Manchester United Women v Chelsea Women match programme WSL 26.09.21 by Manchester United Football Club

OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2021/22 SEASON • VOLUME 04 ISSUE 02

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9/9/21 4:47 PM

COME ON YOU REDS! With a winning start at home under the floodlights, followed by a hugely enjoyable away day at the King Power Stadium, it’s been the perfect start for new head coach Marc Skinner and his Reds, but today is undoubtedly the biggest test yet, as Emma Hayes’s champions come to town. “Chelsea’s an opponent we respect, but we have our own strengths, we believe in ourselves,” says determined defender Aoife Mannion in our big interview (p12). And the passionate support of you fans can only help drive the Reds on – hopefully to three massive WSL points!

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, Kevin Glazer, Edward Glazer, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz,

04 HEAD COACH’S column 09 NEWS ROUND-UP 10 match action round-up 12 aoife mannion interview

Ed Woodward, 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

23 captain’s column 24 reds’ youth development

Editor-in-chief Ian McLeish Contributors Sean Mullan, Harriet Drudge, Harry Robinson, Andy Murray Photography Ash Donelon,

28 the opposition 34 QUIZ

John Peters, Matt Peters, Getty, Alamy Thanks to Haylee Howe, John Shiel & Chris Leuty/ MuPrint.com.

37 player & team statistics

HEAD COACH’S COLUMN

MARC SKINNER The boss reflects on a productive couple of weeks behind the scenes, as his evolving Reds get set for a massive 90 minutes against the WSL champions... Hello and welcome back to Leigh Sports Village for what is a big occasion as we take on Emma Hayes’s Chelsea. The international break has allowed us to work in small numbers with the players who didn’t go away, digging into individual development plans with a bit more focus. Everyone’s had a couple of days off too, so we should be mentally fresh ahead of today’s game. Millie Turner has also been with us following her injury at Leicester, and that’s coincided with Ibrahim, our new physio, starting – he’s made sure she’s getting all the support she needs, and she’s in a good, positive place. I was impressed with our performances against both Reading and Leicester for different reasons. Reading was our first game, and the players needed to come out of their comfort zone – there was a live TV audience, fans back in the ground, and we’ve adapted our style, but I thought the players really took it on. Mentally, we were excellent. As for the Leicester game, that saw more of an evolution of our playing strategy. We needed to do better in the first 20 minutes but after that we focused on what we needed to do, and we started to exploit the spaces on the pitch that we’d identified. I want us to be adaptable in games, and not play just one style –

at Leicester, we managed to do that. I was pleased too to see Martha Thomas get her first goal. She’s having to be patient as we adapt our style, but it was a very instinctive finish, which is a sign of a good forward. And with Alessia returning, we’re looking strong up top. Chelsea is clearly our biggest challenge yet. They possibly got caught out a bit in their defeat to Arsenal, who looked sharper after their Champions League qualifiers, but, let’s be honest, Chelsea destroyed Everton. While we absolutely will need to stay focused on their threats, we want to dictate the game as much as possible today – we have to be ready to put our stamp on the game and put them in positions where they need to defend. With any game, preparation is key to exploiting opponents and I want us to enjoy that process, and the rewards you get from seeing that preparation pay off. We know we might have more time without the ball today compared to our first two fixtures, and that’s where you fantastic fans come in – we’ll need you to drive us on and energise us, to be that constant heartbeat to what we’re trying to achieve. I hope you enjoy the game.

HEAD COACH’S COLUMN

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.

“AT LEICESTER, WE EXPLOITED SPACES ON THE PITCH THAT WE’D IDENTIFIED. I WANT US TO BE ADAPTABLE IN GAMES AND WE MANAGED TO DO THAT” 05

BIG PICTURE

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS It was an evening to warm the cockles when the Reds last lined up on home soil, with a crowd of 2,111 fans back in the stands here in Leigh after 583 days away. It was also a red-letter day for many other reasons: the 2-0 victory over Reading was new head coach Marc Skinner’s first competitive game in charge, while the fixture kicked off the overall WSL campaign for 2021/22, with it being the first-ever live WSL broadcast on Sky as part of a landmark three-year rights deal. The game was still goalless when Kirsty Hanson attempted to pick out Ella Toone (below) but the pair would soon make a big impact: Toone providing a fine assist for Hanson to open the scoring on 39 minutes, before Ella was at it again to tee up Ona Batlle in the second half to complete the job.

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Ham United

BIG PICTURE

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Two wins, five goals to start 2021/22 Friday 3 Sep, Leigh Sports Village, Att 2,111 UNITED 2 (Hanson 39, Batlle 54) READING 0 United kicked off the new Women’s Super League season with victory over Reading in new head coach Marc Skinner’s first game in charge. The visitors created the first real opportunities, with Brooke Chaplen firing over from range before Hannah Blundell made her first mark for United, producing a fine block to divert Amalie Eikeland’s strike to safety. Just after the midway point in the first half, Lucy Staniforth’s whipped cross made its way through the box and found Leah Galton, but our no.11 sliced over. Thankfully the Reds finally made a breakthrough on 39 minutes. Ella Toone fed Debutant through Kirsty Hanson, Blundell whose first-time finish impressed beat Grace Moloney. Soon into the second half, Reading could not have gone closer. Chaplen hit another fierce strike, this one cannoning down off the bar, but the ball was adjudged not to have crossed the line. Shortly after, the Reds took the opportunity to double the advantage. Ona Batlle, our 2020/21 Women’s Player of the Year, played a swift one-two with Toone before picking out the top corner with her first United goal. New signing Martha Thomas nearly made a dream start after coming on as sub on 66 minutes, cutting in from the left and curling a shot just wide of the far post. Fellow sub Jackie Groenen looked right at home in the middle, as she continued to build up her match fitness, while Royals sub Jeon Ga-eul went close late on, her header flashing just wide of the target.

