Manchester United Women v Brighton & Hove Albion Women match programme, WSL, 16.10.22

Tissier

MARC SKINNER

AS WSL ACTION RESUMES FOR THE REDS, THE BOSS WANTS TO SEE ANOTHER COLLECTIVE EFFORT ACROSS THE SQUAD TO INSPIRE US TO THREE MORE POINTS

Hello and welcome back to Leigh Sports Village. We’ve had a decent start in the WSL with wins against Reading and West Ham, both without conceding. Nothing breeds a winning mentality like winning and it’s a habit we certainly want to maintain.

We also kicked off our League Cup campaign at Aston Villa, a match we should have won. It was disappointing to draw, then lose the shoot-out, but it’s a learning experience. I made nine changes, and not just to give people minutes. We picked a team confident of winning and the reaction afterwards when we didn’t win was a positive, determined one.

We are striving to be our best every single time we play – a challenge this group of players is now relishing. Some call it pressure, we call it a challenge. We have redefined what pressure means to us; it’s not a negative, we use it to drive us on and this is a squad growing and maturing into that. Winning is a responsibility here, and one we don’t take lightly.

The challenge stretches to individuals and competition for places. I am really happy with how our squad is shaping up and the variance we now have, particularly in attack. If we need fast wingers, we have them. If we face blocks and need crosses, we have players strong in the air to get on the end of them. If we need movement between the lines and someone to be in the right place at the right time, we have that, plus we have the quality to score from outside the box, as we saw against Villa.

We have so many options and the ability to change things from game to game, and in-game with our substitutions.

Something we’ve spoken about recently is how we can maximise our work as a collective too.

The analogy I used was a relay race. We watched Olympic-level races and athletes, observing each individual’s responsibilities; the detail involved in passing the baton on to the next. They know they can’t run the race themselves, so they have to pass to a team-mate who will help. For us, that means it’s not just about the starting XI, it’s about everyone. We give everything knowing we’re always helping each other.

The next opportunity to get three points comes against Brighton. It’s always a tough game and Hope Powell’s side were unlucky against Arsenal on the opening day; I think it could have been a different story had they not had a player sent off so early. When they came to us last time, they sat in a block and waited. We’ve got to be prepared for that again, and be confident and patient in our approach.

And we’ll need you in fine voice too, as you always are. You provide our balance, whether that’s encouraging us when we’re on the attack or grounding us when things aren’t quite going to plan.

Any good United team has the fans’ spirit in them when they take to the pitch, and we gain our momentum from you more than you’ll ever know. So keep spreading the word about this special club, and enjoy the match.

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INSIDE STORIES

BACK TO BUSINESS

Can the Reds continue our perfect league start against the talented Seagulls?

The start of the 2022/23 Women’s Super League has been something of a slow-burner on account of the matchday-one postponements, as well as the recent international break, but the Reds’ schedule is about to get much busier.

Hope Powell’s Brighton are the visitors today for just our third WSL outing of the season – a fixture that kicks off a run of five games in 22 days for Marc Skinner’s side, with away trips to Leicester (WSL), Durham (Conti Cup) and Everton (WSL) next up, before United return to Leigh on 6 November, with champions Chelsea

the visitors (a Sunday fixture that’s been rescheduled to 6.45pm).

So, as well as getting back on track in the Conti Cup after taking just a point at Villa (see p11), the target for the weeks ahead will be nine more WSL points by the time Emma Hayes’s Blues head north, to accompany the six points (from a possible six) we already have in the bag.

Continuing that perfect start in the WSL will be far from easy though in a division that’s already showing signs of being both competitive and unpredictable, with newly promoted Liverpool’s win against Chelsea, and

Players and fans pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth’s passing ahead of our last home game

Aston Villa’s thrilling comeback victory against Manchester City, providing early evidence of that.

Pleasingly, the signs have been very encouraging for the Reds so far, with our new signings settling in well – and bagging a few goals – while at the other end Mary Earps hasn’t been beaten once in the WSL. Our keeper (below) has been one of many Reds away on international duty since our last game, with Ella Toone, Katie Zelem and Nikita Parris also part of the England squad – Nikita receiving a late call-up after Alessia Russo’s withdrawal through injury. Hopefully Lessi will be back fit and firing today, as we take on the club she played nine times for in 2017 – the year Powell took charge, before establishing the Seagulls in the top flight.

Off the field, another healthy attendance is expected following the record-breaking 5,315 crowd who cheered us on against Reading, and as ever, your support will only spur on those wearing the shirts on the pitch.

