Manchester United Women v Sheffield United Women match programme, Continental League Cup, 18.12.22

AS OUR 2022 SCHEDULE COMES TO AN END, THE BOSS RECOGNISES THE

SHIFT IN MENTALITY THROUGHOUT HIS SQUAD, AND SHARES HIS

Hello and welcome to Leigh Sports Village for the final time in 2022. We close out the year against Sheffield United in the Continental Tyres League Cup – we’re disappointed to be out of the competition and even though we can’t qualify regardless of the result today, every match matters to us so we’re looking for a strong finish to the year.

After this, we’re looking forward to a bit of a break over Christmas and the new year, though I will certainly be keeping busy with the transfer window on the horizon. The girls have really earned a good break. It’s been a brilliant and intense first half of the season, especially when you consider we had players coming into pre-season at different times as well as seven new players to embed into the group and get up to speed with our way of playing.

We’re four points up on where we were at Christmas last year, with one fewer game played, and we’ve faced each of the teams who have finished above us previously at least once – winning one, losing one and drawing one. If you’d have offered me that at the start of the season, I’d have taken it.

If I take time to reflect though, we’re in a very different place now to the start of the year. I say I would have taken those results, but we’re now going into the biggest matches without fear, with genuine confidence in our abilities, both individually and as a collective. I’ve seen a real shift in mentality and belief in these players –we want to be winning all three of those matches and we’re not setting any limits for 2023. We’re excited by the opportunity to achieve big things.

EXCITEMENT FOR 2023

Something I’m particularly proud of with this group is that we are thinkers on the pitch now. We practise human decision-making rather than rigidly playing in patterns. That’s something that’s really important to me as a coach, putting the player at the centre of what we do and enabling them to have autonomy to make decisions on the pitch, to have a freedom within our framework.

Early in the new year, we’re planning on going away for a mini training camp. We’ll continue to prepare for the remainder of the season but it will also be a great opportunity to get the girls back together to spend time with each other off the pitch, which is incredibly important.

In the wider landscape of women’s football, this year has been a brilliant one and we’ve seen the knock-on effect of everyone’s hard work on both the international stage and domestically. A highlight for me has been seeing crowds getting bigger and bigger across the country, and the sport finally getting the recognition it deserves.

You have been with us from the start, loud and proud, bringing the energy. We can’t wait to play in front of you today and for what’s to come together for us all in 2023. Enjoy the game, have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year!

INSIDE STORIES

SIGNING OFF FOR 2022...

Sheffield United are in town as our Conti Cup campaign comes to a close

Our 29th and final fixture of an eventful year brings the Blades to Leigh, and while our exit from the Continental Tyres League Cup has (sadly) already been confirmed, Marc Skinner and his Reds will want to head into the festive break with a winning feeling.

Against Everton in this competition 11 days ago, we knew that a victory was imperative if we were to have any chance of progressing from Group A into the quarter-finals. While we did achieve that aim, results

elsewhere means United are now unable to catch group leaders Aston Villa – or indeed Liverpool, currently second in Group B, meaning finishing as best runners-up is also out of reach.

Villa’s victory on the same evening came against today’s opponents Sheffield United, with Carla Ward’s Villans edging a 2-1 win after Mia Enderby’s 80th-minute penalty had given the Blades (and us) hope. But with our Conti Cup ambitions on hold for another season, attentions will turn to the WSL – in which we so nearly

We return to action here in Leigh on Sunday 15 January

took three points rather than one at Manchester City last weekend – and the FA Cup, which begins next month (turn the page for more on that).

A thrilling first-half display put us on the path to victory against Everton in our last Conti Cup game

The new year will commence with a big home fixture v Liverpool – which has been moved to Sunday 15 January (2.05pm) – so there’s much to look forward to, with Skinner keen to place no ceiling on what his Reds are capable of achieving this season.

Whatever’s at stake and whatever the competition, we’ll take one game at time and give everything to get the win, and his message will be exactly the same today, with a similar line-up expected to that which put four first-half goals past Everton in the Conti Cup earlier this month.

A scan of United’s results across the past 12 months is a reminder of the progress we’ve made; the

Saluting the away supporters at Manchester City seven days ago

AWAY TRIP IS FIRST UP IN FA CUP

OUR PERFORMANCE AT THE

ETIHAD, MUCH LIKE AT THE EMIRATES, HAS TO BODE WELL FOR WHAT LIES AHEAD

winning consistency we’ve found; of how difficult we are to beat. Today will be game 29 of the year, and of the 28 to date only City (twice) and Chelsea (three times) have beaten us outside of a penalty shoot-out. Our two wins and a draw from three 2022 meetings with Arsenal makes for highly impressive reading, and clearly the next challenge is being able to pick up similar head-to-head records against the aforementioned teams wearing blue.

We couldn’t have got much closer to getting the win against City last time out, but nevertheless, the manner of our performance at the Etihad – much

IT’S JUMPER DAY!