Sunday 12 Sep, King Power Stadium; Att: 4,473 LEICESTER CITY 1 (McManus 61) UNITED 3 (Toone 36, Thorisdottir 47, Thomas 71) United’s winning start under Marc Skinner continued with an impressive 3-1 victory away to Leicester City. If the newly promoted hosts were expected to race out of the blocks at the King Power Stadium with enthusiasm, it was quite the opposite as Kirsty Hanson forced Foxes keeper Kirstie Levell to make a stop inside 50 seconds. At the other end, former Red Jess Sigsworth was unable to keep her shot down under pressure from Millie Turner. Leicester’s Natasha Flint fared better when she unleashed a low drive that Mary Earps had to push Toone away. Turner was injured drives during that attack and had forward to be stretchered off, with Maria Thorisdottir replacing her. Concern for their injured colleague seemed to disrupt United’s rhythm for a while but Ella Toone’s 36th-minute strike from outside the area settled the team down, our no.7 unleashing a terrific shot past the helpless Levell. Toone could have notched an assist before the interval had Hanson not lifted her shot over the bar. As eight minutes of injury-time unfolded, another ex-Red, Charlie Devlin, joined Sigsworth in the Foxes’ attack as a sub for Paige Bailey-Gayle. But it was Leah Galton who almost grabbed the next goal, prodding her shot against the post. The Reds were again on the front foot as the second half kicked off. When Staniforth’s header from Katie Zelem’s corner was only half-cleared, Thorisdottir followed up to finish: 2-0. As the hosts battled back, Earps denied Molly Pike. Back at the other end, Levell did well to keep out Galton. Leicester raised their tempo after a triple substitution, including ex-Red Abbie McManus, Thomas rounds who dragged her team back off the victory into the contest when her downward header was deemed to have crossed the line. As if rattled by this, the Reds took the game by the scruff of the neck. A third goal seemed inevitable and Martha Thomas provided it with an opportunistic toe-poke, just moments after coming on for Staniforth. Turn to p38-39 to see United line-ups for all fixtures

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

#6 AOIFE MANNION

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Manchester United Women v Brighton Hove

AOIFE MANNION

Having overcome a serious long-term injury prior to her July move across Manchester, no wonder our new no.5 is so full of positivity about the season ahead, with Aoife telling us she’s “excited for the challenge” of taking on Sam Kerr and co... Interview: Charlie Ghagan

How have you enjoyed your first two games as a Manchester United player? The first two games have been great. Obviously, we’ve managed to get the results we wanted with convincing wins. The first game being at Leigh was just such an incredible experience in front of the fans, for the first time since the pandemic. There was such an atmosphere around the place, and with that being my first Manchester United match as well, it was kind of a double whammy. And then to win the game, it felt really special. Then we went to Leicester and managed to get the win there, which was a great note on which to pause and take a break while a lot of players have gone off on international duty. So far, spirits are quite high in the camp and we feel like we’re doing really well. And how much are you enjoying working with Marc, following the time you had together at Birmingham? I’m really enjoying playing under Marc. Like you said, I had a spell under him at Birmingham, as did Lucy [Staniforth] and Hayley [Ladd]. He’s a really good manager and a really exciting coach, and I think that, as a team, we will reap the rewards of that clear direction. He has really good detail and a really good idea of how he wants us to play, and how he wants the team to bring all of our individual strengths together. I’d say it’s quite an exciting time to be a Manchester United player. You’ve played alongside both Millie and Maria at the back so far – would you say they are a similar type of player to partner, or does your role change depending on who you’re partnering? Every player has strengths and brings little different bits to their game that are individual and unique to them. Maria’s strength is some of her one-v-one defending ability and her physical presence, and obviously she can play out on the ball as well. Millie’s strength is her technical ability on the ball. I think all of the backline bring different strengths, and the magic behind it is how we’re able to bring it together. There’s definitely things

that will always need to be tweaked, and sometimes it’s not even on a conscious level. It’s not something that I necessarily think about and I’m sure that the other players may feel the same. I guess the formation is sometimes more important than who is next to you. Have you caught up with Millie since her knee injury? Yeah, I’ve caught up with her. We were all really worried about her and just glad that she’s feeling comfortable. She seems in really good spirits. She seems quite content with how things are developing and we don’t think it’s as serious as it may have looked, so that’s a good thing. Talking of injury, you’ve had a major one to contend with in recent seasons. To not even be able to train as you would have liked during lockdown must have made last year particularly challenging for you? Exactly that. It was a really tough time, with it being the pandemic, and then also having to deal with my first injury, let alone long-term injury [anterior cruciate ligament, which sidelined her for 16 months] that I’ve had in my career... it was a real struggle, a real challenge. And it felt like that period went on for an age, that rehabilitation time. Even though it’s not been too much time since I’ve been back on the pitch, it feels a world away now since I went through that rehab. I’m really keen to move on from that now, and trust in the ability of my body to be physically resilient on the pitch. So far, I’ve been feeling really confident and comfortable in that, so I’m really looking forward to, hopefully, an injury-free season ahead. ⊲

“THE PANDEMIC, DEALING WITH MY FIRST INJURY... IT WAS A STRUGGLE. BUT IT FEELS A WORLD AWAY NOW SINCE I WENT THROUGH THAT REHAB” 13

THE MANCUNIAN WAY.