Let’s go to work, Reds!

CHANGE OF DATE FOR DECEMBER’S M16 FIXTURE

The date and time of United Women’s WSL match against Aston Villa at Old Trafford has now been confirmed, with the Reds taking on the Villans at the Theatre of Dreams at 12.30pm on Saturday 3 December, and broadcast live on Sky Sports.

Our clash with Carla Ward’s Villa was originally pencilled in for the Sunday of that weekend but has been moved forward just under 24 hours following the announcement of the latest TV picks.

There are two other changes to our schedule in the weeks ahead: Arsenal away will now take place on Saturday 19 November (5.30pm, also live on Sky), while Manchester City away (at the Etihad) will be played at 12.30pm on Sunday 11 December, live on BBC.

Our WSL game against Villa at Old Trafford will now be on 3 December

NEW WOMEN’S FOOTBALL SHOW ARRIVES ON MUTV

Get your regular fix of in-depth insight on the Reds, with Toone and Turner featuring in the first episode

A brand-new monthly show dedicated to United Women was launched earlier this month, The Women’s Football Show.

The MUTV production covers all aspects of the Reds, with presenter Zarah Connolly getting behind the scenes at the training ground to get the latest news and insight from players across Marc Skinner’s squad.

In the first episode, Zarah is joined at Carrington by former United forward Danny Webber to reflect on the Reds’ positive start to the 2022/23 campaign in the Women’s Super League, while the pair look ahead to a busy spell following the international break, which begins this afternoon against Brighton.

Viewers in the half-hour episode also get to meet all the summer signings, with Zarah and Danny discussing their individual strengths. Back in the MUTV studio, Ella Toone takes to the couch to chat about her return to club duties on the back of a remarkable summer with the Lionesses. As we learn through

some great behind-the-scenes footage, the Toulouse trip was vital in helping the new-look Reds get set for the new WSL campaign, with some big-name opposition providing serious tests on the pitch throughout the European trip.

Elsewhere, defender Aoife Mannion discusses her road to recovery, while another defender to have recovered from injury, Millie Turner, tells the show what it’s been like to finally get back in the United shirt after a long absence.

To instantly watch the first episode of The Women’s Football Show on your smartphone, simply scan the QR code below using your mobile’s camera, or look out for the show on ManUtd.com, the club app or MUTV.

Danny and Zarah on the mic at Carrington

LAST TIME OUT

Sat 1 Oct, Bescot Stadium, League Cup 1 ASTON VILLA

Daly 72 1 UNITED Parris 16 (Villa claim bonus point on penalties)

Two wins out of two in the WSL, but the Reds were held by Aston Villa in the Continental League Cup 15 days ago, as the Villans fought back against Marc Skinner's side to claim a draw before the hosts picked up a bonus point by winning the shoot-out.

Skinner made nine changes for the trip to the Bescot Stadium, and his side started the game under real pressure, as an organised Villa worked hard in midfield, initially maintaining possession in a tight central battle. The hosts’ combativeness was nearly rewarded early on as Rachel Daly’s smart effort bounced back off the crossbar. It was Nikita Parris, though, who opened the scoring in spectacular fashion on her first start for the Reds.

Captain Ona Batlle evaded pressure before laying the ball off to Parris, who gave the goalkeeper no chance on 16 minutes.

United probed for the remainder of the half but couldn’t add to the lead.

Villa came out with purpose in the second half, as United’s intensity dropped. The hosts began to win more balls, with substitute Laura Brown adding zest and bite to their midfield. Villa fired a shot off the post, a moment that triggered Skinner

Main: Parris gets her first Reds goal

Below: Moore beats Daly to the ball

into introducing Hannah Blundell, Hayley Ladd and Lucia Garcia in an attempt to regain control. But the Reds couldn’t hold off Carla Ward’s side, and Daley capitalised to bring Villa level with 18 minutes left.

Parris was closed down with greater intensity as the game wore on and made way for Ella Toone, and our no.7 couldn’t take advantage on a good late opportunity.

Despite some fine saves from Sophie Baggaley in the ensuing shoot-out, misses from Katie Zelem, Toone, Batlle and Blundell led to Mayumi Pacheco hitting the bonus-point winning penalty for Villa.

