Manchester United Women v Bristol City Women match programme, Women's Super League, 17..3.24

HEAD

MAYA

HAYLEY

THE BOSS CALLS FOR ENERGY ON AND OFF THE PITCH IF WE ARE TO ACHIEVE OUR AIMS IN THE WEEKS AHEAD

MARC SKINNER

Hello and welcome back to Leigh Sports Village – it feels like such a long time since we were last here!

Our FA Cup quarter-final against Brighton was one of our best performances of the season. We showed our ruthless side while maintaining control, and every player was excellent. We have tasked ourselves to continue that energy and belief throughout every remaining game. We were really happy with the clean sheet and our levels of quality off the ball set how we were when on the ball.

We now know that our opponents in the semi-finals will be Chelsea. It’s a difficult tie against the current holders and defending WSL champions but we will try our best to find a way to overcome the challenge ahead. You have to beat everyone in your path if you’re to win a trophy of this magnitude. Not only are we going to put our all into it but we will be looking to the fans to make it a hostile environment for the visitors. We are going to need your support to be as loud as ever.

Today’s opponents Bristol City will once again pose a challenge. It was a difficult game against them away from home and we

need to be ready for their fast counterattacks. Carrie Jones is a former Red and has been playing some brilliant football this season. It doesn’t matter where teams sit in the table; it matters how we play against them and we never underestimate a team.

Today sees Katie and Hayley receive recognition for their appearance milestones – 150 games and 100 games. Katie is our captain and has played an important role at this club while Hayley, who has also been vice-captain, has played a big part in the club’s recent past. Both embody the spirit of this club and deserve the recognition. These awards are testament to them both and we look to keep pushing their standards as they use their experience to guide us, and to help younger players coming through.

While we have been on the road, you fans have been excellent, travelling in your numbers once again. At Brighton it almost felt like a home game! It was special for the players to be able to celebrate with you at the end. You fans help push our standards and the qualities each week. In the final games of the season we want to push our standards further while continuing the connection we have with you. We’ll keep giving our all so that you can keep bringing your unique energy to each game.

HEADING INTO THE SEMI-FINALS...

She can leap like a salmon, our no.21! Surrounded by four Brighton defenders, Millie Turner rises highest from Katie Zelem’s dangerous cross to nod the ball into the far corner of the Brighton net. With just eight minutes on the clock, it made for the perfect start at Broadfield Stadium last Saturday, setting the Reds up nicely for one of our performances of the season to take us into the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals for a second successive year, with Chelsea next up at home in a tasty last-four clash.

For Turner, this was an eighth headed goal out of her total of nine for the Reds (either side of her right-footed worldie v West Ham in November), dating back to a glancing nod away to London Bees in September 2018 (below) –a goal that was also assisted by Zel. That’s why you’re United’s head girl, Mil!

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

COUNTDOWN TO KICK-OFF

Our WSL win against Brighton on 4 February was our 73rd fixture at Leigh Sports Village – we’ve won 51 (10 draws and 12 losses )

HOME STRETCH

As we step into spring and the 2023/24 finish line nears, the Reds’ form at LSV and Old Trafford could prove crucial to our ambitions...

It’s great to be back on home soil following six long weeks on the road – or on the plane for so many Reds during the international break – but we’ve got five home fixtures to look forward to in the weeks ahead, including standout league and cup dates against Emma Hayes’s Chelsea.

As always in this game though, the most important fixture is the one that lies directly ahead, and today that means seeking three WSL points against Lauren Smith’s Bristol City, who are in serious need of points themselves as they strive to claw themselves to safety at the bottom.

Our WSL results haven’t been nearly as good as we’d have hoped for since we last played in Leigh in early February, but let’s not forget there are 21

points still to play for before season’s end. Those above us in the Champions League spots still have to meet each other (including Chelsea v Arsenal, which took place on Friday), while we need to rediscover the form we displayed this time last year – not only to keep our WSL season alive, but to give us some winning momentum to take into the FA Cup semi-final, and hopefully on to Wembley.

Marc Skinner’s Reds will not be taking anything for granted today, against a talented side with so much to fight for. The Robins put in a resilient display in late November at Ashton Gate, before we eventually won 2-0, and many fans will recall January 2020, when Bristol City ended our solid run of home form with a 1-0 win at LSV, which really dented our European aspirations that season.

That was meeting no.1 between the teams, and although our record has been exemplary against them since then – three wins from three – Smith’s side have the attacking nous to spring a surprise: they’ve netted 10 goals in their last five WSL

IF WE CAN PUT IN A DISPLAY AS COHESIVE AS OUR FA CUP WIN AT BRIGHTON LAST WEEK, WE’LL HAVE EVERY CHANCE OF VICTORY

games, with their dangerous Dane Amalie Thestrup scoring in her last four. Indeed, Thestrup has also scored in six different away games this season – two more away games than any other player in the division.

Thankfully we also have a forward in a rich vein of form. If Nikita Parris manages to net twice today, she’ll become just the second player in WSL history to score 2+ goals in three consecutive home appearances. Nikita does enjoy this opposition: she’s scored in each of her last four appearances against Bristol City in the WSL (four goals – three for Manchester City, one for United), which is her joint-longest scoring streak against an opponent in the competition. And while we’re talking on-song forwards, let’s not miss the opportunity to praise Melvine Malard, who was so impressive against Brighton last weekend, while Geyse should be back in contention after her Concacaf Gold Cup exploits, when she helped Brazil reach the final.

All the signs point towards goals today, and if we can put in a display as cohesive as our FA Cup win eight days ago, we’ll have every chance of celebrating another victory come 1.45pm... perfect timing to jump in the car and get yourself down to Old Trafford for another important game you might have heard about. Come on you Reeeeeeedddds!

ACROSS

Matchweek 16 is upon us, and here’s all you need to know about the latest half-dozen fixtures...

After a brief pause in the WSL calendar last weekend for the sixth round of the Women’s FA Cup, attention turns back to the top flight as the WSL’s end point becomes more visible on the horizon.

Only six rounds of fixtures remain after this weekend and every point, particularly in the title race, is more valuable than ever. The action kicked off at Stamford Bridge on Friday night, as Chelsea hosted Arsenal. Ahead of kick-off, the Blues held a three-point advantage over the third-placed Gunners, and were only ahead of nearest challengers Manchester City on goal difference.

The game was also an early preview of the upcoming Conti Cup final, with Chelsea and Arsenal set to meet at Molineux on Sunday 31 March in a battle to lift this season’s first trophy.

The other WSL fixture that’s already taken place before we get under way here in Leigh today was Aston Villa’s trip to Everton yesterday lunchtime. Neither club has had the season they would have hoped for after slipping into the bottom half, but there were just two points between Villa in eighth and the Toffees in 10th before kick-off and both sides would have seen it as a golden opportunity to get points on the board against a direct rival.

