Manchester United W.F.C.

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Manchester United Women
The words "Manchester" and "United" surround a pennant featuring a ship in full sail and a devil holding a trident.
Full nameManchester United Women Football Club
Nickname(s)The Red Devils
Founded28 May 2018; 3 years ago (2018-05-28)
GroundLeigh Sports Village
Capacity12,000
OwnerManchester United plc
Co-chairmenJoel and Avram Glazer
Head coachMarc Skinner
LeagueFA WSL
2020–21FA WSL, 4th of 12
WebsiteClub website
Current season

Manchester United Women Football Club is a professional football club based in the Salford suburb of Broughton, Greater Manchester, England, around 1.5 miles from Manchester city centre, that competes in the Women's Super League (WSL), the top tier of English women's football, after gaining promotion from the Championship at the end of the 2018–19 season. They are based at Leigh Sports Village, although the team is expected to move to The Cliff once redevelopment work is completed.[1]

History[]

1970s–2001: Unofficial team[]

A team called Manchester United Supporters Club Ladies began operations in the late 1970s and was unofficially recognised as the club's senior women's team. They became founding members of the North West Women's Regional Football League in 1989.[2] The team became increasingly competitive throughout the 90s at various levels of the FA Women's National League up until 2001.[3]

2001–2005: Partnership and disbandment[]

It's very disappointing. The progress of women's football can be really helped by professional clubs taking women's teams under their umbrella and it's a blow to the game that a great club like Manchester United will no longer be doing this.

—Ray Kiddell, FA vice-chairman, 2005[4]

In 2001, the team formed an official partnership with Manchester United. However, the club began to stagnate with a string of successive mid-table finishes in the third division.[2] The team were disbanded four years later, in 2005, shortly after Malcolm Glazer's completed takeover with the new regime deeming the women's team to not be part of the "core business" and unprofitable.[5] A media spokesman for Manchester United also claimed the club wanted to focus on its women's academy instead of its senior team.[4]

2018–present: Current team[]

Manchester United celebrate winning the Championship title in their inaugural season.

In March 2018, Manchester United announced their intentions to reintroduce a women's football team.[6] Manchester United Women Football Club were founded on 28 May 2018, following the club's successful application to join the newly-formed 2018–19 FA Women's Championship.[7][1] It marked the club's return to women's football after a thirteen-year absence; though the club's academy continued via the Manchester United Foundation, with the likes of Izzy Christiansen and Katie Zelem being produced by United's Centre of Excellence academy.[8][9] Casey Stoney was appointed as the club's first head coach on 8 June,[10] with their inaugural 21-player squad announced just over a month later.

The team's first game back was on 19 August 2018, where they won 1–0 in an away game against Liverpool in the FA Women's League Cup, with Lizzie Arnot scoring their first competitive goal in thirteen years.[11] Three weeks later, their opening Championship encounter ended in a 12–0 victory away to Aston Villa.[12] On 17 April 2019, United secured promotion to the FA Women's Super League following a 5–0 win against the same opposition.[13] They clinched the FA Women's Championship title three days later following a 7–0 win at home to Crystal Palace.[14] In May 2019, Manchester United were named FA Women's Championship Club of the Year at the 2019 FA Women’s Football Awards.[15]

The 2019–20 season was the team's maiden FA WSL campaign. The season opener was a Manchester derby, held at the City of Manchester stadium. Manchester City won the match 1–0 in front of a then league record attendance of 31,213.[16][17] United's first top-flight campaign was ended prematurely after the season was curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic with the team awarded fourth place on a points per game basis.[18] The last game was a 3–2 victory over Everton on 23 February 2020, with Leah Galton scoring twice and Ella Toone scoring once for Manchester United in the first game played at Everton's new Walton Hall Park stadium.[19] In the FA Cup, Manchester United lost 3–2 to Manchester City in the fourth round, the first time they had lost in the first knockout round of a competition.[20] However, they repeated their best League Cup finish by reaching the semi-finals for the second consecutive year, losing 1–0 to eventual cup winners Chelsea.[21]

Manchester United Women played their first game at Old Trafford, against West Ham United, during the men's March 2021 international break.[22] Manchester United won the game 2–0.[23]

On 12 May 2021, Manchester United announced that Casey Stoney would stand down from her role as Head Coach at the end of the season. [24] On 29 July 2021, Marc Skinner was announced as the new head coach on a two-year contract, with the option for a further year. [25]

Ground[]

The Leigh Sports Village has been the venue for the majority of the club's home games

Following the club's acceptance into the 2018–19 FA Women's Championship, it was revealed that the women's team would be based in Broughton, Salford at The Cliff training ground; subject to completion of redevelopment work.[1] In the meantime United play their fixtures at Leigh Sports Village.[26] Moss Lane serves as a backup venue for when Leigh Sports Village is unavailable.[27] Ewen Fields has also been used as a contingency plan, hosting United’s FA Cup fifth round match against London Bees in February 2019.[28] In March 2021 it was announced that the women's team would play their first ever game at Old Trafford later that month.[29] In November 2021 it was announced that the women's team would play their first game at Old Trafford with fans present when they face Everton in March 2022.[30]