As you might notice if you look up towards the West Stand today, our supporters’ club (MUWSC, right) are taking part in a Christmas Jumper Day, with all funds going directly to Manchester United Foundation, as part of its effort to support vulnerable families in the local community.

Please visit justgiving.com/page/ muwsc-xmas-jumper-day-22

like that at the Emirates in November –has to bode well for what lies ahead. As for today’s visitors, they haven’t played since their Conti Cup loss to Villa on 7 December, with their FA Cup tie v Nottingham Forest called off last weekend. The ice-cold conditions put paid to 13 FA Cup ties in total, resulting in numerous games being rescheduled for today. Thankfully, the Blades are able to play their rearranged tie on 8 January, meaning that (unless those skies open up once again!) their trip to Leigh goes ahead, and we can all wrap up warm to cheer on the Reds once last time in 2022. Happy Christmas, all!

should you wish to donate. The Foundation’s own winter fundraising effort will continue into the new year and MUWSC will aim to work with the club’s associated charity. Visit mufoundation.org for more, or muwsc.co.uk to contact MUWSC.

The draw for the fourth round of the Women’s FA Cup was made on Monday, and it pitted the Reds with Blackburn Rovers or Sunderland. Both sides are in this season’s Championship, with Rovers sat in eighth position at the time of writing, while the Black Cats are 11th. The two teams were paired together in the third round, with that game now taking place on 8 January. While full details for the the fourth round have yet to be confirmed, ties are set to be played on the weekend of 28/29 January. Rovers’ home ground, the Sir Tom Finney Stadium in Bamber Bridge, has a capacity of 3,000, while Sunderland’s home is Eppleton Colliery, which holds 2,500. Keep an eye on ManUtd.com for further details about this away fixture.

LAST TIME OUT

Sun 11 Dec, Etihad Stadium, WSL

1 MANCHESTER CITY

Coombs 58

1 UNITED Galton 27

United kept in touch with the sides at the top of the WSL table with a 1-1 draw in a gripping Manchester derby last Sunday.

The hosts almost broke the deadlock in spectacular style in front of an Etihad crowd (recorded as 44,259), but Mary Earps was alert to punch away a corner that was heading straight in from former Reds skipper Alex Greenwood, before Hannah Blundell cleared the ball to safety.

Instead, it was the Reds who struck first. A slick move that began in defence led to an exchange between Leah Galton and Ella Toone, as the latter fed the former to take aim and find a way past Ellie Roebuck with a shot that deflected in off Greenwood.

The lead lasted until just before the hour mark. Chloe Kelly demonstrated her abilities as a provider as she sent over a looping cross that evaded the United backline and found Laura Coombs with time and space to stoop and head in past Earps from close range.

connected with Galton’s delivery to nod on target, but Roebuck pulled out a fine stop of her own.

Galton then pounced on a loose pass from Roebuck and squared for Lucia Garcia, who appealed vociferously for handball and a penalty after her attempt was blocked by Greenwood, but to no avail. It meant the derby spoils would be shared, and the Reds, cheered on by thousands in the stands, could consider themselves unfortunate not to take all three points.

LINE-UPS

MANCHESTER CITY: Roebuck; Casparij, Aleixandri, Greenwood, Ouahabi; Castellanos, Hasegawa, Coombs; Kelly (Raso 85), Shaw, Hemp

Subs not used: MacIever, Stokes, Houghton, Fowler, Angeldahl, Morgan, Kennedy, Blakstad Booked: None

RECAP OF THE REDS’ MOST RECENT FIXTURES

Having got back on terms, the home side then set about trying to take the lead, going close when Leila Ouahabi’s cross was headed goalwards by the prolific Khadija Shaw, with Earps there to make the save.

At the other end, Martha Thomas had a glorious chance to seal the points as she

UNITED: Earps; Batlle, Le Tissier, Turner, Blundell; Zelem, Ladd; Parris (Thomas 71), Toone, Galton; Russo (Garcia 84)

Subs not used: Baggaley, Thorisdottir, Tounkara, Moore, Staniforth, Boe Risa, Williams Booked: None

Referee: Abigail Byrne Att: 44,259

Galton fires home to give United the lead

Katie Zelem tussles with City’s Deyna Castellanos

4 UNITED

2 EVERTON

Park 25, Holmgaard 90+2

The Reds clinched a first Continental Tyres League Cup victory of the season with a 4-2 triumph over Everton, but it wasn’t enough to keep our hopes of qualification to the knockout stage alive.

It was a blistering start from Marc Skinner’s side, as Ona Batlle’s ball towards the far post was met by a thunderous header from Vilde Boe Risa to open the scoring with just 44 seconds on the clock.

Jade Moore’s long-range effort was straight at goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan but the second goal soon arrived when slack Toffees defending allowed Lucia Garcia to square for Rachel Williams stab in.

