Manchester United Women v Leicester City Women match programme Continental League Cup, 05.12.21

OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2021/22 SEASON • VOLUME 04 ISSUE 06

FA WOMEN’S CONTINENTAL TYRES LEAGUE CUP SUNDAY 5 DECEMBER 2021 • KICK-OFF 12 PM

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WHAT’S INSIDE

COME ON YOU REDS! December is here, which means base-layers for those on the pitch, and big coats and warm half-time drinks for the rest of us in the stands. Nice. Plenty has been going on since the Reds were last in action, with news of fresh contracts and star displays on the international stage covered on p9 and p13. As for our League Cup opponents today, they have a new manager, and a few familiar players within their ranks. See p37 to see the state of play in Group B – and remember, a draw at 90 minutes means a point each, with a shoot-out to claim a bonus one.

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

Ed Woodward, Richard Arnold, Michael Edelson, Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Alex Ferguson, David Gill CBE Secretary Rebecca Britain

13 INTERNATIONAL REDS 17 captain’s column

Honorary president Martin Edwards MATCH PROGRAMME TEAM Editor Charlie Ghagan

19 MU FOUNDATION 22 Sophie Baggaley interview

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

28 the opposition 34 half-time quiz

John & Matt Peters, Getty Cover design Sarah Robson Thanks to Haylee Howe, John Shiel & Chris Leuty/ MuPrint.com

37 player & team statistics

© Manchester United 2021

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HEAD COACH’S COLUMN

MARC SKINNER As he welcomes many of his squad back from national duty, the boss wants to see a performance founded on freedom and aggression to help our cup quest Welcome back to Leigh Sports Village. We’re excited to be back after the international break as it’s never easy having to wait for your next match after a loss.

We had moments where we felt we could hurt Arsenal last time out, which is encouraging. We started the game well but we need to continue to believe that we can go and really take the game to a team like Arsenal because there’s no doubt we have the talent.

I don’t think we have a fear of those teams at all, but we maybe wait for things to happen a little bit at the moment. We need to be more proactive, especially when we’re at home. It’s got to be a fortress for us. There were occasions when we defended very well as individuals, getting blocks in and players putting their bodies on the line, which shows the commitment in our team.

Today we welcome Leicester City in the League Cup. Though they have had a tough start to life in the Women’s Super League, we won’t be underestimating them. You can never underestimate anyone, regardless of where they are in a table because if you do, if you switch off for a second, that puts you on a losing track for me. Whenever I’ve watched Leicester play, they’ve been pretty aggressive and they will have

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a new manager leading them this afternoon too, trying to get new ideas across.

What I want to see from us today though is when we’re in the final third attacking, that we really go at the opponent. We don’t need to worry about losing the ball there, we need to play with freedom and aggression and continued aggression. It’s not that we don’t have it already; it’s that we’re overthinking sometimes. We need to go with the flow, encourage each other, believe in ourselves and be decisive in the right moments.

That’s what’s going to be the next phase for us.

We’re in a strong position in our League Cup group.

We’re excited to continue our progression and go as far as we can in the competition, as well as building some momentum going into the new year.

When we go on to the field, I just want every single player to not worry about what they should be and what might happen, but believe in who they are, believe in what they do, and continue to do that.

That’s what we’ve got to do in these next four games before Christmas, starting today.

Enjoy the match.

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.

“WE’RE IN A STRONG POSITION IN OUR LEAGUE CUP GROUP, AND WE’RE EXCITED TO GO AS FAR AS WE CAN IN THE COMPETITION, AS WELL AS BUILDING SOME MOMENTUM GOING INTO THE NEW YEAR” 05

BIG PICTURE

IVANA’S DERBY DELIGHT It’s been 18 days since our last Continental Tyres League Cup outing, on a night when Marc Skinner secured his first derby win as United boss – Ona Batlle netting the 82nd-minute winner under the LSV floodlights to round off a comeback victory against Manchester City after the Blues had taken an early lead. Before Batlle’s winner, however, came Ivana Ferreira Fuso’s equaliser on the half-hour mark, and what a moment it was for the popular Brazil international, who – as you might have read about in the programme that night – endured a difficult first year at United through injury, but now has two goals in two games in the League Cup this season. As you can see from this photo, it would be fair to say her team-mates felt quite pleased for her!

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Ham United

BIG PICTURE

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MANAGER

LATEST NEWS

NEW DEALS FOR TOONE & JONES

Two young talents delighted to sign contracts with Reds

Ahead of our last home match came the announcement that Ella Toone had signed a new contract until June 2025, while Carrie Jones has signed her first professional contract, until June 2023, with the option of a further year.

Toone, who turned 22 in September, holds the record for the most appearances and goals for the women’s team, having played 84 games and scored 36 times. She received her first international call-up for England in

September last year, and following the recent international break had scored six goals in eight appearances.

Ella said: “To sign a new contract is really exciting for me; United has been a big part of my life growing up and it meets my ambitions as a player.

I’ve learnt so much already and I just want to keep working hard and have success here.”

As for Jones, the 18-year-old midfielder

While Toone has been a Reds regular since 2018, 18-year-old Jones is starting to establish herself as part of United’s first-team squad

had been part of our Under-21s WSL Academy side before stepping up to the first team last season. She now has nine appearances to her name, as well as seven senior caps for Wales after last week’s international break, having made her debut for her national team in 2019 at the age of just 15.

Carrie said: “I’m so pleased; it’s something I’ve dreamt of since a young age, and to sign it with a club like Manchester United really tops it off. I’d like to give a special mention to [U21 head coach] Charlotte [Healy] and the staff in the U21 Academy.”

Reds’ head coach Marc Skinner expressed his delight over the two new deals at the contract signings (pictured above), and we can all look forward to seeing the two young stars develop further in the months and years ahead.

A SHOW OF SOLIDARITY Manchester United is proud to be promoting inclusion and equality for all LGBTQ+ people within the game and beyond, by once again showing our support for the Rainbow Laces campaign. At today’s game, captain Katie Zelem will wear a rainbow armband, while the LED boards will be a visible symbol of support for our many LGBTQ+ fans.

Zelem said: “For me, as captain and someone who is not part of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s important to be an ally and really understand and raise awareness of the challenges faced by our fans. This is just one of the ways we can help to tackle discrimination.” Head coach Marc Skinner added: “United has always had a diverse fan base, it is what makes the club so special, and we will keep working hard to make sure that football is a sport for everyone.”