Getting started at the same time as us today, Liverpool are looking to bounce back from their FA Cup exit at the hands of Leicester by welcoming West Ham to Prenton Park. Matt Beard’s fifth-placed Reds are massively improved this season and a handsome 4-1 victory at Aston Villa in their last league outing saw them move on to 25 points – already two better than their tally from the whole of 2022/23. The Hammers have taken seven points from their last four games,

Naalsund and Malard were two standout performers last weekend

including a draw against United, to put a healthy six-point gap between them and the relegation zone. That form is in stark contrast to the five points they gained from their first 11 games.

At 12.30pm today, Manchester City are in action at Brighton’s Broadfield Stadium. City have put together nine straight WSL wins stretching back to their November derby victory, so few would have expected them to be knocked out of the FA Cup by Tottenham last weekend. Gareth Taylor’s title-chasing Blues will be out to shake off that setback against a Brighton side whose only league points since mid-December have come in home and away wins over Bristol City.

Tottenham themselves are playing in the last WSL fixture of the weekend at 2pm this afternoon when they host Leicester at Brisbane Road. That FA Cup result against City should go

SPURS’ CUP WIN AGAINST CITY SHOULD GO SOME WAY TO BOOSTING CONFIDENCE IN A TEAM THAT HAS LOST THREE OF THEIR LAST FOUR GAMES IN THE WSL

some way to boosting confidence in a team that has lost three of the last four league games to slip six points behind both United and Liverpool in the table. Meanwhile, Leicester have picked up wins against Everton and Bristol City in recent weeks, and will leapfrog opponents Spurs on goal difference should they win in east London today.

Ex-Red Kirsty Smith and her fellow Hammers are at Prenton Park this afternoon

Liverpool have picked up some decent form in the top flight

Can Tottenham’s sensational FA Cup shoot-out win against City inspire them in the WSL?

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REDS REPORT

BY JOE NELSON

EIGHT DAYS AGO

0 BRIGHTON

4 UNITED

Women’s FA Cup quarter-final Broadfield Stadium, Sat 9 Mar

ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY: Turner, Parris, Garcia and Naalsund ensure Reds progress to the FA Cup semis with a superb display in West Sussex.

FAST START: The visitors looked keen to hit the Seagulls early and Millie Turner was the source of the opening goal, rising high to head home at the far post after Katie Zelem’s left-footed cross evaded the Brighton defence.

PERFECT GIFT FOR PARRIS: Nikita Parris started in attack the day before her birthday and she marked the special weekend by extending United’s lead on 17 minutes. The forward raced on to Melvine Malard’s surgical through ball and finished first time beyond the on-rushing Sophie Baggaley to take her tally for the season to 16 goals.

TURNING THE SCREW: The Reds –perhaps spurred on by letting a lead slip at West Ham a week earlier –seemed out to put Brighton to bed

before half-time. Malard – a constant threat throughout – hit a low shot that struck the base of the post, with Lucia Garcia on hand to poke the ball home just before the half-time whistle blew. Malard’s reaction to not scoring herself (boy, did she deserve a goal!) was almost as enjoyable as Lucia’s celebration.

BLUNDELL PUSHES ON: Hannah Blundell’s contract extension was confirmed the previous day (see p14), and she forced Baggaley into a fine save. The full-back continued to be resolute as the tie went on, and, after Lisa Naalsund’s powerful finish made it 4-0 and Irene Guerrero struck the bar for United, Blundell helped see out the rest of the game to claim a second FA Cup clean sheet of the season.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: With Manchester City eliminated the following day at Tottenham – ex-Red Amy Turner (now Amy James-Turner) scoring the decisive kick in the shoot-out – the north London side host Leicester in final four, with United drawn at home to Chelsea. No prizes for guessing who the favourites are, but could there be a new name on the trophy come 12 May?

Zelem shakes hands with Seagulls skipper Vicky Losada ahead of the victory

BLUNDELL’S EXTENSION

Hannah Blundell has signed a contract extension with the Reds. Our versatile no.6 is in her third season with the club since arriving from Chelsea in July 2021, and she’s played 82 games to date, scoring three goals, while being named our Players’ Player of the Year last season. Head coach Marc Skinner said of the 29-year-old (left): “Hannah is a model professional who consistently delivers. We’re delighted to see her commit her future to the club.”

SIR JIM’S MUW PLEDGE

New Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has insisted that a winning culture must extend throughout the club, and not just be a pre-requisite of the men’s first XI. “Any team that wears that United badge on their shirt is important to the club because they’re wearing the badge and they need to be successful in winning,” he told MUTV. “So they’re all important components of the club.” Ratcliffe (above) completed his 27.7 per cent acquisition last month, having already met the MUW squad at Carrington.

DERBY DAY TICKETS

At the time of writing, there was still availability for tickets in the away end in next Saturday’s WSL Manchester derby at City’s Etihad Stadium (12.30pm). We have an allocation of 3,002 tickets at £10/£7/£5 –scan the code for more, including coach travel.

14 DAYS AGO

1 WEST HAM

1 UNITED

Women’s Super League

Chigwell Construction Stadium, Sun 3 Mar

ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY: Late agony for Reds as Asseyi clinches point for West Ham after early opener from Williams... who so nearly wins it.

RACH STARTS, AND SCORES: Following 14 sub appearances in the WSL this term, Rachel Williams led the line from the off in London, with Nikita Parris dropping deeper to support her. The tactic quickly paid dividends, as Williams was sent through by Katie Zelem and smashed the ball past Mackenzie Arnold in the Hammers’ goal: 1-0.

GARCIA’S 50: Lucia Garcia made her 50th United appearance – our no.17 was introduced just before the hour mark at Chigwell Construction Stadium, becoming just the third player from outside the British Isles to reach the landmark (after Jackie Groenen and Ona Batlle). And Garcia looked lively, with a mazy run leading to a chance. West Ham were soon throwing caution to the wind in pursuit of a leveller, however, and they would achieve their aim when Viviane Asseyi lofted a strike over Mary Earps to level on 85 minutes.

LATE DRAMA: Williams’ opener saw her bring up a 50 milestone of her own – a half-century of WSL goals, as she became just the 10th player to achieve the feat. But come full-time, she was only thinking about the one that got away: with seconds left and the score 1-1, Arnold’s goal kick struck Williams, who reacted brilliantly to quickly claim the ball, only to see her shot go agonisingly wide. Proof that even the coolest finishers can miss on occasion...

Williams strikes to give us the lead in London

29 DAYS AGO

3 ARSENAL 1 UNITED

Women’s Super League Emirates Stadium, Sat 17 Feb

ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY: Reds fall to defeat in front of 60,160 fans at Emirates Stadium – a new WSL attendance record.

