Manchester United Women v West Ham United Women match programme, Women's Super League, 21.09.24
MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN
REWIND TO... 2021 JUNIOR REDS
MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL
Co-chairmen Joel Glazer, Avram Glazer
Directors Bryan Glazer, Kevin Glazer, Edward Glazer, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Michael Edelson, Sir Alex Ferguson, David Gill CBE, Omar Berrada, Sir Dave Brailsford, Jean-Claude Blanc Secretary Rebecca Britain Honorary president Martin Edwards
MATCH PROGRAMME TEAM
Editor Charlie Ghagan Contributors Mikey Partington, Helen Rowe-Willcocks, Steve Bartram, Sean Mullan, Matt Holt, Jamie Spencer, Joe Ganley, Matthew Brown Photography Charlotte Tattersall, Ash Donelon, Getty, Alamy Thanks to Ellie Decrop, Steve Bennett, John Shiel, Matthew Percival, Paul Davies, Andy Ball
WE’RE ‘THE SAME BUT DIFFERENT’, SAYS THE BOSS, AS HIS REDS GET SET TO KICK OFF THE 2024/25 SEASON ON THE GRAND STAGE OF OLD TRAFFORD
Welcome back to Old Trafford as we begin another Barclays Women’s Super League campaign. It is always great to be at Old Trafford and what a way to start a new campaign by playing here. Last season was one of highs and lows and we want to try and emulate the success of our FA Cup win while also pushing ourselves harder in the league. With many teams investing over the summer, the WSL is set to be an exciting and difficult challenge once again –one we are all really looking forward to as a group.
We have a young, exciting squad filled with energy and our new signings have bedded in like they have always been here. With our changes over the summer, I have described us as ‘the same but different’ and led by our new captain Maya Le Tissier, we want to push ourselves to new heights.
Our pre-season has given us the chance to show the standard we are aiming for and we go into this first WSL game all on the same page, with a passion for winning, as is the Manchester United way. We have always prided ourselves on our togetherness as a squad and that is something I see growing even
stronger as this season progresses and we come together through the good times and harder times.
We know that today’s opponents West Ham will be organised and will look to counter effectively –something which we will need to be ready for. We have to be focused and concentrated for the full game to make sure we start the season on a high and with the intensity we are looking for in every performance. Under Rehanne Skinner, West Ham grew in quality and confidence as last season went on and they are not a team to be underestimated. I look forward to seeing their progression in 2024/25.
This season we want to represent you fans and synergise with your commitment. Week in, week out, come rain or shine, we see and hear our fans loud and proud and we want to make sure we share that commitment on the pitch. You follow us up and down the country making sure your voice is heard and it does not go unnoticed. Here’s to a great season, and I hope you enjoy today’s game.
CLASH numbers Run the
A STAT-BASED PREVIEW OF TODAY’S WSL
All together now!
It’s been exactly this many days since Marc Skinner’s side last played a competitive fixture, but we’ll be assembled in the stands once again this lunchtime, as the countdown to a new campaign reaches its desired conclusion. Since the final day of 2023/24 there have been incomings, outgoings, international fixtures, training camps, pre-season tests and plenty more, but our players’ focus over the next 90 minutes will be solely on securing three points on the opening weekend. Today’s Skinner v Skinner clash (Marc v Rehanne) is the first game in our professional side’s seventh
season following formation in 2018, and the start of a brand-new chapter, which will take us home and away again in the WSL and League Cup, before our defence of the FA Cup begins after Christmas. Little rivals the excitement that is created at the dawn of a new campaign – bring it on!
Words: Mikey Partington
West Ham Women are the away team at Old Trafford for a record third time today, following previous visits in 2021 and 2023. The former was our own maiden outing in M16, albeit one played behind closed doors due to restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic (see p37 for more on that victorious day). When the Hammers returned two years later, just shy of 28,000 supporters witnessed an important 4-0 victory for the Reds, as Skinner’s side pursued the WSL title. Under the lights in M16, a Katie Zelem penalty got the scoring
going before two goals from Lucia Garcia, either side of a cultured finish from Hayley Ladd, ensured an emphatic scoreline to celebrate at full-time. Here’s to more of the same in 2024/25’s imminent edition…
Our previous six season-openers in the league have seen four wins, one draw and one defeat
West Ham’s last visit here was one to savour for the hosts
150k
We’re buzzing to be welcoming you back to Old Trafford, where more than 150,000 total spectators have attended our last five matches at the stadium. After fans were not permitted at the inaugural duel with West Ham in 2021, exactly 20,241 took the opportunity to witness the Reds play Everton in the following year. Alessia Russo, months before going on to star for England at the Euros, was the hero of our 3-1 victory with two goals, while Zelem also got on the Old Trafford scoresheet for the first time. Our ex-captain then netted the opener as Skinner’s side ran out 5-0 winners against Aston Villa on our next appearance, in front of 30,196 supporters, while the second M16 triumph over West Ham was enjoyed by the majority of the gathered 27,919, later in 2022/23. United Women’s record home crowd remains 43,615, following last season’s WSL derby at home to Man City, while the 28,737 that turned out at the final-day meeting with Chelsea took the total tally over the 150K milestone, ahead of the Reds’ three games to be played here this term.
