Manchester United Women v Arsenal Women match programme, Women's Super League, 03.11.24 by Manchester United Football Club

MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN

Inside: marking a milestone for Millie (and one for Marc...)

v Arsenal Women

BARCLAYS WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE • SUN 3 NOV 2024 • 12.30PM

ACADEMY ROUND-UP

REWIND TO... 2015 JUNIOR REDS

MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL

Co-chairmen Joel Glazer, Avram Glazer

Directors Bryan Glazer, Kevin Glazer, Edward Glazer, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Michael Edelson, Sir Alex Ferguson, David Gill CBE, Omar Berrada, Sir Dave Brailsford, Jean-Claude Blanc Secretary Rebecca Britain Honorary president Martin Edwards

MATCH PROGRAMME TEAM

Editor Charlie Ghagan Sub-editor Sean Mullan

Contributors Zoe Hodges, Helen Rowe-Willcocks, Mikey Partington, Steve Bartram, Harry Robinson, Jamie Spencer, Matthew Brown Photography Charlotte Tattersall, Ash Donelon, Getty, Alamy

Thanks to Ellie Decrop, John Shiel, Paul Davies

SKINNER

Coming together to celebrate taking the lead at Brighton last time out, with the Reds back in Leigh for the visit of Arsenal

AN IMPORTANT MEETING WITH THE GUNNERS AWAITS ON A LANDMARK DAY FOR THE BOSS, WHO

IS CERTAIN

WE’RE ALL SET FOR AN ENTHRALLING 90 MINUTES...

Welcome back to Leigh Sports Village for what is bound to be another exciting encounter in the Women’s Super League, as we play host to Arsenal.

When you get games like this, they are a little bit different. Arsenal are a great team, with some fantastic players, and it becomes about pride, and representing your fan base. I think it’s going to be a really exciting game but I also think it’ll be tight, and a game where we’ll have to maximise our margins. We are going to be looking to you to roar us through every moment when the players are putting their bodies on the line or breaking down the wing. We need to hear you as loud as you always are.

It’s a special occasion here today and one we need to take time to celebrate. Our wonderful Millie Turner plays her 150th game for United when she takes to the pitch this afternoon. She is one of our ‘originals’ with an infectious, bubbly personality and she is a fan favourite.

Millie has been fantastic in what she has achieved so far and what sums up her personality is that she is still pushing herself to

get better each week. She is a fantastic person, wonderfully unique, and she is a huge part of both the history and the future of this club.

Today also marks my 100th game in charge of Manchester United. It’s a very special feeling going into the match and it’s an honour to reach this milestone. When I look back to when I first joined in July 2021, it was a milestone that I knew I wanted to achieve and I have some incredible memories, both good and bad, over those 100 games.

My hope now is to double the milestone with the club. I am extremely proud to be manager of Manchester United and I want to keep pushing and keep dreaming big. Here is to our future, here is to adding more trophies to our cabinet, and here is to continuing making history. Enjoy the game, and up the Reds.

GAME numbers Run the

A STAT-BASED PREVIEW OF TODAY’S WSL

Just two points separate United and Arsenal in the Barclays Women’s Super League table ahead of this afternoon’s clash at Leigh Sports Village. Following an unbeaten start to the campaign, Marc Skinner’s Reds are ahead of the Gunners, having taken 10 points from our opening four matches. Having beaten West Ham, Everton and Tottenham, as well as drawing with Brighton before the international break, the Reds have a solid platform to build on as our November schedule gets going today. While we’ll be intent on extending that two-point gap, Arsenal will be out to leapfrog United with a third victory from three on their travels in the league this term. The Gunners, who have played a game more than us, have had a rocky start to the season overall, however, leading to a managerial change (see p34 for more on that), but they did win at West Ham last time out, having already taken maximum points from their trip to Leicester in 2024/25. A defeat at home to Chelsea, after draws with Everton and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium, have prevented the north Londoners from adding to their eight points, but they will know how important a victory here could

be in the battle for Champions League places, even so early into the season. For many of the Arsenal squad – much like a number of Skinner’s Reds – they reported back to club duties this week following games for their national teams. From a United point of view, in the Euro 2025 qualifying play-offs first leg, Aoife Mannion got her first international goal as Ireland won 6-0 away to Georgia, Celin Bizet came on as Norway beat Albania 5-0, Emma Watson helped Scotland edge 1-0 past Hungary, while Hayley Ladd and Wales narrowly lost 2-1 to Slovakia. Meanwhile, in friendly encounters, Ella Toone and Maya Le Tissier featured as England went down 4-3 at home to Germany, Simi Awujo started Canada’s draw against Spain, and Dominique Janssen and the Netherlands secured a team-record 15-0 win against Indonesia.

Toone is one of many Reds to have been on international duty since our last WSL fixture

Words: Mikey Partington

Today’s fixture is a significant one for Marc Skinner, who celebrates 100 games as head coach of United Women. Since arriving in the summer of 2021, the boss has memorably guided us to our first major trophy with last season’s FA Cup success, and led us into Europe for the first time, after his team secured a maiden Women’s Champions League berth with a club record WSL points finish in 2023/24. You can look back on Skinner’s Reds story so far via 10 standout games in our special feature, starting on page 14. Of that century, seven games have come against today’s opponents – although this will be the first without Jonas Eidevall in the opposition dugout. And Skinner’s record at United has been pretty good when faced with the Gunners, with him winning three, drawing two and losing two of seven meetings to date with him as our manager.