There was no let-up and a third strike arrived on 20 minutes. Lucy Staniforth released Martha Thomas down the right, and her inviting cross was turned in by Boe Risa for her second of the evening.

Everton clawed one back in controversial fashion. With the Reds defence appealing for offside, Jess Park latched on to a ball over the top, skipped away from Sophie Baggaley and tapped into an empty net.

But the three-goal cushion was soon restored. Everton failed to clear a corner, and a scramble in the box ended with Moore forcing the ball over the line.

The visitors did threaten more in the second half, being denied several times by Baggaley, and hitting the crossbar through Park. They did eventually manage to reduce the arrears when Karen Holmgaard bundled home in injury time, but it had little effect on the final score, and indeed the group as a whole.

LINE-UPS

The teams get set for kick-off on a cold night here in Leigh

Wed 7 Dec, Leigh Sports Village, Continental Tyres League Cup Group A

Boe Risa 1, 20, Williams 12, Moore 27

Maria Thorisdottir battles to win back possession

It was a fine display from two-goal Vilde

UNITED: Baggaley; Batlle (Blundell 45), Tounkara, Turner (Le Tissier 45), Thorisdottir; Moore (Zelem 45), Staniforth, Boe Risa; Garcia, Williams (Galton 84), Thomas (Toone 78) Subs not used: Earps, Ladd, Russo Booked: None

EVERTON: Brosnan; Maier (Graham 45), George, Sevecke, Galli; Holmgaard, Bennison (Christiansen 63), Bjorn; Park, Gio (Snoeijs 29), Beever-Jones (Sorensen 45) Subs not used: Henderson, Weir, Clarke, Wilding Booked: Bennison

Referee: Simon Mather Att: 1,519

A PARTNERSHIP BUILT ON TRUST.

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A comprehensive, science-based program to help deliver a cleaner and safer stadium and training grounds for their fans, visitors, players and staff.

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AS WE SIGN OFF FOR 2022 AGAINST A SIDE SOPHIE’S

NEVER FACED BEFORE, THE KEEPER REFLECTS ON THE MANY POSITIVES OF OUR SEASON SO FAR, WHILE TELLING

ABOUT LIFE ON THE TRAINING GROUND, TEENAGE MEMORIES, AND CHRISTMAS JUMPERS!

It’ll be a strange feeling going into this tie, won’t it – we could potentially finish Group A unbeaten and with a healthy eight points, yet we’ll be out... Yeah, obviously we’re all disappointed not to go through. The first two results weren’t what we wanted. It was good to get a win the other night against Everton but we’ll still be going for the win in the final game to finish as high as we can and keep our momentum going.

Considering where we are in the league, it’ll be important to keep that momentum – especially considering the long break we’ll have after this game...

Definitely, and it will be great to go into the Christmas break on the back of a win and that’s what we want. We want to take each game as it comes, and we want to win every one. We look at each one differently and it will be the same for the Sheffield United game.

What did you make of the team’s performance against Everton last week – there were plenty of positives from a much-changed side and that first half was a bit crazy wasn’t it… Yeah! It was a great start to the game. We scored within the first couple of minutes, and we’d put the game to bed in the first half. We would have liked the clean sheet, but we’ll look at that and see what we need to work on for that. But overall, it was a great team performance and players that haven’t necessarily had a lot of minutes put in really good performances, so that was nice to see.

US

Interview: Courtney Hill

FACTFILE

FULL NAME Sophie Baggaley

DATE OF BIRTH 29 November 1996

PLACE OF BIRTH Newton, Derbyshire

YOUTH CAREER Derby County, Birmingham City

SENIOR CAREER

2014-18 Birmingham City (below), 26 games 2017-18 Bristol City (loan), 18 games 2018-21 Bristol City, 72 games 2021- Manchester United, 9 games

INTERNATIONAL CAREER England U17, U19, U20, U21, U23

As the boss has been keen to stress, it’s important to utilise the full squad if we’re serious about challenging for honours, making both the Conti Cup and FA Cup important competitions for the development of the squad... It’s really important and I think we’re in a position where any player could play on the weekend and we could get similar results – so it’s a hard position for Marc to be in. But obviously it gives an opportunity for players to show what they can do, which they did and have done. From a player’s point of view, that’s all they can do and for a team it’s important to keep everyone sharp with minutes.

This game could be your 10th appearance for the Reds, all coming in this cup – and you’ve had an eventful first nine: four shoot-outs, a win (and clean sheet) v Arsenal, plus an unfortunate red card v Chelsea. How would you look back on your time at the club so far?

The highlight is the win against Arsenal in the quarter-final [in January], to get a big result and a big clean sheet. It has been pretty eventful, but I’ve enjoyed every minute I’ve spent on the pitch, and I will continue to do that.

And this is a cup you know well, of course, having played in the final for Bristol City two seasons ago. Does that day go down as one of your biggest in football?