LINE-UPS

ASTON VILLA (4-3-3): Leat; Mayling, Corsie, Turner, Pacheco; Lehmann, Dali, Boye-Hlorkah (Blindkilde 45); Daly, Gielnik (Harding 71), McLoughlin Subs not used: Hampton, Gregory, Goodwin, Rabjohn Booked: Lehmann, Daly

UNITED (4-2-3-1): Baggaley; Thorisdottir, Tounkara (Blundell 63), Le Tissier, Batlle; Boe Risa, Moore (Ladd 63); Parris (Toone 83), Staniforth (Zelem 45), Thomas; Leon (Garcia 64); Subs not used: Middleton-Patel, Simpson, Turner Booked: None

Referee: Melissa Burgin Att: 2,109

MATCH WRAP-UP

The Reds got off to a flying start in the 2022/23 Women’s Super League after a dominant display against Reading on 17 September, with 5,315 fans coming through the turnstiles to set an attendance record for United games played here at Leigh Sports Village.

Marc Skinner’s side were ruthless in the penalty area against Kelly Chambers’ Royals, scoring all four goals in the first 45 minutes.

The Reds started the match with high intensity, and were rewarded for the early pressure when Maya Le Tissier – making her debut – looped the ball over the top of goalkeeper Grace Moloney following a typically dangerous Zelem corner.

Ten minutes later, United were awarded a penalty when Moloney brought down Alessia Russo in the area, leaving Zelem, on her 100th United appearance, to step up to the spot, where she made no mistake.

Just before the half-hour mark, Le Tissier grabbed her second, powering a header back across goal and into the far corner from another Zelem corner.

As the half-time break approached, Russo rounded off a perfect half, applying the finishing touch to a delightful cross after our Spaniards, Ona Batlle and Lucia Garcia, linked up well down the right-hand side.

The Reds remained comfortable after the break, and despite not extending the lead – Russo coming closest with a header – the hosts managed possession well to see out the victory while keeping a clean sheet.

Eight days later, it was our first away day of 2022/23, and the Reds impressed again as they overcame West Ham United 2-0 at Victoria Road in Dagenham.

The visitors came close to opening the scoring early on, with a dangerous delivery into the box from Zelem being blocked on the line by Katie Longhurst.

A lovely team move would see United find the net just inside the 20-minute mark, but Leah Galton’s poked finish beyond Mackenzie Arnold in the Hammers’ goal was called offside. Just before the half-time whistle, Millie Turner cleared the ball off the line to keep West Ham’s attackers at bay, before Turner almost converted Zelem’s free-kick at the other end minutes later.

The second 45 proved to be a far livelier affair, and thankfully it soon saw the Reds gain the upper hand. With 50 minutes on the clock, it was Garcia who got the breakthrough. The Spaniard latched on to a Le Tissier pass that took out the entire West Ham backline, before rounding Arnold and slotting into an empty net.

Sustained pressure would see us double our lead five minutes later, this time through Hannah Blundell

...while Garcia didn’t have to wait much longer for her first United goal

It was full-back to full-back, with Batlle’s ball falling to Blundell just outside of the box and, with little pressure around her, she passed the ball into the bottom corner for her first-ever goal for the club.

The hosts thought they had pulled one back after Lucy Parker latched on to a deflected ball into the United box and instinctively finished beyond Mary Earps. But, after a review with her assistant, the referee ruled it out for offside. Zelem then came close to getting a third for United with a long-ranger late on, but Arnold was equal to it to make a good save.

It was a dream debut for Maya against the Royals...

A PARTNERSHIP BUILT ON TRUST.

TISSIER

STILL SIX MONTHS

OF HER 21 ST BIRTHDAY, BUT OUR NEW DEFENDER HAS ALREADY BEEN ON QUITE THE JOURNEY, FROM BOYS’ FOOTBALL IN GUERNSEY, VIA FOUR ENJOYABLE YEARS WITH TODAY’S VISITORS, TO A REMARKABLE GOALSCORING DEBUT WITH THE REDS...

We’ve had a two-week break now to accommodate for the international break. How excited are you to get back into a United shirt this weekend?

Yeah, I’m really excited. We’ve started off really well in the league, so it’s going to be crucial for us to pick up points. We’ve got quite a busy schedule so to try and keep that consistency we’ve had in the league will be really key.

Talk us through the start of the season – how well do you feel you’ve settled into the side?

Really well. Credit to the girls, I think they’ve been great with me to try and settle in. I’ve never transferred from a club before, so I didn’t really know what it was going to be like, but credit to the staff and the club and the players; they’ve made it really easy for me and I think that just shows on the pitch. I feel comfortable and confident as well – it’s been a really good start and I’m really happy.

We could see on your face against Reading that you were shocked to have scored once, let alone twice! What was going through your head after getting those goals in front of what was a record crowd at Leigh?