MORE LANDMARKS: Captain Katie Zelem played her 150th game on the same day fellow midfielder Hayley Ladd brought up a century of appearances. Unfortunately for the pair, they couldn’t toast their milestones with a win to match our previous trip to the Emirates.

BUSY AT THE BACK: It was a torrid first half for the visitors, with Mary Earps beaten by Geyse’s own goal (deflected from Katie McCabe’s corner), then Cloe Lacasse, and finally Kim Little from the penalty spot. But for all that, Earps showed her quality with a string of saves to at least keep us in the match. Mary denied Stina Blackstenius twice – the second of which was a superb stop one-on one – as the Gunners tried to press home their advantage.

FIGHTING UNTIL THE END: An injury-time consolation it might have been, but it gave the packed away end something to cheer about on a difficult day. Zelem and Toone linked up from a corner to create the chance for Lucia Garcia at the back post, and the Spaniard made no mistake from close range.

LIONESSES DEBUT FOR PAIR

A host of Reds lined up for their respective national teams last month, but it was Millie Turner’s long-awaited England debut that made the biggest headlines, in the Lionesses’ 5-1 win v Italy. Millie (left) took to the field as an 80th-minute substitute in the friendly played in Spain, with Ella Toone among the scorers. Days earlier, fellow Red Grace Clinton (currently on loan at Spurs) made her England bow in midfield, scoring in a 7-2 win v Austria.

BANCROFT’S DEPARTURE

Polly Bancroft is to step down as United’s head of women’s football at the end of the season to become chief executive of Grimsby Town FC. Since joining the club in October 2022, Bancroft (below) has overseen the continued development of United into a leading force in the women’s game, both on and off the pitch. She will continue in her role for the remainder of the campaign while a search takes place for her successor. We wish Polly all the best in the next stage of her career.

PARRIS WINS PFA PRIZE

Nikita Parris has been named PFA WSL Fans’ Player of the Month for February. The forward beat competition from Jordan Nobbs and Adriana Leon (Aston Villa), Khiara Keating and Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), and Leicester’s Yuka Momiki in the fan vote, and it follows up Parris winning February’s MUW Player of the Month award (left).

Geyse goes up against Arsenal’s Lacasse

35 DAYS AGO

1 SOUTHAMPTON

3 UNITED

Women’s FA Cup fifth round Silverlake Stadium, Sun 11 Feb

ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY: Toone’s opener, followed by second-half double from Williams, book United’s place in FA Cup quarter-finals.

WILLIAMS AT THE DOUBLE: With Lexi Lloyd-Smith cancelling out Ella Toone’s seventh-minute goal – a sweet strike from outside the box – Marc Skinner needed to edge the tie back in our favour as the clock ticked past the hour mark. Enter Rachel Williams – and eight minutes later we were ahead. In typical fashion, she out-muscled two defenders to head Leah Galton’s cross into the net, before nodding home another in the closing stages.

FORTUNE TELLER: Williams revealed post-match that she’d dreamed she’d come off the bench and win the match. “I actually said to John, our kitman: ‘I had a dream last night that we’re drawing, and I come on and get a hat-trick in eight minutes’,” she told MUTV. Come on as sub? Check. Scores level at the time? Check. Score some goals eight minutes apart to win it? Check. Hat-trick? Ooh, not quite!

PRAISE FOR THE HOSTS: Southampton posed a real test, despite operating in a division lower. For a large part of the tie, they went toe-to-toe with Skinner’s team. Mary Earps was forced to deny Katie Wilkinson and was beaten by Lloyd-Smith, who then struck the Reds’ upright in added time.

MANNION RETURNS: A welcome sight for United fans was that of Aoife Mannion joining the fray late on – her first competitive action of the season following injury. Great to see you back, Aoife!

42 DAYS AGO

2 UNITED 0 BRIGHTON

Women’s Super League

Leigh Sports Village, Sun 4 Feb

ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY: Parris once more proves the difference, notching in both halves to ensure United claim consecutive WSL wins.

DOUBLE-DOUBLE: Nikita’s double was her second in successive matches after her pair against Villa; Keets opening the scoring after nine minutes with a clinical finish from Geyse’s pull-back. Her second was a carbon-copy of her first, netting from another assist from the Brazilian, following good work down the right.

GEYSE SO LIVELY: Geyse was impossible to deal with down the wing, driving with intent every time she received the ball. As well as the two assists, her effortless gliding past the Brighton defenders left them with twisted blood, and our no.23 so easily could have claimed a hat-trick of assists.

KEEPING IT CLEAN: Mary Earps was largely untested but, in the first half, Lee Geum-min dinked a great ball into the dangerous Elizabeth Terland, and our keeper reacted very well to turn her powerful volley over the bar. That was the most Mary was tested, as she earned a clean sheet – our first of the calendar year in the WSL – with ex-Reds Sophie Baggaley and Maria Thorisdottir having a far busier afternoon at the opposite end.

No.22 makes it two – and promptly thanks her double-provider on the day

Tooney’s cracker gives us the advantage against the Saints

ZEL’S NOTES

THE SKIPPER IS PLEASED TO BE BACK IN THE NORTH, BUT SHE WANTS TO SEE A TEAM DISPLAY TO MATCH BRIGHTON AWAY...

We’re happy to be back at home and we’re looking forward to seeing you all again. We’ve had four stay-over away games in a row, plus it was an international break, and it becomes a lot with all the travel and long bus journeys so we are definitely keen to be playing in Leigh!

The FA Cup win last weekend was a great game to be a part of, and just the performance we needed after our previous two results. You could see – both in and out of possession – that we played really well. We played some good football and we kept a clean sheet too. There were some excellent individual performances also –I think Lisa had a great game in midfield, but she was just one of many on the day. Melvine being another. It’s important that when we do change the starting XI that every player feels comfortable and fits into the team and system, and it was great to see them perform like they did.

We need to take the energy from that Brighton game into the league, starting with Bristol City today. We set our standards in that cup tie and that’s how we need to play for the rest of the season. You never know what could happen in this league. A lot of teams are dropping points

We’re now up to 253 combined appearances – not bad!

against teams that are lower in the table so we just have to keep going and try and finish with as many points as possible. It feels like an eternity ago that I hit my 150th United appearance, and the same with Hayley’s 100th too, both in the game at Arsenal. I understand we are to have presentations for that, which will be great! It’s something I’m sure Hayley is proud of, just as much as I am. We’ve both been here a long time now, and this special club is so close to our hearts.

MAYA LE TISSIER PULLS UP A PEW AT CARRINGTON TO TACKLE OUR QUESTIONS – FROM HER PRIDE AT BEING A CHANNEL ISLANDER, TO FAMILY FOOTBALL CONNECTIONS, TO REACHING THE NEXT LEVEL WITH UNITED AND ENGLAND...

