Manchester United Women v Newcastle United Women match programme, Women's League Cup, 11.12.24
UNITED HEROES BOOK
ACADEMY ROUND-UP
NEWCASTLE’S BIG YEAR
MU FOUNDATION
JUNIOR REDS
STATS AT THE BACK
ADDED-TIME QUIZ
MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL
Co-chairmen Joel Glazer, Avram Glazer
Directors Bryan Glazer, Kevin Glazer, Edward Glazer, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Michael Edelson, Sir Alex Ferguson, David Gill CBE, Omar Berrada, Sir Dave Brailsford, Jean-Claude Blanc Secretary Rebecca Britain Honorary president Martin Edwards
MATCH PROGRAMME TEAM
Editor Charlie Ghagan Contributors Zoe Hodges, Helen Rowe-Willcocks, Mikey Partington, Sean Mullan, Joe Nelson, Charlie Hough, Jamie Spencer, Matthew Brown Photography Charlotte Tattersall, Ash Donelon, Getty Images, Alamy Thanks to Ellie Decrop, John Shiel, Paul Davies, Ian Nolan
The Reds pay their respects to the club’s treasured colleague Kath Phipps ahead of Sunday’s game v Liverpool
Marc
SKINNER
IN HIS FINAL COLUMN OF THE YEAR, UNITED’S HEAD COACH SHARES HIS PRIDE IN THE SQUAD’S PROGRESS THROUGHOUT 2024, BUT HE KNOWS WE WON’T HAVE IT EASY TONIGHT AGAINST CHAMPIONSHIP OPPOSITION...
Welcome back to Leigh Sports Village for our final home game of 2024.
We’ve learnt a lot in the first half of this season – not just about ourselves, but about the league we play in. There are a lot of teams progressing – which is fantastic for the WSL – but it also means we need to keep getting better and better as it progresses.
I’ve been really pleased with the growth of the players and can’t wait to see what the rest of the season brings. We have a young group and we need to grow in the second part of the season. I’m confident we will do that, with an energetic end to the campaign.
We faced tonight’s opponents Newcastle almost a year ago in the Women’s FA Cup and even then you could see the ambition at the club. They are similar to us in the fact they are watching their team grow before their eyes.
Since their investment, Newcastle have got better and better each season and they have an incredible fanbase backing them all the way. They are accelerating and everyone
there is doing a really good job. The Championship is a tough league and they are holding their own. I have no doubt they will be challenging to get into the WSL soon, so we are expecting a tough game this evening.
As we round off our home campaign for the year, ahead of Sunday’s WSL away game at Crystal Palace, I’d just like to take a moment to thank you fans. You have turned up in your numbers every week in 2024 and we couldn’t have achieved what we have this year without you. You have followed us in your numbers up and down the country – even on cold and wet evenings! – and your effort and commitment never goes unnoticed.
We love that we are continuing to grow together and looking at the incredible squad we have, our future is so bright.
I’d like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year, and we’ll see you back here at LSV in 2025.
numbers Run the
A STAT-BASED PREVIEW OF
TONIGHT’S CUP TIE
It’s nearly a year – well, 333 days to be exact –since United and Newcastle’s women’s teams first met, in last season’s FA Cup fourth round. You may have been among the 4,731 in attendance on that January afternoon in Leigh, as the Reds triumphed 5-0 over the Magpies, who were impressively backed by a vocal travelling contingent. Current Reds Ella Toone, Rachel Williams and Melvine Malard were all on target, as was the now-departed Nikita Parris (twice), as we started out on what would be an incredible run to silverware glory. A third-tier outfit at the
time, today’s visitors have since been promoted and have made a solid start to life in a competitive Championship this term, so a closer scoreline should be expected tonight. Becky Langley’s side strengthened further in the summer and if adding talents such as Euro 2022 winner Demi Stokes to their roster was a signal of their ambition, we can anticipate this being just the second of a frequent series of battles in the years ahead.
A total of 26 players have now made their debuts for our women’s team in this cup, after two proud young Reds – Jess Simpson and Emma Watson – were added to that tally in our last League Cup outing, away to Everton. Jess and Emma suffered anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries last year but after working their way back to fitness together – alongside Gabby George, who was also sidelined with the same injury – they were able to celebrate a fulfilling night as we won 2-0. Watson, signed from Rangers in August 2023, completed the full
game and was joined on the pitch by Simpson, who entered our Academy at the age of 11, for the final half-hour. They join a club of League Cup debutants that includes Leah Galton, Ella Toone, Millie Turner (plus 11 others in our first-ever game in August 2018), with Alyssa Aherne, Keira Barry, Evie Rabjohn and Phallon TullisJoyce among the more recent additions. Could that list be added to tonight?
Williams was among the scorers when we last met
Watson on the ball at Everton
1The Reds need at least one point tonight, from our third and final Group A fixture, to make sure of progression to the quarter-finals of the Women’s League Cup. Marc Skinner’s United side currently top the table with two victories from as many games in this season’s competition, having already beaten Merseyside clubs Everton and Liverpool (both by a 2-0 scoreline), and know that a draw in 90 minutes against Newcastle would be enough to advance to the last-eight stage. We will, of course, be aiming for the win though and with only the table toppers going through to January’s next round, margin for error remains slim despite the two aforementioned triumphs, with second-place Liverpool still in the running to overhaul us over the next few hours. They need to take all three points by beating Everton in 90 minutes tonight (6pm kick-off) to stand any chance of doing that, and hope that Newcastle can do the same here in Leigh. The Magpies may be out of this cup, but will be relishing their latest top-flight test and, with it, the chance for some celebrations of their own come full-time. See p41-43 for all the League Cup info and stats.