We love LSV, but it’s also great to be back here...
“It’s going to be crazy, a very exciting and proud moment for me” – Maya Le Tissier on leading the team out at Old Trafford today
Today’s contest is set to be Maya Le Tissier’s first competitive outing as our new captain. The no.4 has worn the armband during the Reds’ pre-season matches and takes the baton from Zelem, who departed the club over the summer. Speaking about the prospect of leading the team out for the first
time this afternoon, the defender said: “It’s going to be crazy, a very exciting and proud moment for me.” You can read plenty more from Maya later in the programme, while Ella Toone (right) has been appointed vice-captain.
Discover more
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FAREWELL, KEETS
Parris exits on permanent deal – and could be set for a swift Reds reunion...
The final day of the transfer window saw United forward
Nikita Parris join Brighton & Hove Albion on a permanent deal, concluding a busy summer of transfer activity for the Reds.
Parris joined United in August 2022 from Arsenal, following her European Championship-winning summer with England. She went on to score 25 goals across 57 appearances for United, with the 30-year-old being a key part of our history-making FA Cup-winning squad last season.
With Elisabeth Terland moving in the opposite direction in July, the two forwards could both face their former clubs as early as next month, when we head to the south coast in
the WSL. We’d like to thank ‘Keets’ for her fine service and wish her well for the rest of her career.
On the same day as Parris’s permanent move, it was confirmed that Reds winger Alyssa Aherne will spend the 2024/25 campaign on loan with Championship side Sheffield
HAN’S BIG NEWS!
Just in case you missed Hannah Blundell’s announcement last week, our much-loved full-back shared the special news that she is pregnant. Hannah, who has been a near-mainstay in the Reds’ defence since arriving from Chelsea three years ago, is receiving ongoing support from the club as she prepares for an exciting new chapter in her life.
As a result, the 30-year-old will not play in 2024/25 but is looking forward to cheering on her team-mates from the sidelines. See p17 for more from United’s mum-to-be, and
everyone at United would like to wish Hannah and family a huge congratulations.
United. The 20-year-old signed her first professional contract with the Reds in May 2023, following her first-team debut in the League Cup earlier that season (coincidentally against Sheffield United), making her the 12th Academy graduate to sign for our women’s first team since the Reds reformed in 2018.
Marc Skinner said: “This season-long loan will be a great opportunity for Alyssa to play valuable first-team minutes as part of her long-term development, in the competitive Championship. We look forward to monitoring Alyssa’s progress throughout the season.”
Head to p14 to read about all the other movers, both in and out, since the last match programme.
TICKET LATEST
If you’re looking to attend our next WSL game, away to Everton (Walton Hall Park, 29 Sep), we have received 200 tickets in an unreserved standing area – tickets are on sale to season ticket holders (£10/£5). For our League Cup opener at home to Liverpool (LSV, Oct 2), payment for opted-in season ticket holders was taken on 16 Sep – all other season ticket holders will need to buy a ticket. For Chelsea away in the WSL (Kingsmeadow, 6 Oct), we have 460 tickets in reserved seating (£15/£7.50).
● To buy or for the latest info, visit tickets.manutd.com.
Brighton has become Parris’s sixth club
Taking care on the training ground last week!
ROUNDING OFF PRE-SEASON
Taken: Sunday 15 September, St George’s Park.
What’s the story? The fourth and final of our pre-season matches took place six days ago, against Tottenham at the FA’s national football centre in Burton-on-Trent. In rainy conditions, United lost 1-0 to the Londoners – courtesy of a second-half effort from ex-Red Martha Thomas –with Lisa Naalsund and Melvine Malard coming closest to finding the Spurs net. This final friendly came on the back of three wins – v Durham (3-0), Newcastle (3-1) and Leicester (2-0) – providing Marc Skinner with much food for thought ahead of today’s first WSL test, with new signings, plus some long-term injury absentees, lining up alongside his more established charges, including new skipper Maya Le Tissier.