Oh, there’s a definite betweenrivalry Jersey and Guernsey!

INTERVIEW: CHARLIE GHAGAN

Congratulations on reaching 50 appearances for United recently, Maya. You’ve missed less than 30 minutes of football since signing, and before that you barely missed a kick for Brighton for two seasons – a remarkable run... Thanks. Yeah, it’s a real honour to reach 50, and it’s really special to have done it so quickly. I feel like my managers have had trust in me – both Hope [Powell] at Brighton and Marc here. To have such trust in a young player, first at Brighton, when I was 16-17, and here at one of the biggest clubs in the world at the age of 20, that’s been massive for me. I thought it would take a bit longer for me to settle in at United, as the team is full of senior internationals so I knew it would be difficult, but I just got my head down and tried my best. Without changing too much of my own game, I tried to implement how United play, because we’re a team and we have to play for each other.

You must have enjoyed the clean sheet against your former club in our last WSL home outing – we thought you did really well to keep the dangerous Elisabeth Terland quiet that day... She is a fantastic striker and me and Mill had to be really concentrated, knowing her and the rest of the threats in that Brighton team. But that’s something that excites us – to see how we can defend against a team, to stop them showing their threats. We want to have the ball and give it to our attackers and midfielders to do the magic, while we try and keep a clean sheet at the back. That’s the best foundation we can give the team – to help create, but also to stop goals. It has to be a team effort, in and out of possession.

Nikita Parris was on target again in that game. Her scoring form has been superb – have you found the secret to stopping her in training?

Her movement is unbelievable. To try and pick her up, she’s really nippy and gets in and out, and she plays off the shoulder, meaning she’s really difficult to mark. And Keets is so clinical as well, as we’ve seen in our games. She’s really deserved all the praise she’s been getting and when you’ve got the wingers and midfielders we have, those chances will keep coming for her.

Were you as surprised as we were that Nikita wasn’t included alongside yourself in the latest Lionesses squad?

Even my mum sent me a text saying, ‘I can’t believe Keets isn’t in it!’. I don’t think she can do anything else with her performances but of course it’s Sarina [Wiegman’s] decision and everyone stands by the decisions of Sarina and her team.

Wiegman continues to talk very highly of you. How excited are you about what could lie ahead on the international stage?

For Sarina to trust me, and to be part of the squad at such a young age, I feel that trust from her and the next thing I really want to do is try and push my way into the team. Who knows how long that could take. I’m ready to keep on going and training hard to challenge for that, but of course there are unbelievable players in the England squad. But I’ll do everything I can to put myself into a position where I’ll be ready whenever she calls on me.

Wiegman has praised your ability at right-back also, where you often featured before joining United. Is that a position you enjoy playing?

Of course I play centre-half here at United so I’d say I’m more comfortable in that position – I love playing centre-half alongside Mill and I think the partnership we’ve created is really special.

MY MUM AND DAD WORKED SO HARD TO FIND A CLUB FOR ME. I FEEL IF THEY HADN’T DONE THAT I WOULDN’T BE WHERE I AM TODAY

But if I’m ever needed on the right, I’ll be ready, whether I’m playing for United or England.

Your step-brother Alex Scott has got a fair bit of Premier League action with Bournemouth this season. How often do you chat?

Yeah, we chat all the time. He’s an incredible footballer who’ll go a long way and we’re both really proud of each other for how far we’ve got. We used to play for the same team in Guernsey and we’ve obviously spent a lot of time together as well, so we’ve pushed each other. It’s really special for me to see how far he’s going.

Then there is Luke Harris from Jersey, who has played for Fulham in the Premier League at the age of 18. How much pride do you take from being a Channel Islander, and is there fierce rivalry between the islands?

Oh there’s a rivalry, definitely! There always will be between Jersey and Guernsey, but I think when you’re at this level we all support each other as well as we can. We’re all really proud of each other for where we’ve got to, and we know what each other has been through to get where we are. To come from Jersey or Guernsey, to know the whole of your island is behind you, it’s a special feeling.

Celebrating Ella Toone’s FA Cup goal in Eastleigh – a place that brought back strong childhood memories for our no.4

FULL NAME

Maya Le Tissier

DATE OF BIRTH 18 April 2002

PLACE OF BIRTH Guernsey

YOUTH CAREER

St Martins AC (boys), Brighton & Hove Albion

SENIOR CAREER

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

2022- Manchester United 55 games, 3 goals

INTERNATIONAL CAREER England (below) 3 caps, 0 goals

Alex has spoken about such challenges, with youngsters often needing to cross the Channel into England in order to get noticed, and it sounds like that was your experience also? For sure. I was playing for Guernsey boys’ team at Under-10/Under-11 when we flew over [to England] to play a game, and one of the Southampton coaches was like, “you should come over and try out for a girls’ side”. So my mum and dad starting looking and found Hampshire Centre of Excellence – in fact when we played Southampton in the FA Cup recently we drove past where I used to play at that age, trying to get noticed in the women’s game, which was crazy to see! When I played there I’d fly over on the Thursday for training, but the games would be on the Sunday, meaning I wasn’t doing anything in between, so my dad would take me to watch Eastleigh on Saturdays, which is where we recently played Southampton. So that was special too, to go back. But my mum and dad worked so hard to find a club for me and I feel if they hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I don’t know where I’d be – hopefully still playing, but it would have been a different journey.

And seeing as we’re talking Southampton, we have to mention the other obvious Saints connection: your surname... Yeah, I heard there was interest from some Saints fans [when we faced them in the Cup] because of the Le Tissier connection and I was like, “sorry, he’s not my dad!” I do know him but he hasn’t got anything to do with me.

Step-brother Alex, who is 16 months younger than Maya, has been lining up in midfield for Bournemouth

WE’RE ALL SUPPORTIVE OF EVERY UNITED TEAM, AND ANYTHING THAT’S GOING ON [AT CARRINGTON], WE’LL GO AND WATCH IF WE CAN

We saw some nice footage of you watching the men’s U18 game against Arsenal recently – how much do you enjoy such games, and do you get to see the MUW Academy teams play much? Oh, anything that’s going on – if we’re training on a Saturday, a few of us will be like, “who are they playing, what’s the score?” And we’ll go and watch if we can. Obviously we’re all supportive of every United team. That was in the cup, it was a great game. With the Academy girls playing elsewhere we don’t see as much of them, but we have a lot of the girls join us at training which is really nice. It’s great that they can all see that pathway.