Facing Arsenal as our manager, Skinner has won three, drawn two and lost two of seven meetings

On the subject of previous meetings with Arsenal, last term’s corresponding fixture produced our record attendance here at LSV. In an entertaining early season clash that finished 2-2, it was the Arsenal fans (sat in a busy away end) that first had something to celebrate, after Stina Blackstenius put them ahead in the 14th minute. Memorably, United hit back and, in our first home game of 2023/24,

turned the contest on its head either side of half-time. Leah Galton capitalised on an error to make it 1-1 before Melvine Malard (below) netted her first Reds goal. Amid a cracking atmosphere, it looked to be the winner, but Cloe Lacasse’s late strike ensured the spoils would be shared. A similarly thrilling ambience and encounter – with the additive of three home points – would make for an ideal return from the international break – but will we see the LSV attendance record broken?

Marc and Millie – who is set to play her 150th game – will both receive a pitchside presentation today

Discover more

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SPREAD THE WARMTH

Foundation’s winter coat appeal to support families in need extends to LSV

As publicised across club channels in recent weeks, today’s fixtures at both Leigh Sports Village and Old Trafford will see matchgoing fans asked to donate unwanted clean adult and child coats to support families in need this winter.

The Foundation initiative was launched last season, when more than 2,000 coats were donated at a men’s game. All coats received were primarily donated to those who access Foundation projects.

Fans at United Women’s game today can donate at the Leigh Youth Hub, opposite the stadium, from 10.30am, then 2.15-2.45pm post-match. Supporters are asked to ensure coats donated are clean, with personal items

BIZET’S POTM RECOGNITION

Celin Bizet made the shortlist for WSL Player of the Month award for October. Bizet excelled in a less familiar right-back role across the month, regularly advancing to provide three assists, a league-high tally for the season to date. Voting has now closed – head to ManUtd.com to see how Celin fared against fellow nominees Annabel Blanchard, Lauren Hemp, Sophie Howard, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Nikita Parris.

If you’re heading to Old Trafford later today, you can donate there also!

removed. The appeal will complement a wider winter giving campaign by the Foundation, including an investment of £100,000 in resources to help young people stay warm.

John Shiels, CEO of Manchester United Foundation, said: “United fans did a

wonderful job through this initiative last year. Sadly, as the adverse effects of rising fuel costs, child poverty and other societal issues show no signs of abating, the need to support young people and families remains incredibly pertinent.”

DATE FOR CHELSEA

Our WSL away trip to Chelsea, which was scheduled to take place on 6 October but postponed due to the Blues’ fixture congestion, has been rearranged for Sunday 24 November. The 12pm kick-off will take place at Kingsmeadow, and be broadcast live on Sky. Our League Cup trip to Everton also has a new date, moving from Friday 22 November to Wednesday 20th November (7pm). See ManUtd.com/ muwtickets for ticket info.

Celin has shone since her summer arrival

QUICK IMPACT AT THE AMEX

Taken: Saturday 19 October 2024, American Express Stadium

What’s the story? Just as she did in our previous away game, at Everton, Grace Clinton wasn’t hanging around when the Reds kicked off down in Brighton two weekends ago, as the midfielder found the net inside 10 minutes. It was a precise cross from Celin Bizet – her third assist of the season – that teed up our no.8 to apply a fine near-post finish, with only the crossbar preventing Clinton from doubling our lead with a curling effort. That’s three goals already in 2024/25 for Grace, and while it was frustrating to see the in-form hosts hit back to take a share of the WSL spoils, Clinton’s scoring form bodes very well for the season ahead.

UNITED TO DELIVER EXCELLENCE

MLT

THE SKIPPER LOOKS AHEAD TO A BIG DAY AT LSV, WITH THREE WSL POINTS THE ONLY AIM...

Welcome back! It’s a quick turnaround from the international break, and it was unbelievable how many of our players we had away with their countries during this window. It’s what we all strive for, and to see people playing well for United and getting selected for their national team is really special. Representing your country is such an experience and to see so many of our players getting to do that is incredible.

Now we’re back, we’re really looking forward to today’s fixture. We’ve had some great meetings with Arsenal in the past and I expect this to be another. And this one is even more special knowing we are celebrating Marc’s 100th match in charge and Millie’s 150th appearance. Since I joined, I’ve played pretty much all of my United games alongside Millie – she’s my defensive partner and I am so proud of her and what she has achieved so far. It’s an unbelievable achievement for her, and for Marc, and I am sure there are still many more games to come for them as well.

We’ve had a strong start to the season, and I thought we played well against Brighton in our last match. Unfortunately we didn’t come away

with all three points but that’s part of the game and we’ll learn a lot from it, which we can take with us. We always want to push for three points in every fixture, it’s the least we can do, so naturally we were disappointed in the result.

I think we’ve had some different challenges so far in the opening weeks of 2024/25. Teams are playing in different formations now and we need to be adaptive, which I think we are doing well. We have used our squad well and we are looking forward to getting our players back from injury also.

Here’s to a great game.

Maya has so much respect for regular centre-back partner Millie

MAKING HIS MARC

WITH TODAY’S GAME BEING OUR HEAD COACH’S 100 TH IN CHARGE OF THE REDS, WE LOOK BACK AT A PROUD JOURNEY SO FAR BY PICKING OUT TEN FIXTURES THAT STAND OUT ON SKINNER’S JOURNEY TO THREE FIGURES...