MLT
IN HER FIRST COLUMN AS UNITED SKIPPER, MAYA SHARES HER PRIDE AND AMBITION IN WEARING THAT VERY SPECIAL ARMBAND...
Welcome back everyone! It’s great to see you all again. I’d like to start by saying I am very honoured to captain this team and grateful for the challenges that lie ahead. To take over from Katie Zelem, who led the team for five years, is a privilege and I’ll make sure I give it my all, on and off the pitch. I have always prided myself in being fully committed to this team and I’m looking forward to all the roles being captain of this great club brings.
The first game back of the season is always an exciting one and to have it at Old Trafford is even more special – I cannot think of a better way to start the season. We have brought a number of new players into the squad over the summer who have fitted straight in with everything we stand for. For their first experience in a Manchester United shirt to be at the Theatre of Dreams will be a special one, and one they will never forget.
We have all worked really hard over pre-season, which has put us in the best place for this West Ham fixture. We’ve been counting down the days
to the start and we plan to take every game as it comes to make sure we are getting the most points on the board as we possibly can, and to keep climbing up the league table.
I would like to welcome all the fans who are here at Old Trafford today, old and new! We are all committed to putting on a strong performance for you all, and everyone connected to Manchester United. We want to take this team to the next level following on from our FA Cup win last season.
So on behalf of the whole team, thank you for your incredible support and here’s to a great season ahead.
BACK TOStepping
AS WE PREPARE TO PLUNGE INTO ANOTHER CAMPAIGN, HERE’S A REFRESHER ON HOW THE LANDSCAPE HAS CHANGED AT UNITED SINCE
THE 2023/24
SEASON ENDED…
Here we go again…
That’s right. It might feel like both yesterday and forever since we formed professionally, but our seventh season is upon us. Let’s go.
Just remind us what happened in the sixth... Well, unless you were living under a rock, you’ll recall that 2023/24 climaxed in historic fashion for Marc Skinner’s Reds. Our maiden major trophy was secured in emphatic style, with a 4-0 rout of Tottenham in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, courtesy of Ella Toone’s spectacular opener (our Goal of the Season, no less), Rachel Williams’s thumping header and a brace from Lucia Garcia. We’ve had some great days since 2018, but none to top that one. Yet. Within a week of that high, the club moved to extend the boss’s contract by another year, with an optional further season. “It’s an honour to extend my stay,” said Skinner. “I’ve always felt at home here, with our excellent players, staff, and fans. Being able to secure the team’s first major trophy was a real career highlight for me and another sign of our continued growth, on and off the field. Thanks to everyone who has supported me, and I look forward to creating more winning memories.”
Words: Steve Bartram
PLAY WITH STYLE
WHAT IS STYLE?
It’s Control. Creativity. And being prepared to cross that line. It’s the freedom to do your thing and play to your own whistle. It’s the ‘I’ in Individuality and the ‘You’ in UNITED.
www.remington.co.uk/manutd
Summers always bring changes in personnel – what’s new this year?
For starters, a number of our Cup-winners have departed. Mary Earps, Lucia Garcia and Katie Zelem all left the club at the end of their contracts, while fellow senior professionals Irene Guerrero and Gemma Evans left for pastures new, as has last season’s top scorer Nikita Parris just before the transfer window closed. Defensive mainstay Hannah Blundell will also miss the entire 2024/25 campaign after announcing her pregnancy earlier this month – although the club quickly moved to trigger a one-year deal extension to offer Hannah security during her absence. “It’s been hard hiding it from the girls for so long,” she admitted. “I did think some of them would clock at some point, but they’ve been absolutely fantastic. I’m just glad that they finally know, and now the fans know as well. I’ll be part of the fan base now, and the number one supporter for the club.”
That’s lovely news for Hannah. Hold on, though – if Zel’s gone, who’s captain?
