Brighton.
Hannah Blundell Having already won the Cup twice, our consistent full-back is eager to make it three.
_ INSIDE STORIES
_ LAST TIME OUT
_ CAPTAIN’S COLUMN
_ UNITED SQUAD, 2022/23
_ UNITED FOUNDATION
_ JUNIOR REDS & QUIZ
_ FAN MESSAGES
_ 2022/23 STATISTICS
_ MUW RESULTS & FIXTURES
FA Cup memories We recall the events of 3 February 2019, and our first-ever FA Cup tie – v Brighton.
The opposition The lowdown on the Seagulls, who have changed manager ahead of today’s semi.
MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB
_ REDS ON REWIND: 2017
Co-chairmen Joel Glazer, Avram Glazer Directors Bryan Glazer, Kevin Glazer, Edward Glazer, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Richard Arnold, 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 Harriet Drudge, Jamie Spencer, Courtney Hill, Matthew Brown Design Tom Chase, Andy Ball Photography Ash Donelon, John Peters, Matt Peters, Geoff Penn, David Pritt, Getty, Alamy Thanks to Steve Bennett, Helen Rowe-Willcocks, Elayna Currie, Heather Miller/Brighton & Hove Albion FC, John Shiel/MuPrint.com. © Manchester United 2023
Hello and welcome back to Leigh Sports Village – it has been a while since we’ve seen you here after a very busy schedule and the international break.
Plenty has happened since we were last at Leigh at the start of March, with lots of positives and the odd disappointment in there too. But it has been a month of real progression as a group. We recovered from the Chelsea result well, not letting the disappointment we all felt about that dictate what our next performance looked like. And back-to-back 4-0 victories, including against today’s opponents, have set up an incredibly exciting last few weeks of the season.
Today though, we welcome Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup, for our first-ever semi-final appearance in the competition. It’s a big game, a big occasion and we’re delighted to be at home with you by our side.
A cup game – and Melissa Phillips’ first game as Brighton manager – mean we certainly won’t be taking this lightly, despite our positive results against them recently. They’re a threat on the counterattack and from set pieces, and we know we’ll need to be at our very best today. That’s what I want to see from us, setting the standards not just for this game but for the matches to follow.
The big games keep coming at this stage of the season and a word often used around fixtures like this is ‘pressure’. We don’t view it like that. We’re
excited by what’s to come and we know we’ve faced situations like this before and come through. It’s about us controlling our game, the way we want to play: we want to hunt down our opponents, take no prisoners, always be on the front foot. That’s our mentality now. We know we can; we know we’re talented enough and we’ve done it before.
We have some difficult games coming up, but we’re going into them in really good form and with great belief in ourselves, especially at home. Leigh has been a bit of a fortress for us this season and that is in large part thanks to you. You’ve been magnificent all season and we’re going to need you today to bring that famous atmosphere, as you always do.
Bring the energy, bring the noise and we will give everything we have to get you to Wembley with us.
Enjoy the game.
It’s been exactly two weeks since the Reds were last in action – in a quirk of fate, against our latest opponents Brighton in the WSL – but it’s felt like a lot longer, such has been the anticipation for today’s game: a first-ever FA Cup semi-final for Manchester United Women, and with it the potential prize of a maiden trip to Wembley, for the competition’s showpiece fixture on Sunday 14 May.
The national stadium was the destination for four Reds during the
international break, of course –congratulations to Mary, Alessia, Maya and goalscorer Ella for their involvement with England as Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses won the first Women’s Finalissima in front of 83,132 fans – but if they are to return in club colours next month, the Reds will need to overcome a team with a new manager to impress.
Former London Bees boss Melissa Phillips took over at Brighton in the days after our WSL win against them, and the Seagulls will be hoping that a
change in guard will see an instant uptick in results – in football parlance, the ‘new manager bounce’ is a common occurrence, and Marc Skinner’s Reds will need to be very wary of that. As well as a possible change of tactical approach, a new manager means the Brighton players are certain to be extremely motivated – although that was always going to be the case for an FA Cup semi-final. Much like United, Brighton have never reached an Women’s FA Cup final, and they’ll know that one big performance – be it after 90 minutes, extra-time or a penalty shoot-out – could take them to Wembley.
Whoever wins today will face Aston Villa or Chelsea in the final –the pair face off at Bescot Stadium, Walsall, at 2.15pm tomorrow. And looking beyond this weekend, you probably won’t need reminding that Arsenal are here at LSV on Wednesday (7.15pm kick-off) after the game was brought forward from next weekend. While this late change would have been frustrating to many ticket holders, the Gunners’ participation in the Women’s
Champions League semis next Saturday made the switch unavoidable. A bumper crowd is still a certainty, but should you be looking to attend the previously sold-out crunch league clash, it’s worth keeping an eye on ManUtd.com/muwtickets for availability on account of returned tickets. And for those unable to be here for the meeting with Jonas Eidevall’s side, we hope you’ll be able to watch it live on BBC.
We’re also live on the BBC today, with Skinner’s Reds sure to attract a large armchair audience, as well as thousands here at LSV, including some away fans who have made the long journey from Sussex. The Reds have a
Batlle does batlle with Brighton two weeks ago
few links to the visitors, remember: Maya Le Tissier made the move from the Seagulls last summer, Hannah Blundell – the focus of our interview on p14 – grew up nearby and attended Brighton’s centre of excellence, while Alessia Russo lined up for the club as a teenager (see p42). And off the pitch, United’s head of women’s football Polly Bancroft was previously general manager at Brighton.