HANNAH AOIFE EXCLUSIVE MANNION BLUNDELL INTERVIEW

FACTFILE: Full name Aoife Mannion Date of birth 24 September 1995 Place of birth Solihull, West Midlands Position Defender Previous clubs (youth) Birmingham City, Aston Villa Previous clubs 2012-13 Aston Villa, 21 apps, 0 goals 2013-19 Birmingham City, 130 apps, 9 goals 2019-21 Manchester City, 11 apps, 1 goal International career England youth caps: U15, U17, U19, U20, U23 Prior to your ACL injury in 2019 you received your first senior England call-up. With the Euros taking place in this country next summer, how much of an ambition is it for you to get back within that Lionesses squad? My primary ambition is to play for United and help our team do as well as possible. Of course, the allure of playing for your national team is always something that would be an honour. It’s something that I can see in the periphery, but my day-to-day concern is showing up at training and giving the best I can into developing myself as a player and helping the team win games. Then if the manager of the national team thinks I could be useful to England, then that’s for her to decide, and it would of course be an honour, but only if she felt it was right. Also around that time in 2019, you made your debut for City against United at the Etihad. What’s your abiding memory of that day, and wouldn’t it be great to do it again at a packed Old Trafford? Definitely. It was an incredible experience. I think that particular game may have been the biggest crowd

Celebrating a job well done with the travelling fans at Leicester last time out

I’ve played in front of [31,213]. With it being the season opener and a derby, there was so much attention around it, and I think it would be great to recreate more derby experiences like that. I’m really looking forward to the ones at Leigh, and I think with it being a derby match, it will always be contentious and there will always be a lot of emotions. But that’s what we all like about football. On the subject of big grounds, it looked like you all enjoyed the experience of playing at the King Power Stadium recently. Quite a few United fans made the journey also – do you sense our fanbase is perhaps a bit more dedicated than your previous clubs? I think the United support is second to none. Even in our pre-season match against Rangers, we had a really strong following, all the way up to Glasgow. That’s something we really appreciate. They are so loud and so vocal, and so passionate, and it definitely rubs off on us in the games. Sometimes, even the away games end up feeling like a home game, because they’re so loud. That’s definitely something we benefit from out on the pitch. As for your competitive debut against Reading, it was great to see the Sky Sports cameras at the ground, as well as all the extensive pre-match coverage. Did you watch it all back when you got home? [Laughs] We do watch the games back, but to look at ⊲ Manchester United Women v Chelsea Women 15 15

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Lining up with England’s U19s in 2014 (you might recognise some other faces!) and now Aoife is targeting a senior cap

“NO MATTER WHAT TEAM WE FACE, I’LL WATCH CLIPS ON THE FORWARDS – I RESPECT THEIR STRENGTHS AND MAKE IT MY TASK TO NULLIFY THEM” how the team played and our individual clips, rather than for the entertainment! It’s clearly a great thing that Sky are broadcasting so many of our games and it’s clear they’re drawing audiences and interest to the game that wasn’t otherwise there. That can only be an exciting thing. Chelsea are next up today, which will be a big test... Chelsea will definitely be a massive test. They have lots of strengths, lots of really good individual footballers. They’re a team that has won much silverware, so they will be an opponent that we respect. That said, we believe in ourselves. We believe we have our own strengths, so I think it will be a really exciting contest. We’re looking to build on our performances in the last couple of games and bring that performance into the Chelsea game. You could find yourself up against WSL Golden Boot winner Sam Kerr – are we right in saying she’s someone you’ve never faced previously? Yeah, you’re correct. When she came to the Women’s Super League, I was still going through rehab. No matter what team we face, I will always watch individual clips on the forwards, whether that’s a pre-season match or whatever team in the WSL. So every forward or attacking

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player that I come up against, I respect their strengths and will make it my task to nullify them, so we can bring our power going forward on the pitch without having to worry about the backdoor, so to speak. I’m really excited for the contest. I like playing against different strikers. I love playing against strikers who are in form, so I’m really excited for the challenge, definitely. You and Marc were both with Birmingham for the 2017 FA Cup final, while you’ve played Champions League football with Birmingham and City – for all the success United have had, playing in such prestige fixtures has to be the next aim for this team, doesn’t it... That seems like the next step. Last year the team came fourth in the league, and so the natural progression that would be expected from that is to finish third, which would mean Champions League. We have to focus on each game, and if we’re able to take care of every game as it comes, and put in the performances that hopefully warrant the three points, then I think at the end of the season that will look after itself. But that’s definitely something that all of the players are really excited at the prospect of, that we could help the team get into the Champions League for the first time in its history. ⊲

AOIFE MANNION Up against Kirsty Hanson at the Etihad on her City debut in 2019: “an incredible experience”

Aoife, who turned 26 two days ago, has played the full 90 in each of our opening two WSL fixtures

Talking of Birmingham, who would you say is more of a ‘raging Brummie’, as you describe yourself on Twitter – you or the gaffer? I’m not sure, actually! Marc and I are not from the exact same place but we are both from around Birmingham. It’s kind of just a little note to self to stay in touch with my roots wherever I go, to always remember that’s where I was born and brought up. It’ll always be home for me. You’re clearly very proud of your home city, where we’ll be visiting for our next away game, of course… I think it’s at St Andrew’s as well. Family and friends will definitely come to that. I’ve only played at that stadium a couple of times, and we should get a good United following travelling as away fans. Did you go to school with Jack Grealish? Yes, I did. We didn’t play football together but we did play Gaelic football against each other. It’s a sport where you can’t shy away from the physicality of it, so I think that anyone who plays Gaelic football would say it toughens them up! Do you still enjoy Gaelic football? Yeah, my mother is from Mayo, and they were in the All-Ireland final against Tyrone, and we lost, again [Mayo have appeared in 11 finals since 1989, losing them all], which was obviously gutting. I was following it on my iPad on the coach on the way down to Leicester. Maybe

