BARCLAYS WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE
SUNDAY 7 MAY 2023 • 12.30PM
£2
04 27 24
Mannion Our no.5’s
playing with high confidence and a high collar – she speaks to us here.
_ INSIDE STORIES
_ LAST TIME OUT
_ CAPTAIN’S COLUMN
_ UNITED SQUAD, 2022/23
_ RACHEL WILLIAMS’S IMPACT
_ UNITED FOUNDATION
_ THE OPPOSITION
_ JUNIOR REDS & QUIZ
_ FAN MESSAGES
_ 2022/23 STATISTICS
Cup final preview Whether you are off to Wembley or watching on TV, here’s the full lowdown.
The first five years Part two of our A-Z recap takes us from injury-time winners (timely!) to penalty kicks.
MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB
_ MUW RESULTS & FIXTURES
_ REDS ON REWIND: 2013
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, Helen Rowe-Willcocks, Jamie Spencer, Matthew Brown Design Tom Chase, Andy Ball Photography Ash Donelon, John Peters, Matt Peters, Getty, Alamy Thanks to Steve Bennett, Benjamin Williams, Mikey Partington, Elayna Currie, John Shiel/MuPrint.com. © Manchester United 2023
Hello and welcome to Leigh Sports Village for our penultimate home game of the 2022/23 season.
My heart rate has just about recovered from the late drama at Aston Villa! We certainly didn’t play to our best level, but at this point of the season it’s about making sure we get the results we want and carrying that momentum with us for a strong finish to the campaign.
It really was a game of two halves – one where half-time was crucial to resetting and refocusing on the game in front of us, rather than being so focused on the ideal game we like to play. Our intensity was so much better in the second half and we got what we deserved in the end.
We made a number of substitutions and bringing Millie on was largely so we could sustain attacks quicker; so we could keep the ball moving and keep building the pressure with the possession we had. Of course, as we experienced, she also offers a lot in the way of aerial threat too. That header! Such power and aggression, we want to see that every week. What a delivery too by Katie; it was absolutely on-point as usual.
These are the moments we’re in sport for. In a way, I don’t like them because it feels less controlled and stress levels go through the roof! But I love them too. Last-minute winners are just magical, aren’t they!
Today, Vicky Jepson and her Tottenham Hotspur side are our visitors. There’s plenty to play for, for
both teams. It will be a tough game. Bethany England is always a threat and in form, so we’ll need to be switched on from the outset, bringing the levels we know we’re capable of.
I’ve said it before, but this group keeps showing an incredible attitude and desire. We’ve been on a journey this season – a journey of progression which I hope you can all see in our performances and results.
The next step of that journey after today is Wembley and we can’t wait to see you there. The positivity you’ve all shown throughout the season – home, away, in good times and tough moments – has been unbelievable. Game to game you’re there for us and during the games you lift us when we need it. Matches have ebbs and flows, we know that. But we feed off of your magnificent energy each and every week to get us over the line.
Enjoy the game this afternoon and we’ll see you loud and proud next week.
So here we are. It’s the first weekend in May, which means the end of the football season is within touching distance, and as we kick off at Leigh Sports Village today against Tottenham, United Women lead the way in the WSL, with a maiden FA Cup final on the horizon in exactly one week’s time.
It’s an incredible position to be in, but also a precarious one. After all, such is the finally poised state of play in the top flight, we could actually win it – but we could also finish fourth, which would mean missing out on a first taste of Champions League football next season.
Breaking up the ‘big three’ of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City – who have filled those top spaces in every WSL campaign dating back to 2015 – was considered a realistic aim at the start of 2022/23, but as things stand we would seem to have exceeded such ambitions.
There are many permutations to consider in the weeks ahead – which include Chelsea and
There’s plenty on the line over the next three weeks, and the Reds can’t wait to get going
Arsenal having games in hand (but also having to face each other, while both sides have also played since this programme went to print), so we won’t get too caught up in all that right now, but from United’s point of view, two wins from our last three league games should get us over the line for the Champions League, with Manchester City (at home) and Liverpool (away) to follow for us after today – see p40 for dates and the new kick-off times, which have changed since the Arsenal programme. As for the title, even three wins from three might not prove
enough to finish above Chelsea –although it probably would be if Emma Hayes’s Blues dropped points against Liverpool three nights ago... gah, we promised we wouldn’t get into all that, didn’t we! Let’s move on.
One certainty is that Marc Skinner (left) and his Reds won’t be tapping their calculators out on the pitch. They’ll just be thinking about one game, and one win, at a time. About holding their nerve in the most important few weeks of this team’s five-year history. And holding their nerve is something we know this side is getting increasingly good at, as seen in each of our last three
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No player in the WSL has more assists this season than Batlle at the time of print (nine)
fixtures: the late winner v Brighton to send us to Wembley, just as extra-time was looming. The huge defensive effort to see out a narrow league win v Arsenal. And then the late headed winner from Millie Turner v Aston Villa, turning one point into three to give us breathing space at the top... for now. Our latest visitors won’t be looking to make up the numbers for their three remaining games, however, with Vicky Jepson’s Spurs in real need of points to preserve their WSL status, and they come into today on the back of draws against sides who have caused us problems lately – Spurs drawing 3-3 with Villa, then 2-2 with Brighton. Team news-wise, Skinner’s Reds have looked very settled in recent
games, with few changes, although Katie Zelem’s accumulation of yellow cards means she’ll serve a short suspension today. So will we see Vilde start in midfield? And will we see Ona take the armband again, as she did when Zel last missed starting a game, way back in December? And will Millie be back in the starting XI, or will Marc stick with the Le Tissier-Mannion axis that stood so strong on our last home outing, as we look to keep out the lethal Bethany England and co?
There’s been much for the boss and his staff to ponder, but however the team looks we’ll be in it together, on the pitch and in the stands, as we will be at Wembley next Sunday. What a time to be United Women fan...
On Wednesday, it was confirmed that England U19 international Evie Rabjohn has agreed to join United at the end of the season. Evie (right), who turned 18 last month, will train with the team immediately, ahead of her formal registration for 2023/24. Evie, a defender who made her WSL debut for Aston Villa this season, said: “This is such a big club and to be able to sign here
with my family around me, is what dreams are made of.” Marc Skinner said: “Evie is a fantastic young player, and her signing shows the long-term vision of this great football club.” We all look forward to welcoming you, Evie!