So whatever the outcome, the strong respect between the clubs will be clear to see come full-time. But with a spot in the Cup final at stake, you can be certain there will be no prisoners between the first and last blows of the ref’s whistle. Let’s go to work, Reds!
Manchester United have triggered the extension option in Marc Skinner’s contract that will keep the head coach at the club for at least another season, until the end of 2023/24. The 40-year-old was appointed in 2021 and has since put the Reds both into WSL title contention, as well as in the hunt for a maiden Women’s Champions
League place and into the latter stages of the Women’s FA Cup for the first time. Today’s FA Cup tie will be Marc’s 55th game in charge of the Reds – his record to date is P54 W34 D12 L8, with an impressive win rate of 63 per cent.
The season tickets sales process for 2023/24 has been launched, with current holders having until 6pm on 5 May to renew. Prices will be increased for the first time since the team was formed in 2018. This rise reflects increased operating and energy costs at LSV, as well as helping ensure the team can continue to compete in all competitions on a consistent basis. Season tickets will be priced at £60 (adults) and £30 (concessions) – this is based on a cost of £6/£3 per home WSL game, with one fixture allocated free of charge. By comparison, official members will pay £9 per game and non-members £12, therefore providing season ticket holders with a saving for each game.
Season ticket holders should have already received an email, but all fans can visit ManUtd.com/ muwtickets to buy, or for further details.
WITH
IN THE
STAKE, THERE WILL BE NO PRISONERS BETWEEN THE FIRST AND LAST WHISTLE
OF THE REDS’
Sat 1 April, 11.30am, WSL
Galton 12, 66, Williams 86, Garcia 87
Leah Galton’s double helped United remain top of the Women’s Super League table with a dominant win in Crawley.
With both sides in need of the points at either end of the table, it was a tentative start to proceedings at Broadfield Stadium.
United would find the breakthrough on 12 minutes. Katie Zelem’s searching corner into the box found the head of Galton, whose close-range nod guided the ball beyond Lydia Williams in the Brighton goal.
The home side carved their way back into the game, namely through the danger of Katie Robinson down the right, but failed to create any clear-cut chances. Emma Kullberg had arguably their best chance of the first 45, but her header flew over.
Vilde Boe Risa came agonisingly close to doubling our lead after getting a deft touch on Zelem’s free-kick, but the connection was not strong enough to trouble Williams.
The second 45 started in a similar vein to the first, with both sides biding their time. On this occasion, it was Brighton with the first attempt. Poppy Pattinson’s lofted ball into the area was very nearly headed home by Geum-min Lee, but Millie Turner did enough at the back to put her off.
Despite dominating the ball, Skinner’s side didn’t create anything clear-cut until after the hour mark, but we made it count.
Both Ella Toone and Hannah Blundell exchanged neat one-two passes before the former sent a defence-splitting pass into the path of Galton. Our no.11 picked up the ball, rounded the keeper and slotted home impressively despite the tight angle.
From there, the Reds assumed control. Toone was denied after being flagged offside at the end of a well-worked move. Brighton’s shot-stopper came up big again a few moments later, this time to deny Russo’s powerful strike.
Second-half substitute Rachel Williams all but secured the points in the 86th minute, as she connected with a Zelem corner and found the net with a header that bounced off the turf and into the net.
A minute later, Lucia Garcia sealed the deal after latching on to a stray backpass, with the Spaniard touching it past the keeper and finishing into an empty net.
BRIGHTON (5-4-1): Williams; Fox, Morse, Connolly, Kullberg, Pattinson; Robinson, Olme, Bance (Terland 64), Sarri (Visalli 90); Lee Subs not used: Walsh, Stott, Park, Carter, Williams, Ferguson, Startup Booked: Olme, Pattinson
UNITED (4-2-3-1): Earps; Batlle, Le Tissier, Turner, Blundell; Ladd, Zelem; Toone, Boe Risa (Williams 60), Galton; Russo (Garcia 78) Subs not used: Middleton-Patel, Mannion, Riviere, Tounkara, Cascarino, Parris, Thomas Booked: None
Referee: Stacey Fullicks Att: 4,375
Sat 25 March, 5.30pm, WSL
Zelem 52 (pen), Garcia 65, 90+1, Ladd 84
The Reds’ fourth trip to Old Trafford finished in the same manner as the previous three – with a home win – as 27,919 fans saw United beat West Ham 4-0.
Marc Skinner’s side started with real intent, attacking the Stretford End in the first half. Our best chance fell to Alessia Russo following a sublime pass over the top from Maya Le Tissier into the path of Ona Batlle; our no.2 played the ball across goal but Russo couldn’t quite get the finishing touch on a fine move.
Minutes later, Nikita Parris’s deft touch on the ball lifted into Russo’s path, but last-ditch defending from Grace Fisk denied Alessia a clear shot on goal.
As the half progressed, West Ham grew into the game, but they couldn’t convert some intricate play into a clear-cut chance on Mary Earps’s goal. At the other end of the pitch, Leah Galton came close to netting the opener on her 100th appearance for the club, but her header was straight at Mackenzie Arnold.
It was goalless at half-time in a must-win game if the Reds were to take top spot in the WSL, but there was no sign of panic from the patient hosts as the second half began. Russo was on the end of another decent chance five minutes after the break, heading towards goal from Zelem’s corner but the ball went just over.