Words: Mikey Partington

UNITED 2 READING 0

3 Sep 2021, WSL, Leigh Sports Village

It was Thursday 29 July 2021 when Marc Skinner was confirmed as United’s new head coach, following much speculation in the weeks after Casey Stoney stepped down from the role in May, and the then 38-year-old arrived with proven pedigree in the WSL with Birmingham City, as well as over two years’ experience in the National Women’s Soccer League in the US, with Florida-based club Orlando Pride. Exactly 37 days after Skinner’s July appointment – by way of four pre-season matches involving trips to Loughborough and Scotland – Marc’s reign got off to a winning start on the opening night of the 2021/22 season. The contest with Kelly Chambers’ Reading – the WSL’s first clash to be played in front of the Sky Sports cameras – was settled by brilliant finishes either side of half-time from

Kirsty Hanson and Ona Batlle, and massively enjoyed by the home fans at Leigh Sports Village, who were finally back after all those behind-closed-doors fixtures enforced by the pandemic. “It was brilliant from lots and lots of perspectives, but [we’ve got] lots of work to do,” United’s thrilled but focused boss told MUTV after game one.

UNITED 3 EVERTON 1

27 Mar 2022, WSL, Old Trafford

Later in Marc’s maiden term, and exactly 12 months on from our women’s team’s inaugural Old Trafford outing (albeit behind closed doors), Marc took to the touchline in M16 for the first time as his Reds came from behind to beat Everton in the spring sunshine. There is a great picture from that day of Marc stood in front of the old ‘Theatre of Dreams’ sign in the tunnel – beaming smile on his face to boot (below, left) – which sums up the overall joy that afternoon is remembered with. Claire Emslie’s fourth-minute opener for the visitors wasn’t in the script, but Alessia Russo’s brace, either side of a Katie Zelem penalty, were only celebrated even more after that early dent. The victory came amid a strong springtime run of just one loss in 13 in the WSL. We’d just miss out on a first Champions League finish that term, but matchdays such as this served as a clear sign of the character and resilience that were building under the new United boss.

A comeback to saviour in front of more than 20,000 fans in the Old Trafford stands

With the face masks finally off, the new boss talks tactics with coach Ian Willcock

Saluting a raucous away end at the Emirates – whenever we see this eye-catching away kit, this is the night that always springs to mind!

ARSENAL 2 UNITED 3

19 Nov 2022, WSL, Emirates Stadium

The exponential growth of the women’s game over recent years has meant that matches in the country’s premier arenas have been a theme of Marc’s first 100 encounters. Perhaps none, however, have been more significant in the WSL than November 2022’s dramatic triumph over today’s opponents, Arsenal, at Emirates Stadium. With no Premier League football taking place on that special Saturday and the Qatar World Cup not due to start until the following day, the spotlight shone even brighter on this tea-time kick-off in north London – and United thrived under it, as 40,604 fans watched from the edge of their seats. Our dominance in the first half only yielded Ella Toone’s opener, so when goals from Frida Maanum and Laura Wienroither nudged the hosts ahead after the interval, it looked like things had got away from the Reds (sporting our luminous green third kit that night). But that bubbling fight and spirit in Skinner’s squad came through again, with Millie Turner and Russo netting in the final five minutes to achieve a statement away win.

UNITED 5 LEICESTER 1

5 Mar 2023, WSL, Leigh Sports Village

A five-star display was a fitting way to mark our head coach’s 50th game in charge. It was Russo who was the star of the show, netting a perfect hat-trick as we ran riot at LSV. The now-Arsenal forward followed up her left-footed opener with a header from inside the six-yard area, then a right-footed finish, also from close range, before Leah Galton and Lucia Garcia completed the scoring. Chelsea may have been right on our shoulders, but after this win we sat four points clear at the top, having played two games more than the Blues. Heady days indeed for Skinner and his squad...

Russo led the rout against the Foxes

ASTON VILLA 2 UNITED 3

28 Apr 2023, WSL, Bescot Stadium

An enthralling late-season clash at Bescot Stadium in Walsall had seen Villa and United go back and forth with each other, before Turner’s last-gasp winner kept our WSL title hopes alive going into the final month of the 2022/23 season. Turner, an almost ever-present in Marc’s starting XI when available, was tasked with making an impact as an 87th-minute substitute in this one – and make an impact she did! Shortly after the centre-back entered the field, Skinner also brought on Vilde Boe Risa, and when the Norwegian midfielder was fouled with seconds left on the clock, it was Katie Zelem’s perfect delivery into the box that was nodded into the back of the net by Millie. With three points absolutely needed to maintain our title hopes, it was a few minutes of calculated thinking at a high-pressure moment that the boss and his staff deserve real credit for. It resulted in delirium for all of a Reds persuasion on the pitch, in the stands and – unsurprisingly – in the dugout.

It was a few minutes of calculated thinking at a high-pressure moment from the boss and his staff

UNITED 2 MAN CITY 1

21 May 2023, WSL, Leigh Sports Village

That fight-to-the-finish attitude was on display again just under a month later, when the Reds left it late to record a maiden league victory over City, as we secured a place in the Women’s Champions League for the first time. Garcia was the hero off the bench on this occasion, after Hayley Ladd’s earlier wonder-strike had wowed the majority of the 7,864 packed in at LSV, netting the game’s decisive goal in the 91st minute. One can only wonder what Marc said to Lucia as she entered the field in the closing stages, shortly after Filippa Angeldahl had drawn the Blues level, but we do know what he told the goalscoring Spaniard afterwards. “Manchester is red... as the coach said!” stated a delighted Garcia, as she reviewed the contest with MUTV at full-time. What a day.