Players[]

Current squad[]

Manchester United in February 2019 before a match against Arsenal
As of 27 January 2022[31]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
2 DF England ENG Martha Harris
3 DF Norway NOR Maria Thorisdottir
4 MF England ENG Jade Moore
5 DF England ENG Aoife Mannion
6 DF England ENG Hannah Blundell
7 FW England ENG Ella Toone
8 MF Norway NOR Vilde Bøe Risa
9 FW Scotland SCO Martha Thomas
10 MF England ENG Katie Zelem (captain)
11 FW England ENG Leah Galton
12 MF Wales WAL Hayley Ladd
13 FW Brazil BRA Ivana Fuso
No. Pos. Nation Player
14 MF Netherlands NED Jackie Groenen
15 DF Republic of Ireland IRL Diane Caldwell
16 FW Denmark DEN Signe Bruun (on loan from Lyon until 30 June 2022)
17 DF Spain ESP Ona Batlle
18 FW Scotland SCO Kirsty Hanson
20 DF Scotland SCO Kirsty Smith
21 DF England ENG Millie Turner
23 FW England ENG Alessia Russo
24 FW Wales WAL Carrie Jones
27 GK England ENG Mary Earps
32 GK England ENG Sophie Baggaley
37 MF England ENG Lucy Staniforth

Out on loan[]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK England ENG Emily Ramsey (at Birmingham City until 30 June 2022)[32]
22 GK England ENG Fran Bentley (at Bristol City until 30 June 2022)[33]
25 DF England ENG Tara Bourne (at Blackburn Rovers until 30 June 2022)[34]

Reserves and academy[]

Despite not having a senior women's team for many years, Manchester United have continued to run a girls regional talent club up to under-16 level in accordance with FA regulations.[35] The club's partner charity, The Manchester United Foundation, also works in coaching girls at all ages across the Greater Manchester region.[2] Ahead of the 2019–20 season, Manchester United entered a full-time U21 team into the for the first time, managed by Charlotte Healy.[36][37] The club's development team had contested the WSL Academy Cup final against Arsenal the previous season.[38]

Under-21 squad[]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
26 MF England ENG Rebecca May
28 MF England ENG Annie Hutchings
31 FW England ENG Maria Edwards
33 DF England ENG Poppy Lawson
34 DF England ENG Emma Taylor
35 DF England ENG Sasha McTiffin
36 DF England ENG Jessica Simpson
38 FW Norway NOR Karna Solskjær
40 DF Scotland SCO Niamh Murphy
No. Pos. Nation Player
41 FW England ENG Keira Barry
42 DF Wales WAL Izzy Reidford
43 FW England ENG Eleanor Ashton
45 MF England ENG Ella Kinzett
46 FW England ENG Alyssa Aherne
47 MF England ENG Polly Watson
MF England ENG Emily Brough
DF England ENG Amaris Ince
MF Wales WAL Megan Lewis

Out on loan[]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
30 MF Wales WAL Chloe Williams (dual registration with Blackburn Rovers)[39]
39 GK Wales WAL Safia Middleton-Patel (dual registration with Blackburn Rovers)[39]

Manager history[]

  • England Charlotte Healy (2019–present)

Honours[]

  • FA WSL Academy Cup: 1
    • 2021–22

Academy graduates[]

The following is a list of academy players who have made senior team appearances. Bold indicates the player is still at the club.

Coaching staff[]

First-team[]

As of 29 July 2021.
Position Staff
Manager England Marc Skinner
Assistant manager England Martin Ho[40]
Goalkeeping coach England Ian Willcock[41]
Performance coach England Elle Turner
Strength & Conditioning Coach England Tommy Munday

Academy[]

Position Staff
Under-21s manager England Charlotte Healy[36]

Managerial statistics[]

Information correct as of 16 March 2022. Only competitive matches are counted.

List of Manchester United W.F.C. managers
Image Name Nationality From To P W D L GF GA Win%[nb 1] Honours Notes
BHA Women 0 Man Utd Women 2 WFAC 4th rd 03 02 2019-356 (46986268081) (cropped).jpg Casey Stoney  England 8 June 2018 16 May 2021 77 52 6 19 213 60 067.53 1 FA Women's Championship title [10][42]
20220202-Marc Skinner.jpg Marc Skinner  England 29 July 2021 present 25 13 7 5 49 29 052.00 [43]

Honours[]

Seasons[]

Key[]

  • GS = Group stage
  • QF = Quarter-finals
  • SF = Semi-finals
Champions Runners-up Promoted Relegated

Season summary[]

Results of league and cup competitions by season
Season League FA Cup League Cup Top goalscorer[nb 2]
Division P W D L F A Pts Pos Name Goals
2018–19 Championship 20 18 1 1 98 7 55 1st QF SF Jessica Sigsworth 18
2019–20 FA WSL 14 7 2 5 24 12 23 4th R4 SF Lauren James 9
2020–21 FA WSL 22 15 2 5 44 20 47 4th R5 GS Ella Toone 10