Step forward, Maya Le Tissier. The omnipresent defender, who hasn’t missed a game since her 2022 arrival from Brighton and has now become a fully fledged senior England international, quickly pledged: “I will wear the armband with real pride, to help drive this team to success on and off the
“I’ve got to really step up this year and be a leader, which I know I have in me” – Toone
field.” Ella Toone, meanwhile, steps up to vice-captain, and concedes that – despite her tender years – her wealth of experience will help her to become a beacon for her colleagues. “I do still consider myself young given I am only 25,” she laughed. “I think what I’ve done throughout my career, I have a lot of experiences that I can share. I have been to a Euros and won it, I’ve also been to a World Cup and got to a final. I have got to really step up this year and be a leader, which I know I have in me, by my performances on the pitch but also the person I am off of it. It is a real exciting season and I am ready to take it with both hands. I have been at United now for a long time, so I want to use those experiences the best I can for the younger players coming through and for the players that we sign as well.”
Ah yes, signings. Who’s come through the door? So, in order of recruitment: Marc Skinner’s Reds
Joint winners of our Players’ Player of the Year prize last term, Le Tissier and Toone have important new roles in 2024/25
made a strong start to the window with the announcement of Dutch international Dominique Janssen’s arrival from Wolfsburg. In addition to winning the 2017 European Championship with her country and five major domestic honours in Germany, the centre-back also has a wealth of experience in English football, having won the WSL with Arsenal in 2018/19.
Speaking of experience, it doesn’t come much more relevant – or recent – than that of fellow newcomer Melvine Malard, who spent last season with United on loan from Lyon. The four-time Champions League winner has now made her move to the Reds permanent, bringing top-level knowhow to our forward line, at the age of just 24. “Here I felt loved,” explained the French international, who notched seven goals last term.
The 2023/24 season was a memorable and prolific one for fellow new signing, Elisabeth Terland, who scored 15 times in 28 outings for Brighton to confirm herself as one of the most exciting young finishers in the WSL. Upon departing the Seagulls and heading north to join the Reds, the powerful Norwegian international stressed: “I’m so honoured. Having experienced United’s excellent fans from the opposing side, I’m really looking forward to having them in my corner!”
At the start of August, another young Scandinavian talent, Anna Sandberg, followed Terland into the club, trading life at Sweden’s BK Hacken for Manchester. The 21-year-old full Swedish international bolsters the left side of Skinner’s defence, while 20-year-old Canadian international midfielder Simi Awujo arrived from the US collegiate system to become our youngest recruit of the summer.
Earlier this month, another familiar face rounded off the Reds’ business, as Norwegian international forward Celin Bizet arrived from Tottenham. The 22-year-old, who faced United at Wembley in May, was quick to jubilate: “I’m very excited to take this next step in my career.”
Six
fresh faces! Not a bad summer’s work…
The newcomers have already made a hugely positive impression on their team-mates, with Tooney admitting: “It is nice we have got those
new signings in and they’ve fitted in really well; it’s like they have been here forever. That’s credit to the team because, as soon as someone signs, we make them feel welcome, like part of the family. We have that real togetherness about us.”
In addition to recent arrivals, the Reds can also count on some returning players who were unable to feature in last season’s campaign. Gabby George, who only arrived last September, made just four appearances before sustaining ACL
“Having experienced United’s fans, I’m looking forward to having them in my corner!” – Terland
Former Spurs team-mates Clinton (left) and Bizet (right) are reunited
Terland bagged 13 WSL goals last season
damage, but the former Everton defender is now fighting fit and raring to go. The same fate befell fellow defender Jess Simpson during her loan with Bristol City, but both have trained fully over the summer to bolster United’s ranks – as has another returning loanee: Grace Clinton. Named PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year for her on-loan exploits with Spurs last term, Grace is itching to impact on United’s starting XI, stressing: “The aim is always to win trophies with United.”
That’s the spirit. So how did our pre-season preparations go?
Firstly, there were much-needed holidays for the majority, although the Paris Olympics did beckon for Hinata Miyazawa and Jayde Riviere, who were on duty for Japan and Canada, respectively. Both nations put in a promising showing, reaching the quarter-finals before bowing out, leading to the pair’s delayed return to pre-season with the Reds.
That meant they missed the early weeks of training at St George’s Park, where United decamped amid huge ongoing renovations at Carrington, but both were present for a subsequent camp in Marbella, which Skinner regarded as invaluable ahead of the new term. “It’s been a fantastic week, incredible in every single way,” said the boss. “We’ve had a great space to get to know each other, learn a lot about each other, especially the new players, and just to experience the facilities and be together has been a wonderful experience. We wanted to really test them and it’s been a camp where the players have grown so much together. The football part you can train at home, but it’s being in the same
environment together all the time – those are the things you can’t train at home. This has been one of the best camps we’ve had and I think they’ll appreciate all this time we’ve had together.”