How much have you been enjoying our FA Cup run – last season must have made you all even hungrier to go one step further this time? That was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, at a sold-out Wembley, with all my family there. Looking out on Wembley Way and seeing all the fans coming in... incredible. Hopefully we can go further this time but you never know what could happen – that’s the magic of the Cup, as they say!

Bristol City are next up, and they’ve had a tough start to 2023/24. You played alongside skipper Megan Connolly at Brighton, of course... Megs is a lovely person and I’m not surprised she’s their captain. She’s a great leader and a big part of how we played at Brighton. Bristol aren’t doing as well as they’d have wanted but I remember at Brighton we were down there sometimes – it’s hard, but you’ve got to keep going and your luck can change, with a big result against a big team. It’s great to have them in the WSL. When we played at Ashton Gate it was incredible with the fans that day.

Finally, we saw you take part in our recent Stone Roses-inspired photoshoot [see above left]. Do you like that sort of fashion, and as a 21-year-old from the Channel Islands do The Stone Roses mean much to you?

The lemons! That’s a cool collection. I didn’t know much about The Stone Roses but I do know the walkout song at Old Trafford is one of theirs, and I’ve familiarised myself with that. The collection is very cool and all the players enjoyed it.

Maya’s eyeing a return to Wembley this season

Facing today’s league opponents in November

Here for blowing warm breath into freezing hands.

Here for blowing warm breath into freezing hands.

Here for watching down the pub, at home, or in the stands.

Here for watching down the pub, at home, or in the stands.

Here for the clack clack of the turnstile.

Here for the clack clack of the turnstile.

And the smell of fried onions, let’s queue a while.

And the smell of fried onions, let’s queue a while.

Here for the last-minute dramas, nothing can compare.

Here for the last-minute dramas, nothing can compare.

And for the moments you say: ‘you had to be there’.

And for the moments you say: ‘you had to be there’.

Here for the legends who paved the way.

Here for the rivalries, and derby day.

Here for the legends who paved the way.

Here for the rivalries, and derby day.

Here for the girls knowing they can play too.

And the WSL pulling in crowds of 59,042.

Here for the Land of Football.

From schools to stadiums, we’re here for it all.

Here for determined girls shattering outdated “rules”.

Here for creating equal access in our schools.

And for our Community Football Fund helping the game grow.

Here for the blue, the red, the rainbow.

Him for standing up for her when everyone, or no-one’s watching.

Here for the girls knowing they can play too.

And the WSL pulling in crowds of 59,042.

Here for the competition but also the “play”. Her for coaching, playing, reffing, championing, supporting.

Here for those goals, every tackle, home and away.

But not for the comments posted to inflame.

Here for all levels of the beautiful game.

Here for the volunteers working to makes things better.

Here for bringing communities together.

And for the footwells covered in dirt.

Here for the little baller in an oversized shirt.

And the WSL pulling in crowds of 59,042.

Here for the girls knowing they can play too.

Here for the rivalries, and derby day.

Here for the legends who paved the way.

And for the moments you say: ‘you had to be there’.

Here for the last-minute dramas, nothing can compare.

And the smell of fried onions, let’s queue a while.

LISA NAALSUND

ED HUNDRLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADS!

HAY- LEY LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADS!

ALAS, THE ‘TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS’ CHANT IN HONOUR OF OUR MIDFIELDER DOESN’T QUITE REACH THAT NUMBER, BUT THAT WON’T STOP US SINGING HAYLEY LADD’S PRAISES AFTER SHE HIT A CENTURY OF UNITED APPEARANCES RECENTLY. IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER, WE RECALL HER STANDOUT PERFORMANCES TO DATE...

WORDS: JAMIE SPENCER, CHARLIE GHAGAN

FIRST TIME IN RED

v MANCHESTER CITY (AWAY,

WSL)

7 SEPTEMBER 2019

Hayley was one of seven summer recruits in 2019 in preparation for the Reds’ first tilt at the WSL, and six of them debuted in this season-opening derby, Ladd showcasing her immense versatility from the off by starting at right-back. Although only 25, she was among the elder Reds in the starting XI against a far more seasoned City side. But our Welsh dragon wasn’t intimidated by the opposition, nor the backdrop of the busy Etihad, with thousands of Reds packed into our first proper away end as part of the then-record WSL crowd of 31,213. United made a real game of it, losing 1-0 courtesy of Caroline Weir’s second-half wonder-strike, but, even in defeat, Ladd and her team-mates attained so much confidence that day, as the fledgling Reds stood up to the previous season’s WSL runners-up. “We started 14 months ago and to be able to come here, in front of a crowd like that with players that have never played at this level, I cannot be any more proud of my players,” said Casey Stoney of Hayley and co. “They left everything out on the pitch, we just came up a little bit short.”

SO SOLID IN FIRST HOME DERBY

v MANCHESTER CITY (HOME, CONTI CUP) 20

OCTOBER 2019

Just a few weeks later we faced City once more, by which time Ladd was part of a midfield trio alongside Katie Zelem and Jackie Groenen. And

following a WSL baptism of fire at the Etihad, there was a first derby victory to celebrate here, with our new no.12 central to it. Coming in the Conti Cup group stage here at LSV, United started well and took an early lead from Zelem’s precise free-kick, won after Ladd was fouled on the edge of the City box. It was far from the only contribution from Hayley, who was immense in the middle, holding off the opposition while pulling the strings to help United create further chances. And once Jess Sigsworth doubled our advantage just after half-time the hosts stayed solid to preserve the advantage, with Ladd doing as much as anyone to secure a landmark victory. All in, it made for a brilliant autumn afternoon in Leigh, enjoyed by just over 4,000 supporters.

A dominant midfield display brought us cup joy against the Blues

A hot chip from Hayley as the Reds push for double figures

Our head girl at the Madejski just over three years ago

Hayley’s United career began with a full-back role in the first Manchester women’s derby

THIRTY-YARD FIRST GOAL

v LEICESTER CITY (HOME, CONTI CUP)

21 NOVEMBER 2019

Ladd’s eye for a spectacular goal has surfaced throughout her United career and her first in Red was one to really savour. Casey Stoney’s team were 6-0 up when she was brought on at half-time of this 11-1 Conti Cup annihilation, with Hayley going on to net our ninth after intercepting a pass in midfield, catching goalkeeper Scarlett Field off her line and lofting a delicious chip from all of 30 yards into the net. This was the biggest ‘wow’ moment of a hugely impressive first campaign for Ladd, and the team’s Player of the Year award was the prize waiting for her come season’s end. “Hayley is such an intelligent player who reads the game very well,” said Stoney. “She also brings a calm presence to our midfield which is key for us.”