It’s been a busy time for United’s younger teams since the last match programme, with both our U21s and U16s contesting cup finals – both of which ended in narrow defeats. For Lewis Craig’s U21s, they were beaten 3-2 by Chelsea in the WSL Academy League Cup final – a trophy United won last year – in Loughborough. The Reds took an early lead through Isabella Reidford but Chelsea hit back to go into the break 3-1 up. United responded well in the second half, with Eleanor Ashton finding the Chelsea net late on after an initial shot hit the bar, but they couldn’t find an third goal. Nevertheless, the team (above) can take much pride in their run to the final, with Alyssa Aherne one standout performer. The U16s competed in the FA Girls’ Youth Cup final against Arsenal, with Ruby Scott and Martha Allington netting in a 2-2 draw, before the Gunners won the subsequent shoot-out. See p32 for full details.
RECAP OF THE REDS’
Fri 28 April, 7.15pm, WSL
Daly 9, 37
Galton 15, Parris 62, Turner 90+3
A dramatic injury-time header from Millie Turner secured a crucial win for United as the Reds continued in the push for the Women’s Super League title.
In an open contest at Bescot Stadium, Walsall, Alessia Russo had an early chance coming in from the left but didn’t get the desired connection on the ball, as it was easily saved by Hannah Hampton.
The Reds showed lovely combination play down the left wing between Leah Galton and Ella Toone before Hannah Blundell found Katie Zelem in space. The Reds’ captain took her time to take the shot but it skimmed past the post.
Despite those early chances, it was Villa who took the lead after nine minutes. Rachel Daly got her head on a corner swung in from Lucy Staniforth and her looping header beat the outstretched Mary Earps.
It did not take long before United were back in the game, though, thanks to Galton, who bundled the ball over the line from Ona Batlle’s cross – Leah’s ninth goal and Ona’s ninth assist of the WSL season.
Another looping corner from ex-Red Staniforth nearly led to a second for Carla Ward’s Villa, but Anna Patten’s header hit the bar. The Reds then had the chance to take the lead just after
the half-hour mark as Villa failed to clear, but Galton’s strike was saved by Hampton.
Shortly after, Villa restored their lead, as Daly got on the end of Jordan Nobbs’s cross to half-volley the ball past Earps.
United came out from half-time strongly, with early chances coming from Galton and Russo, but the visitors struggled to find much space in the box.
On the hour mark, Russo’s long-range attempt went flying over and Villa broke quickly from the resulting goal kick. After some fine one-two football, Daly saw her powerful shot hit the crossbar.
It would prove to be a pivotal moment. Moments later, United levelled once again through Nikita Parris (below). The cross came in from Blundell and our no.22, free at the back post, headed past Hampton.
The goal gave United a big lift as they fought for a third. Substitute Lucia Garcia found Toone free in the box for a chance, before Martha Thomas’s effort just missed its intended target. But the Reds continued to press with substitute Rachel Williams finding Toone in space, but our no.7 couldn’t beat the excellent Hampton.
Skinner’s side kept pushing on, with Vilde Boe Risa coming on for Toone at the start of stoppage-time. The Norwegian was quick to make herself known, winning a free-kick high up the pitch. Up stepped Zelem, who whipped a pinpoint cross into a crowded area, with Millie Turning rising highest to head home into the corner – the sweetest of endings to a very tasty contest.
VILLA (4-3-3): Hampton; Mayling, Patten, Turner, Pacheco; Dali, Staniforth, Littlejohn (Lehmann 63); Blindkilde Brown, Daly, Nobbs Subs not used: Allen, Boye-Hlorkah, Leat, Magill, Keitley
Booked: Nobbs, Littlejohn, Staniforth, Pacheco, Ward (manager)
UNITED (4-2-3-1): Earps; Batlle, Le Tissier, Mannion (Turner 87), Blundell; Ladd, Zelem; Parris (Thomas 87), Toone (Boe Risa 90+1), Galton (Garcia 77); Russo (Williams 77) Subs not used: Baggaley, Riviere, Tounkara, Cascarino
Booked: Zelem
Referee: Lisa Benn Att: 4,176
Wed 19 April, 7.15pm, WSL
Marc Skinner’s side become just the third team in WSL history to complete a league double over Arsenal, with the 1-0 scoreline intensifying the battle at the top of the WSL.
Skinner made two changes from the side that beat Brighton 3-2 in the Women’s FA Cup semi-final, with Nikita Parris and Aoife Mannion coming in for Lucia Garcia and Millie Turner respectively.
The hosts started the game strongly with some early chances from Alessia Russo and Leah Galton. The Reds dominated large spells of possession and it was Galton who came close as her shot curled over.
In an awful moment after 15 minutes, visiting captain Leah Williamson was forced off with a serious knee injury after she fell while running, with the game held up for several minutes.
Arsenal’s in-form Norwegian midfielder Frida Maanum had the visitors’ best chance of the half when she was afforded plenty of space down the right, before cutting inside and unleashing a shot on goal but Mary Earps was there to comfortably save the effort.
Both sides looked set to go into the break level, only for United to display a moment of real quality to score.
Stepping up, Maya Le Tissier executed a sublime pass to Parris, who made an excellent run down the right before pulling the ball back to Russo. Our no.23 made no mistake, sweeping the ball into the bottom corner.
United came close to doubling our lead within minutes of the restart, as Russo forced an impressive save out of Manuela Zinsberger.
In search of an equaliser, the Gunners surged forward in an attempt to carve out a goalscoring opportunity for dangerous Swedish forward Stina Blackstenius. Despite a handful of cagey moments at the back, the Reds kept her at bay, with Galton tracking back and helping out with a decisive block.
The visitors continued to create more chances, but United’s back four remained strong, with Mannion excelling on her first start of the season. Blackstenius was once again involved for Arsenal, but her cross was easily saved by Earps as the clock began to tick down.
With five minutes remaining, Ona Batlle picked up a yellow card for what the referee deemed a deliberate handball, earning the visitors a dangerous free-kick
just outside the United area. Maanum stepped up, but her effort sailed well over the crossbar.
Skinner’s side were forced to see out seven minutes of stoppage-time as Jonas Eidevall’s side piled on the pressure. The Londoners almost snatched a point in the dying seconds of the game, as Zinsberger – up from her goal at a corner as a last-ditch attempt to equalise –watched on as her volley went just wide of Earps’s goal.
The sighs from all four ends of Leigh Sports Village could be audibly heard as the shot went wide, and they were swiftly replaced by loud cheers as the final whistle went to signal three more massive points for the home side.