Our no.23 was involved again minutes later, this time earning a penalty after being brought down by the Hammers’ Hawa Cissoko. Zelem stepped up to take it and powered the ball home from 12 yards – sending Arnold the wrong way – in front of a roaring Old Trafford as the deadlock was finally broken.
United continued to pile the pressure on the visiting side, not allowing them a route out of their own half. Russo – who was at the heart of the action throughout – skipped past an opponent down the right-hand side before sending a teasing ball into the box, but Galton unfortunately couldn’t put the finishing touch on the cross.
Fans wouldn’t have to wait much longer to celebrate a second, though. A high press on the West Ham backline saw Galton win the ball back from Risa Shimizu, with Ella Toone picking it up and playing a brilliant ball to play in Lucia Garcia. The second-half substitute took a confident touch to open up her shooting angle before guiding the ball into the bottom corner of the West Ham net.
Skinner’s side seemed to go through the gears in the closing stages, assuming control and carving out chances for fun going forward, and it was a delight to watch. In the 85th minute, Hayley Ladd polished off a well-worked move as she followed Batlle’s ball into the box. The midfielder cushioned the ball beyond Arnold to make it 3-0.
With an inspired performance from the bench, Garcia capped off United’s outing with her second of the game. Martha Thomas’s late strike was parried away by the West Ham shot-stopper, but right into the path of the Spanish winger, who made no mistake from close range to round off a brilliant finale that the crowd relished.
UNITED (4-2-3-1): Earps; Batlle, Le Tissier, Turner (Mannion 80), Blundell; Ladd, Zelem; Parris (Garcia 54), Toone, Galton (Thomas 66); Russo (Williams 80) Subs not used: Baggaley, Riviere, Cascarino, Boe Risa, Leon Booked: None
WEST HAM (4-4-2): Arnold; Shimizu, Fisk, Cissoko (Cooke 79), Smith (Denton 80); Snerle (Atkinson 69), Parker, Brynjarsdottir, Asseyi; Hayashi (Longhurst 79), Thestrup (Evans 63)
Subs not used: Hillyerd, Filis, Denton Booked: None
Those sat towards the east side of the stadium enjoyed a close-up view of numerous Reds attacks in the second half
We loved the banners and signs such as these ones...
The boss shows his appreciation to you supporters after the game
Ona meets some of the many younger fans in attendance
Millie and co share the love with the 27,919 crowd
Let’s get straight to it. How does it feel for United to be playing in the club’s first-ever FA Cup semi-final, and being just one game away from a Wembley final?
It’s really exciting for the staff and the players who have worked so hard to get into this position. We’ve got to make sure we just look at this semi-final as another game we have to win – we don’t play the occasion of, ‘if we get through, it’s Wembley’. We have to make sure we do whatever we can to put in a good performance and get the win. But I know the girls are really looking forward to it.
Has there been any impact on preparations after facing Brighton in our last game as well? Is it helpful to have their strengths and weaknesses so fresh in your mind? It definitely makes it easier for the staff when they’re doing the analysis. And it’s fresh in our minds having just played them. Of course, with the international break, it gave us an extra week [to prepare]. Both teams will know each other’s strengths, but we just have to focus on our game.
Hailing from East Sussex and being in Brighton’s centre of excellence while at school, do you have fond memories of your time with the club? And how proud are you to see their development in the women’s game? I had a great time there. It helped me build my career and gave me the platform to push on. I’ll always be thankful for that. It’s really nice that they’re in the WSL now and doing well, with me having an affiliation with them. I hear their facilities are really good as well, which is a massive thing for the women’s game; it’ll help attract players to the WSL.
You’ve won the FA Cup twice before, with Chelsea – in 2015 and 2018 – and played in the first Wembley final. What memories do you have from those occasions?
I’ve got a funny story, actually. I remember the first time we played at Wembley with Chelsea [in 2015]. Drew Spence won’t mind me saying this because we’re good friends, but she was taking kick-off and played it straight out to me.
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TELLS US HOW SHE’S DEVELOPED HER
GAME, AND HOW SHE’D LOVE TO EMULATE HER PREVIOUS
WELLInterview: Jamie Spencer
The ball was basically too far in front of me and just went straight off the pitch. We both looked at each other, laughed, and were like, ‘oh, god!”... it was the first final at Wembley and the first pass, and we’ve kicked it straight off the pitch! Thankfully we settled into it. Playing there was such a great occasion. Not many people get to play there and I’ve been very fortunate to play a few times now. Every time I’ve been I’ve always tried to look at it as just another game – I don’t want to get caught up in the occasion. I want to make sure every time I step out on to the pitch, whether it’s Wembley or Leigh, I just want to win and put 100 per cent in. But it would be very exciting for Manchester United to get there.
You’ve also won the WSL four times. With so much at stake in the league in the weeks ahead, what experience have you been able to pass on to team-mates who might be going through this for the first time?
FULL NAME
Hannah Jayne BlundellDATE OF BIRTH
25 May 1994
PLACE OF BIRTH
Eastbourne, East Sussex
POSITION Full-back
YOUTH CAREER
Polegate Grasshoppers
Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, Charlton Athletic SENIOR CAREER
2013-21 Chelsea, 161 games, 11 goals
2021- Manchester United 51 games, 2 goals
INTERNATIONAL CAREER
England 3 caps/0 goals
group, a togetherness, and we’ve got that character and resilience. We’re not just a team to make up the numbers; we’re a team that can fight for trophies and Champions League spots.