It was insane, to be honest. I’m not really one for scoring goals at all, so to get two was kind of crazy, and I didn’t really know what to do with myself. It was like a dream debut for me, I still think of it now. I just can’t believe that I actually managed to do that because that just doesn’t usually happen. It was really good to be in front of a record crowd; my dad came and surprised me as well, he wasn’t supposed to be there so that was really nice. Yeah, just to see the fans for the first time – they’re so passionate, so I really wanted to put on a good performance for them and for the players and the staff as well. I was really happy.

You also got an assist in our second game, at West Ham. How important is it to you to be able to contribute going forward as well as performing at the back? It’s really crucial. Obviously, our main role is to keep the →

Interview: Courtney Hill

goals out of our net, but if we can help up the other end as well in creating chances and scoring goals where we can, it can take some of the pressure off our forward players. For the whole team to chip in, in possession and out of possession, is key for us. Everything is a team effort and I think it shows the togetherness we have in the squad is really good. Wherever we can, everyone can always help, and some other defenders have been getting on the scoresheet as well with Han [Blundell] at the West Ham game, so we always try and help when we can.

FACTFILE

FULL NAME Maya Le Tissier

DATE OF BIRTH

18 April 2002

PLACE OF BIRTH Guernsey POSITION Defender

YOUTH CAREER

St Martins AC (boys), Brighton & Hove Albion

SENIOR CAREER

2018-22 Brighton & Hove Albion, 75 games, 2 goals

2022- Manchester United 3 games, 2 goals

You’ve started alongside Millie Turner in both of our WSL games. Do you feel you’re building a solid partnership at the back? It’s been unbelievable. I’ve loved playing alongside Mills – credit to her, she’s had a really tough time with her neck. Obviously, I’ve not been there throughout it all, but the last couple of months of her rehab, she was just such a positive influence on everyone. You can see she is such a big part of the team. It’s really nice to be able to share the pitch with her and for her to be back out on the pitch. I think we complement each other really well, and we’ve got a really good depth in the team for defenders if anyone ever needs to come in. We’re all backing each other and ready to help each other.

INTERNATIONAL CAREER

England U17, 16 caps/1 goal; England U19, 2 caps/0 goals; England U23, 6 caps/0 goals

Who is Maya Le Tissier outside of football? What does your free time usually entail?

I love going for coffee and meeting up with the girls. I’m quite a sociable person so anything that I can keep myself busy with – exploring new things, going on walks. I’m getting a dog soon so I can’t wait to spend all my time with my dog. I’m sure we’ll be getting up to some fun stuff, especially with the girls, quite a lot of them have dogs so I’m really looking forward to that. I’m quite a brunch person, and a few of the girls like going out for that too, and I’m trying to get good at golf... but that’s not going too well!

In May you joined Common Goal [a pledge-based charitable movement co-founded by former Red Juan Mata]. Why did you feel now is the right time for you to get involved?

I’ve always wanted to give things back to the game. I know I’m still quite young but for me to be able to start early on and give back a bit throughout my career is really key and just to help women’s football and pledge one per cent [of salary] – for us, it’s not much but for everyone else and what it’s going towards, it can make such a big difference. Within Common Goal you are part of a team of people who want to help grow the game in many areas. I just want to be part of change going forward.

Turning back the clock, how did you first get into football? Tell us about your journey as a youngster... I started when I was four at St Martins, my local team back home [on the Channel Island of Guernsey]. My dad was the coach, so he just coached me from when I was four until I was 16. Within that, I played for Guernsey at all age groups – this is in boy’s football – and when I was about 11 I’d go over to England twice a month just to try and get recognised within the women’s pathway, and I played for Hampshire. I did regional camps and that’s where I got picked up by England. When I was 16, I was kind of just waiting until I could come over to England – I finished school, went over to Brighton, played for them for four years and obviously in the summer got the move to United.

Are you already seeing first-hand just how much women’s football is growing, especially on the back of this summer’s Euros?

Yeah, I think it’s massive. It’s just been such a big change; I think that’s credit to the girls at England that have shown everyone what we can do and to go and win the Euros at home... it’s crazy. I think everyone behind the scenes, all the older players – they’ve done the stuff that’s made it easier for younger players coming through, people like me. I think credit goes to the people who fought for all of us and now we’re kind of getting the benefits of it and I think that’s really important for us to continue to do that for the next generations too.