UNITED (4-2-3-1): Earps; Batlle, Le Tissier, Mannion, Blundell; Ladd, Zelem; Parris (Thomas 88), Toone (Turner 88), Galton; Russo (Williams 72) Subs not used: Boe Risa, Riviere, Garcia, Tounkara, Cascarino, Baggaley Booked: Batlle, Blundell, Ladd, Zelem
ARSENAL (4-3-3): Zinsberger; Wienroither (Beattie 45), Wubben-Moy, Souza, Maritz; Maanum, Williamson (Queiroz 15), Walti; Pelova, Blackstenius, Kuhl
Subs not used: Catley, D’Angelo, Marckese, Goldie, Agyemang Booked: Queiroz
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Let’s start with the obvious one, Aoife: how much did you enjoy the Arsenal match? You looked so composed at the back – it must have been a really proud night... Yes, it was a combination of enjoying it, but also relief at the final whistle that we got the result in a very tense game. It was a real game of two halves. In the first half, we really got into our rhythm and were able to play in a way that really suited us. And then the second half saw Arsenal throw more players up, and defensively our backs were more up against the wall. I felt really comfortable alongside Maya [Le Tissier]. Even though they had chances, I felt quite confident that we were going to be able to see out the clean sheet.
Okay, if [Manuela] Zinsberger had scored that volley at the end, it would have been heartbreak, but also if a goalkeeper scores a volley from a corner, what can you do? You’d just have to clap your hands! So all in all, it was just a really special night.
When did you learn you were even in the side? Well, we played on the Wednesday, so it would have been the Tuesday afternoon. I was really, really excited. I’ve been available for selection since January but this was my first start. So the impatience I had then changed into being patient for about three months, and then I was in the starting team for this massive fixture. All fixtures are big, but of course there’s that extra spice with Arsenal being such a respected team, and with all their quality, so I knew I was going to have to really bring my A-game for us to be defensively strong, and well as hopefully helping the team to win.
You were clearly emotional at full-time – can you ever remember feeling like that after a game previously? Not for a while, no. I was told I’d been given the Player of
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BACK TO FULL FITNESS AND LOVING LIFE AS A RED, THE DEFENDER WAS STILL BUZZING FROM THE ARSENAL WIN WHEN WE SPOKE TO HER AHEAD OF OUR TRIP TO VILLA.
AS WELL AS CUP FINALS AND MENTORING MAYA, OUR NO.5 DISCUSSES HOW SHE STEPS INTO ‘ACTION MODE’...Interview: Charlie Ghagan
the Match award and was asked to do an interview with the BBC. I just said, “okay, but let’s do it right now” because I knew I might start crying if I’d waited any longer! I really felt that emotion... I felt quite overwhelmed.
FULL NAME
Aoife Mannion
DATE OF BIRTH
24 September 1995
PLACE OF BIRTH
Solihull, West Midlands
YOUTH CAREER
Birmingham City, Aston Villa
SENIOR CAREER
2012-13 Aston Villa, 21 apps, 0 goals
2013-19 Birmingham City, 130 apps, 9 goals
2019-21 Manchester City, 11 apps, 1 goal
2021- Manchester United 26 games, 0 goals
INTERNATIONAL CAREER
England youth caps: U15, U17, U19, U20, U23 Republic of Ireland: 2 caps, 0 goals
That was the first time you’d played at Leigh Sports Village with all four stands open. How did you find that? Yeah, the crowds we’re getting at Leigh are unrivalled in the league. The last time I would have really been in the mix of things with the team before my injury would have been about 13, 14 months ago. We had good attendances back then but the difference in crowds from then and now is almost night and day. So there’s this extra level of atmosphere that I don’t think the women’s game had before the Euros. It just seems like it’s really taken off and I think our home ground is at the forefront of that in terms of atmosphere in the WSL. Every team that comes and plays us, if I know any of the girls on the pitch, they’ll say to me, either afterwards or whenever I see them, that they hate coming to Leigh because the fans are so vocal and there are so many of them.
We couldn’t help but notice you played with your collar up once again against Arsenal...
[Smiles] Sometimes you do something just because you can, and when I first got this season’s shirt, we were
wearing it for a commercial shoot, and I popped the collar up. When I was younger playing Gaelic football, all the shirts had collars and that’s what we did. So I gave it the big’un when we got the new United shirt, saying, “oh, I’m going to play with play with my collar up”, but when it came to my first game [against Durham in February] I decided not to do it. But then after the game, one of the fans said to me: “You said you were going to play with your collar up – back yourself and actually put it up then!” And then my next game, I got subbed on against Chelsea in a really high-pressured match. We were losing 1-0 and I was coming on as part of a tactical change [above]; we were hoping to shift momentum. And I don’t know why, there was something within me just before I went on to the pitch, I just popped it up as though it was like, ‘right, action mode now!’ That resonated with me and since then I’ve rolled with it. During half-time I’ll bring the collar back down. Because it’s like when I’m off the pitch, I’m normal again. Then when I go on to the pitch, it’s like – no reservations; foot back on the gas. I’m back in game mode, and I like that.
Ah, we thought Mr Cantona might have influenced you?
Oh, obviously there’s the King, that was his thing, but he was on a whole different stratosphere. This is just a bit of fun, a bit of sassiness from me!
The Arsenal win also made headlines for Leah Williamson’s ACL injury, which you’ve obviously experienced. Based on your own experience, what would be your message to her, as she’s also going to miss the opportunity to lead England at the World Cup? The great thing about Leah is that she has that mental resilience and support network around her. I’d say to her, we’re all behind you. Something I found really nice when I was going through it was to reach out to others who are going through it as well, or have just come off the back of it. I’ve already said to her, just pick up the phone anytime. That was probably the thing that helped me. She’s already put out a message on Instagram, and it showed such grace. I’ve no doubt she’ll be back flying, but in the interim, obviously it’s gutting for her to miss the months ahead.
Back to United, how much are you all looking forward to the games ahead. You won the National League Cup with Aston Villa in 2013, but not a major trophy yet... No, I haven’t! I went to Wembley with Birmingham [in the 2017 FA Cup final] but we lost. So this is really exciting. This is what you dream of, that you’re going to have a jam-packed May, with lots of stuff on the line and we’ve got ourselves into a position where that’s the case. We’ve got silverware on offer in the FA Cup, then we’ve got the promise of the league and what that might bring us. We’re taking it one game at a time, of course. But it’s hard not to admit that it’s a really, really exciting time for us.
“AFTER THE ARSENAL GAME I WAS ASKED TO DO A TV INTERVIEW. I SAID, ‘OKAY, BUT LET’S DO IT NOW’ BECAUSE I KNEW I MIGHT START CRYING IF I’D WAITED ANY LONGER!”
It’s quite a line-up for May, isn’t it – Tottenham at home, Chelsea at Wembley, Manchester City at home, then finally Liverpool away...
Yes. Obviously, it’s the first time Manchester United Women as a team has gone to Wembley. But what I think is really cool is that within that team, there are players who have represented their country and won the Euros, and at Wembley. So even though it’ll be a new experience for the team, within that there are players who’ve had experience of real pressure-cooker moments – I’m looking at Alessia, Mary and Ella, and Nikita was in that squad also. So we’re excited but we don’t feel it’s maybe the novelty that potentially it might appear like, just because United Women haven’t played there before.