Okay, so we’re all set for the new season. What else has been happening around the WSL?
For starters, the entire division is no longer run by the Football Association. The Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) have taken charge of both the Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship, wherein each club across both divisions will act as a shareholder in the new company. WPLL’s CEO, Nikki Doucet, explained: “The next successful era of the women’s professional game will be built on the foundations of collaboration. Women’s football in England has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years, marked by increased fan engagement, rising attendances, and a surge in participation at all levels. We are fiercely committed to building on this momentum by creating a thriving landscape which prioritises the welfare and development of players, fosters a vibrant fan community, and nurtures the sport’s growth. We look forward to building upon this
Pre-season preparations in Marbella helped new players and young players settle into the squad
After impressing at the Olympics, Miyazawa will be hoping for better luck with injuries in the months ahead
Will our LSV record crowd of 8,312 –set against Arsenal last October – be beaten this season?
“It’s been one of the best camps we’ve had... they’ll appreciate this time we’ve had together” – Skinner
foundation and elevating women’s professional football in England to unprecedented levels.”
Exciting! What about our rivals, how are they shaping up?
The biggest change in the WSL landscape has been the departure of Emma Hayes from Chelsea after a dozen years. The Blues clinched the title at Old Trafford on the final day of last season to make it five successive domestic crowns, and their bid for a sixth will be helmed by France’s Sonia Bompastor, who joined from Lyon. As the first individual in the women’s game to win the Champions League as both player and manager, she certainly arrives with huge pedigree, and Chelsea remain the bookies’ favourites for the major honours – especially after the recruitment
of star defender Lucy Bronze from Barcelona, one of seven summer arrivals at Kingsmeadow. Nevertheless, perennial contenders Arsenal will also be in the mix, and have strengthened with the arrival of Spain striker Mariona and Dutch international stopper Daphne van Domselaar, while Manchester City’s coup of landing Gunners forward Vivianne Miedema – the WSL’s all-time leading scorer – will heighten their hopes of improving on last term’s second-place finish.
Sounds like it’s going to be another compelling season, then…
Absolutely. With a changing WSL landscape and a series of exciting new additions to the squad, there’s plenty to look forward to in the new term. And, while we’re kicking off our home campaign at Old Trafford today, the Reds’ usual home venue at Leigh Sports Village now features allocated ticketing instead of general entry, which enables complete sell-outs for home games for the first time in the team’s history. With the Reds now in the winning habit, thirsty for more and raring to go with a new-look squad, both demand and excitement are likely to be off the scale in 2024/25. Now let’s get to work... ●
↑ Happy 11th birthday, Macie! Have a great day. Love Dad, Mum, Paige and Oscar.
↑ ‘Sorry I can’t be there today Scarlett, but I hope you have a great time – lots of love, Mum x’
Happy 15th
↑ Another 11th birthday... Molly (right) is here today with Mum, best friend Layla and Auntie Kathy. Enjoy it!
← Happy 10th birthday Millie! Love Mum, Dad and Sienna.
← Glen, Lilly and Katie can’t wait to be back at Old Trafford and LSV cheering on the Reds this season.
↑
birthday to Taylor Evans who is a big Millie Turner fan... Kamoonn!
↑ Big congratulations to Marnie and Charlotte Rowlands-Kelly a United Women game at LSV in 2019 and having since followed the team all over the country, they got married on 27 July this year. And look at that table plan for their big day – all named after their favourite Reds (with Toone as the top table!)
↑ To Charley – happy 10th birthday! Love Mum and Dad.
→ Here is Millie with Leah at LSV earlier this year. We hear that Millie is also a very talented footballer herself.
Your text messages:
● Happy 15th birthday Isabel Billcliff – an MUW season ticket holder, whose favourite player is Ella Toone.
● A very happy birthday to Hermione McNeill, who is 12 years old. Have a brilliant day at Old Trafford.
↑ Birthday shout-outs to these three smiling Reds: Yoshiqa turns nine today, while Dhanika recently turned seven, and Sacheqa celebrated her fifth birthday.
← Julian Fiddimore will be at the game today, as he will for many more games this season. Your support is appreciated.
● Happy 45th birthday Chez! Lots of love, from Emma. They are both enjoying the hospitality today.
● Five-year-old Caoimhe Pinn will be here this afternoon cheering the mighty Reds on. She plays for a local girls’ team and likes to call herself Ella Toone!