An “insane” debut against Reading, as Maya matched her goal tally across her four years at Brighton within 25 minutes of making her United bow

You’re obviously in the United squad with four of those Euros winners. What has the buzz been like since they returned as European champions?

It’s been amazing! It’s just a dream for me to be in a team that’s got these kinds of players. They’ve been so down to earth but to see what they’ve achieved is amazing and it’s just incredible for me to be able to play alongside them. I think with the experience they’ve got, especially with me being quite young, it’s nice to have players who have been able to deliver in the big moments. It’s amazing for me to be on the same pitch as them and work together as a team.

Do you think that kind of buzz has infected the United camp to the point where it makes the team even more determined to come away with silverware this season?

Definitely. We play to win. That’s what we want to do – we want to win games, we want to win trophies – every single game we go into we want to keep climbing. We’ve got big ambitions and with all the Euros players, they’re winners, so injecting that energy into the team is important. And we’ve got other winners in the team that have won lots of things before. I think we’ve got a really good winning mentality and hopefully we can bring that to help us out.

Our next game is against your former club. What kind of emotions are you feeling about facing Brighton for the first time since your transfer?

I’m really excited to play against them to be honest. Just to see the girls and the staff. I really enjoyed my time there and I have only good things to say about them. They really helped me with moving away [from home]. For us to play against them, it’s going to be so nice to see everyone but of course I’m excited, and for us to get three points is really important. I’ll be nice and focused on the game and trying to help the team out as much as I can.

You spent your time there working under Hope Powell, a hugely influential figure in the women’s game... She had such a big part to play in my four years at Brighton – and so did all the other staff – but to have Hope as a leader and as someone to guide you through when you’re young, it was amazing. She’s got so much experience and seen so many different things so just to have her opinion on things was great. Sometimes she needed to speak to me about certain things, but other times she was there to praise me. Credit to her and the rest of the staff, I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to be managed by her. →

“WITH ME BEING YOUNG, IT’S NICE TO HAVE PLAYERS WHO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DELIVER IN BIG MOMENTS. IT’S AMAZING TO BE ON THE SAME PITCH AS THEM”

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Now of course you’re working under Marc and his team. Has that been much of an adjustment or do you find yourself aligned in how you both view the game?

I do think it’s been a massive change; the way that we play football at United compared to Brighton is a lot different: different game plans, different kinds of players, and the different kinds of experiences we have in our team. At the moment it’s just such a big change but I’ve loved working under the staff and the players as well, and I think it’s brought out a different side of my game that I’m continuing to try and work at. I’ve really enjoyed it so far.

You’ve got to be doing something right, seeing as you were nominated for WSL Player of the Month and PFA Fans’ Player of the Month for September! Were you expecting your first month as a Red to pan out like this?

Not at all, no! I wasn’t expecting it. It’s just a bit of a dream really. Just to even try and get into the team and play well in pre-season, to try and settle in, was my main target. These are added [bonuses] but it’s really nice.

What are your hopes for this season, both as a team and individually?

As a team, and individually, we want to win. That is our main aim. I think we have something special going so hopefully we can really put that into the games and keep climbing the table and keep winning. Individually, I’d love to keep on helping the team out in any way I can on the pitch, and off the pitch. Whatever the situation is, I just always try and work hard for the team and do whatever I can to help out.

Final question: you’ve already been on quite a journey to get where you are right now. If you could give any message to your younger self, what would it be?

Probably something like: control the controllable and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. But also, you’re going to need to break down some barriers and doing that is just working hard and not really caring about what other people have done. You don’t need to follow the same path as everyone else – you can create your own path. ●

Standing strong at the back en route to another WSL clean sheet, away to West Ham

“WHAT WOULD I TELL MY YOUNGER SELF? CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLE, DON’T PUT TOO MUCH PRESSURE ON YOURSELF, AND WORK HARD. CREATE YOUR OWN PATH”

... and battling with Leah Galton last season!

Getting stuck in against United’s Jess Sigsworth in April 2021...