We can imagine when you went to Wembley with Birmingham for that 2017 final [which they lost 4-1 to Manchester City], it was very different... Oh, a hundred per cent. I think we will obviously have that admiration for Wembley, for the occasion, but I don’t
think we’ll be overwhelmed by it. For us, we’re going there for business. We’re going there to deliver.
Our next home game is against Tottenham Hotspur. Despite the struggles they’ve had this season, they’ve got some real talent in their ranks, including Bethany England in attack...
Yes, Spurs have so much talent on the team. It was a really close game when we played them in February. The atmosphere was incredible at the Spurs men’s ground. And it went down to the wire that day. There was lots of entertainment, for different reasons! We were delighted when we got through it with three points but that said, we know that in this game, with that talent they have, we’re going to have to be at the top of our game. Obviously, Bethany England came in January, a brilliant player who’s scored some really good goals. And then other players like Drew Spence, Amy Turner – a brilliant defender – and Ashleigh Neville, who is amazing on the wing... this team is not messing about. So we know we’ll have to bring our
“EVEN THOUGH WEMBLEY WILL BE A NEW EXPERIENCE FOR MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN AS A TEAM, WE HAVE PLAYERS WITH EXPERIENCE OF REAL PRESSURE-COOKER MOMENTS... AND AT WEMBLEY”Aoife loved every minute of the recent trip to the USA to represent the Republic of Ireland, and she’ll be hoping to wear the green at the World Cup this summer
absolute A-game to this one. But the advantage we will have is that we’re playing at home. At Leigh, we really back ourselves to put in the performance we need, and hopefully that can get us over the line, but we won’t take one thing for granted about Tottenham.
Whoever lines up in our defence, the chances are that Maya Le Tissier will be on the pitch – it’s clear you have a lot of time for her...
I do. I read somewhere that she’s not missed a WSL fixture in something like three years. Obviously she came to us last summer, and was a massive player for Brighton before that. What I get to see about Maya that the fans don’t is what she does on the training pitch every day. And I also get to see what she does after training sessions, when everyone else has gone in. And I get to see what she does in the gym after everyone’s finished. All that together is how I personally know that she is the real deal, because her process gets her to all the little successes that she’s deservedly had this season. She’s had a first look in with the Lionesses, she’s found herself being a mainstay in our defence and there’s no reason why she won’t continue going up and up and up. She’s 21. There are six years that separate us, but they are like dog years in football! Six years is probably like 30 years! [Laughs] So I feel like an added sense of responsibility to make sure that her path keeps going in the right direction. But she doesn’t necessarily need to be motivated. She’s someone that will do it on her own. But I definitely feel myself always looking over and making sure she’s getting what she needs, whether that’s a passing partner after training, or just someone beside her in the gym. I feel real fondness towards her.
The World Cup could be on the cards for both of you this summer, with you making your Republic of Ireland debut recently. You previously represented England at youth level, so was the decision to switch to Ireland something you’d been considering for a while?
Yes, it was something I was considering just before my last injury – I think it would have been January 2022 when I first reached out to Katie [McCabe], the captain of the Ireland team, but obviously I then got injured. But a few months later I bumped into the Ireland manager [Vera Pauw] at the Women’s Champions League final last May and she asked me would I be interested and I said yes, although my rehab journey just took over from there. So it might have looked like the decision just recently came into the fold, but my intention had been there for a while.
How have you enjoyed winning your caps so far?
I’ve been away on two camps so far, and I absolutely loved it. We went and played in Texas. And obviously, the team
is going to the World Cup, so that’s a really exciting prospect that potentially I could be involved in as well.
Should you be involved, what a start it will be, with the ‘Girls in Green’ facing Australia, the co-hosts, in their first game on 20 July...
Yes, and it’s at an 80,000-seater stadium [Stadium Australia in Sydney] so it’s a really exciting time for the Irish national team right now, just as it is for United. ●
Looking out for Maya – “she is the real deal” insists our experienced no.5
As
I am so proud of this team. We’ve shown so many times this season how resilient we are, that we don’t stop working and we never give up.
We were behind twice against Aston Villa but we never thought we were going to lose that game. Our belief and mentality shift has elevated us and been the difference this year; we’re so excited to be at this stage of the season with still so much to play for.
With big-game players all over the pitch, and goals can come from anyone – whether they start the game or not – which is another amazing thing about this team. Whoever starts, whoever comes on, we are together, working hard towards our goal. We know how important that is, especially now.
We’ve overcome big challenges throughout the season and difficult moments in individual games too. I couldn’t see much at the time from near the corner flag, but I know the girls were protesting when Hayley’s goal was disallowed against Villa. That goal would have changed the course of the
game, but it again just shows the mental strength we have. We brushed it off rather than let it affect us.
We got the three points and what a finish to the game it was. When the set piece was given in that position, I was over the moon! We know we’re a threat from set pieces – we’ve scored a lot of goals from them this season which is credit to all those in the box getting on the end of the deliveries. Millie is always a target in those situations; she’s tall, has a great jump and is always a real threat in attacking situations. I was hoping we’d be on the same page for this one and thankfully we were.
Three big league games are left, starting with Tottenham today. They are a good team and one we had a tough game against earlier this year. But we’re looking to keep our momentum going from Villa into this game and then on to Wembley... where we’ll be hoping to turn that arch Red.
We’re excited to see you today and hopefully in London next week.
FOR TODAY’S GAME, ZEL KNOWS THAT EVERY RED OUT ON THAT PITCH WILL HAVE THE HUNGER REQUIRED AT THIS CRUNCH STAGE OF 2022/23
UNITED WOMEN SQUAD 2022/23
GOALKEEPER 5
22
Born: 7 March 1993
Nationality: English
United apps/goals: 92/0
Born: 29 November 1996
Nationality: English
United apps/goals: 10/0
Born: 10 June 1999
Nationality: Spanish
United apps/goals: 73/3
3
Born: 5 June 1993
Nationality: Norwegian
United apps/goals: 45/1
Born: 24 September 1995
Nationality: English
United apps/goals: 26/0
GOALKEEPER DEFENDER 27 21 20
Born: 25 May 1994
Nationality: English
United apps/goals: 54/2
Born: 22 January 2001
Nationality: Canadian
United apps/goals: 0/0
32 MEET THE SQUAD
Born: 18 April 2002
National team: England
United apps/goals: 27/2
Born: 16 March 1995
Nationality: French
DEFENDER DEFENDER DEFENDER 2
DEFENDER 6
Born: 7 July 1996
Nationality: English
United apps/goals: 109/7
Born: 5 February 1997
Nationality: French
United apps/goals: 2/0
Born: 20 January 1996
Nationality: English
United apps/goals: 126/30
Born: 11 June 1995
Nationality: Norwegian
United apps/goals: 1/0
Born: 31 May 1996
National team: Scotland
United apps/goals: 49/8
Born: 14 July 1998
Nationality: Spanish
United apps/goals: 24/6
Born: 8 February 1999
Nationality: English
United apps/goals: 55/25
Born: 13 July 1995
Nationality: Norwegian
United apps/goals: 43/6
Born: 6 October 1993
National team: Wales
United apps/goals: 84/8
Born: 2 September 1999
Nationality: English
United apps/goals: 127/44
Born: 24 May 1994
Nationality: English
United apps/goals: 104/33
Born: 10 March 1994
Nationality: English
United apps/goals: 23/8
Born: 10 January 1988
Nationality: English
United apps/goals: 21/6
The biggest game of Manchester United Women’s five-year history is just one week away, with the attention after today temporarily turning away from the WSL title race and on to our FA Cup final showdown with Chelsea at what is an officially sold-out Wembley Stadium.