Looking at our squad, yes we’ve got young players, but a lot of them are quite experienced in a way. If you look at Ella Toone and Alessia Russo, they’re still young but have got experience from the international stage. I look at it and think I don’t need to give too much advice or anything. I think the togetherness we’ve got as a group carries us through the tough times in games, or the season – it just helps us. We’ve got to carry on doing what we’re doing because it’s working at the moment. We just need to make sure we push each other across the line.
Above: Spence and Blundell would soon get over one stray pass in the 2015 FA Cup final!
United have been a lot more clinical and ruthless this season, which is reflected in the league table and the club’s best-ever FA Cup run. What is responsible for that improvement? With me being a defender, we have to make sure we’re ruthless in defending, keeping clean sheets and making sure crosses don’t come in. We’ve been very hot on that, week in, week out. If we keep a clean sheet one weekend, the next week we still work on how we stop entries into our box, so it’s something we’re quite resilient on. It’s exactly the same going forward as well for strikers and midfielders. Even defenders, we work on how we can assist or be clinical in the box. We’ve been fortunate that we’ve scored a lot of goals, but it’s something we don’t stop doing in training – we do it again and again. We make sure we don’t let up. That’s the difference this year.
It feels like you’ve crammed so much into your career already, even at just 28, but you’ve also got plenty of experience playing in the Champions League and have been to the latter stages several times, which is obviously the goal here at United… Only 28 [laughs], but I definitely feel older than that! I’ve been very grateful to play in a team like Chelsea where we were playing in the Champions League and cup finals. It’s helped my game massively, whether that be confidence or experience. I definitely feel like I’m in a team now where we’re ready for those challenges. We’ve got such a strong
Following your recent third game at Old Trafford, what has been the best thing about playing at the stadium? Thankfully we’ve won every game we’ve played there, so keeping that record is a massive thing. But the fans as well. Every time we’ve been there, the fans have been incredible. It’s been such a nice occasion. After the game is when you really realise how many fans are there and the support you’ve got. It’s so nice to see and the fans that are going to Old Trafford are also coming to Leigh as well. This year, the fan base has just got bigger and bigger and it doesn’t go unnoticed from us as players.
United fans are also consistently at Leigh Sports Village in bigger numbers than ever following the watershed impact of Euro 2022. What does the LSV atmosphere give you as a player on the pitch, and away from the pitch do you ever get recognised out and about?
I don’t get recognised much, but that’s fine with me because I’m more than happy to be quite low key! But I
Hannah’s been solid in the tackle all season long, and she’s a big reason why we’ve kept so many clean sheets
know some of the other girls get recognised outside, but that’s credit to the girls at the Euros doing so well and now at Leigh we’re getting so many more fans. You also can’t discredit the fans that come to the away games – those that came to Lewes away. That trip is god knows how many miles and they made it, and for an early kick-off! Thinking what time in the morning they had to leave, it’s incredible. The support they give us definitely helps spur us on in games and give us that extra boost.
What kind of influence has working with Marc Skinner had on you after so long under one manager, Emma Hayes? You mentioned very early in your United career about his one-to-one management…
I’ve probably had more one-to-one coaching. Just the small details, especially for me in my defensive work. He gets really into the detail. I’ve never had that before and I’m happy to say that my defending has got a lot better this season. It’s something I pride myself on now and that’s because of Marc and the coaches working on the one or two per cent that help your game. That’s massively helped and is shown in how we’ve kept so many clean sheets and been ruthless in scoring, because it’s the little details that matter.
How have you found the transition to left-back, having been mainly known as a right-back before joining us?
It’s been quite smooth. Because of the details I’ve been given, it’s helped me naturally grow into that position. Of, course, having Leah ahead of me and Millie next to me, that’s massively helped. We’ve managed to just gel on that left side and it’s not been forced, it naturally flows, especially when Tooney is in the ‘10’ as well. I feel like we have a great connection on our side.
Considering that change of position, you’re recognised as a reliable, consistent performer. What’s your secret?
I wish I had one! I’d probably say I’ve focused more on my defending this season. In previous years, I’ve always wanted to get forward as much as I can, be higher up the pitch and not pay quite as much attention to defending. This season, I want to nail my defensive duties, give the ball to Leah and let her do what she does! I wish there was a special thing I do, but I just focus on my game and do the best I can. I’m quite a harsh critic on myself when I think I’ve had a bad game, even if others say, “no, you played well!” But I think I’ll always be harsh on myself just because I want to strive for perfection, basically.
“MY DEFENDING HAS GOT A LOT BETTER THIS SEASON. IT’S SOMETHING I PRIDE MYSELF ON NOW AND THAT’S BECAUSE OF THE WORK OF MARC AND THE COACHES”
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Having previously spent so many years at Chelsea, have you learned anything new about yourself in what is now almost two full seasons with United? I’ve probably had to grow up a bit more being so far away from family, but I’ve really enjoyed [being able to do that]. I’ve learned more that I can push myself out of my comfort zone – I was really comfortable where I was at Chelsea for 11 years and I felt like I needed a change. I know change is always scary but I was confident enough to put myself in a position to really take myself out of that comfort zone and just push myself any way I can, whether that’s life in general or in football. It’s something I’m so happy I did.