SOPHIE BAGGALEY

Born: 29 November 1996

Nationality: English United apps/goals: 7/0

MARIA THORISDOTTIR

Born: 5 June 1993

Nationality: Norwegian United apps/goals: 36/1

HANNAH BLUNDELL

Born: 25 May 1994

Nationality: English United apps/goals: 32/1

AISSATOU

TOUNKARA

Born: 16 March 1995

Nationality: French United apps/goals: 1/0

JADE MOORE

Born: 22 October 1990

Nationality: English United apps/goals: 6/0

MARY EARPS

Born: 7 March 1993

Nationality: English United apps/goals: 71/0

ONA

BATLLE

Born: 10 June 1999

Nationality: Spanish United apps/goals: 53/2

AOIFE MANNION

Born: 24 September 1995

Nationality: English United apps/goals: 19/0

MAYA LE TISSIER

Born: 18 April 2002

National team: England U23 United apps/goals: 3/2

MILLIE TURNER

Born: 7 July 1996

Nationality: English United apps/goals: 85/5

VILDE BOE RISA

Born: 13 July 1995

Nationality: Norwegian United apps/goals: 27/3

KATIE ZELEM

Born: 20 January 1996

Nationality: English United apps/goals: 102/28

GRACE CLINTON

Born: 31 March 2003

Nationality: English United apps/goals: 0/0

ELLA TOONE

Born: 2 September 1999 Nationality: English United apps/goals: 106/41

LEAH GALTON

Born: 24 May 1994

Nationality: English United apps/goals: 86/22

ADRIANA LEON

Born: 2 October 1992 Nationality: Canadian United apps/goals: 3/0

ALESSIA RUSSO

Born: 8 February 1999 Nationality: English United apps/goals: 37/15

HAYLEY LADD

Born: 6 October 1993

National team: Wales United apps/goals: 63/5

LUCY STANIFORTH

Born: 2 October 1992

Nationality: English United apps/goals: 35/3

MARTHA THOMAS

Born: 31 May 1996

National team: Scotland United apps/goals: 27/6

LUCIA GARCIA

Born: 14 July 1998

Nationality: Spanish United apps/goals: 3/1

NIKITA

PARRIS

Born: 10 March 1994 Nationality: English United apps/goals: 3/1

RACHEL WILLIAMS

Born: 10 January 1988

Nationality: English United apps/goals: 0/0

Opening doors to confidence

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KATIE ZELEM

CAPTAIN ZEL ON LINKING UP WITH THE LIONESSES, SPREADING GOALS ACROSS THE SQUAD, AND THE NEED TO SHOW PATIENCE TODAY AGAINST THE SEAGULLS

It’s great to be back together after international duty. After today, we won’t return to Leigh until November, so we’re excited to see you.

I enjoyed meeting up with the England girls over the last week or so. It was a change of scenery and being at Wembley was amazing. Seeing nearly 80,000 there after the Euros shows how far the women’s game has come. Fixtures like that are big occasions we want to see more of so they become normal for the game, whether internationally or domestically.

This season, lots of teams are playing at bigger stadiums and we’ll be lucky enough to do so in the months ahead. We’re excited by the opportunities coming up, but focused on the here and now.

We couldn’t have asked for much more when it comes to our start in the WSL. Every opposition will be tough given how many teams have strengthened. For us, two wins out of two and two clean sheets is so important. It’s something we pride ourselves on and we’re looking to continue that form into the winter.

Another pleasing part of our opening two matches has been how many goalscorers we’ve had. That’s always been a huge quality of Manchester United

teams, and with us there’s never just one player we’re solely relying on. We’ve got really good quality throughout the team and whether it’s any of the forwards or midfielders – or recently, in our case, defenders – chipping in, that makes it even better.

The Continental League Cup match against Aston Villa was a difficult one. Marc made some changes and it was good for some of the girls who haven’t played much to get some minutes. It demonstrated that anybody in this team is capable of starting, whatever game we have. Though some of the players haven’t played together too much at the moment, the more we play together, the more we learn. We were ahead and in control for so long but when there’s just one goal in it, you need to capitalise on your chances. We came away from that match feeling positive – we know on another day, we’d have won. I think similar to Villa, today’s match against Brighton will be a physical one. That’s something we need to get on top of early. We’ll need to be patient on the ball and win our battles first before we can let our football do the talking. We’re raring to go!

UNITED

stand

shoulder as the

of Manchester United.

era together.

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION

The Seagulls might have become part of the WSL’s furniture in recent years, but it’s fair to say that Albion aren’t sitting still at the start of their fifth successive top-flight season.

Last term, the Seagulls narrowly missed out on bettering their record-setting effort achieved during the previous campaign: a sixth-place finish with 27 points. The south-coast side ended up just one behind in both regards but that will have no doubt lit a fire inside of Hope Powell’s side coming into 2022/23.

Her team’s success in recent years has been built on a solid defence but more of the same is by no means a guarantee, having lost three members of that unit that each played over 20 league games last season. Finland’s Emma Koivisto became Liverpool’s first summer signing, while Dutch centre-back Danique Kerkdijk returned to her home country when rejoining FC Twente.