“IN THE GARDEN AS A KID I WAS ROY KEANE. I LOVED HIS PHYSICALITY AND HONEST, HARD WORK. I FEEL KIND OF MESMERISED BY HIM AS A PERSON” next year! Most of my family live over in Ireland, so it’s definitely something I keep an eye on. Is it right that Roy Keane was a childhood hero? He was. I loved his physicality and his honest, hard work on the pitch. I love his character. I feel kind of mesmerised by him as a person and I like listening to what he has to say. So definitely, when I was younger and he was playing for United, and the Republic of Ireland national team, he was someone who, when I was playing against my brother in the garden one-v-one, I was always Roy Keane! Finally... talk to us about bucket hats! Obviously, as you can see on my social media [left], I love a bucket hat! I originally got into them just because of their practicality. As someone who burns like a peach, it felt like I got a little bit more cover from it. When I was younger, my dad always wore them mowing the lawn, so it rubbed off on me. It surprises me that more people don’t wear them. I don’t know how many I’ve got – quite a few – but people seem to pick up on it as something that’s a little bit different. I quite like that, so I kind of flex into that identity whenever I can! ⬤

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AOIFE MANNION Born: 24/09/1995 Nationality: English Trivia: Helped United keep a clean sheet on her debut in our recent 2-0 win v Reading.

ONA BATLLE Born: 10/06/1999 Nationality: Spanish Trivia: Opened her United scoring account with stunning long-range effort v Reading.

MILLIE TURNER Born: 07/07/1996 Nationality: English Trivia: Picked up an injury during our victory at Leicester – get well soon!

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MARY EARPS Born: 07/03/1993 Nationality: English Trivia: In goal for all 36 of our WSL fixtures prior to the start of 2021/22.

MARTHA HARRIS Born: 19/08/1994 Nationality: English Trivia: First-ever winner of PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year award, in 2014.

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KIRSTY SMITH Born: 06/01/1994 Nationality: Scottish Trivia: Played all three games for Scotland in their first World Cup, in 2019.

HANNAH BLUNDELL Born: 25/05/1994 Nationality: English Trivia: Scored 12 goals in 165 games for Chelsea, winning 10 major honours.

MARIA THORISDOTTIR Born: 05/06/1993 Nationality: Norwegian Trivia: Just won her 50th Norway cap, after scoring her first United goal in September.

SOPHIE BAGGALEY Born: 29/11/1996 Nationality: English Trivia: Named WSL Players’ Player of the Year in ’18/19 while at Bristol City.

MEET THE SQUAD ▶

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THE PLAYERS: 2021/22 SEASON

LUCY STANIFORTH Born: 02/10/1992 Nationality: English Trivia: Had made 146 WSL appearances for six clubs ahead of 2021/22.

MARTHA THOMAS Born: 31/05/1996 National team: Scotland Trivia: Came off bench to wrap up victory v Leicester with her first Reds goal.

IVANA FERREIRA FUSO Born: 12/03/2001 Nationality: Brazilian Trivia: Ivana got married in July, and will play under the surname Ferreira Fuso.

ALESSIA RUSSO Born: 08/02/1999 Nationality: English Trivia: Three goals and two assists in four WSL games last season.

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JACKIE GROENEN Born: 17/12/1994 Nationality: Dutch Trivia: A 2019 World Cup runner-up, after scoring a semi-final winner.

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KATIE ZELEM Born: 20/01/1996 Nationality: English Trivia: Our first Player of the Year, before becoming club captain in 2019/20.

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KIRSTY HANSON Born: 17/04/1998 National team: Scotland Trivia: Got United’s first competitive goal of 2021/22 with composed finish v Reading.

LEAH GALTON Born: 24/05/1994 Nationality: English Trivia: Scored our first goal of 2020/21 to earn a point against reigning champions Chelsea.

ELLA TOONE Born: 02/09/1999 Nationality: English Trivia: Started this season with a goal and two assists across our opening two matches.

CARRIE JONES Born: 04/09/2003 Nationality: Welsh Trivia: Played twice for the Wales senior side before making her United debut in March 2021.

HAYLEY LADD Born: 06/10/1996 National team: Wales Trivia: Our Player of the Year in 2019/20, featuring in all 21 games across all competitions.

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VILDE BOE RISA Born: 13/07/1995 Nationality: Norwegian Trivia: Scored her first Champions League goal last season, v Manchester City.

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THE PLAYERS: 2021/22 SEASON

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Barclays is celebrating 20 years of commitment to the game we all love, first as title sponsor of the Premier League, and now the Barclays FA Women’s Super League. And it’s still all to play for. Visit Barclays.com/20years to see the full story

Barclays is celebrating 20 years of commitment to the game we all love, first as title sponsor of the Premier League, and now the Barclays celebrating 20 years of commitment we BarclaysisFA Women’s Super League. And it’s stilltoallthe to game play for. all love, first as title sponsor of the Premier League, and now the Barclays FA Barclays.com/20years Women’s Super League.toAnd to play for. Visit seeit’s thestill fullallstory Visit Barclays.com/20years to see the full story

Barclays is celebrating 20 years of commitment to the game we

CAPTAIN’S COLUMN

KATIE ZELEM Following a proud spell away with the Lionesses, the Reds skipper can’t wait to hear Leigh Sports Village rocking ahead of kick-off when we take on the Blues... It’s great to be back at the club after the international break. It was a very proud moment for me, receiving a call-up for England again and being part of Sarina Wiegman’s first camp as the new manager. It was a fantastic experience being back with all the England girls, and to see more United players involved really shows the talent we have in the group, with Mary, Ella and Lucy also part of the squad. I’m putting these words together ahead of England’s game against Luxembourg on Tuesday, but however that game went I hope I can continue to impress Sarina and her staff this season and be involved as much as I can with the squad. After Tuesday, my focus will completely be on United, and a big game for us against Chelsea. We know they are a brilliant side – they won the WSL last season and also reached the Champions League final, and we are well aware of the quality they have. But we need to focus on ourselves. We have started the season well and are full of confidence after getting six points from our first two games. So we will be looking to get a result and continue pushing on in our league campaign. I also want to take the opportunity to wish Millie Turner a speedy recovery after her unfortunate injury

Katie trains with the England squad at St Mary’s Stadium

against Leicester, but we all know she’ll come back stronger. Millie is such a great character to have in the group and she’ll still be a massive support for us while she undergoes rehab. Talking of support, it’s been amazing to have you, the fans, back with us! The stadium was rocking at Leigh Sports Village against Reading and we also felt your presence at the King Power a few weeks ago too. Your support really is second to none and we need that incredible noise again today.