The club’s support will be visible at Old Trafford and LSV this weekend

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Manchester United v West Ham United

MATCH ROUND-UP

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...

Gunners strike twice in second half Sun 21 Nov, Leigh Sports Village, WSL UNITED 0 ARSENAL 2 (Miedema 48, McCabe 57, pen) United’s final Women’s Super League fixture before the last international break of 2021 ended in a 2-0 defeat to table-toppers Arsenal here in Leigh.

The visitors came into the game in electric form, having won six and drawn one of their opening seven WSL fixtures in which they had scored 24 goals and conceded just three. But it was United who enjoyed more of the possession early on, with Leah Galton finding a promising opening and a chance to cross in the first few minutes. However, her delivery into the box was too high for the waiting Kirsty Hanson.

The Gunners had the game’s first big chance when Katie McCabe and Frida Maanum exchanged passes in the area before the former found Beth Mead, who turned past her marker before taking aim with an effort that came off the bar. The ball landed at the feet of the prolific Vivianne Miedema, but Hannah Blundell was on hand to block the follow-up.

Maanum then shot over after cutting inside, while at the other end Kim Little had to be alert to track back and

Nikita Parris and Maria Thorisdottir shake hands at full-time

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Ella Toone goes up against the Gunners’ Kim Little

outmuscle the advancing Ella Toone as she attempted to latch on to Blundell’s through ball.

The clearer-cut opportunities were still falling to Arsenal. Steph Catley rose highest to meet a corner, with her header saved by Mary Earps.

Soon after, McCabe’s low cross from the left eventually ending up at the feet of Noelle Maritz. The Switzerland side-footed an attempt goalwards, as Earps was again called into action to parry the ball behind.

The opening goal came three minutes after the interval. McCabe set up Miedema around 30 yards out, before the latter pressed forward and fired a low effort beyond the reach of Earps from just outside the area.

Keen to press on their advantage, Arsenal continued to attack and were awarded a penalty nine minutes later when Aoife Mannion was adjudged to have brought down McCabe, who duly stepped up to slot home the spot-kick and make it 2-0 to Jonas Eidevall’s side.

Lucy Staniforth played an inch-perfect ball over the top to create a golden chance for Katie Zelem as the Reds attempted to get back into the contest, only for visiting goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger to come out quickly and block the ball.

It buoyed Marc Skinner’s side, and there was almost another chance when substitute Carrie Jones, who had replaced Hanson, picked out Galton.

Unfortunately, the flag quickly went up for offside.

Miedema, who now had 13 goals in just 16 games across all competitions in 2021/22, almost got her second of the day when she went close with a curling free-kick that clipped the United woodwork.

It was the final chance on a disappointing afternoon for the Reds. While it ended a six-match unbeaten run, it was also a third consecutive game without winning in the league, and Skinner will be hoping to get back on track with three points when United visit high-flying Brighton in our next WSL game on 12 December.

Turn to p38-39 to see United line-ups for all fixtures

THE MANCUNIAN WAY.

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TEN INTERNATIONAL REDS

INTERNATIONAL SNAPSHOTS

Many Reds have been away with their countries – here’s how they fared...

⬤ ENGLAND: WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS, v AUSTRIA AND LATVIA Four Reds featured as the Lionesses maintained a 100 per cent winning start in World Cup qualification Group D. Mary Earps and Ella Toone both started in the 1-0 triumph over Austria, with Earps praised by manager Sarina Wiegman for her vital contribution after a pair of crucial stops: “In the moment when there are these shots she has to be concentrated and explosive in this action – she can make the difference and she did.” Three days later, Mary kept another clean sheet on a record-breaking night as England clinched their biggest-ever competitive victory, a 20-0 win over Latvia. Toone was on target with the seventh goal just before half-time, set up by former team-mate Alex Greenwood, while Katie Zelem made her senior international debut as a second-half substitute. Also coming off the bench was Alessia Russo, who opened her scoring account for her country with an 11-minute hat-trick – the fastest treble ever by an England player.

Three goals in 11 minutes for Alessia, on a night when Ellen White became the Lionesses’ record goalscorer

Mary was a star of the Austria win (pictured)... and a spectator wearing goalie gloves for the Latvia rout

Wiegman has much faith in Katie, and gave the United skipper her debut this week

⬤ BRAZIL: TORNEIO INTERNACIONAL DE FUTEBOL FEMININO Ivana Ferreira Fuso was involved with the Selecao in a four-team league tournament in Manaus, Brazil. Having been an unused substitute in the opener against India, Ferreira Fuso (right) came off the bench to win her third cap 69 minutes into the meeting with Venezuela, helping her nation see out a 4-1 victory and ensuring they sat on maximum points top of the pile heading into the final fixture this week, against Chile.

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TEN INTERNATIONAL REDS

⬤ NORWAY: WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS, V ALBANIA AND ARMENIA Maria Thorisdottir played the full game against Albania, making it 3-0 just after the hour mark with her third goal for her country, while Vilde Boe Risa also started before being replaced on 79 minutes. Vilde was involved again in the meeting with Armenia, being substituted just after half-time as Norway went 9-0 up. Heavy fog meant the game was stopped in the 70th minute, with the final stages completed the following morning and ending in a 10-0 success.

Maria got on the scoresheet for Norway against Albania, in what was her 54th cap...

...while Vilde’s midfield presence made a difference in both of their comfortable wins

⬤ SPAIN: WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS, V FAROE ISLANDS AND SCOTLAND Ona Batlle was also celebrating a pair of big victories, starting both of Spain’s recent wins. The United full-back provided assists for Esther Gonzalez and Mariona Caldentey in the opening match (12-0), before being replaced just after the hour. She then provided an assured presence in defence in helping to defeat the Scots 8-0, meaning that, like England, Spain have won all of their qualifiers so far without conceding. Ona (right) didn’t face any of her Scottish club teammates, after Kirsty Smith, Kirsty Hanson and Martha Thomas all withdrew.

⬤ WALES: WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS, V GREECE AND FRANCE With snow and rain lashing down in Llanelli, and the Greek visitors visibly shivering during the anthems, it was Wales who took the points with a convincing 5-0 win. Hayley Ladd played the first half before being replaced at the interval, while Carrie Jones was introduced with 25 minutes left. The duo both started against France, and while the Welsh suffered a disappointing 2-0 loss, they are still well placed to secure at least a play-off spot to reach the finals in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.