Toone and Naalsund are both out until the new year, but boss Skinner will still have many options tonight
Tonight’s game will be our 15th and final home outing of what’s been a memorable 2024, bookended by encounters with this evening’s opponents. Since kicking off 2024 v Newcastle, we’ve won 10 of 14 games at LSV and Old Trafford, drawing three and losing just once. So here’s to closing out 2024 with victory no.11 on home turf. Much like on Sunday against Liverpool, we’ll need to try and achieve that without a couple of key players in the shape of Ella Toone
and Lisa Naalsund, who are both out until the new year, but boss Skinner will still have many options when it comes to picking his matchday squad. We’d like to thank you again for your incredible support over the last 12 months, and we’ll see you back here in 2025, beginning with some new opponents in the Women’s FA Cup as we begin our trophy defence (turn the page for more on that). Next up in the WSL here is the visit of Brighton on Sunday 26 January – a game that was this week moved to a 6.45pm kick-off.
Our win on matchday two has put us in a strong position in Group A
Discover more
What’s crucial for your business?
For Manchester United, it’s crucial to stay connected. With the support of remote access from TeamViewer, the club transports the excitement of the stadium to its supporters around the world. With instant updates and uninterrupted broadcasting, fans stay connected with the team they love.
BAGGIES UP IN CUP
Some fresh
opponents will be in town as Marc Skinner’s Reds kick off 2025
Marc Skinner’s Reds will begin our defence of the Women’s FA Cup with a home tie against West Bromwich Albion, in what will be our first fixture of the new year.
The fixture, to be played on the second week of January (date and time TBC at time of print) will pit us against the FA Women’s National League North (third tier) side. The Baggies, managed by Siobian Hodgetts-Still, secured their place in the fourth round by beating another Greater Manchester side in Cheadle Town Stingers, 2-0 at West Brom’s Valley Stadium in Redditch.
Keep an eye on ManUtd.com/ muwtickets for confirmation of the time and date, as well as how to purchase tickets. All supporters will be able to buy tickets from tomorrow (Thursday 12 December) after 12pm. Season ticket holders who have opted-in for cup games will be sent a ticket automatically.
Other standout ties in this last-32 stage include Chelsea v Charlton, Arsenal v Bristol City and Manchester City v Ipswich or Bournemouth, as well as two all-WSL encounters in Everton v Tottenham, and West Ham v Liverpool.
REDS REACH EUROS!
United had four players celebrating qualification for next summer’s UEFA Women’s European Championship during the recent international break.
Hayley Ladd played every minute of Wales’ two-legged play-off success v Republic of Ireland, while young Reds Safia Middleton-Patel and Mared Griffiths were also members of the squad that secured the Dragons’ maiden place at a women’s major tournament.
While our trio soaked up the jubilant scenes after the second leg in Dublin, fellow Red Celin Bizet had just finished helping Norway secure their own ticket
to the Euros in Switzerland, by way of an 7-0 aggregate win over Northern Ireland.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be for Emma Watson and Scotland, however. The 18-year-old featured in both of her nation’s play-off games v Finland, but the Tartan Army were beaten 2-0 in Helsinki after a goalless first leg.
The draw for the 2025 finals takes place on 16 December, with England, France and the Netherlands – nations also represented by members of Marc Skinner’s squad during the recent break – involved too.
play-offs
Joy for United quartet in December
The fourth round of the Women’s FA Cup sees the WSL clubs – including holders United – join the 16-game draw
Hayley enjoys the moment in Dublin alongside fellow Dragon (and ex-Red) Gemma Evans
DOMINIQUE’S DELIGHT
Photo taken: Sunday 8 December 2024, Leigh
Sports Village
What’s the story? While there was much to enjoy here at LSV on Sunday – three WSL points against a big local rival, four goals from four different players, and yet another clean sheet for Phallon Tullis-Joyce – here we’re going to single out Dominique Janssen, who was superb from start to finish. As well as scoring her first goal for the Reds, with a fine left-footed strike from outside the box (pictured, to put us 3-0 up), our Dutch no.17 provided two assists en route to an eventual 4-0 victory. “I really had a lot of fun today,” said Janssen to the Sky cameras after the game, with a smile on her face as big as those in this celebration photo. And we had just as much fun watching you pull the strings in midfield, Dom...
UNITED TO DELIVER EXCELLENCE
Captain’s column
MLT
MAYA HAS EMBRACED HER NEW ROLE THIS YEAR, AND HERE SHE WRITES OF HER PRIDE AS WE PLAN FOR 2025
I can’t quite believe this is our last home game of 2024. It’s been an incredible year, not just for myself but for Manchester United.
This is the year we became Women’s FA Cup champions and I had the honour of becoming captain of this fine club – two major memories that are up there with the best I’ve ever had and both of which make me incredibly proud.