THE NEXT GENERATION

CREATING A ‘REDPRINT’ As the Reds’ head coach was keen to remind an U12s group at a coaching clinic, the Regional Talent Club is key to the future of our women’s team...

Words: Harry Robinson

efore the Women’s Super League season kicked off with our victory against Reading, head coach Marc Skinner took time out of a rare day off to visit an U12s training session and coaching clinic at The Cliff. A former youth coach himself – Skinner was director of Birmingham City’s Centre of Excellence – the new Reds boss understands the crucial role played by United’s Regional Talent Club (RTC). “We want to see as many of you in the first team as possible,” he tells the U12s girls as they pause their session to listen. ‘Work hard, have no regrets, listen to your coaches’ is the gist of the message he delivers, before answering questions. Skinner is embracing his role as the United

Women gaffer in a holistic fashion, emphasising the involvement of everyone in the club’s success. As the girls return to their session, he addresses a semi-circle of RTC coaches who are attending a coaching clinic run by soccer skills experts Coerver Coaching. The fundamental idea of the Coerver Coaching method is “to make players as effective and confident as they can be on the ball, in the game,” explains England & Wales Director Scott Wright. inspired by Dutch coach Wiel Coerver, who guided Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title and UEFA Cup in 1974, the foundation of Coerver Coaching is technical excellence with a primary focus of ball mastery and 1v1 domination. Sir Alex Ferguson

THE IDEA IS TO TEACH PLAYERS TECHNICAL SKILLS THAT ALLOW THEM TO BEAT THEIR OPPONENT INDIVIDUALLY OR IN SMALL GROUPS THROUGH COMBINATION PLAY... THIS MEANS BETTER SCANNING AND QUICKER REACTIONS

THE NEXT GENERATION had Coerver video tapes in his office at Aberdeen and brought Wiel Coerver’s protege, Rene Meulensteen, to Carrington in 2000. Rene had worked with Coerver in the Middle East and remodelled United’s coaching programme in line with those ideas before being promoted to work on individual development with first-team players, including notably Cristiano Ronaldo. In practice, the idea is to teach players a wide array of technical skills that allow them to beat their opponent individually or in small groups through combination play. In a lecture to United’s RTC coaches, Scott outlines the science that supports the methods, explaining that repetition and practice with increasing difficulty and speed make neural pathways more efficient. In a match setting, this means better scanning, quicker reactions and more effective decision-making.

Skinner address the youngsters and coaches in the recent session at The Cliff, United’s famous training venue in Broughton, Salford

While the Coerver Coaching method can be employed at a club of any size, it has been used with elite female players such as USWNT legend Kristine Lilly, Japan captain

Saki Kumagai and Australian international Ellie Carpenter. United’s reputation in developing youth is, of course, the stuff of legend. Every United Women’s ▶

The Coerver sessions help the girls to become more comfortable in possession of the ball

The philosophy of the United staff is closely aligned with how Coerver’s coaches look to play the game

matchday squad has included at least one homegrown player since the team was formed. For the men’s team, the same is true since 1938. The ideas that Meulensteen introduced continue to inspire much of the coaching in the girls RTC. Over the last 18 months, Matt Johnson, performance director of the RTC, alongside Academy head coach Charlotte Healy and their teams, have worked on creating what they call the ‘Redprint’’, a “module or philosophy of work from the U7s up to the first team”. Johnson continues: “It’s important you understand what you want your players to look like, how you want your

United teams to play. We wanted to keep the essence of what was already in place, take good practice from the past and refresh it.” The key was including everyone at the club, from Casey Stoney and now Marc Skinner, to the coaching staff right through the age groups. Matt and his team had regular meetings throughout the lockdowns – which allowed more space and time in which to work – discussing the programme, ensuring the coaches were involved in what they would soon be implementing. “It’s all right having it on a glossy document, but

if it doesn’t get executed by the coach, it falls down, so that’s why it’s important we invest time and energy into the coaches because they are the face of the programme,” says Matt. It’s those coaches that Marc engages with at The Cliff in late August, introducing himself, asking their roles and general questions about their work and their lives. “I want to continue the wonderful tradition of Manchester United having homegrown talent,” he says. “There’s a fire and an energy in girls who come out of the RTC that can rub off on everyone in the squad.” Marc would know, having seen the impact of Ella Toone, Katie Zelem, Millie Turner and Kirsty Hanson on the first team. As well as permanent coaching staff, an U21s player is in attendance, keeping busy during recovery from injury. She’s been with the club since she was six. Marc’s interest piques. “You can teach me about Manchester United,” he says, asking if they can grab a coffee to do just that... ⬤

M AT T O N M A R C RTC performance director Matt Johnson has praise for Skinner “Marc has evolved from the Centre of Excellence programme himself, so he was the equivalent of me at Birmingham. He understands and believes in youth, which is the Manchester United way, but he’s also been to the States and worked with some of the best players in the world, so he has both sides. As such, I’d say that he is a really exciting appointment for the football club.”

Johnson and Skinner answer questions from the young players

THE VISITORS

After a painful opening-day loss at Arsenal, Emma Hayes’s champions bounced back in some style against Everton – and now for the Reds...