The bonds at United are clear to see – tell us a bit more about the ‘Social Fridays’ you’ve been doing together... It’s funny because every Friday someone will choose – it started off with a colour of clothes to come into training, and to eat breakfast in. The first time it was yellow and the next time it was pyjamas. We have a laugh and a joke about it and pick the top three. It’s a way to keep everyone’s spirits high. Rachel Williams is definitely someone who should win it every week because she gives it 100 per cent!
How do you unwind away from football – any new hobbies? You’re already known as a bit of a gamer… Yeah, me, Baggers, Millie and Martha sometimes play Call of Duty on PlayStation. Some of the girls take the mickey out of us for that! Every time we’re about to leave training, someone will be like, “Are you going on Call of Duty?” We’ll be on either before or after dinner, full-on headsets, the whole shebang! When FIFA 23 [featuring women’s club teams] came out I remember playing and thinking, ‘This is so weird!’. I just got my player and wanted to take the ball around everyone! To think we’re in an actual computer game... it’s incredible! I’ve also started to get into golf, having lessons. I’m hoping by the summer I can improve on that because it’s definitely a hard sport to take up. I’ve only been on a course twice at the moment.
Last, but not least… your top United moment so far? I’d probably say my first time at Old Trafford [v Everton in March 2022]. It was such an incredible day and somewhere I’d never played before, so the first time being there, in the changing room, just taking in the whole day, and of course winning as well. It’s a memory I’ll cherish forever. ●
“Nail my defensive duties and give the ball to Leah!” has been our no.6’s mantra this season – and it certainly worked against Brighton last time out
There’s nothing Rachel does where she gives less than 100 per cent!
Hannah can’t wait to play more big-stadium games
“CHANGE IS ALWAYS SCARY BUT I WAS CONFIDENT ENOUGH TO PUT MYSELF IN A POSITION TO TAKE MYSELF OUT OF THAT COMFORT ZONE. I’M SO HAPPY THAT I DID”
As
We’re all so excited to be playing in an FA Cup semi-final. These are the occasions you dream of as a kid, to be playing in the latter stages of the FA Cup, and finals at Wembley. We want to inspire boys and girls watching us that they can achieve their dreams and play at Wembley too. For me, it’s always something I’ve wanted to do, and especially with Manchester United. We are one game away from that now, so we won’t be taking anything for granted.
We may have just beaten them in the league, but Brighton are a really good team and they’re organised. They had some decent opportunities last time so we’ll need to maintain our concentration to make sure we’re making it difficult for them. And even though that result is fairly fresh, it’s totally different when it comes to a cup match. They have done incredibly well to get to this stage themselves and both teams have everything to play for. We know it won’t be an easy game.
I’ve had the chance to get away for a few days with some of the girls during this international break. It’s so important you get that time off to switch off and
recharge, especially during such a busy time. We don’t get the opportunity much throughout the season but three days in Tenerife was definitely what I needed, especially to get away from the rain here! We’ve come back ready and raring to go.
As well as making sure we’re keeping ourselves well rested, recovered and fresh at this stage of the season, it’s also really important to keep focused. Our focus as a team speaks for itself, and we know what our targets are. At this business end of the season, the concentration is there, and everyone is in this together. We’ve got a lot to play for so for us every game is as big as the next.
We’re looking forward to getting out on the pitch, seeing you all and showing you what it means to us.
THE SKIPPER HAS ALWAYS DREAMT OF PLAYING IN A WEMBLEY CUP FINAL, AND SAYS SHE AND HER FELLOW REDS WILL BE GIVING THEIR ALL TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN
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National team: England
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National team: Wales
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National team: Scotland
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LET’S HEAD BACK TO FEBRUARY 2019, AND THE ONLY PREVIOUS WOMEN’S FA CUP MEETING BETWEEN TODAY’S CLUBS – A GAME THAT ALSO HAPPENED TO BE A HISTORIC ONE FOR THOSE WEARING RED AT BROADFIELD STADIUM
Words: Charlie Ghagan
United Women had 15 away trips in our inaugural campaign of 2018/19, and a small band of supporters can take a great deal of pride in being able to say
‘I was there’ for most of them – from the freezing night-fixtures in Sheffield and Leicester, to the rearranged spring date down at Charlton. But amid all that was also a near-500-mile round-trip to Crawley, West Sussex, where the Reds faced today’s visitors Brighton for
the first time in what was a momentous meeting – United’s first-ever Women’s FA Cup fixture. The second-tier Reds had already beaten top-flight sides Liverpool, Everton and West Ham in that season’s Conti Cup, but a defeat to Reading in the same competition, as Leigh Sports Village opened its doors to United fans for the first time, was a reminder of the step up in quality to the WSL as Casey Stoney’s new-look squad prepared to face a fifth team from the top division in the more prestigious of the two
domestic cups. As for Brighton, it was an equally exciting time for them, the Seagulls having had their application to join the restructured top flight approved the previous summer, and with England legend Hope Powell in charge. Gifted young signings such as forward Ellie Brazil had been recruited, while a youth-team talent by the name of Maya Le Tissier had made her senior debut just two months earlier, aged 16. Our own starlets were starting to make headlines, too – none more so than Ella Toone (18) and Lauren James (17) – but while such teen tyros were far from well known at the time, the managers in the respective dugouts for the fourth-round tie (above) were as close to household names as the women’s game had in February 2019.
‘Casey is someone I obviously know very well from our time together with England, and it is great to see her progress from a very successful playing career into management,’ wrote Powell in her programme notes as she paid tribute to another legendary Lioness, with whom she shared two centuries of caps combined.