I’m really enjoying being captain of this team. Alongside the other girls in the squad’s leadership group, we work hard to create the best environment we can. It’s a special set of players we have and we really believe we can work together to build bigger and better, not just for now but for future generations at United.
We have a young team and we are excited to keep building and working towards creating a really good culture. It’s so important that our culture off the pitch is one of togetherness so that we can keep together on the pitch.
I’ve also learnt a lot about what Manchester United does as a club away from the pitch. I knew it was a massive club but seeing, and
getting to be part of, the work we do in the community has been really special. I recently went to a school with Hayley and the United Foundation and it was a great afternoon getting to answer questions from all the young girls.
There is so much which goes on behind the scenes which can go unnoticed and it’s fantastic to be a part of. There is an added pressure when you become captain of a club like United but I’m enjoying every second and I want to keep showing everyone how great this club is.
However you celebrate, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and winter break, and I’ll see you all in 2025!
Le Tissier has enjoyed representing the Reds off the pitch this season, almost as much as wearing the armband on it!
#2 Anna Sandberg
OUR SWEDISH FLYER WAS JUST DAYS AWAY FROM HER REDS DEBUT WHEN WE SAT DOWN FOR A CHAT AT OLD TRAFFORD LAST MONTH, AND HAVING OVERCOME A FRUSTRATING INJURY FOLLOWING HER AUGUST ARRIVAL, HER EAGERNESS TO BELATEDLY KICK-START HER UNITED CAREER WAS CLEAR TO SEE...
Interview: Charlie Hough
How have you found life at United so far? It must have been frustrating to pick up a knee injury so soon after joining… Yeah, I have had a tough start with the injury. It’s not a start you want when you come into a new club. So it’s been really tough, but my team-mates and the club have been very helpful, and I have been enjoying that time. Even though I’ve been injured, I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far.
In the meantime, has it given you a chance to settle into Manchester and explore the city? And what about further afield – are you more of a city or country girl? Yeah, I’ve explored quite a lot actually. I had some friends over, some family over, and they really love the city, and I love the city as well. I’ve been settling in very good. I will say I’m both – I like the country and I enjoy taking walks in the countryside, but I also really like the city... I enjoy the shopping!
And we’re here talking at Old Trafford – what do you think of the stadium? Have you had the chance to go to any games here yet?
I was here watching our first game of the season, against West Ham. Unfortunately, I couldn’t play, but I’ve been to a couple of men’s games as well, and I love the stadium, it’s a really cool stadium. So I really look forward to, hopefully one day, playing here myself.
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
ANNA SANDBERG
FACTFILE
DATE OF BIRTH 23 May 2003
POSITION Full-back
PLACE OF BIRTH Sweden
YOUTH CAREER
IFK Lindesberg, Adolfsbergs IK, Orebro SK Soder, KIF Orebro
SENIOR CAREER
2019-20 Orebro SK Soder, 17 apps, 2 goals
2020-22 KIF Orebro, 38 apps, 0 goals
2022-24 BK Hacken, 61 apps, 5 goals
2024-present Manchester United, 3 apps, 0 goals
INTERNATIONAL CAREER
Sweden 5 caps, 0 goals
You’ve been working your way back to fitness – how are you feeling now?
This is my first week back in full training with the team. It feels really good. I’ve really been waiting for this, and now I can’t wait to be back and show myself on the pitch.
How proud are you to have joined a club like United, having moved from Damallsvenskan side BK Hacken?
I’m so proud. It’s a dream come true to play for Manchester United, probably the biggest club in the world. It’s a very, very big thing for me and my family as well. We’ve been working for this since I started playing football. So, I can’t wait to get my debut and get my first minutes for this club.
Our League Cup fixture against Newcastle could be the first chance for some fans at LSV to see you play. How would you describe yourself as a player?
I play as a full-back but I will say I’m a very attacking full-back. I love to take the ball forward, and put my team-mates in good goalscoring opportunities. I also enjoy one-on-ones and crossing the ball to create those opportunities.
“I would say I’m a very attacking full-back. I love to take the ball forward”
United as a club has plenty of Swedish connections – Henrik Larsson, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Victor Lindelof for the men, as well as Lotta Okvist and yourself for the women’s team. Does it make you proud to see your country represented so strongly here?
Yes, I know the players that have been playing here, and I’ve always been cheering for Manchester United, so that’s something extra as well. To play for a club that you have a little bit closer to the heart, it’s a very proud moment for me.
And how nice is it to have Norwegians and Danes around the place too?
Yeah, I love that! I like speaking English [with them]. But it is really nice to be able to talk in Swedish with my Scandinavian friends as well. I really enjoy having them all here.
Anna’s hard work on the training ground would lead to her debut away to Leicester, with two further appearances coming her way since that win
“I’m very excited to go home at Christmas and see my family, but I’m also looking forward to coming back!”
Going back to the League Cup, it’s another chance to push towards silverware. How important is it to try and win another trophy and build on the success of the FA Cup last season?
Very important. Of course, we want to win every game we play, and this cup is very important. We want to achieve big things in this cup, it is also something that I want to win, that everyone wants to win. We have a big desire to win these games.
We’re facing lower-league opposition in Newcastle, but they will be right up for the challenge of causing an upset. Does being the favourites affect how you prepare for, or approach the game?