Celebration time as Chelsea equalise in their most recent WSL away fixture, but the Blues would end up on the losing side at the Emirates

CHELSEA Chelsea come into today’s fixture with an unbeaten record against the Reds, recording three narrow wins and a draw from our four previous meetings, the latest being a 2-1 victory at Kingsmeadow in January thanks to goals from Pernille Harder and Fran Kirby. Our goalscorer that day, Lauren James, has of course since made the switch to Chelsea. Lauren has had an injury to contend with, but is certain of a warm reception should she be at Leigh today. Another injury doubt, Maren Mjelde – whose penalty earned the Blues a 1-0 win against us in November 2019 – could return to the squad today. Chelsea were the WSL’s dominant force in 2020/21, breaking records for the most home wins (10), most points (57) and most goals (69) in a single season to defend their title. Yet despite the Blues’ staggering domestic form, which included retaining the Continental Cup, boss Emma Hayes was determined not to stand still this summer. The Blues’ Champions League final loss to Barcelona has persuaded Hayes to change formation from last

season’s 4-3-3 to a more defensively sound 3-4-3 featuring Erin Cuthbert and Guro Reiten from deeper starting positions as wing-backs. Cuthbert can push forward to make a fluid front four, with Fran Kirby – Chelsea’s Player of the Year in making 11 assists last term – drifting inside alongside 2020/21 Golden Boot winner Sam Kerr, with Harder given licence to roam from the left of the front three. Though there were teething problems in their opening day 3-2 defeat to Arsenal, the 4-0 shellacking of Everton a fortnight ago provided evidence the new system is taking root. Jess Carter, who has hitherto played right-back and in midfield, looked particularly assured between Millie Bright and captain Magdalena Eriksson at the heart of the back three, Carter regularly breaking lines with her progressive passing into creative fulcrum Ji So-yun. “During my time here, I’ve always played multiple ways,” says Hayes. “It’s all about winning the game. For us, we must keep preparing on a playing style and make sure everyone’s roles are clear for the weekend.”

THE VISITORS

THE MANAGER EMMA HAYES It’s impossible to overstate the impact Hayes has had on Chelsea, turning the Blues into a professional outfit the envy of many teams. Hayes cut her coaching teeth in the US, then as assistant boss with Arsenal before replacing Matt Beard in the Blues’ dugout in 2012. Beloved by her players for her hands-on approach, she’s won 10 major honours with the club – including four WSL titles – with her managerial and tactical acumen as good as anyone in the game. The 2020/21 FA WSL Manager of the Year has recently signed a new long-term deal with the club.

ONE TO WATCH SAM KERR It’s hard to believe someone could score 21 goals in 22 games, win the WSL Golden Boot, and still face criticism, but such are the expectations brought about by Kerr’s rare talent. From an Aussie rules football family, the 28-year-old is arguably the greatest player ever produced Down Under, starring for Perth Glory and Sydney FC, as well as lighting up the NWSL with Western New York Flash, Sky Blue FC and Chicago Red Stars. Since arriving at Chelsea in 2019, she became the only player to win Golden Boots in three different countries.

PREVIOUS v THE REDS FRAN KIRBY Kirby scored the winner when the teams last met, and assisted Kerr in the 1-1 draw which kicked off last season. The technically gifted striker has averaged better than a goal every other game for Chelsea since her 2015 arrival from childhood club Reading and won the PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year and FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year awards double in 2017/18 and 2020/21. That Kirby recovered from a 16-month spell out with pericarditis – an illness which causes inflammation around the heart – from late 2019 to return to her best is testament to her ceaseless work ethic.

number trail

Total shots against Everton in their last game, as the Blues won 4-0, with the Merseysiders having just five shots in reply.

1992 The year the team – then know as ‘Chelsea Ladies Football Club’ – was formed, meaning the current season is Chelsea Women’s 30th competitive campaign.

2.60 Points per game achieved in the curtailed 2019/20 season, which saw Chelsea take the WSL title after the FA board’s decision to award places using PPG figures.

1 Defeats in the WSL across the previous two campaigns, which came at their Kingsmeadow home against Brighton in February (2-1 loss).

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF

MU FOUNDATION

A LIFESAVING BIKE RIDE Mitten’s epic adventure raises vital funds to help fund first aid training

A monumental cycling effort from United fan and journalist Andy Mitten has helped to raise more than £30,000 for Manchester United Foundation’s first aid programme. Mitten, who is the editor of the long-running United We Stand fanzine, covered the distance of Great Britain over the space of nine days. He finished having ridden almost 1,000 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats, with his incredible feat raising over £15,000 for the project through charitable donations. The club has pledged to match this sum, with all funds going towards ensuring children in Greater Manchester will learn the basics in lifesaving skills thanks to first aid training from education officers. Having progressed well beyond his initial target of £5,000, Mitten praised the Foundation for the club’s contribution, after being notified during the final days of the journey. “I was at a low point,” he recalls. “So to hear them say the club was to match the amount raised so far, really lifted my spirits. It was tough. The toughest thing I’ve ever done.” Mitten documented his trek on Twitter, which included a night camping in a wet field in Carlisle as well as bumping into former Sheffield Wednesday, Liverpool and Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Bob Bolder, who coincidentally was also in the middle

of a charity bike ride. As a result of the fundraising efforts, Foundation education officers will be able to pass on key first aid skills and advice to thousands of young people in schools and communities. This will include the basics, as well as defibrillation and CPR, supplying vital knowledge to help potentially save lives. “We’re talking about thousands of children learning key lifesaving One man, one bike – and close to a thousand miles covered

skills,” Mitten continued. “I’ve already had one schoolteacher get in touch to tell me they had lost one of their students. She said that they’d love the Foundation to come into the school as while the teachers are taught skills, the pupils are not.” By exceeding his target, Andy and the Foundation have ensured the programme will be expanded across community projects, working with external charity organisations that equip young people affected by violence with the skills to become lifesavers in the community. “There is nothing better than giving the gift of saving someone else’s life,” noted John Shiels, Manchester United Foundation chief executive. “Thanks to Andy’s determination and strength, we’ll be able to facilitate this for thousands of children across Manchester.”