The third player of that trio is a certain Maya Le Tissier, who swapped the blue-and-white stripes for Manchester red, off the back of four successful years by the seaside.

Since those departures, Brighton have looked to rebuild and have made additions at the back with the resigning of Rebekah Stott and the addition of Poppy Pattinson from Everton, while young full-back Jorja Fox has joined on loan from Chelsea.

Brighton have also strived to bolster their ranks with creativity in attack through the captures of Yeni Park, Vea Sarri and Elisabeth Terland – after saying goodbyes to the experience of Inessa Kaagman and Aileen Whelan – while young forward Katie Robinson is making an impression after returning from her loan at Charlton.

A 2-1 home win to Reading in their last WSL outing followed a 4-0 loss at Arsenal, while they started October with a 3-2 Conti Cup loss at Birmingham two weeks ago.

Katie Robinson (right) celebrates her goal against Reading, with the 20-year-old’s form seeing her included on the standby list for England’s October fixtures

HOPE POWELL VICTORIA WILLIAMS GEUM-MIN LEE

The former Lionesses manager is a trailblazer in the game, as the first-ever woman to manage a senior England side and the earliest female coach to obtain UEFA’s Pro Licence. She guided Albion to the WSL for the first time in their history in 2017/18 and is a well-respected figure for her achievements on and off the pitch.

The experienced defender had led the side several times since her move from Sunderland in 2018 but was named the team’s official skipper ahead of 2022/23. Williams surpassed 50 WSL appearances for the club last season and has become an integral part of Brighton’s backline over recent years.

The South Korea international has wasted no time getting on the scoresheet at the start of her second season at Albion. The ex-Manchester City forward has been a standout star in recent weeks, netting in each of the Seagulls’ last two matches and setting up the winner in their recent WSL triumph over Reading.

“KATIE [ROBINSON] IS STILL LEARNING BUT SHE IS QUICK; SHE’S A TURNER AND A DRIBBLER” –POWELL

This afternoon’s meeting will be our ninth with Brighton, with the first coming in the fourth round of the 2018/19 Women’s FA Cup – a 2-0 win on the road for United (above). The Reds have won six of the eight contests over the years between the two clubs, including all four that have been played here at Leigh Sports Village. Last season, Marc Skinner’s side took three points away from the south coast after a 2-0 victory courtesy of goals from Hayley Ladd and Vilde Boe Risa, with the Norwegian the star of the game. The spoils were ours once again in April, as Leah Galton’s second-half effort was enough to take the triumph from a hard-fought encounter at LSV.

Yas was recently named a Community Captain for her work with the club’s associated charity

UNITED & YAS!

the same opportunities to the next generation. “The Foundation has been so prominent in my life and it opened up doors for me,” Yasmeen said. “If it wasn’t for the coaches in high school and college, I don’t think I’d be doing what I’m doing now.”

Yas’s inspiring journey embodies the Foundation’s mission to empower young people to achieve their goals. Her outstanding contribution to the Foundation and local area was recently recognised by the Premier League as part of its 30th-anniversary celebrations, with Yas being named Community Captain, receiving her award from United legend Wes Brown.

“Receiving this award really means a lot and it makes me look back at how far I’ve come,” she reflected. “I’d like to think that me being made Community Captain will show to our young people that they could be here in 10-15 years’ time. If I can do it, they can do it too.”

The Foundation’s mission statement is to engage, inspire and unite the young people of Greater Manchester, and further afield around the UK. For 15 years, thousands have benefitted from this work and now it’s time to hear some of their stories.

#UnitedandMe is a campaign that allows these tales to be heard, and kicking off this season’s offering is primary delivery officer, Yasmeen Ali.

Growing up in the shadow of Old Trafford, Yasmeen – or Yas to those who know her – epitomises what Manchester United means to the young people of Greater Manchester.

Yas first started her journey with the Foundation at the age of five, when she took part in the Premier

League Primary Stars programme at Kings Road Primary School. She then attended Stretford High School where she was coached by Otto Malone, a high school partnership officer.

It was at this time that Yas discovered her love of coaching. Hailing Otto as the biggest influence in her school life, she developed leadership skills and experience that would pave the way for a career in coaching. Yas later enrolled on the Foundation’s BTEC Sport course at Eccles College, as well as recording 166 hours of volunteering for the Foundation’s V99 programme.

Now – in a complete full circle –Yas is part of the Foundation’s delivery team working as a primary education officer, aiming to afford

Scan the QR code below to see more from Yas. More #UnitedandMe stories will be released throughout the season, so follow the Foundation on social media for all updates.