Emma Hayes’s Chelsea are bidding to win a third straight FA Cup, which would consolidate their position within the history of the competition by matching what only Arsenal and Southampton Women’s FC, the original winners in 1971, have ever achieved. For United, a first major trophy is the necessary jump that will give this team the belief to consistently compete for honours –the next step, rather than a pinnacle.
Both finalists are in with the chance of completing a league and
cup Double. That so much is at stake in that sense, with current WSL leaders United (a position we’ll hopefully still be come next Sunday) going up against the reigning league champions and FA Cup holders, only makes it more compelling for fans and neutrals alike. Chelsea are the only team United are yet to beat in a competitive setting since the Reds were formed. But plenty of games have been close, not least the most recent one at Kingsmeadow in March when a solid Blues defensive performance laid the foundations for a solitary Sam Kerr goal, while we twice took
the lead there last May. United may be yet to beat the Blues, but how special would it be to clear that hurdle on the biggest stage of all. This season has already been packed full of firsts for the Reds. And even though it’s a maiden final, there is plenty of experience of the showpiece game throughout the squad. A 17-year-old Millie Turner played for Everton in the 2014 final, as did Nikita Parris (while she would play in two others for Manchester City). Hannah Blundell (left) won two of three finals for Chelsea, while Aoife Mannion turned out for Marc Skinner’s Birmingham in 2017, with Sophie Baggaley an unused substitute.
Rachel Williams, our semi-final hero against Brighton, lifted the trophy with Birmingham in 2012. She has a real passion for the FA Cup and has absolutely played her part this season. Another FA Cup winner (in 2018), Maria Thorisdottir, is sadly out of contention due to injury, although there is hope that Lisa Naalsund, injured on her debut in the quarter-final, will be available. Meanwhile, Chelsea have had to rely on their squad depth in recent weeks, having been without Fran Kirby, Millie Bright and Kadeisha Buchanan while negotiating a busy schedule as they play catch-up with WSL fixtures.
Whatever happens next Sunday, the final is certain to smash the competition’s attendance record. Wembley crowds have never dipped below 30,000 since the game was first played there in 2015 and have been consistently over 40,000. But with the unprecedented boom seen in the women’s game this season, the record 49,094 that watched Chelsea beat Manchester City last year will be a distant second to that of the 2023 final – as should the
record for any women’s club game in this country, set earlier this month as 60,063 witnessed Arsenal lose to Wolfsburg at the Emirates.
“The growing attendances at the final is an indicator of the wider interest in not just women’s football, but the competition itself,” says BBC journalist Emma Sanders, with the national broadcaster to screen this year’s final once again. “It’s often taken a back seat until more recently when it’s taken centre stage live on BBC. The significance of United reaching a first major final will have no doubt attracted further attention.”
Anyone who hasn’t got a ticket can still follow every kick by tuning into live coverage on BBC One, or streaming via BBC iPlayer, while keep your eyes peeled on the MUTV listings as well as the club app for exclusive build-up – all from a United perspective, naturally.
Controlling proceedings on the pitch will be Suffolk referee Emily
Heaslip – who officiated our Old Trafford win against West Ham in March – while VAR will be used for the very first time in the competition, alongside the goal-line technology.
Prize money in the Women’s FA Cup has increased this season, although it still pales into insignificance compared to the men’s competition and there are calls for equal pots. By reaching the final, both clubs have clocked up £110,000. Whoever lifts the trophy will get another £100,000 to take their overall earnings to £210,000, with the runner-up handed £50,000.
Ultimately, all of women’s football will be a massive winner under the arch. With up to 90,000 in attendance, many millions watching across the globe, and two incredible teams going head-to-head, this final will only continue driving the rapidly growing interest in the women’s game into next season and beyond. What a final it’s set to be. Wherever you are at 2.30pm London time next Sunday, don’t miss it!
WE’VE YET TO BEAT THE BLUES –BUT THIS SEASON HAS ALREADY BEEN PACKED FULL OF FIRSTS FOR THE REDS
The best things really do come to those who wait (turn a couple of pages and Rachel Williams will tell you all about that). While Rach seems to save her best moments for just before the 90-minute mark, when it comes to fist-pumping, eye-bulging euphoria in the stands and on the pitch in injury-time, two goals immediately spring to mind – both of which are fresh in the memory. It’s almost impossible to pick a favourite between Alessia Russo’s winner against Arsenal in November (below) and Millie Turner’s clincher against Villa last time out, mainly because the similarities are uncanny: away victories in the WSL by a 3-2 scoreline after we’d battled back from 2-1 down; Katie Zelem delivering a delicious set piece from the right, with the scorer stepping up to deliver a looping header back across goal and into the net. Yes, the Emirates was the grander setting, and against a title rival, but Millie’s goal nine days ago came even later in the contest, sparking wild scenes at Bescot Stadium.
Fun fact: these two goals are the Reds’ only ury-time winners, with none of our other goals netted after the 90th (nine in total) being pivotal to the final outcome.
As covered elsewhere in this programme, our youth teams have had quite a season, with the U21s and U16s both reaching a cup final in recent weeks. While the Regional Talent Club, run by the club’s Foundation, has thrived for many a year, the numbers trialling out for the RTC has reached new levels since the formation of the professional side, as talented kids take inspiration from Katie Zelem, Ella Toone, Millie Turner and others who have previously represented United at youth level, while receiving intensive training and support from a highly talented team of coaches. It’s so important for those young Reds to see there’s a clear pathway from Academy level to senior level, with loan spells often a part of that development. As for the younger ones, it’s all about nurturing that love for the game. The future looks bright.