...on a night of serious flag-waving here at LSV!

An iconic celebration from Lucia...

Oh, what a night! And Skinner’s subs were central to the win

UNITED 1 PSG 1

10 Oct 2023, UWCL, Leigh Sports Village

‘European football was one of the things we all wanted to bring to this team, and now we have it we want to continue to bring it to our fans for as long as possible,’ asserted the boss in his programme notes ahead of our maiden European tie, at home to Paris Saint-Germain. On a tense night in Leigh, Skinner’s substitutes again had an important say, with Melvine Malard this time the one coming off the bench to score as United took a 1-1 draw to Paris for the second leg. Defeat at Parc des Princes just over a week later, against an experienced UWCL side that would go on to reach the semis, was disappointing but certainly not disheartening – talk about the toughest of draws for a qualifying round! – and instead it remains an experience Marc hopes his team can use as fuel. “We’ll learn from it, we’ll come back stronger,” he said after our exit. “We are driven to make sure we are a constant in the Champions League.”

SKINNER’S REDS STORY SO FAR...

FULL RECORD

Played: 99

Won: 62 Drawn: 19 Lost: 18

Win percentage: 62.6%

Goals for: 222

Goals against: 98

HONOURS

Women’s FA Cup, 2023/24

BEST WSL CAMPAIGN

Runners-up, 2022/23 (56 pts)

INDIVIDUAL ACCOLADES

WSL Manager of the Month: December 2021, January 2022, October 2022, December 2022, April 2023

MOST APPEARANCES/GOALS

Ella Toone (94 apps)/Nikita Parris (25 goals)

UNITED 7 EVERTON 0

9 Nov 2023, League Cup, Leigh Sports Village

Skinner’s century has seen us score five goals on eight occasions, as well as registering a 6-0 win over Liverpool, but the biggest victory of Marc’s tenure so far came against the team from the other half of Merseyside. A 7-0 win over the Toffees in last season’s League Cup opener was not only a marker of the Reds’ intent to make a positive start to a pursuit of silverware, but a sign of the ruthless attacking talent the boss and his staff have been able to assemble since 2021. Nikita Parris, who has since departed for Brighton, was the standout on a rain-soaked night at LSV with three goals against her old side, while Galton, Geyse, Ladd and Williams also found the net.

A landmark night would end with honours even

Geyse was among the goals as Skinner’s side hit Everton for seven

UNITED 2 CHELSEA 1

14 Apr 2024, FA Cup, Leigh Sports Village

“We needed to do something different,” said Skinner with a smile, after his jubilant team avenged the previous season’s FA Cup final defeat by beating Chelsea at the last-four stage in 2023/24. Emma Hayes’s Blues had been unbeaten across our previous 11 meetings with them, and April’s clash called for a more direct and sacrificial game plan without the ball, according to the boss. Having the experience and physicality of Williams up front allowed the Reds to do that and Marc’s selection of the striker –who has predominantly excelled as a game-changer off the bench since joining United in 2022 – was vindicated with an instrumental all-action display. Our no.28 scored our decisive second after Garcia had put us ahead inside a minute. Ex-Red Lauren James pulled one back, but a superb rearguard effort saw us secure an immediate return to the Cup final, with unfinished business to attend to...

“I was thinking about the fans, and what I promised from the start... that we would deliver trophies”

UNITED 4 TOTTENHAM 0

12 May 2024, FA Cup, Wembley Stadium

A day we’ll never forget, as Skinner’s Reds lifted our first major trophy after beating Tottenham in the FA Cup final. Toone’s stunning strike just before the break would have no doubt made her manager’s half-time team talk a little bit easier, although the job was far from complete at that point. Williams doubling our advantage and Garcia netting twice meant we had one hand on the trophy by the 75th minute and, while a professional job was conducted right until the last kick, the scoreline offered all of a United persuasion the opportunity to soak in the occasion before the final whistle. “I was thinking about the fans, why I came to Manchester United and what I promised from the start; that we’d deliver trophies,” reflected an emotional Marc at full-time. “This is the first of what I hope is many and we’ve got work to do. Let’s push on from here.” ●

Hands on the trophy – and hopefully the first of many...

PLAY WITH STYLE

WHAT IS STYLE?

It’s Control. Creativity. And being prepared to cross that line. It’s the freedom to do your thing and play to your own whistle. It’s the ‘I’ in Individuality and the ‘You’ in UNITED.

www.remington.co.uk/manutd

MES SAGES

Happy 10th birthday, Evie – a true Red! Love Mum, Dad and Pippa.

● Ellie Wyn Clarke turns 15 on 4 November – she’s here from Bangor with Mam and bestie Amelia.

Happy 16th birthday Lucy

● Happy 30th to Ellie, love from Mum, Dad, Liam, Monty and Noreen.

● A warm welcome to Jade Thompson, who’s in the South Stand with Aimee at her very first women’s game. Enjoy it!

● Alexia is turning 11, and Ella Toone is her idol! Have a brilliant birthday.

