VITALITY WOMEN’S FA CUP, FIFTH ROUND
SUNDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2023 • 12PM £2
_ HEAD COACH’S COLUMN ↑
_ INSIDE STORIES
_ LAST TIME OUT
_ CAPTAIN’S COLUMN
_ THE OPPOSITION
_ JUNIOR REDS
_ FAN MESSAGES
Turn(er) of the century We’ve got a game-by-game account of Millie’s hundred appearances, as recalled by the defender herself.
Academy Latest from our youth set-up, featuring a Wales debut for one young Red, plus an update from United’s Regional Talent Club.
MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB
_ PLAYER & TEAM STATISTICS
_ REDS ON REWIND
Co-chairmen Joel Glazer, Avram Glazer Directors Bryan Glazer, Kevin Glazer, Edward Glazer, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Richard Arnold, Michael Edelson, Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Alex Ferguson, David Gill CBE Secretary Rebecca Britain Honorary president Martin Edwards
MATCH PROGRAMME TEAM Editor Charlie Ghagan Editor-in-chief Ian McLeish Contributors Harriet Drudge, Jamie Spencer, Mikey Partington, Courtney Hill, Matthew Brown Design Tom Chase, Andy Ball Photography Ash Donelon, John & Matt Peters, Madeleine Penfold, Getty, Alamy
Thanks to Steve Bennett, Hannah Mitchell, Matt Johnson, Elayna Currie, John Shiel/MuPrint.com. © Manchester United 2023
Hello and welcome to Leigh Sports Village as we continue our journey in the Women’s FA Cup against Durham. We’ve met Durham in a cup competition already this season. The 2-2 draw in the Continental Tyres League Cup group stage was a frustrating one given we were ahead twice, but we’re a different outfit now compared to when we faced them in October. We’ve overcome challenges, earned some big wins in the league, and dug deep when we’ve needed to.
There were challenges to overcome against Tottenham two weeks ago: breaking them down, reacting well after conceding the equaliser, playing out the last 10 minutes with 10 players. I was so pleased with the attitude of the players in those moments. Even when we were down to 10, we were still trying to press them rather than sit in a deep block, putting pressure on them rather than allowing ourselves to feel any. The way we kept possession of the ball throughout was excellent.
We were a bit passive in the first half so it was about reminding the girls at half-time that there’s absolutely no point in being passive, to go and express themselves, to keep playing. And we did just that. It was a really professional job.
When you’re in the midst of a season, focusing on the next match in front of you, it’s sometimes easy to forget to take a step back and reflect. We’re far from the finished article, but we are building and developing all the time. We approach every game with the intention of dominating and winning, and we believe we will do that whoever we face.
We put all of our energy into our process and focus on controlling the controllables. We know a lot of teams facing us now are likely to adopt a deep block. We’re not fazed by that. We believe in our way of playing and we believe in each other. We’ve come a long, long way and are headed in the right direction.
International breaks always mean our preparation for matches looks a little different in the build-up to our first match back. For those not away, it has been a good opportunity for some extended time off to refresh and reset, and some one-to-one work that you often don’t get the chance for in a normal week.
We’ll be straight back into our intensity when the whistle blows today, though – the FA Cup is a really important and special competition to us, one we pour all our energy into. I’ve been to an FA Cup final with Birmingham and I’d love to get to Wembley with United – for the players, staff and particularly the fans.
Our travelling supporters were magnificent at Tottenham. We took our post-match huddle over to the away end because we wanted to share the moment. We took a breath, to take it in and listen, to really hear you. The noise, the energy, the commitment you have supporting us is unrivalled. We’re excited to see you again today, as we are on every matchday. Enjoy the game.
As the shortest month draws to a close for Marc Skinner’s Reds, we’re reaching that point of the season where every game seems to matter just that little bit more.
It definitely feels that way in the Women’s Super League outings, where United are down to single figures for fixtures remaining, having reclaimed top spot following a victorious, but tense afternoon at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in our last fixture, played two Sundays ago.
As such, March is set to be a massive month in the WSL, with
a trip to title favourites Chelsea, then our latest Old Trafford fixture, against West Ham, both following next weekend’s game against Leicester here at Leigh Sports Village. And we could also have an FA Cup quarter-final to look forward to on the March schedule – but only if we can navigate past a tricky opponent in Durham this afternoon.
Should you need any reminding of our previous meetings with today’s second-tier opponents, turn to p28. Whether in the Championship in 2018/19, or cup encounters more
recently, Lee Sanders’ side have regularly frustrated the Reds, and while we’ll go into this last-16 tie as favourites to progress, the visitors will firmly believe they can upset the odds once again.