Brighton were struggling in the WSL – although seemingly safe from the threat of relegation due to Yeovil’s woes on and off the pitch – and Powell was looking to the FA Cup to lift morale at her team’s Broadfield Stadium (then known as the People’s Pension Stadium) home, but the boss knew the gulf in divisions would count for little come kick-off. ‘United
may be a division below us but their set-up rivals many of the teams in the WSL, and we’re under no illusions of the task facing us this afternoon,’ Powell added as she acknowledged the fledgling Reds’ quality.
While only 764 fans were there for the lunchtime start on a bright Sunday, the presence of a proper away end went a long way to create some atmosphere, with many of those in the Structured Communications Stand behind the south end of the ground having been up since dawn in order to make the 12.30 kick-off. David Pritt was one of them. “I remember it well, as we went down on a minibus,” says the United fan, who missed just four away games that season. “I got the train down the next time we played Brighton [in 2019/20] but the early kick-off for this one meant a group of us got a minibus. And it was a long way to Crawley. When we got there, we were put behind the goal, and I remember it was a bit nervy in the first half – it was United’s first FA Cup game, against a side from the league above, and it was 0-0 at half-time with not many chances. We just hoped we’d find a way to create more in the second half.”
It was Toone who looked the most threatening in an opening period that The Telegraph’s Katie Whyatt would later describe as ‘turgid’ in her match report – indeed, Ella would have the
‘UNITED MAY BE A DIVISION BELOW, BUT WE’RE UNDER NO ILLUSIONS OF THE TASK FACING US’ – HOPE POWELL
game’s sole shot on target as she stretched to connect with Kirsty’s Hanson’s cross, only for Fliss Gibbons to head the effort to safety. Albion, with Irish midfielder Megan Connolly making her debut, were proving well organised and hard to break down, displaying the ‘resilience’ Powell had demanded of her side ahead of the tie if they were to progress to the last 16.
The Reds’ lack of sharpness was perhaps understandable – our only competitive football in the previous three-and-a-half weeks had been the Championship trip to Charlton, which was abandoned after 11 minutes following a serious injury to the Addicks’ Charlotte Kerr – but thankfully Stoney’s substitutes (or ‘game-changers’, as she always preferred to call them) would spark her side into life against Brighton, first as Lauren James was unleashed at half-time, with Leah Galton entering the fray on the hour mark. It was James’s near-post finish via an assist from Jess Sigsworth (right) that calmed the nerves as United took the lead on 51 minutes in front of the travelling Reds, but despite pushing hard for a second, United couldn’t kill the tie off. And when Brighton’s Lucy Roberts was upended by Amy Turner in the area on 78 minutes, the prospect of extra-time loomed large as referee Aji Ajibola pointed to the spot. Step forward Dani Buet, to face Siobhan Chamberlain – who’d been called into action
just once until that point – with a golden chance to level. “The way the game had gone, we were worried,” recalls Pritt. “I thought if they scored they’d end up winning, being the team from the higher division, and playing at home, but I can still picture it in my head... Shivy [Siobhan] dived brilliantly, low to her right, and pushed the penalty out for a corner. All the United players ran over to her and up the other end we were all going mad.”
Despite his distance from the drama, David had a great view of Siobhan’s save, which he filmed and swiftly shared on social media, while Chamberlain – behind a backline of Martha Harris, Amy Turner, Millie Turner and Alex Greenwood – would continue to stand strong as the fourth-round tie edged towards the 90-minute mark.
Then, as the clock ticked into injury-time, James finally settled matters with a goal of supreme quality. Racing on to Greenwood’s long punt, ‘LJ’ still had two defenders ahead of her as she picked the ball up 35 yards from goal. At first she looked intent to take it to the corner flag, before turning Victoria Williams inside-out and driving into the box from the right. little angle to aim at, and with six opponents now in the box, she unleashed a drilled effort into the net. “We knew then we were through, and it was a great feeling having travelled all that way,” says Pritt, as the visitors were rewarded for a much-improved second half.
‘UNITED RETURNED FROM THE BREAK WITH THE BIT BETWEEN THEIR TEETH – IN THEIR BEST SPELL THEY WERE A WHIR OF AGGRESSION AND URGENCY’
– THE TELEGRAPH
Left: Millie Turner beats Jenna Legg to the ball
Above: Hanson races clear of Kirsty Barton
Right: Pritt’s long-distance footage of Shiv’s save; James wraps things up; a glimmer of Hope in the car park (including David, standing third from right)
‘United returned from the break with the bit between their teeth,’ was The Telegraph’s assessment. ‘In their best spell they were a whir of aggression and urgency, pressing furiously and reducing Brighton to chasing shadows.’
Pritt says everyone in the self-styled ‘Barmy Army’ was in full song as they made their way back to the minibus –where they’d soon add some unexpected footnotes to the Reds’ first taste of the Women’s FA Cup. “It was funny,” smiles David. “We all jumped into the van to leave and as we were driving off we saw Hope [Powell] walking to her car, so the driver slammed on the brakes, we all jumped out, and we got a great picture with Hope! Then, after we got back on the bus, I had a direct message from Shivy, who’d seen my video of her save and was wondering if she could use it. We then drove for a few hours before stopping at a service station, and guess who was there? The whole United team! We didn’t want to bother them – we respected the fact they were on their way home and let them get on with what they were doing, but I had to ask Siobhan about the video she had just DM’d me about!”