● Aimee Angus has travelled all the way from Dundee to be here, on her 19th birthday!

and your United family.

‘Happy birthday to Dad – love Ellie.’

Happy 10th birthday Amelia. Enjoy it!

Happy 14th birthday, Lola-Mae – love Mum, Dad and Bobbie.

Ashworth for 1 November.

Happy 9th birthday Oceane Dakotah – lots of love from Mummy, Loz, Nevaeh, Gramps

Happy birthday to Alice and Harriet, who turned seven on 24 October. Look at the smiles!

Happy 9th birthday, Emily – love Mom, Dad and Niamh.

ROLE MODELS TACKLE RACISM

Expert figures join Foundation youngsters at insightful Old Trafford event

Young people from Manchester United Foundation’s partner schools took inspiration from local role models in the Manchester community as part of a Show Racism the Red Card event at Old Trafford.

The youngsters had the opportunity to ask questions to a panel of expert figures about racism in society as they took part in a variety of activities overlooking the famous pitch. Representatives from the Premier League and Show Racism the Red Card were joined by councillor for Ardwick, Amna Abdullatif, and actor and activist, Lamin Touray, as part of a panel who provided plenty of insight for those present.

The event took place on October’s ‘Wear Red Day’ –an annual showcase for Show Racism the Red Card. The anti-racism education charity works to challenge racism in society by empowering role models within communities, organisations, and sports, in order to dismantle racism in society.

Following the workshops, young people were tasked with creating an action plan on how they can help to tackle racism in their own communities. “It is really important to be continually having these conversations,”

said Amna. “A big thank you to Manchester United Foundation for hosting these constant conversations around how we tackle discrimination, but specifically racism, and especially during Black History Month. Ensuring that young people feel safe to have these conversations is really vital.”

Lamin, a lifelong Red who grew up close to the stadium, added: “I was raised in Old Trafford and it definitely shaped me to become the man I am today – living in a diverse, multi-cultural community. It’s been an inspiring morning of conversation and growth, and it’s great to have these difficult

conversations and try to educate the next generation. It’s amazing to work with Manchester United and with the young people.”

Every one of surveyed students said the event helped them to feel a part of their community, and that it had helped to change their understanding of racism.

Visit mufoundation.org for more

Panellists share their own experiences, which the young guests (below) learned a lot from

2024/25 POSTER LISA NAALSUND

#21 Millie Turner

AS UNITED’S MUCH-LOVED CENTRE-BACK GETS SET TO BECOME JUST THE THIRD RED TO MAKE 150 APPEARANCES, MILLIE TELLS US THERE’S ONLY ONE CLUB BADGE SHE COULD EVER KISS...

Interview: Zoe Hodges

Hi Millie. Your next appearance will mark your 150th for the club – a fantastic achievement, and one which you must be very proud of. What are your memories of that first game pulling on the shirt when the team was reformed in 2018?

I remember I was just so nervous, because we just didn’t really know what to expect. Obviously, it was our first proper game together. It was just mental. When that goal went in [from Lizzie Arnot, to beat Liverpool in August 2018], everyone was going crazy. That game, honestly, will live with me forever, because it was just such a special game, and that really set out what we wanted to achieve as a team. Hopefully my 150th will be one to remember, a game me and my whole family will be really proud of.

During your time at United you’ve played in FA Cup finals, the Champions League, and also some memorable comeback victories. Is there a game or two in particular that stick out for you?

FACTFILE

DATE OF BIRTH

7 July 1996

POSITION Defender

PLACE OF BIRTH

Wilmslow, Cheshire

YOUTH CAREER

Manchester United, Everton

SENIOR CAREER

2014-17 Everton

46 games, 3 goals

2017-18 Bristol City

31 games, 2 goals

2018- Manchester United

149 games, 10 goals

INTERNATIONAL CAREER

England: 1 cap, 0 goals

HONOURS

Women’s Championship 2018/19

Women’s FA Cup 2024

I’ve actually got two. I’d say, when we beat Arsenal at the Emirates [in November 2022], that was lovely that game, I like that one a lot. And then when we beat Aston Villa in the last minute away [in April 2023], that was awesome too, a great game. They’re two that really stand out to me.

What game were you most nervous for?

I’d probably say the first game we ever played. I was probably the most nervous then, but obviously the FA Cup finals against Spurs and against Chelsea too – it’s a massive occasion, and we wanted to win our first silverware. Those games were huge as well.

You mention that comeback win away to today’s opponents, Arsenal, where you got on the scoresheet. Is there a goal that you’ve scored during your career that stands out for you?

I’d probably say that one. That was obviously a big goal and a great delivery from Katie Zelem so that →

Helping our young people tell their stories.

FOLLOW ALONG

was one of my favourites and as I said before, the Aston Villa one really stands out as well because of the season we had – that was an incredible season. Every game we were just fighting to the end and that just proved it, scoring in the last minute. It just showed how, as a team, we never gave up.

It hasn’t always been plain sailing though. A few seasons ago you were forced out with a serious injury but thankfully you’ve come back stronger than ever. Has that experience helped you support some of your team-mates who have found themselves sidelined for a similar length of time? Yes, I think so. When you go through something like that, it makes you put everything into perspective. I didn’t know if I was ever going to play football again. So, it made me have a different outlook on playing and being so lucky to do what I do. I think when players do pick up injuries, it’s important to spread a bit of positivity and make sure we’re there and supporting them.