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Ladd (front centre) gets set to take on Greece

M a n u t d.c o m / w o m e n s t i c k e t s

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF

CAPTAIN’S COLUMN

KATIE ZELEM With two cup and two league fixtures to play before Christmas, the skipper knows that physical and mental preparation will be key to the Reds’ success...

It’s been a good international break with England over the last week or so for me and some of the girls.

We had excellent training sessions at St George’s Park, it was great to make my debut against Latvia and obviously brilliant to see Alessia get a hat-trick – the fastest ever for a Lionesses player! It’s been a good experience again and representing my country is always something that I relish.

Now it’s time to focus on United and seeing out 2021 in good form. Our last match here against Arsenal was obviously disappointing in terms of not getting anything out of the game, but we started brilliantly, especially the first 10 minutes. We were sharp and probably looked at our most comfortable so far this season in and out of possession. I don’t really think they broke us down too much either, though they did have a chance that came off the bar. That said, the goals we conceded are definitely fixable from our perspective.

Today we’re excited to possibly come up against Jess [Sigsworth], Abbie [McManus] and Charlie [Devlin]. It’ll be nice to see them and see how they’ve been settling in at Leicester City. They’ve got a really good group of players and obviously with a new manager coming in they’ll

have a new lease of life after a difficult start in the league.

This match kicks off a busy period for us in December and we’ll be making sure we recover properly, especially when it’s a three-game week next week. We’ll be in the ice baths, doing mobility and stretching A proud moment for Katie and making sure we fuel on Tuesday as she makes her senior England bow properly. Something else that’s really important, not just for me, but the team as a whole, is being able to switch off so we’re refreshed and ready to go for the next match.

But that’s for then. For now, we’re ready and we know you are too. We’re looking forward to seeing you all again.

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MU FOUNDATION

GIRLS ON TRACK! Participants from Foundation partner schools enjoy day of activities aimed at shining a light on opportunities in the world of motorsport

Manchester, as we well know, is more commonly associated with the beautiful game, but on a chilly November morning in Trafford, girls from Foundation partner schools were trying their hand at something a little different.

Girls on Track is a joint initiative between the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, motorsport’s international governing body) and Motorsport UK, designed to inspire girls and women into seeing and believing that there is a rightful and valuable place for them in the motorsports industry.

Taking place at TeamSport, a karting track just down the road from Old Trafford, the event was attended by the likes of Alpine F1 Team and Nebula Racing with one goal in mind: to inspire and encourage an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects and industries among the girls. Many of the 80 participants will never have been afforded this type of exposure previously, as they sampled a variety of different professions in the world of racing, including pit-stop and fitness challenges, a karting race and the opportunity to interview the race winner.

“I’ve never done anything like this before, but I found it so much fun,”

The Girls on Track initiative was a big success, with the participants thriving in the supportive (if unfamiliar!) environment

said Wena, a student at Whalley Range High School. “We were able to drive a go-kart and had the whole track to ourselves! We also got the chance to build small cars and race them with a remote control.

I find it interesting how things are built; it’s definitely my kind of thing.”

Claire Harrop, Manchester United Foundation’s female development officer, who helped facilitate the event, explained: “For a lot of the young people we work with, these opportunities will have never even crossed their minds, let alone the thought that it might be accessible for them. These girls are all in year 7, so are at an age where exposure to things like this are invaluable, as it might just plant a seed in their heads.

They have relished today’s event –

our Girls’ Development programme is very much about making things accessible for our young people and this has certainly achieved that.”

Jenny Tcherniak, Girls on Track UK programme manager, added: “We wanted the girls to learn that motorsport isn’t just for boys, that there are thousands of opportunities for them in the industries beyond being a racing driver, and for them to come out of their comfort zone in a supportive, all-female environment.

“It’s incredible to experience that ‘light-bulb moment’ with the girls when you can see they’ve really taken to something they knew nothing about. The key is for them to see it to believe it!”

Head to mufoundation.org for more

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AOIFE MANNION Born: 24/09/1995 Nationality: English Trivia: The Brummie went to the same school as England midfielder Jack Grealish.

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ONA BATLLE Born: 10/06/1999 Nationality: Spanish Trivia: Sealed memorable League Cup win v Man City with late winner at LSV.

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MILLIE TURNER Born: 07/07/1996 Nationality: English Trivia: Back in training after picking up an injury in September.

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MARTHA HARRIS Born: 19/08/1994 Nationality: English Trivia: Won WSL with Liverpool in 2014 when she was also named in the Team of the Year.

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MARY EARPS Born: 07/03/1993 Nationality: English Trivia: England international made her 50th appearance for the Reds in November.

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KIRSTY SMITH Born: 06/01/1994 Nationality: Scottish Trivia: Got her first competitive action of the campaign in the League Cup win v Man City.

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HANNAH BLUNDELL Born: 25/05/1994 Nationality: English Trivia: With three WSL assists so far this season, only Toone (four) has more.

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MARIA THORISDOTTIR Born: 05/06/1993 Nationality: Norwegian Trivia: Scored first United goal after coming off the bench v today’s opponents in September.

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SOPHIE BAGGALEY Born: 29/11/1996 Nationality: English Trivia: Helped Reds to League Cup wins over Durham and Man City in her first two games.

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MEET THE SQUAD ▶

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THE PLAYERS: 2021/22 SEASON

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LUCY STANIFORTH Born: 02/10/1992 Nationality: English Trivia: Flicked in from close range v City to register first WSL goal for United.

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MARTHA THOMAS Born: 31/05/1996 National team: Scotland Trivia: Opened United scoring account v Leicester, with final goal in 3-1 win.

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IVANA FERREIRA FUSO Born: 12/03/2001 Nationality: Brazilian Trivia: Has scored in both of our League Cup games so far this season.

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ALESSIA RUSSO Born: 08/02/1999 Nationality: English Trivia: Has scored v three of the WSL’s top four so far this season.

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JACKIE GROENEN Born: 17/12/1994 Nationality: Dutch Trivia: Still recovering after hamstring injury on international duty.

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KATIE ZELEM Born: 20/01/1996 Nationality: English Trivia: Trained at United Girls’ Centre of Excellence and is now club captain.

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KIRSTY HANSON Born: 17/04/1998 National team: Scotland Trivia: Got United’s first competitive goal of ’21/22 with composed finish v Reading.