POSTER MAYA LE TISSIER
#91 Phallon TullisJoyce
SPEAKING TO US AT CARRINGTON, THE NEW YORKER IS UNDERSTANDABLY EAGER TO GET GOING IN 2024/25, WITH OPPORTUNITY KNOCKING FOR OUR TALENTED STOPPER...
Interview: Matt Holt
Phallon, it’s great to see you back at Carrington. Did you have a good summer break?
I had an awesome summer. I went to Scandinavia, toured around Denmark, Sweden, Norway and even went up to Svalbard [a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean] and saw some walruses. Then I stayed in New York with my family too, so quite the off-season!
You arrived at the club towards the end of the transfer window last season and got to work in the season pretty much straight away – was this summer your first real chance to reflect on your United career so far? How do you look back on your first season? It has been incredible. I was so grateful for my opportunity to come here and represent the Manchester United badge. I think that first year was incredible with the goalkeeper union that we had and then getting assimilated into our squad. I’ve just had great people around me and I couldn’t be more grateful for this.
FACTFILE
FULL NAME
Phallon Tullis-Joyce
DATE OF BIRTH
19 October 1996
HEIGHT
6ft 0in
PLACE OF BIRTH
Long Island, New York
YOUTH CAREER
Miami Hurricanes
SENIOR CAREER
2019-21 Stade de Reims
41 appearances
2021-23 Seattle Reign
41 appearances
2023- Manchester United
4 appearances
We’re back in for pre-season now – what is your assessment of our preparations to date and how everything has gone?
So this is my first pre-season with our squad and it has been incredible, especially with the new girls coming in. Everyone has been just so awesome in taking everything head-on and we’ve had a few games now with everything meshing well together. I am really excited for this season.
We’ve spent time at St George’s Park, as well as here at Carrington. How beneficial has that time away been to help get everyone back on the same page and integrate our new signings?
It was nice to have everybody in the same space again, and even just in a leisurely space as well, with some people able to play ping-pong and table football a little bit! It was nice to see everybody’s smiling faces again and to just get back on the pitch.
“Mary kept the standards very high. That’s something to take away from her time here... and honestly she was a great laugh too!”
What was your reaction to the news that Melvine Malard signed a permanent deal, following her loan last season? We know she is a popular member of the squad and made an impact last season… Absolutely, my little French buddy! [Smiles] We came here at the same time too. It’s great that I get to freshen up my French skills from my time playing in that league [for Stade de Reims from 2019-21]. But she is a great personality and she always comes in with a smile and is always the loudest one in the team when she comes through the door. It immediately makes people laugh so she is great for that.
Simi Awujo has arrived having come through the American collegiate system – something you did earlier in your career too. What is key to the transition from college football to the professional game? Just learning the new tactics that are here in the English league and the pace of the game. I think our team-mates are so welcoming that she will have nothing to be stressed about and she will have the time, space and freedom to grow as a player and I think that’s the biggest benefit she can have coming from the American collegiate system to here in the WSL.
Before we get into your second season at the club, Mary Earps was obviously one of several departures from the squad over the summer. What did you take from working with her last season and, having played there with Reims, how do you think she will fare in France? Absolutely, I had a great time being in a training environment with Mary, and Saf [Middleton-Patel]. She just kept the standards very high. That’s something to take away from her time here and honestly she was a great laugh too. A great laugh during training, and that just
The goalkeepers’ union – including coach Ian Willcock –celebrate at Wembley on Cup final day , with Phallon hoping to be involved in many big-stadium fixtures in 2024/25
Phallon’s “little French buddy” Melvine always brightens up training, says our no.91
reminded me that you can be very serious when you are working but also laughing at yourself a little bit on the side.
You’ve also integrated yourself into the local community through your work with Manchester United Foundation, and were named as a PFA Community Champion last season. What did that mean to you? It was very special to receive that award. It was also amazing to have been given that opportunity off the field to be a presence in our community, because I love going into these schools and teaching children all of the cool things about our environment, about the ocean, and they were really receptive to it too. It is something that I look forward to doing this season as well.
Our new season begins against West Ham at Old Trafford – how much are you looking forward to the big kick-off in the WSL? Absolutely, I’m very much looking forward to it. We’ve had pre-season to iron things out and I am looking forward to the game. I think it will be a physical game and one that we will have to grind through. It’s a really great first fixture for us.
You had a couple of experiences in the squad at Old Trafford last season, so you must be keen to get on the pitch for the first time this term?