No, I wouldn’t say so. I mean, being a favourite is a good thing, but we have to go out and play every game like we’re going to win. As I said, that’s our goal. We want to put in good performances for every game.
Moving on to Sweden – you were the youngest member of your country’s World Cup squad last year, which must have been some experience for you? How hungry are you to further your international career now you’re back to full fitness? That’s probably one of the biggest moments in
my career so far, like that was such a big thing for me. I always dreamed of representing Sweden in tournaments like the World Cup, and we did so well too [finishing in third place]. It was a big, big moment for me.
The Newcastle game is our final home fixture before the Christmas break – how important is it to get a win to sign off 2024 at Leigh Sports Village?
As I say, every game is the same, we want to win every game, but I think before the season ends for this year, is it very important to get a good feeling – to go into the Christmas break with a good feeling, and also for our fans to get three points.
What are your Christmas plans – are you in favour of the break, or would you prefer a Christmas full of football, as the men will have in this country? What do you make of that very British tradition? Of course I want to play football, but since I’m away from my family right now, I’m also very excited to go home and spend some time with my family. Christmas is a very big thing for me, so I’m looking forward to it, but I’m also looking forward to coming back! ●
Showing off her medal alongside Magdalena Eriksson and Stina Blackstenius at the Women’s World Cup in Brisbane
Happy 15th birthday to Ellie Musgrave, from everyone at United.
Happy 13th birthday to Esme, who sits in West Stand – love Mum, Dad and Eloise.
Kimberley follows the team home and away and her favourite player is
The Munn family are always ready to cheer on the Reds. ‘We are with you all the way – GGMU!’
Holly is celebrating her 15th birthday at tonight’s game. Ruby Stead is an MUW season ticket holder – it’s great to have you here, Ruby!
Olivia absolutely loves watching the Reds at LSV!
yep,
magic
TOONE’S A UNITED HERO!
New official children’s book shines a spotlight on 30 iconic Reds
“Buzzin’!” is the word Ella Toone uses when we hand her a copy of new official club book United Heroes, in which our no.7 has her very own chapter (below). For any young Reds eager to learn about the legends who have worn our famous shirt over the past century, this
Spanning 196 pages, the beautifully illustrated publication, which includes the work of renowned local artist Stanley Chow, celebrates the players and managers who have helped shape our club’s illustrious history. From the grit and determination of Bryan Robson to the flair and
from the gilded right foot of David Beckham to the record-breaking feats of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, every chapter dives into the careers of these iconic Reds. Ella is among the United Women representation along the way, following the team’s success since being reformed in 2018 – the high point to date being our march to Women’s FA Cup glory last season.
Readers will discover the finest moments of the Reds’ career journeys – the goals that shook the stands, the leaders that took the club to glory, and the magic that made each of the 30 people included true United heroes.
Each chapter includes their statistics – listing appearances, goals and achievements – and is a must-have for any junior Red.
Scan here to buy your copy:
POSTER HAYLEY LADD
2024/25
Helping our young people tell their stories.
FOLLOW ALONG
ENGAGE ● INSPIRE ● UNITE
STEPPING UP A PHASE
Under-21 girls continue to impress as they enter second stage of league season, while Reds receive international recognition at both age levels
UNDER-21s in the goals
National title winners last season – defeating Arsenal in the English final in May after their northern success – our Under-21s are making good ground again in 2024/25. Melissa Brown’s side finished top of the Women’s PGA Northern League, qualifying for us for the top tier in ‘phase two’ of the league season.
Goals from Mared Griffiths, Sienna Wareing, Jess Anderson and Emma Watson gave United a 4-1 victory in the second phase’s opening game, at home to Sunderland. The young Reds followed that up with a 3-2 win over Durham. Olivia Francis and Amelia Oldroyd netted, with United also benefiting from an own goal, for a dominant half-time lead. A composed performance to see the game out followed, after conceding twice.
In the FA Youth Cup, we thrashed North West rivals Liverpool 9-0, with Griffiths scoring a hat-trick and Francis a double. United will now face Arsenal in the quarter-final on Wednesday 11 December.
Six of United’s U21s group are regularly training with Marc Skinner’s first team, while nine players are out on dual-registration, meaning they’re benefiting from senior training or playing time with other clubs, while still able to train and play with United.
Griffiths (left) and Newell (right) have both enjoyed a memorable few weeks for club and country
There’s been some additional news to celebrate in recent weeks for our Girls’ Academy, with two players winning Sports Aid funding grants, which means they’ll receive £1,000 to go towards their personal development.
Across the Academy, we’ve had plenty of youngsters representing their countries, too. Lucy Newell has captained England U19s, while Mared Griffiths – in strong goalscoring form for our U21s – was part of the senior Wales squad who made history by qualifying for UEFA Euro 2025, their first major international tournament.
unbeaten UNDER-16s
Many of our U16s group have also been involved with their respective countries during the
international break, and this age group are also celebrating progress in the FA Youth Cup.
They defeated Southampton 4-1 in the quarter-finals as Pixie scored a brace, with Porsha and Holly scoring once each. They’ll now play Bristol City in the semi-finals.
That headlines a strong season so far for the group, who are unbeaten in the league and have progressed in the PGA Championship Cup as well as the FA Youth Cup. They’ve also been tested in a different way by competing against boys’ teams in the JPL.