For David, such stories merge together to make it one of his best days from our first season. “When I went back there the next year, Lauren scored again, after about 30 seconds [although it was later credited as an own goal in the WSL fixture]. I remember thinking Lauren might get a hat-trick that time, but it ended up 1-1 so that trip wasn’t so good. Plus of course the 2018/19 game was a first FA Cup game, and it was probably the first proper long away trip for the fans. We did a lot of travelling that season, and Sussex [along with the trip to Lewes] was the furthest we went. It was all such a great experience.”
With 113 goals scored in 29 fixtures across all competitions as the Reds charged to the Championship
title, no wonder he harbours such nice memories across the entire campaign, but as far as the Women’s FA Cup goes, there would still be regrets come the season’s end.
“I went to the FA Cup quarter-final that season, away to Reading at Wycombe [Adams Park], when Reading scored right at the death and we somehow lost [2-3]. That first season was amazing, with a brand new team, but if we’d got through that game, we’d have faced West Ham – who we’d beaten [2-0 in the Conti Cup] weeks earlier – at home in the semis, but it wasn’t to be. We’ve had to wait a few years to finally get into an FA Cup semi-final, and now we’ve done that I really feel like we’re on the precipice of doing something great. Getting to Wembley... wouldn’t that be incredible.” ●
The Foundation hosts Premier League’s celebratory Kicks tournament, marking an incredible delivery on the programme in Greater Manchester
Club legend Wes Brown and mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham joined the Foundation’s young people at Salford Sports Village earlier this month to celebrate a landmark achievement – one million hours of delivery of the Premier League Kicks programme.
The Kicks programme provides free football and diversionary activities for young people aged 8-18 across the country, through professional clubs’ affiliated community organisations (CCOs).
Through Street Reds – the Foundation’s adaptation of the Kicks programme – 17 free football sessions are delivered across Greater Manchester every week.
Nine CCOs played in the tournament, where U16 girls and U16 mixed teams from across the North West were involved, while also taking part in workshops focusing on mental health and stress awareness, and some football skill challenges. The youngsters also had the chance to meet Wes, who signed autographs and posed for photos, while the Premier League trophy was on site at Salford Sports Village for photo opportunities.
Wes – a product of the club’s Academy, born locally in Longsight – spoke of the importance of the Kicks programme: “One million hours of coaching sessions like PL
Kicks – it’s a great achievement,” he said. “The teams have come from all over and are having a great time.
“It [Kicks] has helped people along the way; there are people that have played in these games that have gone on to help out and become coaches themselves.”
The Foundation’s community engagement manager Tom Sellers said: “It’s a massive opportunity, bringing young people together to meet and challenge themselves against other clubs. Having Wes here, along with the mayor and lots of media, makes it an extra bit special.”
Youngsters from a range of Street Reds sessions, including from the Foundation’s Youth Voice Council, were among those representing the Foundation at the tournament.
The youngsters proudly salute the seven-figure milestone
Brighton’s trip to Leigh is potentially as historic for them as it could be for United. The Seagulls are looking to go one better than 2020/21 – when they lost a semi-final against Arsenal – and reach their first FA Cup final. With a difficult WSL season unfolding that has seen the team recently slip to bottom spot, their Cup progress has been welcome respite. It has been a rollercoaster campaign in the dugout, to say the least. Hope Powell left suddenly after five years following an 8-0 defeat to Tottenham in October. Amy Merricks temporarily took over and immediately oversaw an epic 5-4 win over West Ham and a 3-3 draw against Liverpool. The club then looked to make a statement by hiring ex-Bayern Munich boss Jens Scheuer during the winter break, only to part ways barely nine weeks later after four winless WSL games. Merricks returned as
interim for a month, before last week’s permanent appointment of Melissa Phillips (see right). Despite such upheaval and WSL woes, Brighton have been flying in the FA Cup and have made light work of the teams put in front of them. The Seagulls have scored 14 goals and conceded none in their three ties, putting seven past West Brom, five past Coventry United and two past Birmingham. The goals have been spread out too, with eight scorers, led by Brianna Visalli with three. While previous meetings will make United favourites today, Brighton won’t be underestimated. Even with some heavy losses this season, it took an 89th-minute Khadija Shaw winner for Manchester City to beat them in the WSL last month. They also earned an away draw against Aston Villa and have by no means been embarrassed in home and away defeats to Chelsea.
The former London City Lionesses boss signed a two-and-a-half-year contract just last week, to become the Seagulls’ fourth coach of the season. The 35-year-old American took the London club to the top of the Championship in January before leaving for Los Angeles side Angel City, where she was assistant coach.
Having spent 11 years with Arsenal, for whom she scored an FA Cup final winner in 2016, the forward joined Reading in 2020, then Brighton in 2021. This season she’s scored five goals in the WSL – almost a third of Brighton’s entire league output – while she’s netted another two in the FA Cup and one in the Conti Cup.
The talented youngster, who won’t turn 21 until the summer, is having a breakout season. Her form for Brighton has even put her in with a chance of going to the World Cup, with the Cornwall-born forward part of the England squad in November, February and April. She is likely to be a main source of danger today.
Leah Galton was the goalscoring star of our recent win against Brighton, and her WSL brace in that 4-0 win was not a first for her. She did the same when Brighton first visited Leigh in 2019 (above), while Leah also netted in the 4-0 WSL win here earlier this season. Ella Toone scored twice that day and there was a first Reds goal for Adriana Leon. Galton even scored the only goal in a tighter game at LSV last April. The Reds have enjoyed other wins, but it hasn’t always been plain sailing. In our penultimate game before Covid-19 ended the 2019/20 season, our trip south ended 1-1. Brighton also made their mark in 2020/21 when Inessa Kaagman condemned United to a 1-0 defeat in Sussex at a crucial stage of the run-in.