Their fans will certainly make the trip down from the North East with belief, with their dedicated away tickets being snapped up in no time. And while the home crowd is likely to be well down from our recent WSL attendances here – against Everton last time out here, the LSV crowd surpassed 5,000 for the fourth time this season – the Reds on the pitch will know they’ll have a vocal backing from our dedicated fans, and alongside the away supporters it could make for a lively cup-tie atmosphere, as was the case at
Hayley Ladd led the Reds out when we last faced Durham, in the Conti Cup in late October
→ Sunderland in the fourth round. We had a Nikita Parris double to thank for a 2-1 win that day, but it was far from easy against another second-tier side. Our strong line-up that day in Wearside was evidence of just how seriously Skinner is taking the FA Cup, with United having underachieved in the competition since we reached the quarter-finals in our inaugural campaign of 2018/19. The win at Sunderland did see January arrival Estelle Cascarino make her debut from the bench, and it’ll be interesting to see who the boss selects this afternoon, bearing in mind the games ahead in March.
As for the visitors, they too have had a two-week fixture break prior to today, but without the bulk of the squad departing for international
duty, as has been the case for so many of the Reds (see opposite page). The Wildcats’ most-recent game saw them lose 1-0 in the league to Crystal Palace, the side they beat in the last round of the Cup. That narrow loss, to a solitary goal, came on the back of three clean sheets in all competitions, so Durham know how to keep things tight.
You can see the other fifth-round fixtures on p35, with all eight ties to be decided today – meaning extra-time if the scores are level after 90 minutes, and then penalties, if required.
Our most recent meeting with Durham was settled by spot-kicks (sadly not in our favour) and while the Reds would no doubt rather avoid a similar scenario today, they’ll be willing to do whatever it takes to reach the last eight. Come on United!
Ella Toone will be eligible to play in our next three games, following a successful claim of wrongful dismissal at Tottenham in our last game. Our record appearance maker was sent off for violent conduct in the 80th minute of the WSL clash (right), following a coming-together with Spurs’ Eveliina Summanen. Toone had
looked set to miss today’s FA Cup meeting with Durham, followed by WSL games against Leicester and Chelsea, but happily the no.7 is back in contention to feature for the Reds.
Have you ever wanted to ask the Manchester United Women manager a question? Well, here’s your chance... ‘Question Marc’ is a new way for Reds to interact with the boss. Simply scan the QR code below using your phone’s camera, submit your poser using the form, and we promise to select as many as we possibly can in upcoming chats with him throughout the rest of the season. It’s an idea that’s been very popular with the men’s team in recent weeks – with Erik ten Hag enjoying the submissions for ‘Ask Erik’, so naturally we wanted to extend it to the women’s team. So get your thinking caps on, and scan right here...
It’s been a busy couple of weeks away from club duty for the Reds, with players representing their nations across the globe.
The date and kick-off time of our WSL game against West Ham at Old Trafford has been confirmed, with the Saturday 25 March fixture kicking off at 5.30pm. This comes as a result of the league announcing the latest round of broadcast selections, with the match to be televised live on Sky Sports in the UK. It will be United Women’s fourth game at the stadium, and comes on the FA’s Women’s Football Weekend – first launched in 2019 – with the aim of widely showcasing the women’s game and calling as many supporters as possible to get behind their respective teams by attending matches, with the weekend coinciding with the men’s international break. All WSL fixtures across the weekend will be available to watch live on Sky, BBC or FA Player. For match tickets, head to ManUtd.com/tickets –adults are £10, with concessions £5.
Alessia Russo was on target for the Lionesses, as Sarina Wiegman’s side recorded an emphatic 4-0 victory over South Korea in the Arnold Clark Cup. The United striker started the game at Stadium MK – alongside fellow Reds Ella Toone and Mary Earps – and netted England’s third of the evening, her 11th goal for her country. Katie Zelem also played the second half, replacing Chelsea’s Jess Carter.
Last Sunday, Maya Le Tissier earned her second England cap and as the Lionesses defeated Italy 2-1. Zelem was introduced at half-time and captained her nation in the closing stages. England also faced Belgium on Wednesday (result not known at time of print) knowing that a point would see them retain the trophy. It was a frustrating week for Emily Ramsey, however, as the goalkeeper (on loan at Everton), returned to the Toffees from England duty with an ankle injury.
Elsewhere during the break, Hayley Ladd played the full 90 minutes for Wales, as Gemma Grainger’s side beat the Philippines 1-0 in their Pinatar Cup opener. The game also saw young goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel make her senior international debut (see p27 for more). Last Saturday, Wales drew 0-0 with Iceland, with Ladd starting and Carrie Jones – on loan at Leicester – coming off the bench.
For Scotland, Martha Thomas played the final 30 minutes as Scotland lost 2-0 to Iceland in the same competition. Scotland then won 2-1 against the Philippines, with Thomas and Kirsty Hanson – on loan at Aston Villa – both involved. On Tuesday,
Scotland and Wales played out a 1-1 draw, with Thomas and Hanson both 63rd-minute subs for the Scots. Away from the home nations, Vilde Boe Risa played 90 minutes as Norway beat Uruguay 1-0 in the Tournoi de France. Boe Risa and Maria Thorisdottir were then both involved from the off as Norway lost 2-0 to Denmark. The tournament also saw Estelle Cascarino help France to a 5-1 triumph over Uruguay. Our January loan signing played 81 minutes and registered an assist for Les Bleus.