WINNER FOR THE FANS

v READING (AWAY, WSL)

13 DECEMBER 2020

This was the only United game of 2020/21 played in front of fans – social distancing wasn’t much of

an issue for the 623 face-mask carrying souls scattered around the Madejski Stadium (capacity 24,000). Casey Stoney’s side were top of the WSL going into the game but looked set to drop points after Leah Galton’s first-half strike had been cancelled out by a Royals shot deflected in off Millie Turner close to the hour mark. Step forward Ladd for an 83rd-minute intervention; Hayley ghosting into the six-yard box unmarked to score a close-range header after Tobin Heath’s corner was flicked on at the near-post. It meant the Wales international could lay claim to our loudest celebration of that season, with the small but vocal travelling support on their feet and making serious noise (albeit with no physical contact) as Ladd kept us top of the table while maintaining our perfect league record on the road that term.

Her 21-game first season ended with our Player of the Year prize

GETTING US BACK ON TRACK IN ’21/22

v BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION (AWAY, WSL)

12 DECEMBER 2021

While bums were back on stadium seats come the following December, things weren’t quite so rosy on the pitch for the Reds, with this 2-0 win against the Seagulls bringing a welcome end to a run of four WSL games without a victory. Ladd’s all-action performance was crucial at Broadfield Stadium, where United had started well but were unable to beat Seagulls’ keeper Megan Walsh. Our no.12 provided the elusive breakthrough on the stroke of half-time, cleverly flicking the ball past Walsh following Ona Batlle’s effort at goal, and sending the loyal band of United fans that had made the long trip to Sussex wild in the stands. Vilde Boe Risa made it 2-0 on 69 minutes, before our star performer Ladd so nearly scored again late on, but with the points secured the Reds were pushed back towards the top-three battle.

Proudly leading us out in the Conti Cup

SHOWING REAL LEADERSHIP

v DURHAM (AWAY, CONTI CUP)

26 OCTOBER 2022

By her own admission, whether with United or Wales, Ladd finds herself “naturally” giving advice to less-experienced team-mates. As for Marc Skinner, he sees a leader in her – and an

The no.12’s influence helped us pick up a much-needed league win against today’s opponents Brighton

Toasting a job well done with Maya under the Old Trafford lights

GIVE ME FIVE!

GOALS AND GAMES STATS

Thanks to Jonathan Cooper/statsperform.com

Prior to her recent goal at Chelsea, Ladd had ended on the winning side in all eight of the WSL games she’d scored in for United.

Hayley has scored her nine WSL goals for United against eight teams – the one side she’s netted more than once against are Tottenham (two goals).

The team Ladd has the most goals and assists combined against in the WSL for United are Everton, with one goal and two assists in six games.

The only Welsh players to make more WSL career appearances than Ladd are Sophie Ingle (186), Angharad James (174) and Natasha Harding (166).

With 12 WSL goals – dating back to her time at Bristol Academy/City (right) – Ladd is the fourth-highest scoring Welsh player in WSL history, behind only Natasha Harding (24), Rachel Rowe (14) and Helen Ward (14).

“excellent future coach” for that matter – making Hayley part of his captain group and handing her the armband for the first time for last season’s Conti Cup trip to the always-challenging Maiden Castle in Durham. A late equaliser from the hosts meant it wasn’t the result the Reds wanted, with Durham then taking the bonus point from the shoot-out, but it remains a proud moment for Ladd, who has continued to skipper the side in Zelem’s rare absence from the team.

CONFIRMING VICTORY AT OLD TRAFFORD

v WEST HAM UNITED (HOME, WSL)

25 MARCH 2023

This was Hayley’s magnificent moment at Old Trafford, as she scored our third in a 4-0 win last season – our fourth fixture played at the stadium, Ladd having played in all of them. It came late in the day, on 85 minutes, putting extra gloss on the scoreline in front of just under 28,000 fans, and extinguishing any late threat of a West Ham comeback. It was arguably the pick of the bunch too – an incisive team move down the field that demonstrated Ladd’s nose for goal as she pushed forward as the play built, then finishing with aplomb into the bottom corner after receiving Ona Batlle’s cutback at the edge of the box.

SECOND-MINUTE SCREAMER IN KEY DERBY

v MANCHESTER CITY (HOME, WSL)

21 MAY 2023

“Everything, all my hopes and dreams, culminated in that game,” is how Hayley fondly looks back on our dramatic 2-1 derby win last May, which secured us Champions League qualification for the first time. It was Ladd who got the ball rolling on that warm Sunday evening when the roof blew off LSV, our tenacious no.12 firing us into a second-minute lead with an unstoppable shot. Hayley won possession 30 yards from goal as City tried to clear a previous United attack, before taking a touch to set herself, then powering her

Talk

left foot through the ball to send it arrowing into the far top corner. A beautiful goal that the vast majority of the 7,864 crowd celebrated with gusto, yet such was the late drama surrounding Lucia Garcia’s winner, the super strike that got things started can easily be overlooked. But not here!

EXPERIENCE TELLS AGAINST SPURS

v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (AWAY, WSL)

10 DECEMBER 2023

Having reclaimed a place in the starting XI amid fresh competition in the midfield positions, Ladd wound up having a hand in three of United’s four goals in our recent win at Spurs’ Brisbane Road home. First, a Ladd tackle regained possession moments before Hannah Blundell’s opener from wide on the left, before a driving Hayley run through the middle saw the ball break to Melvine Malard to later make it 3-0. Ladd then netted our fourth – just reward for our best player that night in London – with a precise finish from the edge of the box after exchanging passes with Lucia Garcia. As Marc Skinner said of her overall impact: “When she’s really on it, she can boss a whole game.” Congratulations on the century, Hayley!

Welcome, Zac – a dedicated 11-year-old Red whose top players are Nikita and Leah.

Happy 8th birthday to twins Florence and Delilah, who are both here this afternoon.

Ryan wants to say hi to his fiancée Chelsea for her 30th birthday. Her favourite players are Millie and Zel.

Season ticket holder Dewi is here celebrating his 12th birthday with Mam, Dad and Eleri. Enjoy it!

Hello Lorien, here for her 10th birthday. Her favourite player is Melvine, and her and her sister know all the songs!

Hello to season ticket holder Harriet, proudly pictured with her Player of the Week award.

Here is Ella, who celebrated her 10th birthday at the Arsenal game. Mum, Dad and sister Lily send their love!

A belated happy 8th birthday to Scarlett – love Mummy, Daddy and Florence.

unitedwerisewithpassion

ARE

THE TEAM FOR ME!

HOME-AND-AWAY FAN RITA BUCHANAN (LEFT) ON HER ADMIRATION FOR A FELLOW NOTTINGHAM RED, AND HOW HER LOVE FOR THE TEAM HAS BEEN TAKING HER ALL OVER THE COUNTRY...