“That’s mainly around trying to close our development gaps,” says Amanda Goodwin, Women’s Academy Manager. “We’re trying to challenge the girls against various styles of play, making sure that they’re in a stretching and challenging environment.”
DIFFERENCE WHAT A A YEAR MAKES...
In a nice bit of symmetry for Marc Skinner’s Reds, our home schedule in 2024 has been bookended by cup meetings with Newcastle – and the Magpies have been on quite the journey since that previous LSV date…
Words: Joe Nelson
Five-nil. That was the score – in the Reds’ favour – the last time Manchester United Women met Newcastle United Women, on the afternoon of Sunday 14 January this year. It was the first time the Geordies had ever faced top-flight opposition and, despite the scoreline, the 1,000-strong away crowd enjoyed every minute of their big FA Cup fourth-round fixture at Leigh Sports Village.
Ella Toone, Nikita Parris (2), Rachel Williams and Melvine Malard made the scoresheet for the hosts that day, kickstarting an FA Cup journey that would culminate in the first major trophy in our team’s history.
Toone’s fine strike got United up and running against Newcastle, and our no.7’s superhero celebration – inspired by her protective face-mask – will live long in the memory. Parris’s double then put the game beyond the Magpies, before Williams and Malard put the icing on the cake.
But you sensed the result didn’t matter too much to the buoyant travelling fans, who revelled in what they hoped might be a taste of things to come in the years ahead: the chance to watch their beloved team face elite opponents on the regular.
For a third-tier side to bring that number of supporters to LSV – more than 150 miles from Newcastle – was remarkable for a women’s game, and further evidence of just what football means to those from that particular corner of the North East.
Now, almost a year on, the Magpies are in town again, and while the passion emanating from the away end is likely to be just as strong tonight (if smaller, due to the midweek nature of this fixture), our opponents on the pitch look very different from that January afternoon.
Becky Langley is still in the hotseat, but her side underwent a big transformation in the summer upon their rise to the Championship, with full-back Demi Stokes (69 England caps) and similarly experienced midfielder Rachel Furness the headline names among those to arrive through the doors.
Stokes, who spent nine years at Manchester City and won the 2022 Euros with England alongside Toone, arrived at Newcastle in July, bringing a wealth of knowledge and quality to the backline.
Furness, capped 95 times by Northern Ireland, adds equally valuable knowhow to the Magpies’ ranks, while forwards Isabella Sibley and Shania Hayles have sharpened the team’s attack.
Such additions came as little surprise: Newcastle are hungry to rise up the league pyramid, with the next target being promotion to the WSL at the first attempt. At the time of writing, they’re just four points off the top of the Championship, yet stuck in seventh place. With only one team going up, the second tier has never looked more competitive. Whatever happens from here, don’t be surprised to see the promotion race go right to the wire.
We’ve rarely seen an away end at LSV like that chilly Sunday back in January
A masked Ella grabbed the headlines on the pitch that day
LEAGUE CUP DEBUT
Games like tonight can only help the development of Langley’s side – after all, rewind the clock 12 months and Newcastle weren’t even in a division that enabled them to participate in the League Cup.
The 2023/24 campaign was their debut season in the third tier, after promotion from the fourth step of the pyramid just one year prior – at which point they became a full-time, professional outfit.
An influx of talent followed that promotion, with Amber-Keegan Stobbs, Emma Kelly and Elysia Boddy among those acquired in 2023 – all three possessing bundles of experience in the Championship and above, let alone the third tier.
Big games such as the FA Cup tie at LSV stood as landmark moments for Langley’s team last term. The Magpies also reached the FA Women’s National League Cup final at Luton Town’s Kenilworth Road, but succumbed in the final to Hashtag United.
For all these exciting days out in cup competitions, the players and staff made no secret of their primary focus: further progression in the league. An emphatic 10-0 win over Huddersfield Town in April, in front of a huge crowd of 7,382 at Kingston Park Stadium – home of Newcastle Falcons rugby union team – guaranteed the title in thrilling fashion.
The second tier beckoned, and within the first few months of 2024/25, the Magpies already seem to have adapted to that level.
A pre-season friendly victory over Serie A Femminile side AC Milan at
St James’ Park got fans even more excited for the new term, with Newcastle now setting their sights on the heights of the WSL.
Langley’s side went unbeaten during their first three league games, and held Everton to a 1-1 draw in their first League Cup clash (though the Toffees won on penalties). Back in the league, a home loss to local side Durham was a blunt reminder of the quality second-tier clubs possess, before the Magpies’ standout fixture to date came around in October: Sunderland away, at the Stadium of Light. The Magpies prevailed, 2-1, and followed it up with a draw against Charlton and a win on the road at Birmingham – two opposition sides tipped by many for promotion ahead of 2024/25. It’s a long campaign, of course, with only top spot delivering that holy passage into the WSL, but Newcastle are certainly a side to keep an eye on.
LOCAL HEROES
For years, Newcastle fans had longed to be in the same division as their North East counterparts, Durham and Sunderland, so no wonder they’re enjoying this moment. Wearside, rather than Tyneside, was always seen as the
It’s not every day you beat AC Milan at St James’ Park...
primary destination for talented players from the region to ply their trade, with Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Jordan Nobbs and former Red Lucy Staniforth representing Sunderland in the past. Rachel Furness, who returned to Newcastle in the summer (having played for them from 2006-10), also played for Sunderland in the top division in the 2015 and 2016 campaigns, before she moved on to Reading, Spurs (on loan), Liverpool and Bristol City.