Striker Adriana Leon helped Canada bounce back from a 2-0 defeat to the USA in their SheBelieves Cup opener by beating Brazil 2-0 in Nashville. And finally, on Wednesday Aoife Mannion made her debut for Republic of Ireland in Andalusia keeping out opponents China until she was replaced by ex-Red Diane Caldwell after 69 minutes of the goalless draw.
RECAP OF THE REDS’ MOST RECENT FIXTURES
Sun 12 Feb, 12pm, WSL
1 TOTTENHAM
England 75
2 UNITED
Galton 67, Bartrip og 76
Marc Skinner’s Reds returned to the top of the WSL after a dramatic 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
With 15 minutes gone, a tidy move between Alessia Russo and Ella Toone put Leah Galton through. Leah’s pace saw her one-on-one with Tinja-Riikka Korpela, but her right-footed effort was just too high.
Galton did have the ball in the net midway through the first half with a looping header, before the offside flag was raised.
Ashleigh Neville then cleverly slid the ball in behind the United backline, finding Bethany England unmarked, but the striker’s shot flew over Mary Earps’s goal.
Shortly into the second period, Katie Zelem saw her free-kick flash just wide, as the Reds began to ramp up the pressure. Russo then found space on the edge of
Main: Zelem lines up a free-kick
Below: Batlle played her part in the equaliser
the area to get a snap-shot away, before Toone raced through after Nikita Parris won a header to set our no.7 on her way, but Ella’s shot crashed against the post.
On 67 minutes, United finally took the lead, with Ona Batlle’s delightful cross falling kindly to the feet of Galton, and she smashed home her fifth goal of the season. But eight minutes later, Spurs were level, with England racing through on goal before curling a right-footed effort beyond Earps.
Incredibly, the scoreline lasted just 30 seconds, as United burst forward and Lucia Garcia’s low cross was turned into her own net by Spurs defender Molly Bartrip.
Toone was then shown a straight red following a coming together with Eveliina Summanen. The dismissal would later be rescinded, and thankfully for United it didn’t affect the result as Earps made two big saves late on to preserve our lead.
TOTTENHAM (5-4-1): Korpela; Bizet (Ayane 69), Turner (James 82), Bartrip, Zadorsky, Harrop; Iwabuchi, Summanen, Spence, Neville; England. Subs not used: Spencer, Ale, Ubogagu, Karczewska. Booked: Spence, Summanen
UNITED (4-2-3-1): Earps; Batlle, Le Tissier, Turner, Blundell; Ladd (Boe Risa 68), Zelem; Parris (Garcia 68), Toone, Galton (Thomas 90+2); Russo (Williams 83). Subs not used: Baggaley, Thorisdottir, Mannion, Tounkara, Cascarino. Red card: Toone
Referee: Amy Fearns Att: 21,940
Sun 5 Feb, 12pm, WSL
On a frustrating afternoon here in Leigh, Marc Skinner’s side created a plethora of opportunities, but couldn’t quite find the all-important goal that would have given us three points in the WSL.
Skinner’s Reds started the game with purpose, dominating possession in the opening 45. It was Everton who created the first opportunity, however. An inswinging corner was met by Rikke Sevecke, whose towering header bounced just wide.
United were very nearly caught out at the back by Brian Sorensen’s Toffees near the 30-minute mark. Nicoline Sorensen drilled a teasing ball into the path of the oncoming Jess Park, but a vital last-minute intervention from Ona Batlle prevented what was an almost certain goal for the Manchester City loanee.
For all of our possession, our best chance wouldn’t come until the 36th minute when Lucia Garcia was one-on-one with goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan after Toone put her team-mate through on goal, but Lucia’s effort rattled the Everton crossbar.
Moments later, Alessia Russo came agonisingly close. Our no.23 started the move before being on the end of a ball into the box from Batlle, but her sweeping effort brushed just wide of Brosnan’s post.
The Reds started the second half with real intent. A great move saw the ball roll into the path of Toone, but our no.7 could only watch as her effort hit the post with United unable to do anything with the loose ball.
With Everton pinned inside their own half, United continued to carve out the opportunities, the next of which fell to Hannah Blundell. Great work from Garcia on the edge of the area to play in the full-back allowed Blundell to open up her body and shoot but the effort was saved comfortably by Brosnan. Another great sight of goal came down the right-hand side with Batlle picking out captain Katie Zelem in the area, with the latter’s effort stinging the gloves of Brosnan.
As the clock ticked down, Park had another opportunity for the Toffees when Batlle’s backpass fell to her. Millie Turner and Earps were quick to close down the angle, though, and she could only hit the side netting.
Despite throwing everything at Sorensen’s side in the closing stages we couldn’t find the breakthrough and it ended all square at Leigh Sports Village.
UNITED (4-2-3-1): Earps; Batlle, Le Tissier, Turner, Blundell; Zelem, Ladd; Garcia (Williams 77), Toone, Galton (Parris 67); Russo.