I’m from inner-city Nottingham, but I’ve always been United through and through. How could I not be? My dad was a huge fan – Best, Law, all that era – and I was always going to continue that family tradition. I’d be taken to Old Trafford to see that Class of ’92 team, and I’d read the Glory Glory Man United mag cover to cover, running round the house when Solskjaer won the Treble, wearing the white ‘Sharp’ away shirt that I still wear now!

When I first went to LSV a few years ago, I didn’t know anyone and I felt a bit silly, to be honest. But I really enjoyed it and I soon made some friends, who took me under their wing – born and bred Mancs, all wonderful people.

While I enjoyed watching United Women, when the Euros happened and England won it... wow! That was it for me, an explosion – all of a sudden the whole country was behind these players, and I was in love with the women’s game.

Being a Nottingham girl, Mary Earps is my hero. I’m from Radford and Mary is from West Bridgford, just on the other side of the city centre. She’s had her struggles and had success later on, so to hear her tales of lift-sharing when she was at Doncaster Belles, or nearly giving up on the game, then clawing back to where she is now... she’s so inspirational, man! I’m so proud we’re from the same city. I got to tell her she was my hero, and she said thanks. She was so humble.

The whole squad is inspiring – you can see that in the faces of the young girls, and boys, at the games. I work with children in a specialist school, and I’ve also written a children’s book (which is now with the publisher, so wish me luck!) So I’m passionate about children, just as I’m passionate about sport, and women’s sport is a wonderful way for girls to feel included; to be visible.

Beyond the young fans, United Women has so much diversity – the nationalities, the openly LGBTQ+ players – our team and our fan base reflects so much in society, and that’s wonderful.

Nottingham girls reunited here at Leigh Sports Village

I LOVE THE MEN AND OLD TRAFFORD, BUT MY HEART IS WITH THE WOMEN NOW SO I WATCHED THEM BEAT BRIGHTON RATHER THAN THE MEN BEAT WEST HAM

Both the men and the women were playing at home on the same afternoon last month. I mean, I love the men and Old Trafford, but my heart is with the women now so I watched them beat Brighton rather than the men beat West Ham. I’d rather not have to make that choice, though!

The win against City at LSV last season, when Lucia Garcia scored to take the title race to the last day... what a moment. My best moment. Even now, me and my friends constantly talk about it. It was a beautiful summer’s evening, with a brilliant atmosphere. When it went in it was mayhem in West Stand South. My glasses went flying, my hat went flying... mayhem!

Wembley, it was special. I didn’t stick around at full-time, though – I didn’t want to see Chelsea lift the trophy so I was straight back up the M1.

The women’s game in this country is growing exponentially, and that’s so exciting to see. There’s so much quality to see before our eyes. A lot of people still have negative things to say about the women’s game but look at how things are accelerating. The men’s game had to start from somewhere as well – people can forget that.

Hands up if you’re all set for another MUW away day!

The Women’s FA Cup final was another top day. Yes we lost, but meeting up with so many fans who have become my friends, and spending the day at

Stamford Bridge, Old Trafford, the Emirates, the Etihad... it’s great to be able to access tickets for all these games to see United, and for me this season is the first time I’ve been able to get tickets for some of those places – these amazing football stadiums that I used to watch on television as a football-crazy little girl.

Rita with just a few of the many new friends she’s made following the mighty Reds

WHERE LIVES GREATNESS

SCHOOL DAY OF DREAMS!

Partner-school pupils enjoy every minute of their alternative classes at Old Trafford

Enthused pupils from 19 of the Foundation’s partner primary schools enjoyed a school day with a twist as they took on some United-themed classes at Old Trafford.

Sixty-eight kids descended on the Theatre of Dreams for a unique day of learning, which included creative story writing to coincide with World Book Day, orienteering outside the stadium, cooking with club chefs, and coding and programming with club partner DXC Technology.

As a result, the pupils got a behind-the-scenes look around Old Trafford, with lessons overlooking the pitch, while they got to meet members of club, Foundation and partner staff.

Jordanna Roberts, the Foundation’s primary schools manager, said: “Welcoming our primary pupils has been an amazing experience for all of the children involved. Some of our young

people have never been to Old Trafford so it was brilliant to see their faces, and to use the stadium as an alternative learning environment for them to develop their skills and motivate them to continue doing their all in their studies.

“We love being out in our primary schools, delivering our inspiring education provision, but to give the pupils a day to remember back here at Old Trafford was truly special.”

Haslam Park Primary pupil Furtu (below) said: “We did so many things we wouldn’t do in a normal school day. It’s been a once-in-a-lifetime experience and it’s very cool.”

Three schools travelled from one of the Foundation’s outreach areas – Carlisle –to take in all the excitement. Brook Street Primary was one such school, and the impact of the day was clear to see for specialist teaching assistant, Sandra Kirkpatrick, who said: “Our pupils have loved the whole experience and it’s been really educational as well.

“Some of the children haven’t been this far away before, but the more the day has gone on, the more they have shone. They’ve had such a lovely time.”

See mufoundation.org for more

The youngsters were engaged throughout a rewarding day at the Theatre of Dreams

BRISTOL CITY

Connolly (no.6) gives the Robins hope against Brighton with a precise free-kick, but Smith’s side couldn’t get the points they badly needed

Bristol City arrive in Leigh looking to – in the words of their manager – “prove everybody wrong” after a chastening 7-3 loss at home to Brighton last time out left the Robins six points from safety, and in real danger of becoming the first newly promoted side to be relegated since the league pyramid was restructured in 2018.

The incredible scoreline doesn’t tell this whole story, however. Despite going 2-0 down within 25 minutes, Lauren Smith’s side showed real spirit to fight back, ending the contest with 17 shots to the Seagulls’ 19. Skipper Megan Connolly halved the deficit against her old club just after the break, and, although the visitors then pulled 4-1 ahead, further strikes from Brooke Aspin and Amalie Thestrup set up an exciting finish with 16 minutes left. But as Bristol City threw players forward they were left exposed and finally ran out of steam, with Brighton netting three times after the 89th minute. “The game had everything,” said Smith. “I’m really

proud of how we got back into it but ultimately you have to look at the score and it’s embarrassing.” While Bristol City are yet to take a point at home all season, they did win what was billed as a ‘six-pointer’ away to West Ham in November –a win they’ve since followed up with encouraging away draws at Everton, Liverpool and Aston Villa. Experience is what a raw squad lacks. They have used 30 players in the WSL, and only five of them are older than 26. Of their regular starters, six are 23 or younger, including 18-year-old Aspin (on loan from Chelsea), as well as 20-year-olds Carrie Jones (previously of United) and Naomi Layzell. Youthful vigour they might have, but seeing out games had already proved costly before the loss to Brighton. Both concessions in November’s 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa came after the 77th minute, while Leicester also took advantage of the Robins’ search for a late equaliser to pull away in the closing stages of their 5-2 victory last month.