It’s still possible to donate at: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ AndyMitten/4

“TO HEAR THE FOUNDATION SAY THE CLUB WAS TO MATCH THE AMOUNT RAISED LIFTED MY SPIRITS... THE TOUGHEST THING I’VE EVER DONE” – ANDY MITTEN 31

FINAL 2021

T i c sn s a n o Adults £20-25, Kids £2.50 5th December Wembley Stadium Connected by ee

21206-VWFAC-TOS-PA-148x210.indd 1

thefa.com/ticketing

20/08/2021 09:21

KIDS’ PAGE

#MUW FUNNIES ▼ Some things the Reds might have said!

MANCHESTER MATHS ▼

REF, THOSE PLAYERS IN YELLOW HAVE GOT TO BE OFFSIDE!

Use the players’ squad numbers to complete these sums – use the back page to help! (Answers below) Q1. Hannah Blundell + Vilde Boe Risa = which player?

OOPS, WATCH OUT!

Answer: Q2. Martha Thomas x Martha Harris = which player? Answer: Q3. Alessia Russo – Kirsty Smith = which player? Answer:

I JUST HOPE WE DON’T GET BOOKED FOR DIVING!

DO YOU REMEMBER, WINS IN SEPTEMBER? Some memorable victories from this month down the years... 23 SEPTEMBER 2018: London Bees 0 United 5 – Millie’s first goal for the Reds! 28 SEPTEMBER 2019: United 2 Liverpool 0 – United’s first top-flight victory! 13 SEPTEMBER 2020: Birmingham 2 United 5 – our biggest WSL away success!

GET IN TOUCH! To appear in a future programme, send your pictures, birthday shout-outs and messages to MUWomenfamily@manutd.co.uk

Manchester maths answers: 1. Jackie Groenen; 2. Kirsty Hanson; 3. Maria Thorisdottir

QUESTION TIME

HALF-TIME QUIZ

A dozen Reds-related questions – how many can you get right? 1. What number did Chelsea forward Lauren James wear while at United? 2. Who was the first Red to find the net for us against Chelsea, in September 2020? 3. In which country did Jackie Groenen play (below) between her spells with Chelsea and United?

8. We’ve won our first two league games for the first time since 2018/19, but which clubs did we beat on that occasion (right)? 9. Which former Red is currently our top scorer in competitive matches in games played at Leigh Sports Village, with 18 goals? 10. Other than Chelsea, name the two other ‘C’ clubs United Women have previously faced in league football.

4. Other than Groenen, which other current Red has played for both teams without moving directly between clubs? 5. And which two current United squad members joined us from the Blues? 6. In which competition did United first face Chelsea at Leigh Sports Village (right)? 7. How many players have found the net in competitive games for United so far this season?

11. Apart from Leigh Sports Village and Old Trafford, can you name the other venue where we’ve played a home fixture in the past (above)? 12. Reds boss Marc Skinner was previously in charge of Orlando Pride – which player left United to join the US side this summer? QUIZ ANSWERS: 1. 16; 2. Leah Galton; 3. Germany; 4. Alessia Russo; 5. Maria Thorisdottir and Hannah Blundell; 6. Continental League Cup; 7. Five; 8. Aston Villa and Sheffield United; 9. Jess Sigsworth; 10. Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace; 11. Ewen Fields (Hyde United FC); 12. Amy Turner

Using football to engage and inspire young people to build a better life for themselves and unite the communities in which they live. Dedicated staff deliver educational and community outreach programmes to help young people make positive choices in their lives.

Find out more

mufoundation.org

THE MANCUNIAN WAY.

APPEARANCES, GOALS & WSL STATISTICS FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE TABLE, 2021/22 SEASON

Team

1 Brighton

Pts

2 2 0 0 7 6

UNITED APPEARANCES AND GOALS, 2021/22 SEASON PLAYER Ona Batlle

LEAGUE

FA CUP

LEAGUE CUP

TOTAL

APP GLS APP GLS APP GLS APP GLS 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 1

Hannah Blundell 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 Vilde Boe Risa 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Mary Earps

2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

Leah Galton

2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

Jackie Groenen 1(1) 0 0 0 0 0 1(1) 0 Kirsty Hanson 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 Aoife Mannion 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 Alessia Russo

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

Lucy Staniforth 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 Martha Thomas 0(2) 1 0 0 0 0 0(2) 1 Maria Thorisdottir 1(1) 1 0 0 0 0 1(1) 1 Ella Toone

2 1 0 0 0 0 2 1

Millie Turner

1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

Katie Zelem

2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 Arsenal

2 2 0 0 5 6

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

3 UNITED

2 2 0 0 4 6

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

4 Tottenham

2 2 0 0 2 6

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

5 Aston Villa

2 1 1 0 1 4

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

6 Chelsea

2 1 0 1 3 3

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

7 Manchester City 2 1 0 1 3 3

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

West Ham United

9 Leicester City

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 0 0 2 -3 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

-2

10 Birmingham City 2 0 0 2 -6 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

11 Reading

2 0 0 2 -6 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

12 Everton

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

-8

(Yesterday’s Everton v Birmingham fixture not included)

UNITED ALL-TIME APPS & GOALS

FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE TOP SCORERS Beth Mead (Arsenal)

Apps

Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal)

Millie Turner

Inessa Kaagman (Brighton)

Ella Toone

Sam Kerr (Chelsea)