Subs not used: Baggaley, Thorisdottir, Mannion, Tounkara, Boe Risa, Cascarino, Thomas
Ref: Emily Heaslip Att: 5,040
EVERTON (3-5-2): Brosnan; Finnigan (Hope 56), Bjorn, Sevecke; Sorensen (Bennison 56), Park, Holmgaard (Christiansen 67), Galli (Wheeler 56), George; Snoeijs (Stenevik 87); Beever-Jones, Park.
Subs not used: Henderson, Maier.
Booked: Beever-Jones
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FOR THE CLUB, MILLIE TURNER TALKS US THROUGH THE DOZEN FIXTURES THAT HAVE DEFINED HER UNITED CAREER TO DATE...
“It’s a massive honour,” says Millie Turner, as we quiz her at Old Trafford about her pride in reaching 100 appearances for United – following on from Ella Toone and Katie Zelem reaching three figures last year, and with fellow member of ‘the Originals’, Leah Galton, not far behind her.
It’s been an eventful century for the centre-back, which she’s more than happy to reminisce about – with a few lows among the many highs, including a few very high headers!
19 AUG 2018, LIVERPOOL (A)
The classic navy kit, the sparse crowd (aside from the away end, of course), the late far-post winner from Lizzie Arnot... we all know the story from fixture no.1, in the Conti Cup, but it was particularly memorable for those such as Millie who’d returned to United having played for our youth side. “To make a first senior appearance, it was a dream come true,” she says. “We were all very nervous. We just wanted to make sure we showed everyone what we could do as a team.” The ‘Turner and Turner’ defensive axis held firm that day, with Millie and Amy shutting out Liverpool at their Prenton Park home.
17 APRIL 2019
ASTON VILLA (H)
Millie was the only Red to start all 29 games in all competitions in our promotion campaign, as she helped us keep a remarkable 21 clean sheets across three competitions – including in this Wednesday-night win when promotion was finally secured. And it was our no.21 who got the party started against the Villans, in just the sixth minute, when she redirected Alex Greenwood whipped, outswinging corner into the net with a bullet header. Cue a team pile-on (right). “I just remember the celebration!” says the defender. “When that went in, we all celebrated together as a team and people commented on how it looked,
23 SEP 2018
LONDON BEES (A)
“I don’t think I’ll ever forget that day,” says Millie of this sunny Sunday afternoon at The Hive, north London, when she scored her first senior goal for the Reds – a low header following a goalmouth scramble. “I remember a lot of the other girls had scored by then, so I was one of the few not to.” She was indeed our seventh goalscorer, in United’s fifth game, to put us 3-0 up just before half-time en route to the first of five wins by a 5-0 scoreline in the 2018/19 campaign. “When it went in, everyone was excited for me.” Five years on, the nature of the goal seems rather more familiar to us all. “Yes, I’ve only ever scored headers!” she laughs.
how tight it was here at this club. From that celebration, everyone knows we’re such a family here, and that shows in every game we play.” Once Millie managed to escape the celebratory bundle, she put in a flawless display at the back, with further goals from Greenwood, Jess Sigsworth, Ella Toone and Charlie Devlin sealing the promotion-clincher in front of 1,401 fans here in Leigh. “It was so special, it was what we set out to do,” says Millie of the team completing what Casey Stoney called ‘step one’ of the journey – reaching the WSL. “We didn’t want to concentrate on the end goal,” says Millie of that Championship campaign, in which we’d win 55 points out of a possible 60, with a goal difference of +91. “We just took every game as it came, and we got the result in the end.”
7 SEP 2019 MAN CITY (A)
This result wasn’t what we wanted in the Reds’ first WSL fixture, but for Millie and co the narrow loss at the Etihad under the late-summer sunshine had many positives: a valiant display against an established top-flight force, with City keeper Ellie Roebuck working hard to deny a new-look United side (with Mary Earps among the six debutants). It
was also a rare taste at the time of playing in front of a bumper crowd at a big stadium – the then-WSL record attendance of 31,213 included a sold-out away end. “It was incredible, what we always wanted,” recalls Millie of the occasion, which gave Casey Stoney’s side real belief that they could flourish in the top flight, while handling the pressures of such fixtures and surroundings. “From that game, we’ve shown everyone what we’re about.” Once again, Millie was a defensive mainstay in 2019/20, missing just one game all season (the Conti Cup win against Brighton), before the pandemic forced Millie (along with Mollie Green, Martha Harris and Ella Toone) to play ‘curby’ and two-touch outside the front of their shared house for weeks on end. Weird times.
6 SEP 2020 CHELSEA (H)
The long-awaited return to WSL action for the Reds coincided with an appearance milestone for Millie, as she became the first player to reach 50 appearances for the Reds – narrowly beating Jess Sigsworth, Katie Zelem and Ella Toone to the half-century. A deserved 1-1 draw at home to reigning champions Chelsea – thanks to Leah Galton’s late leveller – was just reward on a day when Millie had the always dangerous Sam Kerr (above) to contend with at an empty Leigh Sports Village, due to the pandemic. “That was another big moment for me and my family – it’s a club I want to keep making more appearances for, so to have got my 50th appearance in a game like that was special.” Turner’s week was about to get even better, as she signed a new contract on the same day she was called up to the senior England squad for the first time. Can you believe she’s still waiting for that first cap, though?