A half-dozen stoppers have pulled on the gloves for United in a competitive fixture, while away from the match it can be a challenge for our photographer to snap any of them on their own! (see below). The goalkeepers’ union is a tight one, you see – in the words of Mary Earps it’s about “always looking out for each other”, and mutual support in training is vital in that respect. Earps leads the way with appearances (92), after Siobhan Chamberlain (27), Sophie Baggaley (10), Emily Ramsey (6), Fran Bentley (2) and Aurora Mikalsen (1), with young Wales stopper Safia Middleton-Patel part of our matchday squad at times this season. A big shout-out also has to go to goalkeeping coach Ian Willcock, who has helped them all since the very start, back in 2018.
For many, they’ll forever be the ‘Barmy Army’ – a loyal group of Reds who brought something fresh and exciting to the women’s game after they starting getting to know each other at United matches in 2018. And by that we mean, their desire to create a proper atmosphere, and in an inclusive manner – and not just here at LSV, but at away games, which were previously extremely scarce in women’s football. These days they go by a more formal title – Manchester United Women Supporters’ Club –having become an official MUSC branch last October. This validated link is useful in that it allows for regular, two-way engagement between you fans (who they represent) and the club, on everything from improving the matchday experience to helping Reds access tickets – which as we’ve seen with next week’s Cup final, is not as straightforward as it used to be! Led by chair Deborah Henry (who is also part of the Fans’ Advisory Board, set up to increase fan input into decision-making across the entire club), they’re a friendly bunch, so don’t be shy to say hi. You can spot them easily – they’ll be standing up and probably singing loudly.
Staying with Safia, her emergency loan to Blackburn last week was just the latest temporary switch away from the Reds – the first being Ebony Salmon (to Sheffield United) in early 2019. The majority of such moves are all about youngsters gaining regular game time, often in the second tier, while it’s usually a tougher call for the management team when it comes to more established talents, such as popular winger Kirsty Hanson, who has (unsurprisingly) been a big hit for Aston Villa this season, but might have found her opportunities to start games limited had she remained at United. Other success stories in 2022/23 include Grace Clinton, who has been a key midfielder in Bristol City’s Championship-winning side; Ivana Ferreira Fuso, as a forward for Bayer Leverkusen; and keeper Emily Ramsey, who has deputised well for Courtney Brosnan at Everton. For all the loan exits, only two players have ever arrived at the club in such a manner, and both in mid-season from French sides: Signe Bruun (from Lyon in January 2022) and Estelle Cascarino (from PSG this January).
They’re still barmy, and we’re lucky to have them
Across the footballing world, player monikers can be wonderfully imaginative – two that spring to mind with Manchester United links are El Matador (‘The Bullfighter’, for Edinson Cavani) and Chicharito (‘Little Pea’, for Javier Hernandez) but here in England we generally prefer a more straightforward approach when it comes to nicknames, as United legends Robbo, Pally, Becks and Scholesy can attest. Continuing this fine tradition on the women’s side of the club, we have Tooney, Baggers, Zel, Lessi and others, although Keets would seem to be a bit more creative (even if it’s basically a shortened version of Nikita). Even non-Brits aren’t safe from this: Estelle Cascarino (left) arrived from Paris in January, and within days everyone knew her as... yep, Casca. Welcome to England, Estelle (although count yourself lucky you weren’t given ‘Tony’ as a nickname).
Purely from a football point of view, United’s visits to M16 have been exemplary: a 2-0 win against West Ham, a 3-1 victory against Everton, a 5-0 demolition of Aston Villa and, most recently, a 4-0 beating of West Ham (again). Four games, 12 WSL points and lots of balls being kicked into the opposition net. For all the enjoyment of such occasions, however, it would also be fair to say that we’ve yet to play a game of major significance at the Theatre of Dreams – be it against one of the traditional ‘big three’ (a term we hopefully won’t hear again after this season!), or at a point of the campaign where there’s real jeopardy in the contest, in either the final weeks of the WSL, or the latter stages of a cup. The need to fit such dates around Old Trafford’s already busy schedule, while promoting the fixture well in advance to allow for steady ticket sales, are other challenges to navigate, but let’s hope that at some point in the near future, our current attendance record at the home of the men’s team (30,196) will be blown out the water for a game that no Red will want to miss (just like at Wembley next week, but with an easier journey home!) And in the meantime, let’s aim to fill up all four sides of Leigh Sports Village on a more regular basis, as it surely makes for the best atmosphere in the WSL, right?
We couldn’t get enough of the spot-kicks in 2018/19, with a dozen goals coming from the spot – they were in such rich supply that Katie Zelem (5) and Alex Greenwood (4) seemed happy to share them around further, with Ella Toone (2) and Martha Harris (1) ‘getting in on the act’, to use that classic football cliché. Converted penalties have become increasingly rare since our promotion, however – after netting five in 2019/20, we’ve dropped to just a pair in each of the last three terms, all six of which have been on home soil, including two at Old Trafford and two behind closed doors. All of which means you spot-kick-starved LSV matchgoers are surely due to celebrate one today, yes? When it comes to shoot-outs, we’ve won two and lost three – although all have been for a bonus point in the Conti Cup, rather than a higher-stakes, do-or-die shoot-out to stay in a cup. Can you imagine the tension if our first one of those comes at Wembley next Sunday?
We’re due one of these from Zel...
This season has seen two Old Trafford trips for the first time
With the digital clock high up on Leigh Sports Village’s East Stand creeping ever closer to the 90-minute mark in our FA Cup semi-final last month, Katie Zelem’s through ball fell perfectly for substitute Rachel Williams to race on to, and with only her namesake Lydia Williams to beat in the Brighton goal, the crowd held its collective breath. For our fearless and experienced no.28, however, there was simply no time for nerves.
“As soon as I saw Katie get the ball, I just thought ‘run!”, recalls the 35-year of her late winner, as she speaks to us at the Reds’ Carrington training ground on a sunny Monday ahead of last week’s trip to Villa. “I know she can pick a pass from anything so I just started running hoping she’d slip me the ball – and she did. The keeper made my decision when she came out. I decided to go outside and curl it round because I thought she might not expect it. To see it go in... I was over the moon.”
The goal that sent us to Wembley Stadium was not Rachel’s first late winner for United, of course. In January, her superb solo effort against Reading in the Women’s Super League (at a slightly earlier 87th minute) proved to be the difference once again, and time will tell this month exactly how vital that strike proves to be.
Marc Skinner recently said it was Williams’s calmness while on the bench that was key in his decision to bring her on in the semi-final, and Rachel – with almost two decades of senior football behind her – doesn’t disagree. “It’s probably experience and age,” she smiles. “There have been games this year where I am watching, taking note of what I need to do if I am brought on, so
having those minutes beforehand, I know what the job is that needs doing. It comes naturally to me to stay calm. If Marc sees that I’m sitting and ready to go then that’s all I want. I’ll sit there and wait for my moment, and not let the atmosphere or the moments in the game get to me. You have to remain calm in those moments.”