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LEAH GALTON Born: 24/05/1994 Nationality: English Trivia: Winger’s pre-match superstition is to braid her hair – it has to be different every game!

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ELLA TOONE Born: 02/09/1999 Nationality: English Trivia: Of her 36 goals for United so far, 31 per cent have been scored against Leicester.

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CARRIE JONES Born: 04/09/2003 Nationality: Welsh Trivia: Wales international recently signed first pro contract with United, running until 2023.

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HAYLEY LADD Born: 06/10/1996 National team: Wales Trivia: First Reds strike was a long-ranger v tonight’s opponents in an 11-1 League Cup victory.

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VILDE BOE RISA Born: 13/07/1995 Nationality: Norwegian Trivia: Scored six minutes into her debut for Norway during a 5-0 win over Israel in 2016.

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THE PLAYERS: 2021/22 SEASON

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

#32 SOPHIE BAGGALEY

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Manchester United Women v Brighton Hove

SOPHIE BAGGALEY

Having previously reached the final of today’s competition, the goalkeeper wants to go one step further with her new club, and she’s seen plenty of action in our two unbeaten appearances so far to put us in a strong position in Group B...

Interview: Sean Mullan

How have you been enjoying your first few months at United?

I’ve really been enjoying it, to be fair. It’s probably a bit different to what I’ve been used to in the past but all the girls are really, really nice. I feel like I’m developing well and the training’s a really good standard, so yeah, I’ve been having a really good time.

You arrived just as Marc Skinner was set to take charge – someone you’ve worked under previously, of course...

Yeah, although I wasn’t at Birmingham that long with him. I think I probably had six months or so, and he was really successful at Birmingham. I went out on loan to get more playing time, so in a way I didn’t spend that much time with him. But the time I spent with him was good.

I’ve had four years at Bristol City and he’s had about the same in Orlando. We’ve obviously both gone away, and I’ve worked on what I needed to work on, and he’s worked on what he needed to work on, and we’ve come across each other again at different points in our career. It’s really interesting. I feel like I’m developing well under him.

Did you know any of the United players before you arrived? You were previously in an England squad with Mary Earps…

I only really knew Millie Turner really well [the pair were Bristol City team-mates in 2017/18]. I’ve been in and around with some of the other girls; I’ve come across

Diving on her debut at Durham’s Maiden Castle

them on England camps. I knew Hannah [Blundell] a bit before and I’ve been on a camp with Mary, so I knew some of them but not that well. But everyone’s really friendly. I can’t fault any of them and I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far. I think Mary and I complement each other quite well. We’ve both got similar approaches to the way we train. We work hard but we also have a laugh as well. I think that’s really good. When it’s time to work, we get down and work really hard, and look to improve ourselves. And we can also have a laugh and a joke, so I think we get on really well in that respect.

Is it true that you only became a goalkeeper by chance as a youngster – what’s the story there?

And how good were you on the pitch?

I used to play for a local boys’ team and I used to play with the boys in the playground at school. One of my friends asked me to come and play for their team and their regular keeper was off one day, so I said I’d go in, and I never came out again! I think I volunteered originally – in the playground, I would always volunteer to go in goal. When I found out I was all right at it, I was quite happy to stay in, and I think soon after I went in I got scouted for a girls’ centre of excellence. So it worked out quite well for me!

You moved away from Derby to join Birmingham at a young age (16) – was that a daunting step for you?

They [Birmingham] had an academy system and I wanted go and join that, but obviously that meant I had to move out. I went and lived with my host family, ⊲

“MARY AND I COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER WELL. WE’VE GOT SIMILAR APPROACHES TO TRAINING – WORK HARD BUT HAVE A LAUGH AS WELL” 23

FACTFILE: Full name Sophie Baggaley Date of birth 29 November 1996 Place of birth Newton, Derbyshire Position Goalkeeper Youth career Derby County, Birmingham City Senior career 2014-17 Birmingham City, 26 games 2017-18 Bristol City (loan), 18 games 2018-21 Bristol City, 72 games 2021- Manchester United, 2 games International career England U17, U19, U20, U21, U23 and did all my college studies and A levels over there. It worked out really well because I got opportunities with the first team, which really helped me. I think when the opportunity came about, I didn’t think that much about it. I just thought I needed to take that opportunity, and my parents were very supportive of me and actually encouraged me to do it, because you don’t know when you’re going to get a chance like that again. Looking back now, it’s probably quite a young age to do that.

I think, at the time, I was just excited about going and training, and getting those opportunities.

In 2019, while at Bristol City, you were named WSL Players’ Player of the Year in the FA Women’s Football Awards, and were also named in the PFA Team of the Year – two very proud achievements, no doubt...

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dgdgdgdgdgd Bossing the penalty area during our League Cup derby win against Manchester City last month

Yeah, obviously that was a really proud moment. I think, as a team that year, we really overachieved. I think we came sixth in the Women’s Super League, and for a team like Bristol City to do that was unbelievable.

I did what I could to help and I had a really good season myself. I think things fell right, and I was a bit lucky as well, but it was really nice to receive those.

You know this competition well after reaching last season’s final, which despite the scoreline (and the lack of any fans) must have been a proud occasion for you at Vicarage Road against Chelsea...

It was a really proud moment. Last season didn’t go the way we wanted it to at Bristol City, so it was a little bit of respite from the rest of the season, and our form in the cup was really good. We had a bit of a lucky run and we didn’t draw any of the big teams early on, so that was really good for us. But getting to the final was great for everyone, a great occasion. We didn’t get the result we wanted, but just getting there last season was an achievement for us.

What are your memories of playing United while at Bristol City? You had a 1-0 win at Leigh Sports Village the first time...

Obviously, it was a hard team with quality players. I think in that first game we held on for our dear lives! We

SOPHIE BAGGALEY Sophie was in the thick of the action during the October trip to Durham

Lining up ahead of last season’s League Cup final, when Bristol City lost to Chelsea

Mary and Sophie share the same mindset out on the training ground

“I WAS REALLY HAPPY TO GET ON THE PITCH AT DURHAM. IT’S ONE OF THE FIRST TIMES I’VE PLAYED SINCE FANS HAVE BEEN BACK, SO THAT WAS NICE – AND A SHOOT-OUT IS ALWAYS A NICE THING FOR A KEEPER TO BE PART OF” grabbed a goal and then just defended. I think some of the fans weren’t a big fan of me in that game, as I was wasting a lot of time! [Laughs] But yeah, United were a really hard team to play. I think the next time we played, we lost 6-1. The attacking quality that United always have was really hard to counteract. So I have some fond memories and some not so fond memories!