I would like to say yes, but we did lose 6-0! [laughs] So perhaps not, but obviously to get there with Bristol was a really, really big achievement. It’s something we at United would like to replicate but unfortunately, we won’t get to do it this season.

If you had to pick one game which ‘changed your life’, for whatever reason, what would that be? That’s a hard question... probably my WSL debut [for Birmingham in 2015]. It was pretty uneventful... actually, I think I might have given away a penalty! [laughs]. To get my WSL debut, I wasn’t very old [18]. That was a really big step in my career; it showed me that I had the potential to make it in women’s football.

Mary Earps told us recently about how you share a similar work ethic, and you push each other. Just how much respect do you have for all she’s achieved in 2022? Obviously she’s done great. Mary had a great Euros and she’s continued to put in great performances. And as she says, we push each other in training. We do what we can to help each other out and I think that’s benefited us both.

From an outsider’s perspective, the ‘goalkeepers’ union’ is something that is really strong within the club – is that something you feel, being a part of it?

HAS GOT BETTER IN THIS COUNTRY IN RECENT YEARS AND THAT COMES WITH THE COACHING AND PROFESSIONALISM THAT’S COME INTO THE GAME”

Yeah, me and Mary and obviously Wilko [Ian Willcock], the goalkeeping coach, working with us – we all just really push each other, and Wilko knows what we need going into a weekend and he knows what to do to push us to get better. I think me and Mary respect that too – and we respect each other and what each of us needs, so I’d say it [that unity] is as strong as it is in the rest of the club.

Speaking of Wilko, can you tell us a bit about what he is like on the training ground? He just knows what he needs to do individually for me and Mary. We’re similar in some respects but a lot different in others and he knows what to do to get that out of us. He is also always in at the crack of dawn, at like 6am planning the sessions and setting up! He does everything he can and his life revolves around goalkeeping. It’s great for us that he puts in that much effort and puts in that much time to help develop us and the rest of the goalkeepers he works with.

We hear good things about Safia Middleton-Patel’s development also. Do you train much with Safia? Yes, she comes in quite often and she’s done really well and is a nice girl. She’s definitely got a lot of potential within the

club. I think it’s up to her how much she does that, and I think she’s got the potential to go as far as she wants.

Looking across the WSL, it feels like there’s more strength than ever when it comes to English goalkeepers, wouldn’t you agree?

Yeah, especially in recent years the goalkeeping has got better and I think that comes with the coaching and the professionalism that has come into the game. Hopefully that can continue with the kids coming through within the academies. It’s only getting stronger which is good, and it just pushes everyone on that step further.

You’ve spent your whole senior career in the top division, but you haven’t faced Sheffield United before. Do you know many of their players?

No, I haven’t played them before. I know they used to play at Chesterfield’s ground and that’s local to me, but that’s as big as a connection as I’ve got, I think.

What are your Christmas plans, and have you done a ‘secret Santa’ or similar in the United squad this year? We will be doing a secret Santa this week so that’ll be fun!

“GOALKEEPING

Left: all smiles alongside Earps at Carrington; launching the ball forward against Durham

Above: stepping out at Leigh earlier this month ahead of our Conti Cup meeting with Everton

UNITED TO DELIVER EXCELLENCE

We stand shoulder to shoulder as the Official Digital Transformation Partner of Manchester United. DXC is ready to build the next era together.

We’ve all got someone to buy for. And we’ll be having a United Christmas dinner together and a Christmas jumper day so that will be nice, and also Maria [Thorisdottir] is hosting a Norwegian Christmas night, so that’ll be fun. But in terms of the Christmas break, I’ll just be spending time with family because we’ve not had a lot of time off recently.

Are you ever envious of the men for having such a busy Christmas schedule – or do you think the women’s game benefits from having this pause over the festive season?

There are pros and cons, but I think most of the girls enjoy the Christmas break. Lots of players who live overseas haven’t got to see their family much this season so it will be lovely for them to go back. I think we’re grateful for it, especially those who have had busy schedules this year.

Happy birthday for last week! How did you celebrate? Well, the football was on in the evening, so we watched the England game [v Wales] and got pizza. Some of the girls actually treated me to a pottery class so that was fun!

We made a mug and a bowl. They know how I like crafty things so that was a great surprise really – they’re all great!

You’re now 26, which is still relatively young in goalkeeper terms, isn’t it...

Yeah, I think keepers get better with age is what people say, and I’d like to think I’m still not in my prime yet. With the way the game is going I think players can play for longer and longer and I’d like to put myself in that bracket of playing for as long as I can. So hopefully I’ve still got a large part of my career ahead of me.

Are you still enjoying PlayStation contests with your United team-mates? Now that WSL teams are on FIFA, do you ever get involved in that?

We don’t really play FIFA that much! We play more of Warzone, but me and Millie [Turner] have just got into Animal Crossing on the Nintendo Switch as well.