With so much local interest, a crowd of 15,387 gathered inside Sunderland’s Stadium of Light for the much-anticipated encounter in October, beating the previous Championship record attendance of 11,137 (set when Sheffield United played London City Lionesses in 2022). Winger Beth Lumsden’s
“THE NORTH EAST HAS SO MUCH TALENT, AND IT’S SO GOOD THAT ALL THREE TEAMS ARE IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP”
brace won the day for Newcastle, instantly endearing her to supporters as a new ‘Mackem slayer’ – an endearing term previously bestowed on former Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi after his own goalscoring exploits against the Black Cats.
A proud Langley said afterwards: “The fans are unbelievable, and when we saw the end packed out with Geordies today, I said, ‘We are playing for those fans’, because we know how much the Tyne-Wear derby means to the fans.”
It isn’t the first time Newcastle have helped set an attendance record, with the Magpies gaining a reputation for eclipsing previously-set crowd numbers. In 2022, 22,565 fans attended their Women’s FA Cup clash against Barnsley at St James’ Park, setting a then record for the competition outside of showpiece finals.
With the Tyne-Wear derby gaining prominence once more, and both Newcastle and Sunderland striving to reach the WSL, the North East’s presence in women’s football is only growing.
In a recent interview for Newcastle’s matchday programme, Furness reflected on the development of women’s football in the region. “I ultimately had to leave the North East to play at a higher level,” she said. “Now, the younger girls have opportunities, so grab it with both hands. The North East has so much talent, and it is so good for the North East that all three teams are in the Championship.
“The teams can progress to the WSL, and I just think it is fantastic for young girls now that they can have a dream of being a professional footballer, but that dream doesn’t have to mean ‘I need to move’. You can be a homegrown player from your area, playing at the highest level for your local team.”
If the Magpies can deliver as much progress in 2025 as they managed in 2024, it won’t be long before we’re welcoming them back to compete for three WSL points, rather than three in the cup. ●
In a football-mad region, the progression of the team has seen ever-increasing crowd numbers – helped by the addition of talents such as Stokes (below, left) to the squad
Manager Langley has led the team since 2019
OUR CITY’S PAST HEROES
National Football Museum plays host to session on women’s football history
Pupils from six of Manchester United Foundation’s partner schools were inspired by the city of Manchester’s rich history of women’s football in a recent event at the National Football Museum.
Young people descended on the city-centre football haven to inspect artefacts and exhibits from the museum with a specific focus on women’s football’s past.
December marked the 104-year anniversary of the FA’s ban on women’s football –brought into force on 4 December 1921 and, incredibly, remaining in place for almost half a century.
Jolene Murray, female football education coordinator for the Foundation, said: “It was brilliant to bring together our young people at the National Football Museum where there’s so much to learn about the history of the beautiful game.
“Taking inspiration from past heroes of the women’s football is so important for our young people, and it’s a reminder of how far the game has come and the many role models who have come before.
“We’re always striving to provide our young people with more opportunities in women’s football so we hope this event will make our pupils feel proud to
continue playing, whether that’s at one of our schools or community football sites.”
Despite the prolonged ban, women continued to be pioneers of the game – in our city, no less.
As part of one of the workshops, the young people also had a talk from Helen Tither, film director of The Corinthians: We Were The Champions –showcasing the success of the trailblazing women’s football team of our city, Manchester Corinthians.
“It’s been a fantastic event,” said Helen. “I think it’s so
important to speak to today’s generations about stories that went before. Speaking to the girls and seeing that passion for the game is the reason we’re making this film, to give them heroes to look up to and inspire them moving forward.” was amazing and really fun.”
Visit
The students get creative during their workshop, as they look to celebrate female footballers, past and present
Tonight’s visitors:
NEWCASTLE UNITED
About our opponents...
Nickname: The Magpies
Founded: 1989
Primary home ground: Kingston Park, Newcastle (10,200 capacity)
Last season: National League North, 1st; FA Cup fourth round; National League Cup runner-up
Top scorer (all comps): Shania Hayles (6)
Best achievement:
Promotion to Women’s Championship, 2024
Newcastle arrive in Leigh with their League Cup fate already sealed after taking only one point from their opening two games, both against top-flight sides. But it does mean that Becky Langley’s side have a free hit of sorts to try and make a final impression before they bow out of the competition for the season.
The Magpies were always facing an uphill battle in what could be considered a ‘Group of Death’ alongside United, Liverpool and Everton. By contrast, the cup’s other northern group is made up of exclusively Championship clubs – that is sometimes just the luck of the draw. Against Everton on matchday one, Newcastle took the lead through three-time League Cup winner Demi Stokes inside the first five minutes, making for a dream start on home soil. The Toffees would equalise early in the second half, however, and with the tie ending level, the Merseysiders would win the shoot-out to claim a bonus point.