10 OCTOBER 2020
TOTTENHAM (A)
A first WSL goal, and a decisive one in a 1-0 win at Spurs, taking United to the top of the league for the first time, having kicked on from the Chelsea draw with three wins. “It was huge... obviously another header!” says Millie. This one was a perfectly placed looping finish from a corner on 67 minutes, and how she enjoyed it (above). “That goal was special, and the celebrations were special too – everyone can see the connection in this team when we score.”
27 MAR 2021
WEST HAM (H)
“Incredible,” says Millie when recalling Old Trafford game no.1, albeit behind closed doors two years ago. “I remember walking out, looking around, just thinking: ‘what a stadium!’ It’s historic and part of the club we’re at, so it was so amazing to be there, and to get the win.” She was heavily involved in the 2-0 victory, from the opening minute when she headed Katerina Svitkova’s dangerous cross to safety. She then played a role in our opener, heading on a corner, which Maria Thorisdottir flicked into the path of Lauren James to score, while our no.21 had to overcome a hefty clash with a Hammer, which almost saw her leave the field.
GAME #77
12 SEP 2021
LEICESTER (A)
Having once again missed just one game in 2020/21, our then-record appearance maker had a run of bad luck the following term, as she featured just seven times, first sustaining a nasty knee injury away to the Foxes in her season opener. She’d return in December, against the same opponents in the Conti Cup, but her season would be over five appearances (and five clean sheets) later, due to an issue with the artery in her neck. “That was obviously a very difficult time for me, but the girls did incredible,” she reflects. “I’ll always do all I can to try and support the team and be positive around them... although I’m not the best watcher!”
12 FEB 2023
TOTTENHAM (A)
“A massive honour,” says Millie of hitting three figures. “I just love this club – I love being here, I love everything about it – so to make my 100th appearance is really special for me and my family.” Most importantly, of course, it came on a victorious day for the Reds two weeks ago, on a nervy afternoon at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as Turner and her team-mates held firm while 2-1 up, despite being a player down for the final 10 minutes following Ella Toone’s dismissal. “It was a hard-fought win – but we stuck in and got the three points,” was her post-match assessment, followed by a trademark fist-pump and a cry of “Come on!” Now on to the next century... ●
17 SEP 2022
READING (H)
With 5,315 fans in the stands at LSV, Millie’s return saw her link up with a new defensive partner in Maya Le Tissier, who grabbed the headlines against the Royals by scoring twice in a 4-0 win. “I went from a period not even knowing if I was even going to play again, to making my first appearance back in front of all the fans. I remember it just being a sunny day and we got the result, so it was a very, very special day for me,” says Millie. After seeing out the clean sheet, she was only too happy to chat to the fans who had missed her so much throughout the preceding eight months.
19 NOV 2022
In terms of sheer delight, we’re not sure we’ve enjoyed a Millie T goal as much as this. Losing 2-1 at the Emirates, with five minutes to go, up jumped Millie from Katie Zelem’s set piece for a rising header that thumped the underside of the crossbar before bouncing over the line – and it all happened right in front of a rapturous away end to boot. “Definitely a highlight of my career,” smiles Millie, whose brilliant finish fired up everyone in the green shirts that night – we all know what happened next in injury-time...
3 DEC 2022
ASTON VILLA (H)
Having missed the Old Trafford win against Everton last season through injury, Millie was as eager as anyone to pull on the red shirt in front of 30,196 fans when Marc Skinner’s side last played in M16 nearly three months ago. After walking off at full-time following a one-sided 5-0 win, it was clear Millie had enjoyed every minute of the 90. “I think we’ve got the best fans in the league, so to have them all at Old Trafford, and to be able to play for them all, was unbelievable. The fans were incredible.” We hope to see you back there in a few weeks, Millie!