How much did you enjoy making your debut against Durham, and what was it like facing a penalty shoot-out in your first game?

I was really happy to make my debut and get on the pitch. I think having the fans back as well – it’s one of the first times I’ve played since fans have been back in the stadium, so that was really nice. The away support that the United fans bring is really good. As for the game itself, obviously we were disappointed not to get the win in the 90 minutes, but a shoot-out is always a nice thing for a goalkeeper to be part of, and we got the extra point, which was a positive.

Is it a strange situation, knowing any of these games can go to penalties, even though they’re group matches? Does it affect your preparation?

I wouldn’t say it affects anything. You always want to get the three points in the 90 minutes, but in the lead-up to the game we might practise penalties in training, just in case. But when you’re in the game, it doesn’t really affect anything. You want to get those three points. But if you don’t, there’s that opportunity to get an extra point, which can actually help you get through the group.

And what about the City tie here at Leigh Sports Village – any derby win has to be a great night, right?

And especially as it was your first home game...

Yeah, definitely. Having your first home game in the Manchester derby... it’s not a bad place to do it. There was a big crowd there, which was really nice, and the team put in a really, really good performance, which I think we really wanted from that game. We got the three points and it was a great night overall. ⊲ Manchester United Women v Chelsea Women 25 15

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Barclays is celebrating 20 years of commitment to the game we

SOPHIE BAGGALEY game and we know that, if we do what we need to do, we can beat them, but it will be a tough test.

What’s the feeling in the camp concerning the Continental League Cup? Is there a determination to make history for United and win it?

Obviously, the club wants silverware. We go into every game wanting to win and I think we’re in a positive position in the cup. We’ve got five points from two games, and if we win our next two games we’ll probably go through. That’s the focus. We want to get to the knockout stages, to the quarter-finals and then on to the final, so there’s definitely a big focus on that.

All the Derbyshire-born stopper wants for her birthday this week is three more Conti Cup points!

“WE’RE IN A POSITIVE POSITION IN THE CUP – IF WE WIN OUR NEXT TWO GAMES WE WILL PROBABLY GO THROUGH” What were your first impressions of the United fans at Leigh Sports Village?

They’re excellent. You can always hear them singing throughout the game, whatever the result, and they always back you. They always stay. It’s a great set of fans at United. They come home and away and really support the team as best they can.

What do you like to do in your downtime away from football? Do you hang out with any of the other United players?

I recently got a PlayStation, so I’ve spent a lot of time on that. Since I’ve moved into my new place, I’ve had a lot of free time. I also quite like a bit of cooking, a bit of baking. Stuff like that, just relaxing really. I always make the effort to go to any team events, and I’d say it’s mainly Millie and Hannah who I spend time with.

So on to the big questions: what game are you playing, and what’s your signature dish?

At the moment I’m playing Assassin’s Creed, but me, Millie and Hannah often go on Call Of Duty together. I’m going to lose friends here, but I think Hannah is the best of us – I’m probably the worst! Signature dish? I’m not sure about that! I just like making lots of cake, we’ll say that!

Have you had chance to explore Manchester much since moving here?

Yeah, I’ve been a few times. I’ve been trying out different coffee shops. I need to get down there and go to the Christmas markets, actually. But I’ve been in and around and done a bit of exploring. It’s a really nice city. It’s not really like anywhere I’ve been previously, but I’m really impressed and enjoying the area.

We’ve beaten our next opposition Leicester already once this season, but what are you expecting this time? You were a team-mate of Molly Pike and Jemma Purfield from Bristol City…

I think it’s difficult for Leicester. It’s As an England U19 Finally, we’re speaking three their first year in the WSL and they’ve international in 2014 had a difficult start to the season, but they days before your 25th birthday – will probably have a new manager by then so happy birthday! Do you have any [Emile Heskey was interim manager at the time of plans to celebrate the day? writing] so the style of play might be a bit different. I think Thank you! We’ve actually got a few days off now, so they’ve grown into the season and have been unlucky it’s fallen quite nicely. It’ll just be a chilled weekend. My not to get some results. It’s going to be a tough test, as boyfriend’s up from Bristol, so we’ll spend it together is every game at this level. We just need to focus on our and I’ll see my family and have a nice time. ⬤

27

THE VISITORS

For all their woes in the WSL, a victory today in the League Cup will keep the Foxes in contention to progress from a tough Group B...

LEICESTER CITY Leicester may have found life in their first-ever WSL season a struggle, but the team spirit, work ethic and no little talent which have underscored the Foxes’ stellar rise from the fourth tier to the top flight of women’s football inside five years remains undiminished. Indeed, the East Midlanders showed all those qualities in the 2-1 win over Durham last time out in the League Cup, a performance they will be determined to build on this afternoon.

Despite losing their first eight league matches of the season, which spelled the end of manager Jonathan Morgan’s seven-year spell in the dugout, Leicester’s performances haven’t been as one-sided as the results may appear. Leicester took the lead in the league defeats to Aston Villa and Manchester City, with beloved ex-Red Jess Sigsworth scoring in the first minute (pictured above) of the eventual 4-1 defeat to the latter.

Meanwhile, a deep-lying 4-4-2 system which protected central areas to impressive effect helped the Foxes keep out defending WSL champions Chelsea for 83 minutes of their 2-0 reverse in October. Late goals resulted in 1-0 defeats to Brighton – an injury-time winner cruelly denying the Foxes their first point of the season – and Everton in November, when they finally conceded on 83 minutes. “We’re gutted, but we’re very positive with

28

it as well,” said goalkeeper Demi Lambourne, who has deputised well for injured stopper Kirstie Levell, after the Toffees defeat a fortnight ago. “The performances are there, we keep showing that. We know that the points are coming, and we’ve just got to keep working hard at that.”

It remains to be seen whether the boss for today’s game, club legend Emile Heskey (see right), will opt for the 5-4-1 that brought the Foxes improved solidity against Brighton and Everton, with Sophie Barker displaying her versatility at either centre-back or wing-back, and Ashleigh Plumptre impressing to the left of Abbie McManus at the heart of a three-player central defence.