Another home game against Merseyside opponents – this time in the shape of Liverpool – would prove to be a much tougher assignment on matchday two. As she’d done against Everton, Langley opted to rotate her line-up from her typical league XI. For both cup games, the boss also switched formation, operating a back three instead of variations of 4-3-3, as seen in the league. While such a set-up worked against Everton, giving
RECORD V THE REDS
Played: 1
Newcastle wins: 0
United wins: 1
Draws: 0
Newcastle goals: 0
United goals: 5
Previous meeting: United 5
Newcastle 0
FAC, 14.01.24
RECENT LINE-UP:
v LIVERPOOL (AWAY, LEAGUE CUP, 24.11.24) REID GREENWOOD
HAYWOOD BARKER ANDREWS
SUBS USED: STOBBS, M c QUADE, GIBSON, ELSON, HAYLES
Newcastle a strong foothold from which to launch attacks, Liverpool raced into a two-goal lead inside 12 minutes. The hosts had chances to narrow the deficit, but with their opponents showing far more of a cutting edge, the Magpies were 4-0 down at half-time. Matt Beard’s WSL side added a fifth soon after the break, before a consolation from Amy Andrews and a sixth for Liverpool in the final stages.
Newcastle haven’t been in Championship action since a 1-1 draw against Southampton on 17 November – a result that left them seventh in an extraordinarily congested table. Only four points separate Langley’s team from leaders Birmingham and second-place Durham with 11 games to play. But their FA Cup campaign got under way on Sunday with the visit of Middlesbrough (result not known at time of print), with the two-division gulf between the local rivals indicative of Newcastle’s rapid rise.
HEAD COACH VERSATILE
Becky Langley became boss in 2019, initially as a 10-hours-per-week job as part of her full-time role as head of women’s football at Northumbria University. A coach from the age of 14, other roles that have helped lead Langley to this point include head of women’s football at Nottingham University, and a year as a sports science intern with Nottingham Forest’s junior men’s teams.
NO.5
Liv Watt made her WSL debut for Sunderland aged 17, later turning out for Middlesbrough before stepping away from club football to focus on her studies. The defender joined Newcastle in 2021, and after missing much of 2022/23 through injury, she came storming back last season to play 29 games, scooping the Fans’ Player of the Year award.
TRUE LEADER
A former team-mate of Leah Galton at Hofstra University in the US, Amber-Keegan Stobbs dropped down a division to join an ambitious Newcastle from Lewes in July 2023. The midfielder’s Magpies-mad father hails from Tyneside and even named her in honour of his hero Kevin Keegan. She leads the side on the pitch, with long-serving goalkeeper Grace Donnelly the club captain.
JOEL KELLY BODDY SIBLEY WATT STOKES
Left: Langley’s Magpies have had some encouraging results in the Championship this season, although they’re still searching for a first win in tonight’s competition
Rewind to...
31 JULY 2012 ● ST JAMES’ PARK, NEWCASTLE
Tonight’s cup opponents have played seven competitive games at St James’ Park since their first outing there in April 2022 but the iconic stadium, which stands so proudly in the heart of Newcastle city centre, does have previous when it comes to women’s football.
Back at the 2012 Olympics, it was one of six venues to host the women’s football tournament, alongside Millennium Stadium (Cardiff), City of Coventry Stadium (Coventry), Hampden Park (Glasgow) and, of course, Old Trafford and Wembley.
Pictured here is the group-stage clash between Canada and Sweden, an afternoon fixture attended by 12,719 fans, with Canada’s coach – Englishman and Newcastle fan John Herdman – no doubt enjoying the occasion as much as anyone, especially after a 2-2 draw took his side through to the quarters alongside their opponents. And it was a rare double-header at
St James’ that day, with France versus Colombia kicking off later, by which time the official attendance (however they worked that one out!) had crept up to 13,184 – Les Bleues winning 1-0 to ensure their progress from Group G. And St James’ final fixture came in the last eight, as the USA beat New Zealand 2-0.
So what about Manchester United connections?
Well, while Old Trafford would host two games, it was the venue for what was surely the game of the tournament: eventual gold medalists USA’s 4-3 extra-time win against Canada in the semis, with 26,630 in attendance. The Stars and Stripes had future Red Tobin Heath in their starting XI in M16 (Christen Press didn’t make their final squad). And as for Team GB – eliminated by Canada in the last eight – our future boss Casey Stoney was a defender in Hope Powell’s squad, with Rachel Williams part of the attack. Doesn’t it all seem a long time ago...
The five Olympic rings, along with the flags of the competing nations, adorn the Newcastle stadium a dozen years ago
2024 QUIZ
UNITED 5-0 NEWCASTLE, 14 JAN, FA CUP FOURTH ROUND WHO GOT TWO GOALS FOR THE REDS?
It’s our final home fixture of 2024 – how much do you remember about some of the year’s standout games?
UNITED 4-1 EVERTON, 31 MAR, WSL WHICH TEAM WAS WINNING AT HALF-TIME?
UNITED 2-1 CHELSEA, 14 APR, FA CUP SEMI-FINAL IN WHICH MINUTE DID THE REDS OPEN THE SCORING? 1 2 3 4 5
UNITED 4-0 TOTTENHAM, 12 MAY, FA CUP FINAL WHO GOT UNITED’S FIRST GOAL?
UNITED 3-0 WEST HAM, 21 SEP, WSL WHO SCORED ON THEIR REDS DEBUT?