And finally, if you could give any message to your younger self, what would it be?

Just enjoy it and work hard – but I think that’s what I have done... so I’d like to think I’ve followed my own advice there. But to anyone else, I’d say enjoy it, work hard, and just make the most of every opportunity you get.

Below: Getting in the festive spirit alongside Ella at a team photoshoot earlier this month

Right: a team huddle at Maiden Castle; watching the derby alongside Lucy Staniforth

SOPHIE BAGGALEY

Born: 29 November 1996 Nationality: English United apps/goals: 9/0

MARIA THORISDOTTIR

Born: 5 June 1993 Nationality: Norwegian United apps/goals: 42/1

HANNAH BLUNDELL

Born: 25 May 1994 Nationality: English United apps/goals: 40/1

AISSATOU TOUNKARA

Born: 16 March 1995 Nationality: French United apps/goals: 4/0

JADE MOORE

Born: 22 October 1990 Nationality: English United apps/goals: 9/2

MARY EARPS

Born: 7 March 1993 Nationality: English United apps/goals: 78/0

ONA BATLLE

Born: 10 June 1999 Nationality: Spanish United apps/goals: 58/3

AOIFE MANNION

Born: 24 September 1995 Nationality: English United apps/goals: 19/0

MAYA LE TISSIER

Born: 18 April 2002 National team: England United apps/goals: 12/2

MILLIE TURNER

Born: 7 July 1996 Nationality: English United apps/goals: 94/6

VILDE BOE RISA

Born: 13 July 1995 Nationality: Norwegian United apps/goals: 34/4

KATIE ZELEM

Born: 20 January 1996

Nationality: English United apps/goals: 111/29

GRACE CLINTON

Born: 31 March 2003

Nationality: English United apps/goals: 0/0

ELLA TOONE

Born: 2 September 1999 Nationality: English United apps/goals: 114/44

LEAH GALTON

Born: 24 May 1994 Nationality: English United apps/goals: 94/26

ADRIANA LEON

Born: 2 October 1992

Nationality: Canadian United apps/goals: 6/1

ALESSIA RUSSO

Born: 8 February 1999

Nationality: English United apps/goals: 42/18

HAYLEY LADD

Born: 6 October 1993 National team: Wales United apps/goals: 71/6

LUCY STANIFORTH

Born: 2 October 1992

Nationality: English United apps/goals: 40/3

MARTHA THOMAS

Born: 31 May 1996

National team: Scotland United apps/goals: 36/6

LUCIA GARCIA

Born: 14 July 1998 Nationality: Spanish United apps/goals: 10/1

NIKITA PARRIS

Born: 10 March 1994

Nationality: English United apps/goals: 11/3

RACHEL WILLIAMS

Born: 10 January 1988

Nationality: English United apps/goals: 6/2

Opening doors to confidence

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KATIE ZELEM

THE SKIPPER DISCUSSES A YEAR FULL OF DRAMA AND DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE WOMEN’S GAME, AND SHE WANTS TO END IT WITH ONE LAST WIN

What a year it’s been. We’ve finished 2022 in great form in the league and although we’re obviously disappointed not to be progressing through to the next round of the Conti Cup, we’ll give it everything against Sheffield United today.

Our aim is to excel in every game we play, in every competition we’re involved in. We’ve been pretty successful in the Conti Cup in previous seasons so of course we wanted to replicate that. We haven’t played badly in the competition by any means but it’s been a good learning experience for us, with lots of players able to get minutes, which helps keep the whole squad fit and ready week in, week out. We are disappointed to be out but we keep moving forward.

The derby was another great occasion to be involved in and a really good match to watch – even if I do say so myself! We had spells where we were on top, but so did they. We dominated the first half and were the better side. After their goal, they picked up and built some momentum. It was a great game to play in, and the atmosphere was incredible.

This year has gone really fast. One of the standout moments for the women’s game was this summer, of

course, and the success of the Lionesses. Women’s football has really seen a bounce around the country which you can see now in crowds, particularly at bigger grounds. On the pitch, a real highlight of the year for me came recently, coming from behind to beat Arsenal. They’re such a great team and were unbeaten at the Emirates. It was a huge team performance and felt like a real turning point. How we’ve started the first half of the season overall at United has been incredible. We’re really happy to have some brilliant results already under our belts and we head into 2023 with plenty to build on.

Away from the football, we recently visited Manchester Children’s Hospital. It was amazing to be able to spread some love and see the children’s faces light up when we entered the room. We had some games of Connect Four and table football. It was so nice to be able to be part of a fun environment and play some games. We hope everyone there has a very happy Christmas and new year, as we hope every United fan does.

Let’s hope we can see out the year on a high with a win this afternoon, ending 2022 as we aim to go on in 2023.

SLEEPOUT AT THE STADIUM

Reds show support for vulnerable young people by enduring a cold winter’s night at Old Trafford

Old Trafford’s Munich Tunnel was the location of Manchester United’s first stadium sleepout this month, in support of those facing hardship over winter.