Just being involved last year and hearing that crowd
“Last season at Old Trafford, the green goalkeeper jerseys were everywhere in the crowd, which was really special”
roar with support in our favour... I am really looking forward to that this season as well.
How does Old Trafford compare to some of the other stadiums you’ve had the chance to play in? Not only here, but you had the opportunity to play at Lumen Field in Seattle during your time with OL Reign… I am a bit of a ‘focus person’ on the field – I don’t even hear the noise until afterwards – then afterwards it’s when I really notice it, and the fans in the US are really great as well. Here, once we finish the game up, we hear our fans and we get to our claps around the field. Just being able to see all of our supporters at Old Trafford, their smiling faces... and last season the green goalkeeper jerseys were spotted everywhere in the crowd, which was really special. It is a special environment. ●
Getting down to business: Phallon tackles pre-season training at St George’s Park
Manager Marc Skinner has much trust in the 27-year-old keeper
UNITED TO DELIVER EXCELLENCE
ENGAGE ● INSPIRE ● UNITE
PETRA MAKES IT COUNT
Foundation’s PAN-disability programme helps put youngster in
the spotlight
Petra has overcome many obstacles to star as a bright and enthusiastic presence in the Foundation’s Ability Counts sessions, with her inspiring story seeing her become the latest participant to feature in the charity’s UnitedandMe series. Petra began playing football at a very young age, but having experienced challenges in developing her communication skills she fell out of love with the game. Those who get to know her now may struggle to believe that Petra, 10, used to be non-verbal, choosing not to continue playing football after her confidence was affected by the environment she trained in. It wasn’t
until earlier this year when Petra began attending Ability Counts – the Foundation’s PAN-disability football programme, based at The Cliff – that she redeveloped a passion for the sport. “Petra was shy and low on confidence, especially in big groups,” explains Petra’s dad, Andy. “We heard about Ability Counts through a friend of ours and ever since we came, we haven’t looked back. Since she’s been at Ability
Counts, she’s been communicating with lots of different children; she enjoys having that fun side, it helps with her confidence. She loves interacting, she never stops smiling, chasing around and having fun, as well as just playing football.”
“I love to go to Ability Counts!” says Petra. “I like scoring goals, tackling and passing. The coaches are really good; they help me.”
From attending Ability Counts, Petra has also accessed some amazing opportunities through Manchester United Foundation.
A season ticket holder for United Women, Petra was inspired by Reds representing England’s Lionesses in last summer’s Women’s World Cup, so she was elated to be invited to take a penalty on a women’s team matchday at the Theatre of Dreams.
She was also invited back to Old Trafford for a more prolonged period of fun, for the Foundation’s annual pitchday experience. Dad, Andy, added: “I’m so proud of her. Being invited to play at Old Trafford, to watch the team, her idols, play –it’s recognition for her hard work.
“Now, we always make sure that we are available on a Friday to come to Ability Counts, help her have fun, and for her development and training with the coaches.”
Visit mufoundation.org for more from Petra and the UnitedandMe series
Relaxing at The Cliff training ground and (above), hitting the target from the spot at Old Trafford
Today’s visitors:
WEST HAM UNITED
About our opponents...
Nickname: The Irons, The Hammers
Founded: 1991
Ground: The Chigwell Construction Stadium (capacity 6,078)
Last season: WSL, 11th
Top scorer last season (all competitions): Viviane Asseyi, Riko Ueki (7)
Best achievements: 6th place in WSL, 2021/22; FA Cup runners-up: 2018/19
While there was never any real danger of relegation for West Ham last season, the Irons’ 11th-placed finish made for their worst top-flight season to date, serving as a wake-up call as to how competitive the WSL has become.
At their best, the Londoners have been a top-half side. But that sixth-place finish in 2021/22 also came immediately after an unexpectedly underwhelming campaign the year before, so there can be optimism about the club’s ability to bounce back well from disappointment.
The squad has undergone considerable change over the past few transfer windows and only veteran midfielder Dagny Brynjarsdottir, who is now back in action following the birth of her second son earlier this year, predates 2022.
For January arrivals Katrina Gorry and Kristie Mewis, this summer was a first opportunity to have a pre-season for the club. Elsewhere, ex-Spurs captain Shelina Zadorsky has joined permanently
following a loan last season. Fellow defender Camila Saez has come in from Madrid CFF, Kinga Szemik is the new starter between the sticks, Seraina Piubel (FC Zurich) and Oona Siren (LSK Kvinner FK) have boosted the midfield ranks, with Manuela Pavi the new attacking arrival (see right).