It was with that system that Leicester picked up their first win of the season – the aforementioned cup victory at Durham, courtesy of goals from Shannon O’Brien and Molly Pike. A former England Under-19 captain, midfielder Pike has been a fine addition since joining from Everton in the summer, developing a promising understanding with experienced forward Sigsworth.

Prior to the Durham win the Foxes lost 3-1 at Everton in Group B, leaving them level on points with the Toffees after two games played, behind the Manchester clubs.

With only the top side sure to qualify, Leicester will be looking to repeat the win from their last visit to Leigh to give themselves a realistic chance of making the quarters.

THE VISITORS

TEMPORARILY IN CHARGE EMILE HESKEY As Leicester’s head of women’s football development, Heskey has taken interim charge since the club parted company with Morgan, with England youth coach Lydia Bedford taking over tomorrow until the end of the season, it was announced on Tuesday. Twice a League Cup winner with the Foxes, Heskey returned to his childhood club initially in an ambassadorial and mentoring role in 2020 while completing a UEFA management course. As for Bedford, she’ll have a tough start to life in the Foxes’ dugout, away to high-flying Arsenal in the WSL next weekend.

ONE TO WATCH ABBIE MCMANUS Today marks a United return for childhood Red McManus. The Prestwich-born centre-back began her senior career at Manchester City in 2009, returning there in 2014 after spending a campaign with Sheffield FC. McManus won six honours with City, before her two-season Reds spell from 2018. After spending last term on loan at Spurs, she joined the Foxes this summer. Despite Leicester’s struggles, the 17-time England international has done well – no WSL player has made more interceptions (36) than the defender this season.

FAMILIAR FACE JESS SIGSWORTH Another ex-Red, Sigsworth returns to LSV for the first time since her summer exit. She first broke through with Doncaster Rovers Belles from 2011, returning to the Yorkshire club in 2016 after a move to Notts County didn’t work out. Sixteen goals in 18 second-tier games in 2017/18 earned the forward her United move and it was her eye for goal which went a long way to securing our WSL promotion, Jess top-scoring in 2018/19 with 18 goals in all competitions. Always strong in possession, the 27-year-old is sure to get a good reception upon her return, but she’ll want a goal or two!

number trail

2004 The year in which the Foxes were founded, after which they achieved four successive promotions to join the Northern Division of the FA Women’s Premier League in 2008.

2018 After relegation in 2013, they were awarded a Tier 2 licence in 2018, enabling them to become one of five new teams to be added to the new FA Women’s Championship.

50 Number of points won last season from 20 Championship games – W16 D2 L2 – which saw them take the one promotion spot ahead of Durham in second and Liverpool in third.

15/12 Date of their final Group B encounter in this season’s League Cup, when they face Manchester City on home soil on the same night the Reds visit Everton.

27

FAN INTERVIEW

“With each game we’re seeing improvements” Dedicated fan Hannah Wellon follows the Foxes very closely from Canada, and here she gives us her views on an eventful year for Leicester Women...

This season was always going to be a big step up from last season, but have you been surprised with how much Leicester have struggled in the WSL? I knew the WSL would offer a huge challenge, especially with this being Leicester’s first-ever season in the top division. In past seasons, Leicester have proven themselves against WSL sides in tournaments while still being in the Championship, so I know they’re capable of doing it again this season.

Would you say they have been unfortunate on occasion not to pick up at least a point in the league?

They’ve definitely had results that should have been theirs, but it just didn’t work out in the end. We’ve seen two instances where we were the dominant side offering a stronger performance, but conceding goals in the final minutes led to the result going the other way. These type of results go to show that the points are definitely coming for Leicester, it’s just a matter of when.

Party time in April as the Foxes claim the Championship title at their old Farley Way home

30

How do you rate Leicester’s chances of getting out of a tough group in the League Cup? With each game we’re seeing improvements with Leicester and the chances look better and better.

The group is definitely a tough one, but I think that if Leicester continue building on the momentum that they’re producing, they can make it out.

Leicester will take heart from their last visit to Leigh in May, when they knocked United out the FA Cup in Casey Stoney’s last game, won’t they?

That was probably one of the best weekends of my life!

As Leicester fans we saw the men’s side win the FA Cup final the day prior, so for our women’s side to have also knocked out United to move further in the competition was amazing. Of course, being a Championship team at the time, I had no idea whether we would take a win off a side as strong as United. But we did it, and it was so great to watch. I’ll never forget that result.

For all the success he’s had, do you think it was the right decision to replace Jonathan Morgan?

It’s important we acknowledge everything Jonathan has done over the past seven years. He took the team from competing in the Midlands Division One, to the Championship, and now the WSL. When he first started, they would train in parking lots and use sheds as changing rooms. He’s definitely brought the club a long way. But now we’re in the top division and we need to start securing points in order to stay up. I knew his departure was bound to happen if we continued without gaining points, but I trust the staff that are there to work as hard as possible to find someone who will help

FAN INTERVIEW us stay up. We’re seeing more sackings than before, especially with how much people are starting to value the women’s game. I think it’s a good thing and will help ensure that clubs are receiving the proper management they need. Of course, we still see a number of issues regarding management across several women’s leagues, so there is still a lot of work that can be done.

How has former United striker Jess Sigsworth settled in so far, in your opinion?

Sigsworth puts in such a strong shift every single game. We’ve heard so much about how good her work rate is, and it shows while she’s on the pitch.

She pushes for goals and creates opportunities in each game, with her leadership and experience.

What have you made of Emile Heskey joining the club as the head of women’s football development?

For me, it’s great to see a club legend being so involved with the growth and development of the women’s side.

He has been involved in training so I know he’s doing as much as possible to help out in the best way he can.

Leicester is his boyhood club, so in a sense he shares the same passion as us supporters and I think that’s great to have at the club. Heskey offers great knowledge and experience, so I think he’ll be excellent in the role.

And what about the other ex-Reds, Charlie Devlin and Abbie McManus?

I’ve always been a massive fan of Devlin. She offers so much creativity and constantly makes an impact as soon as she steps foot on the pitch. McManus has been phenomenal with us and links up so well in the backline with Ashleigh Plumptre. When watching those two together, the link-up seems so natural.

The team have been playing at the King Power this season – what have you made of that?

Moving from Farley Way to the King Power was a big step in the club’s plans to develop the women’s team. It may take some time before we see the numbers grow in attendance for any ground, but we are constantly seeing the numbers go up and there is more recognition for women’s football every day. The King Power offers the quality that any player should be able to play on and hopefully one day those seats can be filled up as well.