Supporters swapped beds for a sleeping bag, uniting to raise vital funds and awareness for young people experiencing poverty and difficulty at this time of year.

Funds raised from the event will be split between Manchester United Foundation and Centrepoint, a charity supporting homeless young people, as both organisations look to help those living in crisis. Fans braved the cold temperatures to gain an

insight into the issues surrounding homelessness, and the challenges facing young people in poverty.

On behalf of the beneficiaries, John Shiels MBE, MU Foundation chief executive officer, and Julie Milnes, director of fundraising at Centrepoint, addressed supporters about current societal issues and the collaborative work being done by both organisations.

John said: “This club was built on the success of youth, and whether that’s on or off the pitch, there’s no better way to honour that legacy than sleeping out in the iconic Munich Tunnel. I’m truly grateful to

everyone that braved the temperatures. Their dedication means we can continue our work in supporting the most vulnerable.”

Julie added: “We are incredibly grateful to the Foundation for supporting Centrepoint, and for everyone who has swapped their beds for sleeping bags on this very cold evening so that fewer young people have to [sleep on the street].”

During the evening, participants were given the opportunity to listen to real-life calls made to Centrepoint’s Helpline, as well as writing a message to a young person experiencing homelessness.

United fan Liv said: “People couldn’t believe I was doing it on my own but that’s something else that those young people have to go through – you don’t know who it is you’re going to be sleeping next to.”

Club executives and staff members also bedded down to help raise funds and awareness, while club partners – including DXC Technology, Chivas and Sportsbreaks.com – kindly donated time and items. To donate, visit: bit.ly/MUsleepoutdonate

The group – supported by Coronation Street actors Antony Cotton and Alan Halsall (right, with MU Foundation CEO John Shiels) – step inside the stadium for a team photo

The Munich Tunnel is situated beneath the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand

SHEFFIELD UNITED

BACK AT LSV FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2018, THE SOUTH YORKSHIRE SIDE HAVE HAD A CHALLENGING SEASON SO FAR

It’s been a busy few weeks for the Blades, with head coach Neil Redfearn leaving the club after more than two years in charge at the end of last month. Since then, they’ve been guided in the dugout by the club’s technical director Luke Turner, who has been assisted by their head of women’s football Zoe Johnson.

A 0-3 defeat to top-flight Everton in the Conti Cup came soon after Redfearn’s departure, but since then they’ve shown signs of improvement – losing by an odd goal to both in-form Charlton in the Championship (0-1) and Aston Villa in tonight’s competition (1-2). It does mean, however, that the Blades have failed to avoid defeat since beating Coventry United 8-0 in September, although they did pick up a point at Durham in the Conti Cup after drawing the game but losing the shoot-out.

So as far as our latest visitors are concerned, they’ll be looking at today’s game as a free hit: a chance to test the young squad – five teenagers featured against Villa – once more against WSL opposition and hope that some festive cheer in their final game before the break can spur them on to better things in 2023, when they’ll be focusing on two other competitions: the Championship and FA Cup.

The South Yorkshire side were hoping to commence the latter competition at home to third-tier Nottingham Forest last weekend, only for it to be postponed due to the cold weather. The Championship will clearly be Turner’s priority, though, where after five straight defeats they are languishing in 10th. Having finished second in 2019/20, fourth in ’20/21 and seventh in ’21/22, the Blades really need to arrest that worrying slide down the standings.

Words Mikey Partington

September’s league win against Coventry United at Bramall Lane has been the Blades’ best moment of 2022/23 to date

MANAGER CAPTAIN LUKE TURNER SOPHIE BARKER MIA ENDERBY

An experienced youth coach who worked with United’s Regional Talent Club before his move to Sheffield, Turner started out with the Blades in 2020 as head of strength and conditioning for the women’s team, before progressing to assistant manager last year, and finally technical director in August, making him well placed alongside Zoe Johnson to step in last month.

Barker returned to the Blades on a season-long loan from Leicester in the summer, having initially spent two years with the South Yorkshire club between 2018-20. A natural leader, either at the back or in midfield, ‘Barks’ turns 32 on Christmas Day, and along with vice-skipper Courtney Sweetman-Kirk in attack, the pair’s experience is vital within the squad.

The young forward – signed in the summer of 2021 from Leeds United’s Regional Talent Club – has netted four times at senior level for the Blades this season, including a penalty against Aston Villa in their last Conti Cup outing. Still only 17, Enderby is still learning her trade, and away from her club she has impressed at youth level for England with her pace and good movement.