If you would like to make a donation to support the Foundation’s work, please visit mufoundation.org/donate

are these hidden

Alessia Russo

2017

2021-

Le Tissier

2018-22

2022-

THE QUIZ

We focus on the four Reds with a birthday in October!

BEGINNER

1. Although born in England, Hayley Ladd represents which country?

At how many clubs has Marc Skinner managed Jade Moore: two, three or four?

3. Which of October’s birthday girls – Hayley Ladd, Adriana Leon, Jade Moore and Lucy Staniforth

has played the most games for United?

ADVANCED

With which club did Jade Moore win the Women’s FA Cup in 2012?

2. And Lucy Staniforth was on the books at which club when they won the WSL in 2014?

3. Which current Red faced Adriana Leon’s Canada with Great Britain in the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics?

EXPERT

Against which club did Jade Moore make her United debut in March this year (a 1-1 away draw)?

Other than England, in which country has Hayley Ladd played club football, in a loan spell in 2012?

Who is the only player to make a WSL appearance for United wearing a higher number than Lucy Staniforth’s 37?

RED ARMY!

↑ Young Red Georgina (nine) would like to wish all the United team a fab game today! Thanks, Georgina – we hope you enjoy the match.

← Here is Abbie, who is so excited to be back at Leigh Sports Village, especially to watch her favourite player, ‘Toooooney!’

YOUR

↑ Freya (16) and Alana (13) have been coming to games for over a year now. Good to have you back!

↑ Khardine says: ‘Hello to Sheona, Lauren, Kerry, myself and the husband. We go to all the home games, and Morgan and Tracey are missing from this pic... Tracey was probably at the bar!’

← ‘Good luck in the new season –let’s smash it!’ says Georgia, posing here outside Old Trafford with her new shirt.

↑ Lily and Lashai play for Downend Flyers in Bristol, and when they’re not playing they love watching United.

Opening doors to leadership

Football provides skills that last a lifetime. That’s why the Barclays Community Football Fund is giving grants to community sports groups who need it most. Find out more at home.barclays/footballfund

Community Football Fund

Ona Batlle

Baggaley

Hannah Blundell

Vilde Boe

Mary Earps

Galton

Garcia

Hayley Ladd

Le Tissier

Adriana Leon

Jade Moore

Nikita

Aissatou

ALL-TIME PLAYER

Zelem

Kirsty Hanson

Galton

Turner

Earps

Turner

Sigsworth

Groenen

Kirsty Smith

James

Batlle

McManus

Ferreira

Devlin

Aoife Mannion

Aimee Palmer

Heath

Jones

JANUARY

FIXTURES & RESULTS

Garcia

REDS ON

1995

DARWEN FC,LANCASHIRE

Today we head back to the Reds’ amateur days – a time when ‘Manchester United Ladies’ rarely travelled too far for away games in the North West Women’s Regional Football League (which had been formed in 1989). The above photo was taken at Darwen FC, home of Blackburn Rovers Ladies, and don’t the United players look happy to be there! Check out those stitched-on crests on their unofficial kits, while that Mitre Multiplex ball, along with the massive-tongued black-and-white boots, provide a lovely dose of nostalgia. As for that subs’ bench (right)... well, it’s somewhere to sit, isn’t it. Captain Donna Douglas is just one of the faces on show (front row, far left of team photo), but we’d love to hear from any ex-Reds on this page – you can get in touch with us at muwomenfamily@manutd.co.uk.

Ona Batlle

Maria Thorisdottir

Jade Moore

Aoife Mannion

Hannah Blundell

Ella Toone

Vilde Boe Risa Martha Thomas Katie Zelem

Leah Galton

Hayley Ladd Maya Le Tissier Lucia Garcia Adriana Leon Aissatou Tounkara Millie Turner Nikita Parris

Alessia Russo Grace Clinton Mary Earps (GK)

Rachel Williams Sophie Baggaley (GK) Lucy Staniforth

BRIGHTON & HOVE

Megan Walsh (GK)

Jorja Fox Poppy Pattinson

Veatriki Sarri Megan Connolly

Geum-min Lee Julia Zigiotti Olme

Elisabeth Terland Libby Bance Rebekah Stott Ye-eun Park Kayleigh Green Emma Kullberg Maisie Symonds Danielle Carter Victoria Williams Katie Robinson

Lulu Jarvis Chelsea Ferguson Katie Startup (GK)