Born: 29 November 1996
Nationality: English
United apps/goals: 10/0
Born: 5 June 1993
Nationality: Norwegian
United apps/goals: 44/1
Born: 25 May 1994
Nationality: English
United apps/goals: 46/1
Born: 18 April 2002
National team: England
United apps/goals: 18/2
Born: 7 July 1996
Nationality: English
United apps/goals: 100/6
Born: 7 March 1993
Nationality: English
United apps/goals: 83/0
Born: 10 June 1999
Nationality: Spanish
United apps/goals: 64/3
Born: 24 September 1995
Nationality: English
United apps/goals: 19/0
Born: 22 January 2001
Nationality: Canadian
United apps/goals: 0/0
Born: 16 March 1995
Nationality: French
United apps/goals: 5/0
Born: 5 February 1997
Nationality: French
United apps/goals: 1/0
Born: 13 July 1995
Nationality: Norwegian United apps/goals: 38/4
Born: 6 October 1993
National team: Wales
United apps/goals: 75/7
Born: 2 September 1999
Nationality: English
United apps/goals: 119/44
Born: 24 May 1994
Nationality: English
United apps/goals: 96/27
Born: 2 October 1992
Nationality: Canadian
United apps/goals: 8/3
Born: 8 February 1999
Nationality: English
United apps/goals: 46/19
Born: 20 January 1996
Nationality: English
United apps/goals: 117/29
Born: 11 June 1995
Nationality: Norwegian
United apps/goals: 0/0
Born: 31 May 1996
National team: Scotland
United apps/goals: 49/8
Born: 14 July 1998
Nationality: Spanish
United apps/goals: 16/2
Born: 10 March 1994
Nationality: English
United apps/goals: 16/5
Born: 10 January 1988
Nationality: English
United apps/goals: 12/4
It’s been great being with the England squad the last week or so. It’s always nice to meet up with the girls and have that change of scenery for a while and learn from each other. With three games close together, it meant game-time for the majority of the squad too, which is important, especially in a World Cup year.
Representing your country is such an honour. I always want to do well in an England shirt and make everyone proud. Captaining England for the first time for a part of the Arnold Clark Cup match against Italy was an incredible feeling – and a bit surreal! Putting on the armband every single week for Manchester United is something I will never take for granted and I’m proud to continue leading both my club and country, however I can.
And now back at Manchester United, we’re entering a busy time of the season, with every game we play as important as the next, whether that’s in the Cup or the league.
With the squad together after the international break, we’re ready to go again in the FA Cup. The FA Cup is something everyone dreams of
playing in. We watched the men’s FA Cup as kids, you see the magic of the competition and now –especially with the women’s final being at Wembley – we all want to be a part of that.
Today against Durham, we know what to expect having played them already this season. They’re organised, fiery, aggressive and they’ve got great quality from set pieces. We know we need to be switched on and not take anything for granted. They’ve got some really good players and work together well as a team.
This season we’ve shown our qualities as a team in lots of different ways. The result against Tottenham demonstrated how far we have come. We are a strong-minded group with a winning mentality, even when circumstances are difficult, as they were in north London two weeks ago.
We go into every match wanting and believing that we will win – and with you loud and proud cheering us on, we’re confident we will.
ENGLAND, AND THE NEED TO BE ‘SWITCHED ON’ AT ALL TIMES
Manchester United Foundation’s Ability Counts participants have benefited from the mental health expertise of Manchester Mind by learning to channel their emotions in a positive manner while playing football.
Ability Counts is the Foundation’s PAN-disability football provision, offering young people aged 5-25 the opportunity to play football in a welcoming and inclusive environment, with a focus on players with a sensory, physical and neurological impairment or disability.
The Foundation has been working with Manchester Mind to
gently introduce wellbeing tips for young people, some of whom experience complex difficulties, to consider during sessions.
Manchester Mind has been present for Ability Counts sessions for over a year, helping children to consider their emotions – both positives and negatives – and look at how they react if they fail to score a goal or pass to a team-mate, by encouraging them to redirect any negative emotions they may feel into a more positive outcome.
Ann Beagan, a wellbeing, education and outreach worker for Manchester Mind, said: “We’ve
filtered strategies into the stuff the children are doing on the pitch. If they’re feeling disheartened that they don’t get picked to be captain or don’t get to score a goal, it’s just so that they see the bigger picture.
“I’m hoping the children can recognise when they’re feeling frustrated and they can channel their anger, and put it into being more determined, rather than getting annoyed and losing control of the ball or lashing out at peers.
“It’s something that needs to become embedded, and we’ll reinforce it. It’s not something they’re taught once; it’s a longer journey.”
Some of the participants noted how it had positively impacted them, even after a single session.
Stanley said: “I’ve learnt about my anger and channelling it into playing, but I also need to help others control their anger and make sure they are not disappointed when they make a mistake, or encourage them to do better next time.”
Find out more Ability Counts at mufoundation.org/abilitycounts
The regular Ability Counts sessions with Anne have had a positive response from the young participantsA mental health charity has been working with the Foundation to help youngsters use football to recognise feelings of anger or frustration
There are 4.36 million of us and we are tomorrow’s
We’re part of every community and come from all social backgrounds, cultures and religions with different skills and abilities. We’re an unstoppable force for good if we’re given the chance. The chance to play football.
We want to play in the school curriculum, at breaktime, after school, at local clubs wherever, whenever we want.
Just two weeks after signing her first professional contract with the Reds last month, goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel made her senior bow, following an emergency loan to Coventry United, impressing as the second-tier side beat Blackburn 3-1. Safia pulled off one spectacular save to deny Rovers’ Farah Crompton, and after the game Coventry head coach Lee Burch was full of praise for the 18-year-old, who had only one training session with her new team-mates (including ex-Red Mollie Green) ahead of the game. “Her kicking, distribution... she was absolutely superb,” said Burch. Initially a one-game switch due to injuries in the Coventry United squad, an option to extend Safia’s loan was included.