“I’M A MASSIVE FAN OF DEVLIN – SHE OFFERS MUCH CREATIVITY AND CONSTANTLY MAKES AN IMPACT”

If there’s one Leicester player United need to be wary of during this game, who would it be?

Despite not starting in recent games, Natasha Flint [right] constantly offers a threat when moving forward.

She’s known for taking risks, even from outside the box, and we know there’s a strong chance of her putting one in. Another player I have to mention, again, is McManus – she’s helped keep a lot out at the back, but also helps place the ball for the forwards. Plus, she scored the last time we faced United – I’d be happy to see that again.

What have you made of United so far this season?

I think United are a strong side with great players. Ella Toone is a phenomenal player and constantly shows that in every game. Having her extend her contract is huge for United. This season overall seems to be a weird one in the WSL, with it being really difficult to predict how things could end. So many sides are surprising everyone and some are doing worse than anyone expected. So at this point, whether it be top three or below, it seems like anyone could end up anywhere!

Former Red Devlin joined today’s opponents in January last year

Hannah co-hosts ‘Beyond the 90 LCFC Women’, a YouTube channel and podcast covering the Foxes.

For more, visit YouTube.com/beyondthe90lcfc or follow @bt90_lcfc_women on Twitter

31

Manche

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

FANS’ PAGE

GUESS WHO! Can you identify these hidden United heroes?

Send your messages and photos to MUWomenfamily@manutd.co.uk

ANIMAL ADVERSARIES

1 1

Match these teams to their wildlife nicknames!

Brighton ◌ Bristol City ◌ Crystal Palace ◌ Durham ◌

◌ Vixens ◌ Eagles ◌ Wildcats ◌ Seagulls

2

3

THE CONTI CUP CONTENDERS!

FANS’ GALLERY

Did you know, four Reds have previously played in the League Cup final for different clubs...

Sophie Baggaley Bristol City, 2021 Hannah Blundell Chelsea, 2020, 2021 Aoife Mannion Birmingham City, 2016

REMEMBER WHEN? Our 11-1 win v Leicester in 2019 saw us hit a number of team landmarks...

• United Women’s biggest home win • Biggest Continental League Cup win • Five goals for Ella Toone – a joint record • Most different scorers in a game (seven)

Maria Thorisdottir Chelsea, 2020 33

ANSWERS – Animal adversaries: Brighton – Seagulls, Bristol City – Vixens, Crystal Palace – Eagles, Durham – Wildcats; Guess who answers: 1. Kirsty Smith; 2. Kirsty Hanson; 3. Lucy Staniforth

QUESTION TIME

HALF-TIME QUIZ Twelve questions to tackle, many with links to the Foxes...

1. How many goals has Ella Toone scored in her five Reds appearances against Leicester so far: 9, 10 or 11?

2. Other than Leicester, name the two other clubs we’ve faced in both the Women’s Super League and the Women’s Championship.

7. In which competition did current Foxes defender Abbie McManus score both of her United goals?

8. After Leicester, which ‘L’ side have we beaten most often – three times in total?

9. Ahead of today, how many United players have scored their first goal for the club during the current season?

3. Against which club did Foxes forward Jess Sigsworth score her final goal for United (above)?

4. Prior to September’s visit to the King Power Stadium, which was the last current Premier League stadium in which United played an away game?

10. Who are the only team to have beaten United at Leigh Sports Village (below) in the Continental League Cup group stage?

5. What number did Leicester midfielder Charlie Devlin (right) wear during her time with the Reds?

6. Which current squad member and England international started her senior career with Leicester in 2009/10?

11. How many of this season’s other 11 WSL clubs have the Reds previously faced in the Continental Cup? 12. In which month will the 2022 Continental Cup final take place?

ANSWERS: 1. 11; 2. Aston Villa and Tottenham; 3. Leicester City; 4. Etihad Stadium; 5. 14; 6. Mary Earps; 7. Continental League Cup; 8. London Bees; 9. Four; 10. Reading; 11. Nine; 12. March

34

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

UNITED APPEARANCES AND GOALS, 2021/22 SEASON PLAYER

LEAGUE

FA CUP

LEAGUE CUP

TOTAL

APP GLS APP GLS APP GLS APP GLS

Sophie Baggaley 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 Ona Batlle

8 1 0 0 1 1 9 2

Hannah Blundell 8 0 0 0 1(1) 0 9(1) 0 Vilde Boe Risa Mary Earps

2(2)

0

0

0

2

0

4(2)

0

8 0 0 0 0 0 8 0

Ivana Ferreira Fuso 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 2 Leah Galton

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

Jackie Groenen 4(1) 0 0 0 0 0 4(1) 0 Kirsty Hanson 6(2) 1 0 0 1(1) 0 7(3) 1

Team

P

W

D

L

GD

Pts

Martha Harris

0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0

8 7 1 0 23 22

Carrie Jones

0(3) 0 0 0 2 0 2(3) 0

2 Chelsea

8 7 0 1 22 21

Hayley Ladd

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

3 Brighton

8 5 0 3 5 15

Aoife Mannion 8 0 0 0 2 0 10 0

1 Arsenal

4 Tottenham

8 4 2 2 3 14

Alessia Russo

5(3) 3 0 0 1(1) 0 6(4) 3

5 West Ham

8 3 3 2 1 12

Kirsty Smith

0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0

6 UNITED

8 3 3 2 -1 12

Lucy Staniforth 5(3) 1 0 0 2 0 7(3) 1

7 Manchester City 8 3 1 4 0 10

Martha Thomas 1(3) 1 0 0 1 0 2(3) 1

8 Reading

8 3 1 4 -2 10

Maria Thorisdottir 7(1) 1 0 0 2 0 9(1) 1

9 Everton

8 3 1 4 -6 10

Ella Toone

10 Aston Villa

8 3 1 4 -10 10

Millie Turner

1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

11 Birmingham

8 0 1 7 -19 1

Katie Zelem

8 0 0 0 0(1) 0 8(1) 0

12 Leicester

8 0 0 8 -16 0

FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE TOP SCORERS

(Assists in brackets)

Sam Kerr (Chelsea)

9 (3)

Fran Kirby (Chelsea)

6 (5)

Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal)

6 (2)

Kim Little (Arsenal)

6 (0)

Katie McCabe (Arsenal)

4 (5)