Looking back even further, there was a time when you were working in a pizza shop, while trying to train and play as a professional footballer. Could that Millie have ever imagined that a few years later, you’d be making your 150th appearance for a club like Manchester United? Well, to be honest, at that moment, women’s football was nothing like it is now. So no, I definitely couldn’t

“I didn’t know if I was ever going to play again ...that made me have a different outlook”

imagine that at the time, but it was always something I wanted to do, something I wanted to achieve. I’ve always wanted to be a professional footballer and playing at the highest level, and I feel so grateful and lucky and honoured to have made 150 appearances for this special club.

You’re coming into this Arsenal game off the back of an international break. Does training with a slightly smaller group give you a chance to get to know some of your other club team-mates a bit better – perhaps some of the new members of the squad, or younger players from the Academy? Yes, we’re all very tight-knit so everyone gets on and we’re all really together. I don’t think that getting to know each other is a problem but it’s really good to have small groups, in order to work on little things you probably wouldn’t have time to work on as a big unit. So yes, it’s been good to get everyone together, working on those little things we need to improve.

Our experienced no.21 has been as composed as ever on the ball so far this season

Stepping into Prenton Park for a nervy debut in August 2018

Talking of international duty, you’re very much still in Sarina Wiegman’s thoughts – you were on standby for the recent England internationals. Tell us how much you’ve enjoyed your Lionesses experience so far?

It’s a massive thing for me that I want to be a part of, and it’s a dream of mine to be playing for the Lionesses. I’m just going to keep pushing, keep trying to do everything that I can for our team, keep trying to get in her mind and see what I can do to be honest.

As for United, it’s been a really strong start to the season so far. We remain unbeaten and have only conceded one goal. What’s the mood like within the team? And as disappointing as it was to concede last time out to draw against Brighton, it wasn’t a bad result away from home, was it?

I think the mood this season feels really positive. It was really important that we wanted to go into the season with a fresh outlook on things. We really wanted to try and push on and improve from last season. Against Brighton, I think obviously we were disappointed with the draw, but we feel we have momentum going into the rest of the season.

You’ve put in some solid performances and good blocks as ever. What is your assessment of the season so far from a defensive point of view, especially given that you are working with a new regular goalkeeper in Phallon Tullis-Joyce? Well, first of all, I think Phallon has been absolutely outstanding, and she’s kept us in a lot of games – all credit goes to her, she’s been brilliant. As a defender, we pride ourselves on clean sheets, so we were disappointed to concede against Brighton. But we have started the season strong, and I think defensively, we look better this season. We’ve just got to keep pushing on and keep tuning the finer details.

Arsenal are a side that have caused us problems, but we’ve shown we can beat them, and you’ll know a few opponents from United and also England. Does your preparation change when you’re facing one of the traditional ‘big three’? I wouldn’t say our preparation changes at all. I think we are a team that takes every single game as it comes, so we prepare like every game is the most important game of the season. I think that’s really important, that no matter who you come up against, you make sure that you prepare the same.

It’s not just a milestone day for you, with the Arsenal game being Marc Skinner’s 100th in charge of the Reds. In what specific ways would you say he’s helped you improve since he arrived at the club in 2021?

I think we want to put on a show, and that’s what Marc really pushes. He just brings out the confidence in all of his players. I’d say we’re a very confident, free-playing team. I think a lot of other teams and a lot of fans can see that we play with confidence, and we play with a good style of football.

Such is Millie’s character, it never takes her long to bond – and sometimes even dance! – with new faces in the squad

Millie’s superb headed goal against today’s opponents ended Arsenal’s perfect start to 2022/23

The England international shows her leadership skills on the training ground

“It was really important we wanted to go into the season with a fresh outlook on things... we feel we have momentum”

It’s good to be back at home for this game after the long trip to Brighton. How did you keep entertained on the long journey south, and who leads the way with the pre-match music? On the bus journey I just watched a series but in the changing rooms now, I’m actually the team DJ. That might come as a shock to some people! I basically just get a load of songs together – songs the girls ask for – and then they can’t shout at me, because I’ve got every song they want! So, I can’t really go wrong.

Who’s got the worst taste in music, then?

That’s a good question! There’s someone in the gym that always plays really sad songs. I think it’s Jess Simpson [Laughs]. We’re always in the gym, and she plays very sad songs – she’s got Adele blasting! Not the kind of vibe we want! [Laughs].

On a similar theme, we’ve seen some pretty good dance moves on your TikTok, involving your team-mates. Who needs a bit more practice? I’d say Hayley Ladd, she needs some practice, because she’s just a bit of a two-stepper, she’s quite stiff [laughs]. She does go for it though, which I really admire!

We’ve taken a great photo of you kissing the United badge [see p26]. Could you ever see yourself doing that for another club?

I think because I’ve been at United for so long now, I’ve got a massive respect for this club, and I’ve grown up playing here, so I can’t see myself doing that with any other club.

Finally, what are your main ambitions for this season, individually and for the team? Collectively, we just want to keep building every year. We just want to keep getting better and better and I think we have been doing that. Obviously, we won silverware last season. So, I think collectively, to keep improving, keep taking every game as it comes and get as many points as possible on the board. Individually, I just hope I can help my team any way possible, however they need me. I try to be positive around the girls and try to keep a good team spirit. So yeah, hopefully I can do that again this season. ●

ENGAGE ● INSPIRE ● UNITE

HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS

Young Reds have been cooking on and off the pitch in recent weeks, picking up some big wins while learning all about healthy nutrition

TOP SPOT FOR UNDER-21s

In a month where last season’s Academy Players’ Player of the Year Lucy Newell signed a first professional contract with the club, our Under-21s side have enjoyed continued success.