“I AM FULLY AWARE OF OUR POSITION, BUT I’M EXCITED TO BE HERE AND EAGER TO GET STARTED” –MELISSA PHILLIPS
9 6 3
8 5 2 1
The first tournament was in 1970/71 (although it's changed its name a few times since then!), meaning this year's final will be the 53rd in the competition’s history.
The club that's won it the most is Arsenal (14 times) – the Gunners last won it in 2016, when former United manager Casey Stoney was playing for them (right).
Southampton Women's FC – who now play in the FA Women’s National League – won eight of the first 11 Women’s FA Cup finals, but they haven't won it since.
The current holders are Chelsea, who beat Manchester City 3-2 last season, with Sam Kerr scoring the winning goal for the Londoners in extra-time.
The final was held at Old Trafford once, in 1989 when Leasowe Pacific (now Everton) beat Friends of Fulham – only 941 fans were there to see it (right).
The final has been played at Wembley since 2015, while 1999 saw the team called Wembley (now London Bees) get to the final... but at Upton Park, not Wembley!
The record attendance in the competition is 49,094, from last season's final at Wembley (right) – will the 50,000 mark be beaten for the first time this year?
Winners include: Rachel Williams (Birmingham 2012), Hannah Blundell (Chelsea 2015, 2018), Nikita Parris (Man City 2017, 2019), Maria Thorisdottir (Chelsea 2018).
The furthest the Reds have got was in our first season of 2018/19, when we reached the last eight before a narrow extra-time loss away to Reading (right).
There's been much drama in recent years, with 24 goals scored across the last six finals – that’s an average of four goals per game (aren’t we good at maths!)
Some Brighton links feature in our three-level test. Good luck!
1. What three teams have we beaten in the FA Cup so far this season?
2. What shirt number does Leah Galton wear for United?
↑ Lesley Lloyd, Southampton Women’s FC captain, holds the FA Cup after the first final in 1971 (but nope, that’s not the Queen!)
3. And who is our top scorer in the 2022/23 Women’s FA Cup?
1. Brighton are ‘the Seagulls’, while Bristol City are ‘the Robins’... although not their women’s team! What is the nickname of Bristol City Women?
2. What is the aggregate score across our two WSL meetings with Brighton this season?
↑ Look at Marc Skinner looking super-smart, as he lines up ahead of the 2017 final, when he was manager of Birmingham City
3. Who played more games for Brighton: Alessia Russo or Maya Le Tissier?
1. Which current Red has the most England caps to her name?
2. Rachel Williams won the Women’s FA Cup in 2012, but which team was she a runner-up with three years later?
↑ Oh look, it’s Aoife Mannion up against Nikita Parris in the 2017 final at Wembley Stadium – that looks like a foul to us, Keets!
← 3. Our record Women’s FA Cup win was by which scoreline – an away game behind closed doors in April 2021?
↑ We’d like to wish Luke a very happy 10th birthday for this coming Wednesday – we hear there’s quite a big game on then so it’s sure to be an exciting day!
← This cheery bunch – Lauren, Khardine, Morgan and Sheona – are Ella Toone’s biggest fans. They go to every home game and love watching the Reds in action.
← Young Alex travels from Hull to all the home games, and for the West Ham match at Old Trafford he wore a top to match his favourite player... you can probably guess who it is! Great work, Alex.
KEY: WSL – Women’s Super League CC – Continental League Cup FA – Women’s FA Cup Scorers Bold + own goal • Penalty ↑/↓ won/lost on penalties Yellow/red card
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DATE 21 MAY 2017
In the year before the formation of Manchester United Women, an 18-year-old forward by the name of Alessia Russo was starting to make a real name for herself in the south of England, having already caught the eye at both Charlton Athletic, then Chelsea, as a youth-team player. America was very much on Alessia’s mind, however, with plans in place for her to play college soccer in North Carolina starting in late 2017. But with Russo wanting some more senior experience before heading Stateside (to go with her one Conti Cup appearance for Chelsea), she would spend the first half of 2017 with today’s opponents Brighton, who were competing in the second tier of the ‘Spring Series’ –which ran from February to May to bridge the gap as the women’s game adjusted its schedule to align with that of
the men’s game. Russo would find the net three times in seven appearances for the Seagulls – not a bad return for a side that finished in the bottom half – including the club’s first goal at that level, in a 1-1 draw with London Bees on the opening day. The pick of her goals, however, was undoubtedly a long-range rocket against Sheffield FC in Brighton’s final Spring Series match. Her team’s third and final goal in a 3-1 win at the Amex, 1,279 fans were there to witness it. Who knows, maybe a few in the away end today were one of that number six years ago, but if you haven’t yet seen the strike, it’s well worth looking it up online. Three years on, and with her time in the US coming to an end, Russo made the decision to join the club she’d always supported. The first of her 23 goals to date for the Reds? In game no.2, against the Seagulls.
Poppy
Brianna
Guro
Dejana
Veatriki
Geum-min
Julia
Elisabeth
Libby
Rebekah
Ye-eun
Kayleigh
Emma
Maisie
Danielle
Victoria
Zoe
Katie
Lulu
Chelsea
Lydia