Beth Mead (Arsenal)

4 (4)

Ella Toone (UNITED)

3 (4)

CONTINENTAL LEAGUE CUP, GROUP B TABLE

Team

P

W

W PEN L PEN

8 3 0 0 0(2) 1 8(2) 4

L

GD

Pts

Mannion has started all 10 games this season

UNITED ALL-TIME APPS & GOALS

Apps

Goals

Ella Toone

84

36

Katie Zelem

79

20

1 Man City 3

2 0 0 1 6 6

Millie Turner

77

5

3 UNITED

1 1 0 0 1 5

Kirsty Hanson

77

16

2

Jones: one short of double figures in CITY and durham ADDED TO BOTH appearances

3 Leicester 2

1 0 0 1 -1 3

Amy Turner

67

4

4 Everton

2

1 0 0 1 -2 3

Jessica Sigsworth

66

26

Aimee Palmer

15

1

5 Durham

3

0 0 1 2 -4 1

Leah Galton

66

15

Alessia Russo

15

6 4

W PEN = penalty shoot-out win (bonus point) (The five group winners, and the best second-placed team, will join will join Champions League teams Chelsea and Arsenal in the quarter-finals)

Apps

Goals

Lauren James

56

28

Tobin Heath

11

Kirsty Smith

53

1

Lotta Okvist

10

0

Mary Earps

52

0

Hannah Blundell

10

0

Martha Harris

47

1

Aoife Mannion

10

0

TODAY’S OTHER CONTINENTAL LEAGUE CUP FIXTURES

Jackie Groenen

46

0

Carrie Jones

9

0

Hayley Ladd

46

2

Ivana Ferreira Fuso

8

2

GROUP A

Lizzie Arnot

34

9

Emily Ramsey

6

0

Jane Ross

34

7

Vilde Boe Risa

6

0

Ona Batlle

32

2

Martha Thomas

5

1

Mollie Green

29

16

Naomi Hartley

3

0

Lucy Staniforth

28

2

Fran Bentley

2

0

Alex Greenwood

Blackburn v Sheffield United (12pm) Sunderland v Aston Villa (right) (12pm) GROUP B Everton (below) v Durham (1pm)

27

5

Sophie Baggaley

2

0

Siobhan Chamberlain 27

0

Tara Bourne

1

0

Abbie McManus

25

2

Rebecca May

1

0

Charlie Devlin

20

6

Aurora Mikalsen

1

0

Maria Thorisdottir

18

1

Christen Press

17

4

(Names in italics have left the club)

37

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

3-1

Blundell Mannion Turner

Zelem

Groenen

WSL

Sun 26

Chelsea (H) 12.30pm

1-6 2,197 Earps

Groenen

WSL

Sun 3

Birmingham (A) 6.45pm 2-0

650

WSL

Sat 9

Man City (H) 1.30pm

2-2

3,797

CC

Thu 14

Durham (A) 7pm

2-2* 1,468

WSL

Sun 7

Tottenham (A) 12.15pm 1-1 1,308 Earps

Batlle

Mannion Thorisdottir Blundell Zelem

WSL

Sun 14

Everton (A) 12.30pm

1-1

840

Batlle

Mannion

CC

Wed 17

Man City (H) 7pm

2-1

2,369

WSL

Sun 21

Arsenal (H) 12.15pm

0-2 2,186 Earps

CC

Sun 5

Leicester (H) 12pm

WSL

Sun 12

Brighton (A) 12.30pm

CC

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

4,473

Earps

Batlle

Zelem

Blundell Mannion

Thorisdottir Batlle

Zelem

Earps

Batlle

Mannion

Thorisdottir

Blundell

Zelem Groenen

Earps

Blundell

Mannion

Thorisdottir

Batlle

Zelem

Groenen

Mannion

Thorisdottir

Blundell

Boe Risa

Ladd

OCTOBER

N OVE MBE R

DE CEMBER

JANUARY

Baggaley Harris

Earps

Sun 23

Tottenham (H) 12pm

FA

Sun 30

Fourth round

FEBRUARY

CC 2/3

Semi-final

WSL

Sun 6

Arsenal (A) 3pm

WSL

Sun 13

Man City (A) 2pm

FA

Sun 27

Fifth round

WSL

Sat 5

Leicester (H) 12pm

CC

5/6

Final

WSL

Sun 13

Reading (A) 2pm

FA

Sun 20

Quarter-finals

WSL

Sun 27

Everton (H) 12pm

M ARCH

A PRIL

WSL

Sun 3

Brighton (H) 12pm

FA

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

FA

Sat 14

Final

MAY

38

Blundell

Baggaley Batlle 1 Mannion Thorisdottir Smith

CC 19/20 Quarter-finals WSL

Thorisdottir

Batlle Mannion

Ladd

Zelem

Boe Risa

Boe Risa

Jones

Thorisdottir Blundell Staniforth Zelem

SEASON STATISTICS Facebook: manutdwomen

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

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Groenen

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Toone

Galton

Russo 1 Staniforth

Thomas

Thomas

Hanson

Hanson

KEY:

Staniforth Hanson Toone

Thomas

Galton

Russo

First sub

Jones

Toone 1

Staniforth

Russo

WSL - Women’s Super League * won on penalties

Hanson

Galton

CC - FA Continental League Cup Second sub

Jones

Third sub

–

–

Jones

Toone 1 Russo Galton Fuso 1

Boe Risa Ladd

Boe Risa

Galton

–

–

–

–

FA - Women’s FA Cup

–

Scorers Bold

Fifth sub

–

–

Blundell

–

– –

–

–

Toone

Fourth sub

–

Zelem –

Penalty •

Yellow/red card

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

39

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 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 27 28 34 44 48

Demi Lambourne (GK) Sam Tierney Abbie McManus Georgia Brougham Natasha Flint Molly Pike Jess Sigsworth Charlie Devlin Lachante Paul Esmee De Graaf Sophie Howard Paige Bailey-Gayle Sophie Barker Abbi Grant Luana Zajmi Hannah Cain Ashleigh Plumptre Jemma Purfield Shannon O’Brien Kirstie Levell (GK) Mackenzie Smith Connie Scofield Sophie Harris (GK)

MATCH OFFICIALS Referee Abigail Byrne ⬤ Assistants Lucy-Anne Briggs, Ceri Williams Fourth official Nicoleta Bria

LEICESTER CITY WOMEN

MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN

#allredallequal