WORDS: JAMIE SPENCER

MIDDLE OF THE PARK

AMY RODGERS

Born in London, raised in Cheshire and now a Scotland international, the 23-year-old is back in the WSL this season after joining the Robins last July from London City Lionesses, for whom she didn’t miss a league game in two years. Rodgers had previously played in the WSL for Liverpool after emerging from their youth ranks and is a tenacious tackler in midfield.

EFFICIENT STRIKER

AMALIE THESTRUP

Thestrup – who turns 29 today – spent 2020/21 at Liverpool prior to signing from PSV last summer, having seen out last term on loan at West Ham. She’s started well in the West Country, scoring nine times in 15 WSL games, and impressively the Dane has at least hit the target with all but one of her attempts on goal in those fixtures.

THE KNOWLEDGE

● United have won three of four meetings between the clubs, with Bristol City

winning the other, at LSV in January 2020.

● The club was formed by Bristol Rovers in 1998, with name changes to Bristol

LAST WSL LINE-UP

SUBS USED: HAYLES, BULL, WARD, SLOCOMBE, KENDALL

HEAD COACH

LAUREN SMITH

Smith’s links to the club date back to 2010 when, aged 22, she joined as U14 coach. That morphed into a full-time, multi-faceted job as girls’ technical director, first-team assistant and development squad boss, before she was recruited by the Welsh FA. After a short stint as Spurs’ assistant coach she returned to Bristol as head coach in 2021.

Academy in 2005, then Bristol City in 2016.

● In 2014/15, Mary Earps and Hayley Ladd both played Champions League

football for Bristol Academy.

● Their Ashton Gate home is the WSL’s second largest permanent stadium (after Leicester’s King Power).

CLARK

ASPIN

JONES

SYME RODGERS

EVANS

CONNOLLY THESTRUP

STRUCK

MORGAN POWELL

LB

CB Turner

CB Le

18

17

15

Here for blowing warm breath into freezing hands.

Here for blowing warm breath into freezing hands.

Here for watching down the pub, at home, or in the stands.

Here for watching down the pub, at home, or in the stands.

Here for the clack clack of the turnstile.

Here for the clack clack of the turnstile.

And the smell of fried onions, let’s queue a while.

And the smell of fried onions, let’s queue a while.

Here for the last-minute dramas, nothing can compare.

Here for the last-minute dramas, nothing can compare.

And for the moments you say: ‘you had to be there’.

And for the moments you say: ‘you had to be there’.

Here for the legends who paved the way.

Here for the rivalries, and derby day.

Here for the legends who paved the way.

Here for the rivalries, and derby day.

Here for the girls knowing they can play too.

And the WSL pulling in crowds of 59,042.

Here for the Land of Football.

From schools to stadiums, we’re here for it all.

Here for determined girls shattering outdated “rules”.

Here for creating equal access in our schools.

And for our Community Football Fund helping the game grow.

Here for the blue, the red, the rainbow.

Him for standing up for her when everyone, or no-one’s watching.

Here for the girls knowing they can play too.

And the WSL pulling in crowds of 59,042.

Here for the competition but also the “play”. Her for coaching, playing, reffing, championing, supporting.

Here for those goals, every tackle, home and away.

But not for the comments posted to inflame.

Here for all levels of the beautiful game.

Here for the volunteers working to makes things better.

Here for bringing communities together.

And for the footwells covered in dirt.

Here for the little baller in an oversized shirt.

And the WSL pulling in crowds of 59,042.

Here for the girls knowing they can play too.

Here for the rivalries, and derby day.

Here for the legends who paved the way.

And for the moments you say: ‘you had to be there’.

Here for the last-minute dramas, nothing can compare.

And the smell of fried onions, let’s queue a while.

● WSL TOP SCORERS, 2023/24 SEASON

Above: Lucia Garcia became the 18th player to reach 50 United appearances when we faced West Ham, with Nikita Parris and Rachel Williams only two games away from hitting a half-century

●

FOLLOW THE REDS:

Garcia

Facebook: manutdwomen

X/Twitter: @manutdwomen

YouTube: /ManUtd

Match programme contact: MUWomenfamily@manutd.co.uk

For ticket information visit: ManUtd.com/Tickets

Instagram: @manutdwomen SUBS USED

Garcia Toone Galton 1 Geyse Williams Malard 1 Miyazawa – –

Zelem Toone Galton Garcia Geyse Malard 1 Miyazawa – –

Garcia Miyazawa Malard Parris Riviere Toone Williams Galton Evans

Toone Malard Geyse Galton Miyazawa Garcia Williams – –

Garcia

Miyazawa Parris 1 Williams Garcia Naalsund Galton Malard – –Parris 1 Toone Galton Geyse Ladd Malard Williams Garcia –Parris

In which year was our most recent home meeting with Bristol City? →

What was the final score that day?

Which American player got the final two goals of the game?

TIME TO TEST YOUR MEMORY ON OUR LINKS WITH TODAY’S WSL OPPONENTS…

Fran Bentley was one of three keepers in our 2018/19 squad, along with Siobhan Chamberlain and who else?

Carrie Jones was at United when she won her first international cap for which country?

← Ebony Salmon spent time with United and Bristol City before moving to play in which country in 2021?

Sophie Baggaley’s final home appearance for Bristol City came v United in May 2021, but what was the final score?

Manchester United Home 23/24

MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN BRISTOL CITY WOMEN

Gabby George

Maya Le Tissier

Aoife Mannion

Hannah Blundell

Ella Toone

Irene Guerrero

Melvine Malard

Katie Zelem

Leah Galton

Hayley Ladd

Jayde Riviere

Gemma Evans

Lisa Naalsund

Lucia Garcia

Hinata Miyazawa

Millie Turner

Nikita Parris

Geyse

Evie Rabjohn

Mary Earps (GK)

Rachel Williams

Emma Watson

Alyssa Aherne

Lucy Newell

Phoebe Chadwick

coach: Lauren Smith

Fran Bentley (GK)

Ella Powell

Sille Struck

Naomi Layzell

Brooke Aspin

Megan Connolly

Abi Harrison

Amy Rodgers

Shania Hayles

Rachel Furness

Jamie-Lee Napier

Chloe Mustaki

Olivia Clark (GK)

Jasmine Bull

Emily Syme

Amalie Thestrup

Sarah Stratigakis

Lisa Evans

Carrie Jones

Ffion Morgan

Mari Ward

Shae Yanez (GK)

Fearne Slocombe

Manon Pearce

Maya Kendall

Satara Murray

Referee Elizabeth Simms Assistants Aimee Keir, Aaron Ford Fourth official Phoebe Cross

Head coach: Marc Skinner

Head