An exciting February continued for Middleton-Patel as she made her senior international debut for Wales against the Philippines in the Pinatar Cup. Safia kept a clean sheet as Gemma Grainger’s side won 1-0, with our young stopper naturally delighted at full-time. “It’s been a whirlwind,” she said of her start to 2023. “My debut with Coventry, just after signing a pro contract, and now I’m making my [Wales] debut, playing the full 90, and a clean sheet, it’s unreal.” Her family were unable to be there in Murcia, Spain for the game, but she was quick to call them after the match. “I’m gutted they couldn’t be here but to know they watched it, it’s a great feeling... I’ve only just stopped crying!” Well done to Saf on her achievements, and to United’s goalkeeping department, headed up by Ian Willcock and U21 coach Jordan Booth.
Safia wasn’t the only young Red to represent their country in the recent international break, with Alyssa Aherne, Keira Barry and Jess Simpson heading away with England’s U19s. Midfielder Layla Proctor joined up with Republic of Ireland U19s, while at U17 level, United’s Holly Deering was away with England.
Ahead of the international break, the U21s continued their great run of form in the Manchester derby with a 3-1 win at City’s Academy Stadium. Aherne, Eleanor Ashton and Deering provided the goals. Prior to that in the league, the U21s won 3-0 against Birmingham – Ella Kinzett, Barry and Ashton were all on target. Aoife Mannion was involved in the game as a part of her return to action following long-term injury. The U21s begin a three-game week at 12pm today, at home against Brighton (Moss Lane, Altrincham). They’re back at Moss Lane at 2pm on Wednesday (1 March) to face Bristol City – why not come and show your support? – before the U21s head to Leicester next Sunday (5 March, 2pm).
In the younger age groups, United’s Regional Talent Club (RTC) had a guest visit from Hayley Ladd earlier this month, with the midfielder speaking to the players before leading an U16s coaching session. Away from United, Ebony Wilkinson and Jessica Anderson represented England Schools in their victory over Scotland. February has also seen the RTC, in partnership with adidas and Coerver, deliver a coaching clinic session to selected volunteers from the South Manchester Girls League.
Having been a permanent fixture of the second tier since 2014, Durham took the next step in their aim to become a top-flight club for the first time when they announced in June their transition to full-time status.
Durham remain unique within the top two divisions as one of only two teams not affiliated to a men’s club, alongside London City Lionesses. Even then, the Lionesses split from Millwall as recently as 2019, while the Wildcats have been going solo since roots as a youth team in 2006.
So far, however, they’ve struggled to make going full-time count. Often among the clubs challenging for promotion – as was the case when United were in the Championship – they’ve won just four of 13 league games in 2022/23. A 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last time out was a sixth loss of the season, leaving them in eighth place.
Cup competitions have at least offered some respite. Durham only lost one of four games in the Conti Cup
group they shared with United before Christmas and beat Everton away from home in their final group fixture. Despite losing to Palace in the league, they thrashed the same opposition 3-0 in the previous round of the FA Cup – Mollie Lambert, Jessica Clarke and Lily Crosthwaite scoring the goals at the Wildcats’ Maiden Castle home.
Although lining up in variants of a 4-3-3 in the league, Durham could try to squeeze the space in midfield at Leigh Sports Village as they bid to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2018/19. Midfielder Dee Bradley embodies their physical approach more than most, while corners and free-kicks will be a chief source of danger, as United have seen this season. Beth Hepple will be tasked with getting forward to support a lone striker and has scored two Conti Cup goals this season, while Grace Ayre (in defence), and the aforementioned Crosthwaite (in attack), are two emerging talents to watch out for.
Sanders has overseen everything since the club’s earliest days, enjoying success at various youth tournaments before his team joined forces with Durham University in 2014. Since his side’s move to full-time status, he’s been supported by experienced first-team coaches Grant Scott and Claire Ditchburn.
A Wildcat since 2014 and skipper since 2015, the 31-year-old defender is one of the club’s longest-serving players and rarely misses a game. She is primarily known for solidity at the back but also has a reputation as a set-piece threat in attack. Wilson is Durham’s reigning Player of the Year following an impressive 2021/22.
Now 33, the versatile forward was one of the original stars of the WSL while at Lincoln. She had earlier helped Leeds reach three cup finals, before starring for Notts County and Liverpool. Clarke scored against us in October and has 52 England caps, going to major tournaments with the Lionesses in 2009, 2011 and 2013.
Durham have a surprisingly good record against us –the Reds claiming just one victory outside a penalty shoot-out across five previous meetings. That includes a 2-2 draw at Maiden Castle in the Conti Cup group stage, for which Durham took a shoot-out bonus point, as recently as October this season. Marc Skinner’s side were also held to a 2-2 draw away at Durham in the same competition last season, United winning the subsequent shoot-out on that occasion. We’ve fared better at home against the Wildcats, beating them 1-0 in Leigh in the Conti Cup in December 2018 with an early Mollie Green goal. The teams also met home and away in the Championship that season, resulting in a 0-0 draw at Leigh (match programme pictured) and a 3-1 defeat for United in the north east – the only points dropped that term as we otherwise cruised towards promotion, then the second-tier title.