Melissa Brown’s young Reds were national title winners last season – defeating Arsenal in the English final in May after United’s northern success – and have begun 2024/25 in fine fashion.

A 4-0 victory against Leicester City, with goals from Olivia Francis (2), Holly Minshull and Ellie Adams, secured top spot for the Reds in the Women’s PGA Northern League.

With a new format this season, their record of six wins from seven games qualifies United

for Division One, where they’ll compete with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Charlton Athletic, Chelsea, Durham, Southampton and Sunderland. Arsenal qualified top of the southern league. A further nine teams will play in the division below.

With United defeating Aston Villa in the northern league, another meeting soon followed, this time in the National League Plate. United won 3-1 and will play Loughborough Lightning at home in the next round. United previously met Loughborough, who beat Halifax 3-2 to get to this stage, in a friendly back in pre-season, winning that one 2-0.

Off the pitch, the U21s participated in their first cooking workshop at Carrington, led by the club’s leading nutritionists and chefs. The players learnt to make quesadillas – a high-protein, high-carbohydrate refuelling meal – to help them prepare for a career in the game, where good nutrition is always important.

This will continue throughout the season, aiming to provide players with a selection of meals for different scenarios. While it’s an important skill for any young person, footballers often lead independent lives far before their peers in other jobs. This can be particularly hard when leaving home to go on loan at an early stage, and being able to cook

for yourself makes it one fewer challenge along the way.

WINS FOR UNDER-16s

The younger Academy side have enjoyed an excellent few weeks, first progressing in the PGA Cup with a 3-0 win over Everton before a dominant victory by the same scoreline against rivals Manchester City in the league.

United will host Southampton in the PGA Cup quarter-finals. Elsewhere, they were held to a 2-2 draw by Salford City Boys in a closely contested fixture, with two excellent goals from Pixie.

Brown’s U21s have a new league format this season

Francis bagged a brace against the young Foxes

Today’s visitors:

ARSENAL

About our opponents...

Nickname: The Gunners

Founded: 1987

Home stadiums: Emirates Stadium, London (60,704 capacity); Meadow Park, Borehamwood (4,500 capacity)

Last season: WSL 3rd, FA Cup 5th round, League Cup winners

Top scorer last season (all competitions): Stina Blackstenius (18)

Under the guidance of interim coach Renee Slegers, Arsenal managed back-to-back wins in the space of five days prior to the international break. The 35-year-old admitted she was “not prepared” to take over when Jonas Eidevall left her “shocked” by his decision to step down, having learned from the Swede that he would be leaving just over 48 hours before the Gunners were due to face Valerenga in the Champions League. The playing squad were then informed the day before the game. It had been a difficult start to 2024/25 for Arsenal, having snatched an opening-day point against Manchester City after trailing going into the final 10 minutes at Emirates Stadium, then struggling to break down Leicester in a narrow win and unable to find a way through in a 0-0 draw with Everton. Conceding twice early against Chelsea ultimately led to defeat, which came off the back of shipping five against Bayern Munich in Europe.

With such upheaval so close to a matchday, stability was what Slegers was keen to promote against Valerenga, making only a single change from the Gunners team that had lost to Chelsea a few days earlier. She later gave the players a lot of credit for banding together and securing an invaluable 4-1 victory, full-back Emily Fox scoring inside the opening two minutes and the lead

RECORD V THE REDS

Played: 11

Arsenal wins: 5

United wins: 4

Draws: 2

Arsenal goals: 15

United goals: 11

LAST LINE-UP:

v WEST HAM (AWAY, WSL) 20.10.24

VAN DOMSELAAR

MAANUM CALDENTEY FOORD RUSSO FOX CODINA LITTLE

SUBS USED: BLACKSTENIUS, MEAD, KAFAJI, COONEY-CROSS, REID

doubled in the first half by Caitlin Foord. Although the Norwegian side pulled one back, late strikes from new signing Mariona Caldentey and ex-Red Alessia Russo made sure of the win.

Last time out against West Ham, Arsenal again had trouble against another stubborn WSL opponent. But Slegers didn’t shy away from changing things, making a quadruple substitution at the hour mark that soon paid dividends.

Stina Blackstenius was one of those brought on and immediately made a difference to how the Gunners were playing. Within moments she’d forced a save with a shot at goal, before going on to win the penalty that Caldentey converted to put Arsenal ahead. Blackstenius was also instrumental in the killer second goal, claiming possession, playing a one-two with Caldentey and setting up fellow Swede Rosa Kafaji to lock in another confidence-boosting win. And now for the long trip north to LSV...

Renee Slegers is no stranger to succeeding Jonas Eidevall, having previously followed the Swede into the hotseat at Rosengard and delivering Damallsvenskan titles in 2021 and 2022. The Dutch coach moved to Arsenal as an assistant in 2023, but her ties to the club actually date back to 2006 when she spent a year in the youth set-up at the start of her playing career as a midfielder.