And what about her mindset when she did join the action at a tense time in the semi-final, replacing Alessia Russo on 78 minutes, moments after Brighton’s Danielle Carter had levelled the score at 2-2? “My attitude was, ‘we will not fail, failure is not an option – we’re getting to that final!’ And if you miss [a chance] you move on to the next one. It’s a feeling of never giving up.”
With just a week to go until our first Wembley fixture, the excitement is building with the fans, and it’s no different for Rachel and the rest of the squad. “There is a buzz about the players,” says Williams. “One of my aims for this season was to reach the FA Cup final, so to then get on the pitch [in the semi-final] and win it... amazing!”
Rachel has been a regular and reliable replacement for Russo so many times this season
RACHEL WILLIAMS KNOWS BETTER THAN MOST ABOUT WAITING FOR HER MOMENT, ESPECIALLY WHEN WE’RE IN NEED
With a record-breaking crowd expected when we face Chelsea, it will be an unforgettable day for supporters and players alike, and if called upon Rachel insists she’ll remain as calm as ever. After all, she’s won the Cup before, scoring a dramatic equaliser (you guessed it, in the final minutes) en route to Birmingham beating Chelsea (another nice omen) on penalties at Ashton Gate in 2012. “I want to enjoy the moment but not let it affect how we perform on the day,” says the Leicester-born forward of the 2023 showpiece.
“Whether you start or you’re on the bench and get on, you have to make sure you know your job and you are going to get on with it. We get a lot of energy from each other. I sit there watching the girls knowing that if I’m called upon then I’m finishing what they started.
“The confidence you get from the management and the players is amazing,” she adds. “There’s this
3 Dec 2022 Aston Villa (H, WSL) ● Subbed on: 85mins
Scored: 90+3 mins ● Importance: late bonus in Old Trafford win
15 Jan 2023 Liverpool (H, WSL) ● Subbed on: 79mins
Scored: 84 mins ● Importance: sixth goal in crushing victory
22 Jan 2023 Reading (A, WSL) ● Subbed on: 84 mins
Scored: 87 mins ● Importance: takes us top of the table
1 Apr 2023 Brighton (A, WSL) ● Subbed on: 60 mins
Scored: 86 mins ● Importance: third goal in 4-0 rout
15 Apr 2023 Brighton (H, FAC) ● Subbed on: 78mins
Scored: 89 mins ● Importance: avoids any extra-time stress!
buzz around us at the moment that we can achieve anything we want to achieve, and that is what we have to take into each game. We have shown that. We have this power around us at the minute that we all just click and get on; that we respect each other’s roles; that we know our own jobs and we have to deliver every week.”
And regardless of her own involvement at the national stadium in seven days’ time, Rachel is keen to highlight just how important you fans will be on the day – as you always are. “From the moment we get there, and we’ll be there a good few hours before kick-off, they’ll be singing, screaming. We need them, they have been there for us every game and are brilliant. Even players on opposite teams tell us that [our support] is immense. That’s why we like to stay out as much as we can [after Leigh Sports Village games] because as much as they are there for us, we like to be able to give a little bit back.”
We’ll all be in it together next Sunday, Rachel, and much like yourself we can’t wait for Wembley! ●
“I’M WATCHING, TAKING NOTE OF WHAT I NEED TO DO IF I’M BROUGHT ON... IT COMES NATURALLY TO ME TO STAY CALM”Eleven minutes after joining the action, an unfazed Rachel pulls the trigger to send us to Wembley
United’s Regional Talent Club (RTC) Under-16s enjoyed a superb run in this season’s FA Girls’ Youth Cup as they contested a showpiece final against Arsenal just over a fortnight ago.
The game ended 2-2 after 90 minutes, with Ruby Scott and Martha Allington on the scoresheet for United, before Arsenal struck a cruel late equaliser and then triumphed in a penalty shoot-out.
Our young Reds won four games to reach the final, including a semi-final victory over Chelsea, completing an impressive season, as they also won the U16 North West title without losing a game.
Arsenal had also won their regional division while going unbeaten, however, so it was perhaps no surprise that the teams couldn’t be separated in normal time.
Although penalty heartache would follow, U16 RTC coach Chris Dearden explained there was plenty to take from the experience: “There’s lots of things you can learn from the games – I couldn’t fault anyone’s efforts and the work they put in,” he said. “The message to take on board for them next season is playing under pressure, doing the right things with and without the ball.
“They worked hard, they pressed, they were hard to beat as a team,
but in possession of the ball it’s important to be able to play under pressure and be brave. There’s lots of things we can learn as staff and as players for next season.
“And the opportunity to play in a stadium, the stand being full and the fans making lots of noise, it was a great experience. Hopefully they will get plenty more chances like this. And having our Under-10s as mascots, it was a good day all round.”
The RTC is jointly managed by the club and Manchester United Foundation, the associated charity of Manchester United. The Foundation engages with over 20,000 young people each year and its work includes a focus on providing opportunities for women and girls through its female football development programmes.
To find out more about the club’s Foundation, visit mufoundation.org
Loughborough University Stadium hosted the fixture
No team is ‘too good to go down’ but Tottenham’s struggles have come as a surprise. Spurs are fighting hard to stay in the WSL as they visit Leigh, having been dragged into a four-way relegation battle just a year after recording their best-ever league finish. Indeed, three-quarters of the way through 2021/22, Spurs were in contention with United to challenge the top three. A demanding run-in ended those dreams, but the Londoners remained in prime position to kick on and were ambitious in last summer’s transfer market. They kept most of the team together and added an impressive mixture of seasoned pros, including five-time WSL winner Drew Spence, and emerging talents such as Celin Bizet Ildhusoy. They even made a promising start to 2022/23, winning three of their opening five league games that peaked with an 8-0 annihilation of Brighton. But things quickly unravelled from November onwards, with an alarmingly sudden lack of creativity and goals
underpinning nine successive WSL defeats that would cost Rehanne Skinner her job. The January arrival of Bethany England has been an undeniable boost, giving Spurs a sharpened edge they had been lacking. Her impact immediately made them more competitive, only losing to Chelsea and United by single goals in February. It is conceding at the other end that has continued to cost them, however, as shown by trailing twice at home to relegation rivals Brighton last weekend and relying on a 78th-minute England equaliser to rescue a point. That is something that interim boss Vicky Jepson is hoping to stamp out in what remains of 2022/23.
The return of key players Jessica Naz and Ria Percival, back from lengthy absences in late April – the latter after more than a year with an ACL injury – is a welcome lift for the final stretch. Captain Shelina Zadorsky, meanwhile, has missed a lot of football in 2023 due to health issues but was back on the bench for both of Spurs’ April games.