“THE TRANSITION TO FULL-TIME HAS BEEN BRILLIANT. WE’RE LOVING IT, BEING IN EVERY DAY”
– GOALKEEPER NAOISHA M c ALOON
FACTS AND FUNNIES WITH THE UNITED MASCOT
So many young Reds were down at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium two weeks ago – and it looks like you enjoyed it as much as the players!
↓ Safe-hands Mary takes care with the pen!
↑ Yep, looks like you’re in the photo, Martha!
↓ Even the boss got in on the act. Say cheese!
↑ Millie was all smiles after her 100th game
Can you identify these three former United players from the clues? Answers below...
1 2 3
● A defender, I joined United in January 2022.
● I play for a national side with the nickname ‘The Girls in Green’.
● After leaving United, I joined another WSL side.
● I scored three goals in 41 games as a United Women player.
● I always wore the no.37 shirt while I was a Red.
● My name is an anagram of ‘ACT FROSTILY HUN’!
● I played 27 games for United in our first season, scoring none!
● I always played in gloves as they helped me keep my hands warm!
● I’m now a proud mum – plus I’m on the telly a bit!
1. What are today’s FA Cup opponents otherwise known as: the Wild____? →
2. Heading into today’s fixtures, how many teams are left in the 2022/23 Women’s FA Cup?
3. We beat Sunderland in the last round of the Women’s FA Cup. What division do they play in?
1. Who put in the cross that led to Molly Bartrip’s own goal against Spurs in our most recent game? →
2. Which Red has made the most substitute appearances this season?
3. True or false: Rachel Williams was part of Team GB’s football squad at the 2012 London Olympics.
1. Five Reds have scored twice in a single game so far this season – can you name them all?
← 2. Which Turner has scored more goals for United Women: Amy Turner, Millie Turner... or do they both have the same number?
3. Name the four players to have ever played for United Women whose surnames begin with ‘H’.
↑ Bill Porter from North Wales writes: ‘Many thanks to Martha Thomas for signing Imogen’s shirt and programme at her first match. She’s a true inspiration.’
↑ Caitlin plays for Bolton Wanderers Under-12s, and she loves having selfies with players from her favourite team (United, we presume!), such as Hayley Ladd.
↑ Season ticket holder Jess writes: ‘Our girls were able to have a picture with their idol Russo, who they’ve also followed in England games.’ Yes, girls!
● Good afternoon to James, 8, and Mary, 12 – both here today from Northwich with Dad Kevin.
↑ Young Tobias had a great time at the 6-0 win against Liverpool last month, and he turned eight on 6 February. Martha and the rest of us hope you had a top birthday!
● ‘Come on you mighty Reds!’ says Gabby Smith, who thinks we’ll win the Women’s FA Cup.
● Tim and Mollie Cameron have travelled to today’s game from Bath – it’s good to have you here.
● TODAY’S OTHER WOMEN’S FA CUP
12pm
KEY: WSL – Women’s Super League CC – Continental League Cup
FA – Women’s FA Cup Scorers Bold + own goal
Penalty ↑/↓ won/lost on penalties Yellow/red card
Days after the newly formed Reds competed in our first-ever home fixture, some of the squad joined members of the men’s team at Manchester’s adidas store to help promote that season’s unusual away kit.
Inspired by the Football Pink, a newspaper that was a matchday institution for much of the last century (ask your grandparents, kids), never before had United worn such a colour, and the adidas store had been turned into a newsagents for the launch, with hundred of old copies of the Pink on display. Plenty of fans queued up to be the first to see and buy the fashion-friendly shirt a month before its general release, with club legends Bryan Robson, Denis Irwin and Wes Brown among those behind the counter serving the dedicated punters.
With United Women having played just two games at that point (both in the Conti Cup), it would be fair to say
they wouldn’t have been too familiar to the majority of those at the event, but that did enable them to – quite literally – let their hair down and enjoy the day, especially as we didn’t have a fixture to prepare for later that week.
When United Women did return to action, at Aston Villa on 9 September, the Reds were able to wear pink on a matchday for the first time, with those pictured above (incredibly) scoring TEN goals between them in a 12-0 rout. Clearly a lucky kit for us, we’d continue to don the pink for many away games (sometimes when we didn’t even need it), winning 5-0 at London Bees, 5-0 at Palace, 2-0 at Lewes, 7-0 at Leicester and 2-1 at Charlton. The only blot on our pink-kit tour of 2018/19, however, came against our latest opponents, as we were beaten 3-1 away to Durham (above). Maybe we’d have been better off sticking to red and white after all on that particular day...
Sarah
Maria
Rio
Bridget
Lily
Becky
Christon
Hannah
MATCH OFFICIALS