United have only met Sheffield United twice before, with both matches coming in the 2018/19 Championship campaign. Indeed, the Blades were our first-ever home opponents in September 2018 when over 2,000 supporters watched the Reds triumph 3-0 under the floodlights of Leigh Sports Village (above) – Katie Zelem, Kirsty Hanson and Lizzie Arnot getting the goals. Zelem also got on the scoresheet in the reverse fixture in February 2019, as Casey Stoney’s Reds recorded a 4-0 victory in Yorkshire. Lauren James, Ella Toone (with a rare penalty) and Mollie Green all scored at the Olympic Legacy Park, as the Reds picked up another three points on the way to being crowned champions of the second tier just a few months later.

“WE’VE DONE REALLY WELL IN THE LAST FEW GAMES AT DEFENDING BETTER AND LIMITING CHANCES FOR THE OPPOSITION” – TURNER

QUIZ

How well do you remember the

1. Our scheduled 2022 opener was postponed due to a Covid outbreak within the opposition – who were we due to face?

2. Our eventual first game of 2022 was a 5-0 WSL win on 15 January – which on-loan Red scored an own goal?

3. Against which side did Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s daughter Karna make her debut against in the FA Cup in January?

4. Our only red card of 2021/22 came in the Conti Cup in February – which player was unfortunate to be sent off?

MAR-APR

5. Martha Harris made her final appearance for the Reds in March as we beat Leicester by what score: 4-0, 5-0 or 6-0?

6. Name the United goalkeeper who briefly joined Leicester in an emergency loan deal in March.

7. Who supplied the assist for Alessia Russo’s looping header, to equalise against Everton at Old Trafford in March?

8. Against which side from the south did Ella Toone make her 100th United appearance on 3 April?

JAN-FEB MAY-JUN

9. As the season ended in May, Ella Toone finished top of our WSL assists chart for 2021/22 (with eight), but which other Red finished level with Katie Zelem on five?

10. Which January arrival left United for Reading in June?

11. True or false: the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 opener between England and Austria took place in June.

12. Academy captain Poppy Lawson moved on in June to join which Edinburgh-based side?

OF THE YEAR

last 12 months? Test your knowledge with our questions. Answers on p37...

13. Of our seven summer signings, which player was announced first, on 4 July? 14. How many goals did Alessia Russo and Ella Toone score between them at the Euros this summer? 15. And which Red was named in the UEFA Team of the Tournament for the Euros? 16. Which two sides did we face in the invitational Women's French Cup held in Toulouse in August? 21. Against which country did Maya Le Tissier make her senior England debut on 15 November?

22. Millie Turner scored her sixth Reds goal away to Arsenal – what’s been her best season for goals at United (three)? 23. True or false: we've faced Everton more than any side in our history, the most recent meeting being on 7 December? 24. As for tonight’s opponents, which current Sheffield United player used to play for the Reds?

17. Who scored our first goal of the current campaign? 18. Midfielder Jackie Groenen left for PSG in September, having played how many games for United: 40, 60 or 80? 19. Kirsty Hanson was loaned to Aston Villa in September – what is the rapid winger's shirt number at United? 20. What was unique about Maria Thorisdottir coming on as a late sub as we beat Brighton 4-0 in the WSL in October?

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RED ARMY!

↑ A belated happy seventh birthday to Ava-Rose –a season ticket holder who travels home and away with Mum and Dad, and who wants to be a goalkeeper.

← Hello to Isabelle, who turns 11 today and is here supporting the mighty Reds. What better way to celebrate?! We really hope you enjoy your day.

↑ Hello to another Lily – this one is aged 11, and she’s a season ticket holder. Her favourite players

↑ Some more belated birthday wishes – this time to Ben, who is a teenager! Love Mum, Dad and brother Jack.

↑ Here is young Lillie, pictured with Katie Scott, enjoying her first United Women game after being inspired by the Euros to both watch and play. We love to see it, Lillie!

← Here is Bobby enjoying his day at Old Trafford while watching the Reds. He is ‘United’s biggest fan’ says Robyn Carr – we hope you’re both back tonight to see us in the cup!

are Lessi and Tooney.

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PLAYER

LEAGUE

APP

Hannah Blundell 9 1 0 0 0(2) 0 9(2) 1

Vilde Boe Risa 0(4) 0 0 0 3 3 3(4) 3

Mary Earps 9 0 0 0 0 0 9 0

Leah Galton 9 4 0 0 0(1) 0 9(1) 4

Lucia Garcia 5(3) 1 0 0 1(1) 0 6(4) 1

Hayley Ladd 7(2) 1 0 0 1(1) 0 8(3) 1

Maya Le Tissier 9 2 0 0 2(1) 0 11(1) 2

Adriana Leon 0(4) 1 0 0 2 0 2(4) 1

Jade Moore 0(3) 0 0 0 3 2 3(3) 2

Nikita Parris 7(2) 2 0 0 1(1) 1 8(3) 3

Alessia Russo 6(1) 4 0 0 0 0 6(1) 4

Lucy Staniforth 2(2) 0 0 0 2 0 4(2) 0

Martha Thomas 0(9) 0 0 0 3 0 3(9) 0

Maria Thorisdottir 3(1) 0 0 0 3 0 6(1) 0

Ella Toone 9 3 0 0 0(2) 0 9(2) 3

Aissatou Tounkara 0(1) 0 0 0 3 0 3(1) 0

Millie Turner 9 1 0 0 2 0 11 1

Rachel Williams 0(4) 1 0 0 2 1 2(4) 2

Katie Zelem 9 2 0 0 0(3) 0 9(3) 2

●

Rachel Daly (Aston Villa)