Macclesfield-born Jepson spent 12 years with Liverpool prior to arriving at Spurs, with the management of Liverpool’s youth squad among her duties. She was promoted to first-team head coach in 2018 after a brief interim period, but left in early 2021 and joined Spurs as an assistant manager a few months later. Jepson, 36, became interim boss in March.
The Canadian defender is well known to Marc Skinner, playing under our boss at Orlando Pride. She initially joined Spurs on loan in August 2020 – a deal that was later made permanent. The 2020 Olympic gold medallist was appointed Spurs captain at the start of last season, and she’ll be hoping to be back wearing the armband today.
Spurs made a huge statement of intent by signing the 2019/20 PFA Player of the Year in January. The Barnsley-born forward, 28, had found regular game time difficult to come by at Chelsea but has shown her class since moving across London by already becoming Spurs’ top 2022/23 scorer, with nine goals to her name, including one against United.
Spurs are the only league opponent we have faced in all five of our seasons to date, with the clubs first meeting in the Championship and getting promoted to the WSL together. Although Spurs led the second-tier table for a few weeks in early 2019, United were convincing 4-1 and 5-1 winners in those clashes – Jess Sigsworth scoring three of the nine goals. The Reds also won home and away – both 3-0 – the following WSL season, with the January 2020 clash at LSV sticking in the memory on account of the foggy conditions. We completed another league double over Spurs in 2020/21, but our away trip to their place last season finished 1-1 following a costly stoppage-time equaliser from Ria Percival (above). It was also no easy ride at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium three months ago when a 76th-minute own goal from Molly Bartrip secured our narrow 2-1 win.
“IN ALL THESE GAMES WE’RE PLAYING NOW, WE CAN’T COME AWAY EMPTY-HANDED”
– JEPSON
TEN TEASERS (SOME ON FOOTBALL, SOME ON OTHER SUBJECTS!) TO TEST YOU, KIDS – USE THE NINE CLUES TO THE RIGHT TO HELP YOU FILL THE BOXES, THEN USE ALL THE RED BOXES TO COMPLETE THE MISSION!
SAVAGE SCENES AGAINST ARSENAL
Roar! I’m a Lioness!
1. Which Red was sent off (but it was later rescinded) when we last faced Tottenham?
So am I... and you’re in my territory!
2. Which player has worn the captain’s armband for United the most times in our five-year history?
3. Which current Red previously played for Spurs?
1. Of the current United squad, whose career path is this: Le Havre, West Ham United, Manchester United?
1. OUR FINAL-DAY OPPONENTS THIS SEASON IN THE WSL
2. WHEN A PLAYER KICKS A BALL WHILE IT’S OFF THE GROUND
3. FOOTBALL GAMES ARE PLAYED ON A...
4. THE CITY WHERE TODAY’S OPPOSITION TRAVELLED FROM
5. FRED THE RED LIKES TO LIE ON ONE OF THESE ON HIS SUMMER HOLIDAYS!
6. TEXT CHAT WHEN SOMETHING’S FUNNY!
7. LEIGH, WHERE THE REDS’ HOME STADIUM IS BASED, IS A WHAT?
8. WE ALL HAVE A MOUTHFUL OF THESE!
9. WHAT WE ALL WANT TO SEE FROM THE REDS THIS AFTERNOON!
10. TAKE THE LETTERS IN THE RED BOXES AND REARRANGE THEM TO IDENTIFY THE PLAYER PICTURED!
2. How many penalty shoot-outs have we contested this season: one, two or three?
3. Who were United’s opponents for our biggest attendance at Leigh Sports Village so far this season?
1. We’ve won eight of our nine previous meetings with Spurs. What was the score in the other game?
2. Which NWSL side has Reds’ forward Adriana Leon joined on loan until the end of this season?
← 3. United and Spurs were the two promoted teams from the 2018/19 Championship – but which side just missed out by finishing third?
↑ Happy 30th birthday to Tara Samari (centre) who is 30 today. She’s pictured with mum Alison (left) and sister-in-law Vianney (right). Enjoy the celebrations.
← Alice will be at today’s game with her dad to celebrate her 13th birthday –and they’ve got an executive box as a treat! Aunty Becky sends her love and hopes you see a United victory.
↑ Happy 10th birthday, Lucy! Mum, Dad, Amelia, Bonnie and Jimmy hope you have a top day, which includes watching United!
↑ Belated happy 15th birthday to Ella. Lots of love from Dad, Beth, Auntie Clare, Nanny Max, Grandad Steve and Nanny Joan.
↑ Happy birthday to Brian Dimmock, who is spending his 82nd birthday at the match with his son Gavin, granddaughter Bethany and grandson-in-law Liam – love from all the family.
← James and Frank are huge United Women fans and have loved watching the team this season. They can’t wait to cheer the Reds on again against Tottenham (and possibly wave around their massive scarves!)
KEY: WSL – Women’s Super League CC – Continental League Cup
– Women’s FA Cup Scorers Bold + own goal
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on
card
(United score listed first. All fixtures subject to change – visit ManUtd.com/fixtures for the latest fixtures information)
Match programme contact: MUWomenfamily@manutd.co.uk For ticket information visit: ManUtd.com/Tickets
There are two familiar faces in this action-packed snap, as a current United player leaps clear of a typically commanding challenge from a former Red – one who could face us this afternoon.
While 19-year-old Nikita Parris was making a real impression in the Everton attack in 2013, 21-year-old Amy Turner was becoming a key member of the Lincoln Ladies defence in her team’s final campaign before they were rebranded as Notts County Ladies.
It was Nikita who was smiling come full-time on this particular night, as she wrapped up a 2-0 away win that would take the Toffees up to third place, a month into the WSL season, which back then ran from April-September.
While Lincoln would finish the 2013 season in the bottom half, remarkably
they’d have the second-best defence in the division, conceding just 15 in 14 games, with Amy’s intelligent defending central to that. After three more seasons with the side that would become Notts County – a period in which she won four senior England caps – Amy would 2017/18 with Liverpool, before the much-loved and Turner’ partnership was formed between Amy and Millie in United’s defence between 2018-21. After one term in Orlando Pride, the versatile defender – who is also competent at full-back –was back in England’s top flight, this time with today’s visitors Tottenham, and how we loved seeing Amy and her old United team-mates embrace at full-time following our February visit to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
As for today, don’t be surprised to see the above scene recreated – one day short of a decade after the original photo...
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR WOMEN MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN
Amy Turner
Kerys Harrop
Jessica Naz
So-hyun Cho
Nikola Karczewska
Ellie Brazil
Ramona Petzelberger
Ria Percival
Asmita Ale
Celin Bizet Ildhusoy
Angharad James
Kit Graham
Kyah Simon
Chioma Ubogagu
Bethany England
Mana Iwabuchi
Becky
Spencer (GK)
Rosella Ayane
Spence
Eveliina Summanen