INTERIM BOSS WORLD CUP WINNER

Mariona Caldentey considered Arsenal “perfect” for a “new challenge” when she arrived in July. The World Cup-winning forward joined Barcelona aged 18 and spent a successful decade there, including six league titles and three Champions Leagues. Four goals in her first 11 games for Arsenal have made for a promising start.

NEW NO.1

Daphne van Domselaar initially had to wait for her chance after joining from Aston Villa in the summer, but the 24-year-old Netherlands international has started each of Arsenal’s last four WSL games, keeping clean sheets in three of them. She also played against Valerenga in their recent Champions League group tie after Manuela Zinsberger had got the nod in Europe previously.

Left: the Gunners celebrate against West Ham after Rosa Kafaji had put the visitors 2-0 up in the all-London WSL clash two weeks ago

Rewind to...

1 NOV 2015 ● NEW YORK STADIUM, ROTHERHAM

While today should see Alessia Russo face her old club for the third time as a Gunner, for Dominique Janssen it could be a first WSL game against the side she represented between 2015–2019.

The versatile Dutch player had much success in north London, picking up four trophies from a century of games – the first of which was the 2015 League Cup, when a young Dom lined up alongside future United boss Casey Stoney, while going up against a Notts County side including Reds-to-be Amy Turner, Alex Greenwood and Rachel Williams.

Played at Rotherham’s New York Stadium, the Gunners’ 3-0 win was a tad harsh on Rachel and co, with Williams’s header against the crossbar being one of several good

chances that didn’t quite find the target. Not helped by Laura Bassett’s red card before half-time, Pedro Martinez Losa’s Gunners made certain of the win in the second period, with Janssen playing the full 90. Much has changed in the nine years since the above photo – indeed, Leah Williamson is the only other Gunner from this 2015 game that Dominique could be reunited with today – while this afternoon’s attendance is likely to far exceed the 5,028 that saw this League Cup final in South Yorkshire. It was 2019 when Janssen – at that point known as Dominique Bloodworth after getting married – left for Wolfsburg, where she’d go on to enjoy victory in the ’22/23 Champions League semis against her old side (left).

It’s a Williams-Janssen stand-off in South Yorkshire almost nine years ago...

FIREWORK FUNNIES

SOME BONFIRE NIGHT-THEMED JOKES TO CELEBRATE THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER!

How does Ella Toone like to celebrate Bonfire Night? By scoring a rocket!

How can you tell Leah Galton likes fireworks? She’s a sparkler on the wing!

What cutlery should you use to eat a half-time pie today? Guy Forks! Why are so many Everton fans at Bonfire Night? Because of the Toffee Apples!

CLUB

CROSSWORD

ACROSS

3. The surname of our all-time leading WSL scorer (6 letters).

6. Which country is Dominique Janssen from? (11 letters)

7. Today is game number _____ of our current season, in all competitions (3 letters).

8. Both United’s and Arsenal’s kit feature red and _____ (5 letters)

DOWN

1. Surname of the Red who scored a debut goal against Arsenal last season (6 letters).

2. What is Arsenal’s nickname? (7 letters)

4. Which position did Arsenal finish in the WSL last season? (5 letters)

5. When a team doesn’t concede any goals, they keep a _____ _____ (5, 5 letters)

Stats AT THE BACK

A CLOSER LOOK...

years, 124 days).

WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE preview

THE DOMESTIC CALENDAR RETURNS IN STYLE WITH A SIX-GAME SUNDAY...

Following the international break, the Reds’ high-profile showdown with Arsenal kicks off proceedings as the WSL action returns, while the entertainment will keep coming throughout a staggered Sunday fixture list.

Having survived a spate of close calls to hold United to a 1-1 draw at the Amex in October’s final round of fixtures, Brighton host Leicester City at 2pm, with Seagulls coach Dario Vidosic determined to see his side push on following a promising start to the season. Brighton became the first team to take points off the Reds in this season’s WSL, allowing Manchester City to move to the top of the table with a late win at Liverpool. The Blues will be fancied to maintain that position following today’s 2pm trip to Crystal Palace, while Tottenham will simultaneously look to ignite their mixed start to 2024/24 when they host bottom-of-the-table West Ham at Brisbane Road.

“If we want to look more professional, we need to move forward with the technology”

ACROSS THE WSL

– CHELSEA BOSS SONIA BOMPASTOR

After the trio of 2pm kick-offs have finished, the action quickly resumes with the visit of mid-table Liverpool to winless Aston Villa at 4.30pm. Marc Skinner’s staff will have one eye on events at Villa Park, with the Villans visiting Leigh Sports Village next Sunday. Today’s schedule rounds off at 6.45pm with Everton hosting Chelsea, who retain the only perfect record in this season’s WSL after their thumping 5-2 win over Tottenham last time out. The reigning champions have hit the ground running in their

bid for a sixth straight title, clocking up 12 points from four games and building an impressive goal difference – although it might have been even stronger but for a controversial call that saw Amanda Nilden’s long-range effort for Spurs awarded as a goal, despite Chelsea keeper Hannah Hampton seeming to prevent the whole ball crossing the goal-line.

Blues boss Sonia Bompastor used the incident as proof that the women’s game should begin utilising goal-line technology, stressing: “The technology is available for the men’s game. It’s been 10 years now. Why shouldn’t it be available for the women’s game? If we want to look more professional, we need to move forward with the technology.”

Our next opponents are playing at Villa Park today, with Liverpool the visitors