Records[]

Notes[]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c Staff writer (29 May 2018). "Manchester United get Women's Championship licence". ITV News. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  2. ^ a b c Wigmore, Tim. "Why Do Manchester United Still Not Have a Women's Team?". Bleacher Report.
  3. ^ "From A Left Wing: The Ladies of Old Trafford". From A Left Wing. 29 July 2012.
  4. ^ a b "United abandon women's game to focus on youth | Football | The Guardian". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
  5. ^ News, Manchester Evening (20 June 2005). "'United gave us a water bottle and then they dumped us'". men.
  6. ^ Sports staff (22 March 2018). "Manchester United announce women's team and apply to join Women's Super League". The Independent. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  7. ^ Staff writer (28 May 2018). "Manchester United get Women's Championship licence; West Ham join top flight". BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
  8. ^ Leighton, Tony (21 February 2005). "United abandon women's game to focus on youth". The Guardian. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
  9. ^ Moore, Glenn (22 March 2018). "Manchester United take vital step forward in announcing women's team – but there's still work to be done". The Independent. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
  10. ^ a b Boswell, Zinny (8 June 2018). "Casey Stoney named Manchester United women's head coach". Sky Sports. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  11. ^ "Lizzie Arnot: Scotland cap hails 'amazing' late goal for Manchester United Women". BBC Sport. 19 August 2018. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  12. ^ Kelly, Ciaran (9 September 2018). "Manchester United transfer news LIVE Pogba discusses Barcelona transfer as Man Utd Women thrash Aston Villa Ladies 12–0". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
  13. ^ Garry, Tom (17 April 2019). "Manchester United Women promoted after 5–0 victory over Aston Villa Ladies". BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
  14. ^ a b "Man Utd Women 7–0 Crystal Palace Ladies: Women's Championship title sealed by win". BBC Sport. 20 April 2019. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  15. ^ Bonsu, Benny (18 May 2019). "The winners from the 21st annual FA Women's Football Awards". givemesport.com. Retrieved 18 May 2019.
  16. ^ Bath, Adam (7 September 2019). "Manchester City Women 1 United Women 0". www.manutd.com. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
  17. ^ "Record crowd watch City women win Manchester derby". Reuters. 7 September 2019.
  18. ^ "Chelsea named Women's Super League champions, Liverpool relegated". www.bbc.co.uk. 5 June 2020. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
  19. ^ Ludbrook, Sam (23 February 2020). "Everton Women 2 United Women 3". www.manutd.com. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
  20. ^ Plant, Michael (25 January 2020). "United Women 2 City Women 3". www.manutd.com. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
  21. ^ Ibson, Ben (29 January 2020). "Manchester United Women 0 Chelsea Women 1". www.manutd.com. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
  22. ^ "MU Women to play first-ever match at Old Trafford". Manchester United (Press release). 16 March 2021.
  23. ^ "James scores in historic Old Trafford win". BBC Sport.
  24. ^ "Stoney steps down as Women's Head Coach". Manchester United (Press release). 12 May 2021.
  25. ^ "Marc Skinner appointed as Women's head coach". Manchester United (Press release). 29 July 2021.
  26. ^ Duncker, Charlotte (18 June 2018). "Manchester United Women's team set to make surprise transfer announcements". Manchester Evening News. MEN Media. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  27. ^ Flynn, Brian (13 September 2018). "Robins Strengthen Links with Manchester United". altrinchamfc.com.
  28. ^ "Manchester United Women venue update for FA Cup clash against London Bees". www.manutd.com.
  29. ^ "Manchester United Women to play first ever game at Old Trafford". The Guardian. 16 March 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  30. ^ "United Women to face Everton at Old Trafford". www.manutd.com.
  31. ^ "Man Utd Women Player Profiles". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 24 May 2019.
  32. ^ "Ramsey signs new deal ahead of loan move". Manchester United (Press release). 6 August 2021.
  33. ^ "Bentley is a Robin". Bristol City. 6 August 2021.
  34. ^ "Bourne arrives on loan". Blackburn Rovers FC.
  35. ^ "From A Left Wing: The Ladies of Old Trafford". 29 July 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
  36. ^ a b "Healy launches WSL Academy side". Twitter. 29 July 2019. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
  37. ^ "Full-Time : Division". full-time.thefa.com.
  38. ^ Jamet, Sylvain (22 April 2019). "Arsenal defeat Manchester United 5-0 to win the FA WSL Academy Cup". Daily Cannon.
  39. ^ a b "Safia and Chloe are both Blues". Blackburn Rovers FC.
  40. ^ "UNITED WOMEN APPOINT MARTIN HO AS ASSISTANT COACH". Manchester United. 13 July 2020. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  41. ^ Theivam, Kieran (19 September 2019). "'Don't be nice. You want it more than them' — a day with Manchester United Women". The Athletic. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
  42. ^ "All 2018–19". www.manutd.com. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
  43. ^ "Marc Skinner appointed as United Women head coach". Manchester United (Press release). 29 July 2021.

External links[]

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