER-FINAL WEDNESDAY 9 JANUARY 2019, 7pm

p01_front cover.CGIM copy.indd 1

07/01/2019 08:34

▶

WATCH!

Sigsworth and Mollie Green punch the air following our own-goal opener, with the rest of the Reds soon joining in with the celebrations (right)

OUR CUP WIN v WEST HAM

34 Manchester United Women v West Ham United Women

34_ARCHIVE.CGSM.indd 4 West Ham United

25/03/2021 11:10

p30 ad.indd 4

25/03/2021 11:29

#ALLREDALLEQUAL

MANCHESTER UNITED ­WOMEN

Martha HARRIS Maria THORISDOTTIR Amy TURNER Ella TOONE Jessica SIGSWORTH Katie ZELEM Leah GALTON Hayley LADD Ivana FUSO Jackie GROENEN Lauren JAMES Ona BATLLE Kirsty HANSON Jane ROSS Kirsty SMITH Millie TURNER Fran BENTLEY (GK) Alessia RUSSO Christen PRESS Mary EARPS (GK) Carrie JONES Tara BOURNE Lucy STANIFORTH

Tobin HEATH

WEST HAM UNITED WOMEN 2 3 4 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 27 28 32 37 77

1 2 3 5 8 9 10 11 12 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 31 32 41

Mackenzie ARNOLD (GK) Cecilie REDISCH Maz PACHECO Gilly FLAHERTY Leanne KIERNAN Martha THOMAS Katerina SVITKOVA Nor MUSTAFA Kate LONGHURST Emily RAMSEY (GK) Courtney BROSNAN (GK) Adriana LEON Lois JOEL Kenza DALI Grace FISK Hawa CISSOKO Emily van EGMOND Laura VETTERLEIN Maisy BARKER Wiktoria FRONC Dagny BRYNJARSDOTTIR Anouk DENTON

MATCH OFFICIALS: Referee Lisa Benn Assistants Ceri Williams, Chloe-Ann Anderson Fourth official Kirsty Dowie

36_BACK COVER (officials added).CGSM.indd 4 West Ham United

24/03/2021 14:49