Fran Kirby (Chelsea)

8

Ella Toone 114 44

Katie Zelem 111 29

Leah Galton 94 26

Millie Turner 94 6

Kirsty Hanson 90 16

Mary Earps 78 0

Hayley Ladd 71 6

Ella Toone

9

GROUP D: Charlton Athletic v Crystal Palace (12pm); GROUP E: Southampton (right) v Tottenham (2pm) Team P W WPEN LPEN L GD Pts 1 Aston Villa 4 2 1 1 0 2 9 2 UNITED 3 1 0 2 0 2 5 3 Everton 3 1 1 0 1 1 5 4 Durham 3 0 2 0 1 -1 4 5 Sheffield Utd 3 0 0 1 2 -4 1 ● CONTINENTAL TYRES LEAGUE CUP, GROUP A (Stats correct up to 13.12.22 –Tottenham v Everton not included

Amy Turner 67 4

Jessica Sigsworth 66 26

Jackie Groenen 60 0

Ona Batlle 58 3

Kirsty Smith 58 1

Lauren James 56 28

Martha Harris 49 1

Alessia Russo 42 18

Maria Thorisdottir 42 1

Hannah Blundell 40 1

Lucy Staniforth 40 3

Martha Thomas 36 6

Lizzie Arnot 34 9

Jane Ross 34 7

Vilde Boe Risa 34 4

Mollie Green 29 16

Siobhan Chamberlain 27 0

Charlie Devlin 20 6

Aoife Mannion 19 0

Christen Press 17 4

Aimee Palmer 15 1

Maya Le Tissier 12 2

Tobin Heath 11 4

Lucia Garcia 10 1

Carrie Jones 10 0

Lotta Okvist 10 0

Nikita Parris 11 3

Sophie Baggaley 9 0

Jade Moore 9 2

Signe Brunn 7 0

Diane Caldwell 6 0

Adriana Leon 6 1

Emily Ramsey 6 0

Rachel Williams 6 2

Aissatou Tounkara 4 0

Naomi Hartley 3 0

Fran Bentley 2 0

Tara Bourne 1 0

Rebecca May 1 0

Aurora Mikalsen 1 0

(Names in italics have left the club)

REDS ON

DATE 28 APRIL 2019 LOCATION PRINCES PARK, DARTFORD

The last time we faced today’s opponents was in February 2019, at a time when the Reds already looked well on course to secure promotion to the WSL, even if a run of cancelled games had left us trailing leaders Tottenham by five points. Thankfully, by the time we headed south to take on Millwall Lionesses in late April, we’d not only caught up on those rescheduled fixtures, but we’d won them all, and had secured the Championship title in our previous game. So if ever the pressure was off pre-match, it was on this Sunday afternoon at Princes Park, south-east London, and with Siobhan Chamberlain sitting the game out (meaning a first start for 18-year-old Emily Ramsey between the sticks), our regular goalkeeper brought her camera along. In this photo, a bemused Katie Zelem struggles to find a suitable pair of socks,

much to the amusement of Lauren James. Some careful scissor work by Zel (right) soon had her sorted, and once on the pitch it took her just seven minutes to find the net – Katie’s penalty kick taking her to 11 goals for the season. Captain-for-the-day Amy Turner soon made it 2-0, before Charlie Devlin and Jess Sigsworth added to the score either side of another spot-kick – this one memorably converted by Martha Harris for her first (and only) United goal.

Ona Batlle Maria Thorisdottir Jade Moore Aoife Mannion Hannah Blundell Ella Toone Vilde Boe Risa Martha Thomas Katie Zelem Leah Galton Hayley Ladd Maya Le Tissier Lucia Garcia Adriana Leon Aissatou Tounkara Millie Turner Nikita Parris Alessia Russo Grace Clinton Mary Earps (GK) Rachel Williams Sophie Baggaley (GK) Lucy Staniforth Safia Middleton-Patel (GK) Jessica Simpson

MATCH OFFICIALS

Nina Wilson (GK)

Ellie Wilson Charlotte Newsham Sophie Barker Naomi Hartley Grace Riglar Courtney Sweetman-Kirk Maddy Cusack Bex Rayner Alethea Paul Georgia Walters Rhema Lord-Mears Mia Enderby Tamara Wilcock Chene Muir Sophie Haywood Charley Docherty Maria Francis-Jones Rachel Brown Lara Miller Molly Graham Bethan Davies (GK)