FESTIVE F IEUNN S
SOME JOKES YOU MIGHT FIND IN YOUR CHRISTMAS CRACKERS!
What do you get if you cross our stadium with Christmas dinner?
Leigh Sprouts Village!
Where does Santa play football?
The North Goal!
Which United player can fly with reindeers?
Sleigh-de Riviere!
What does the United boss eat on 25 December? Christmas Skinner!
FAMILIAR FACES
Put these teams in order of how many times we’ve faced them in 2024, from most to least! 39
Here for football in all the ways you are
From supporting your favourite football leagues, to paving the way for the future of the game. We know football means more to you than just what happens on the pitch. We’re here for communities, we’re here for opportunities. We’re here for every goal.
Search Barclays football to find out more
Stats AT THE BACK
UNITED APPEARANCES & GOALS, 2024/25
1
2
● The five groups have been formed regionally – north and south – with teams playing each other once in this first stage.
● If a group-stage fixture ends in a draw after 90 minutes, a penalty shoot-out will take place for an additional point.
● Only the group winners go through to quarter-finals. Joining them at that stage will be Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, who each secured a bye having qualified for the Champions League group stage.
A CLOSER LOOK...
Melvine Malard’s volley to round off our WSL win v Liverpool on Sunday was her 10th goal for United. The French no.9 becomes the 14th player to reach double figures in our history, with her goals-per-game ratio being higher than many of the others on that list –after all, 20 of Mel’s 37 appearances have come as a sub, with six of her 10 goals coming from the bench.
WOMEN’S LEAGUE CUP preview
ALL 20 GROUP-STAGE TEAMS ARE IN ACTION ON A DECISIVE NIGHT...
As we take on Newcastle in our final group game tonight, elsewhere the other groups will also come to a climax, and we’ll discover who will enter January’s quarter-final stage.
Only the outright winners of each group will progress, and United lead the way in Group A, with Liverpool in second, having won their game against Newcastle in the last round of fixtures. Liverpool host Everton but they’ll need a win to stand any chance of progressing, while relying on United losing by an equal or greater margin than they win by. The Toffees and Newcastle will be playing for pride alone tonight.
Three of the four Championship sides in Group B could still progress. Leaders Durham have five points after beating Blackburn and winning a shoot-out following a draw with Sheffield United. Tonight Durham travel to third-placed Sunderland, who have three points. The Black Cats will need to win in 90 minutes in the local clash to progress ahead of Durham, although Blackburn could yet have a say if they take three points from already eliminated Sheffield United, while Durham drop points.
Moving on to Group C, West Ham lead the way and look almost certain to progress having won both of their opening games and having a goal difference of eight – five higher than any group rivals. Tonight sees Rehanne Skinner’s Irons host second-placed Southampton, while London City Lionesses travel to Portsmouth knowing that only a huge win will give them any hope.
There are still plenty of permutations, but by 10pm we’ll know all the answers
Group D is a much closer affair with all four sides able to qualify. Brighton have their noses slightly in front on four points, having won one and drawn one, and they take on bottom side Bristol City, who have two points. Depending on what happens in the other game, between Leicester and Birmingham, Bristol City could see their fortunes drastically change. Meanwhile, both the Foxes and Blues have three points each – a win for either side could see them qualify... but only if Brighton drop points.
And finally, Group E. Tottenham look destined to progress having taken maximum points to date. They travel to fellow WSL side Crystal Palace, who have three points and still have a chance of advancing, while Aston Villa – who are on equal points with Palace but with a slightly better goal difference – host Charlton, who are yet to get a point and are unable to qualify.
So there are plenty of permutations to ponder, but we’ll know all the answers come 10pm tonight. The quintet of qualifiers will join the Women’s Champions League teams – current holders Arsenal, last year’s runners-up Chelsea and Manchester City – in the quarter-finals.
West Ham head into tonight with the best record of any team in the group stage
FIXTURES + RESULTS
Bizet
Geyse
ADDED-TIME QUIZ
It’s a ‘quiz of the year’ as we round off 2024 at
1.
Who scored our first competitive goal of 2024, in a 5-0 win over this evening’s opponents Newcastle?
2.
Which team did United face in a first-ever competitive meeting in February, in the FA Cup?
3.
Which midfielder got both of our goals in March’s 2-0 win against Bristol City with her first WSL strikes?
Against which team did Ella Toone score to win April’s WSL Goal of the Month award?
4. 5. 6.
Who scored her final two United goals in the FA Cup final win against Tottenham?
Who was the Reds’ first confirmed senior signing of the summer?
7.
September’s Old Trafford win over West Ham made it how many games at the Theatre of Dreams for United Women?
8.
Following Maya Le Tissier’s successful spot-kick v Tottenham in October, how many Reds have now converted a penalty in a WSL fixture: three, four or five?
9.
10.
True or false: Melvine Malard’s first WSL goal of the campaign came against Arsenal for the second season running. With four appearances last season, and including the first six of 2024/25, how many clean sheets did Phallon Tullis-Joyce keep in her first 10 United games?
ANSWERS: 1. Ella Toone; 2. Southampton; 3. Lisa Naalsund; 4. Leicester City; 5. Lucia Garcia; 6. Dominique Janssen; 7. Seven; 8. Three – also Katie Zelem and Ella Toone; 9. True; 10. Six.