Katie Zelem

Remi Allen (Aston Villa)

Kirsty Hanson

Amy Turner

Jessica Sigsworth

FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE TOP ASSISTS

Goals

Above: Hanson could become the fourth Red to reach 70 games today

Leah Galton

Apps

Goals

Beth Mead (Arsenal)

Lauren James

Tobin Heath

Ella Toone (Manchester United)

Kirsty Smith

Lotta Okvist

Katie McCabe (Arsenal)

Martha Harris

Maria Thorisdottir

Alex Greenwood (Manchester City)

Mary Earps

Alessia Russo

Jackie Groenen

Ivana Ferreira Fuso

Hayley Ladd

Emily Ramsey

Lizzie Arnot

Carrie Jones

Jane Ross

Naomi Hartley

Mollie Green

Fran Bentley

THIS WEEKEND’S OTHER WSL FIXTURES YESTERDAY Everton v Birmingham (11.30am) TODAY Brighton v Aston Villa (2pm) Tottenham v Reading (2pm) West Ham v Leicester (3pm) Arsenal v Manchester City (6.45pm)

Right: Leaders Brighton take on Aston Villa at 2pm today

Siobhan Chamberlain 27

Hannah Blundell

Alex Greenwood

Aoife Mannion

Abbie McManus

Martha Thomas

Ona Batlle

Rebecca May

Charlie Devlin

Aurora Mikalsen

Lucy Staniforth

Tara Bourne

Christen Press

Vilde Boe Risa

Aimee Palmer

(Names in italics have left the club)

SEASON STATISTICS

LINE-UP

ATTENDANCE

SCORE

OPPOSITION

DATE

COMPETITION

FIXTURES & LINE-UPS, 2021/22 AUGUST SEPTEMBER WSL

Fri 3

Reading (H) 7.45pm 2-0 2,111 Earps

Blundell Mannion Thorisdottir Batlle 1

Boe Risa

WSL

Sun 12

Leicester (A) 2pm

Blundell Mannion Turner

Zelem

WSL

Sun 26

Chelsea (H) 12.30pm

WSL

Sun 3

Birmingham (A) 6.45pm

WSL

Sat 9

Man City (H) 1.30pm

Thu 14

Durham (A) 7pm

WSL

Sun 7

Tottenham (A) 2pm

WSL

Sun 14

Everton (A) 1pm

Wed 17

Man City (H) 7pm

WSL

Sun 21

Arsenal (H) 12pm

Sun 5

Leicester (H) 12pm

WSL

Sun 12

Brighton (A) 2pm

Wed 15

Everton (A) 7pm

WSL

Sun 19

Aston Villa (H) 12pm

WSL

Sun 9

West Ham (A) 3pm

WSL

Sat 15

Birmingham (H) 12pm

3-1

4,473

Earps

Batlle

Zelem Groenen

OCTOBER

N OVE MBE R

DE CEMBER

JANUARY

CC 19/20 Quarter-finals WSL

Sun 23

Tottenham (H) 12pm

Sun 30

Fourth round

FEBRUARY

CC 2/3

Semi-final

WSL

Sun 6

Arsenal (A) 3pm

WSL

Sun 13

Man City (A) 2pm

Sun 27

Fifth round

WSL

Sat 5

Leicester (H) 12pm

5/6

Final

WSL

Sun 13

Reading (A) 2pm

Sun 20

Quarter-finals

WSL

Sun 27

Everton (H) 12pm

M ARCH

A PRIL

WSL

Sun 3

Brighton (H) 12pm

Sun 17

Semi-finals

WSL

Sun 24

Aston Villa (A) 6pm

WSL

Sun 1

West Ham (H) 12pm

WSL

Sun 8

Chelsea (A) 12.30pm

Sat 14

Final

MAY

SEASON STATISTICS Facebook: manutdwomen

Match programme contact: MUWomenfamily@manutd.co.uk For ticket information visit: ManUtd.com/Tickets

Hanson 1 Staniforth Hanson Staniforth

Galton Galton

Toone

YouTube: /ManUtd

Twitter: @manutdwomen

Thomas

Toone 1

Instagram: @manutdwomen

SUBS USED

FOLLOW THE REDS ▶

Groenen

Thorisdottir 1

Thomas 1

Russo

–

Russo

–

KEY:

WSL - Women’s Super League * won on penalties

First sub

CC - FA Continental League Cup Second sub

Third sub

FA - Women’s FA Cup Fourth sub

Scorers Bold

Fifth sub

Penalty •

Yellow/red card

(United score listed first. All fixtures subject to change – visit ManUtd.com/fixtures for the latest fixtures information)

Martha Harris Maria Thorisdottir Aoife Mannion Hannah Blundell Ella Toone Vilde Boe Risa Martha Thomas Katie Zelem Leah Galton Hayley Ladd Ivana Ferreira Fuso Jackie Groenen Ona Batlle Kirsty Hanson Kirsty Smith Millie Turner Alessia Russo Carrie Jones Mary Earps (GK) Sophie Baggaley (GK) Lucy Staniforth

2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 20 21 23 24 27 32 37

1 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 28 29 30

Zecira Musovic (GK) Aniek Nouwen Millie Bright Sophie Ingle Jessica Carter Melanie Leupolz Bethany England Ji So-yun Guro Reiten Fran Kirby Magdalena Eriksson Jessie Fleming Maren Mjelde Lauren James Sam Kerr Niamh Charles Erin Cuthbert Pernille Harder Drew Spence Jonna Andersson Carly Telford (GK) Jorja Fox Ann-Katrin Berger (GK)

MATCH OFFICIALS Referee Kirsty Dowle ⬤ Assistants Ceri Williams, Emily Carney Fourth official Helen Conley

CHELSEA WOMEN

MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN

#allredallequal