After four years at the club, keeper Mackenzie Arnold is a significant departure, joining Portland
RECORD V THE REDS
Played: 10
West Ham wins: 1
United wins: 7
Draws: 2
West Ham goals: 7
United goals: 26
RECENT LINE-UP:
v PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN PRE-SEASON, PERTH INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL CUP, 29.08.24 SZEMIK
SUBS USED: M WALSH, TYSIAK, BERGMAN-LUNDIN, BRYNJARSDOTTIR, HOUSSEIN, DOE
Thorns. Hawa Cissoko is now at Roma, with Japan internationals Risa Shimizu and Honoka Hayashi moving on, to Manchester City and Everton respectively.
West Ham ventured to Australia in pre-season, falling to a narrow semi-final defeat in the Perth International Football Cup to PSG (in which Mary Earps made her unofficial debut for the French side), but they could take many plus points from going toe-to-toe with such elite opposition.
A third-place play-off against Leicester a few days later delivered a disappointing 5-2 loss –both Hammers goals from a slightly rotated XI were scored late on by Viviane Asseyi. But manager Rehanne Skinner considered the tour a positive experience overall, citing players like Brynjarsdottir and Mewis being back following long absences, as well as the opportunity for the squad to bond as a group off the pitch. And now for the real games to begin...
This is a second season at the helm for Rehanne Skinner, West Ham’s first female manager of the WSL era. Few can boast the experience of the 44-year-old, having been Leicester’s manager way back in 2006, as well as taking on an assistant role at Arsenal. Prior to overseeing Tottenham’s best ever league finish in 2022, she’d been within the Wales and England national set-ups.
HEAD COACH NWSL TALENT
A long-term injury just three games into her West Ham career cruelly dampened the fanfare around Kristie Mewis following her high-profile January arrival from the NWSL. The American was back in action in pre-season, making her first appearance in six months in August’s clash with PSG, and she will hope 2024/25 can represent a fresh start.
NEW SIGNING
Hammers fans are sure to be excited about 23-year-old Colombian forward Manuela Pavi following her arrival. She helped Deportivo Cali win Colombian league titles in 2021 and 2024, as well as playing all four of her country’s matches at the recent Olympics as they reached the quarters. “She has the ability to unlock defences from anywhere,” says her new manager Rehanne Skinner.
Left: the Hammers have been Down Under in recent weeks in preparation for their seventh successive WSL campaign
Rewind to...
27 MARCH 2021 ● OLD TRAFFORD
Three-and-a-half-years on from West Ham’s first visit to Old Trafford (not to mention our own inaugural game here, of course) there’s something rather eerie about behind-closed-doors photos such as these, with them evoking memories of that strangest of times: be it the pre-and-post-match fist-bumps, TV viewers clearly hearing every shout, whistle and celebration on the pitch (and even the tackles on occasion... aargh!). As historic as that day was – United winning 2-0 in the WSL thanks to goals from Lauren James and Christen Press – everyone on the pitch would certainly have preferred to have the roar of the crowd behind them, as those involved this afternoon will have from the moment they step out of the recently upgraded tunnel here at the Theatre of Dreams. But which players involved today will harbour memories of this
maiden meeting? Not many – only Millie Turner, Ella Toone (below) and Hayley Ladd remain for us; and just Dagny Brynjarsdottir and Anouk Denton for the Hammers, with two different managers calling the shots this afternoon.
The 11.30am kick-off on a sunny Saturday morning in spring 2021 will live long in the memory... even if the programme (right) had few readers in the stands that day!
A backdrop of banners in the stands would remain until summer 2021
MISSING REDS
FILL IN THE LETTERS FOR THE THREE UNITED PLAYERS THAT HELPED US BEAT WEST HAM 5-0 LAST SEASON...
CAN YOU REARRANGE THE LETTERS TO IDENTIFY FOUR OF OUR NEW RECRUITS? USE THE BACK COVER FOR HELP!
HEADLINER BATTLES
QUEEN JOINS ADMINS
IDENTIFY THE HIDDEN UNITED STARS HIDING BEHIND THE FOOTBALLS...
Chelsea; Signings scramble: 1. Simi Awujo; 2. Elisabeth Terland; 3. Anna Sandberg; 4. Dominique Janssen;
Odd one out: C (Maria Thorisdottir) Who am I?! 1. Lisa Naalsund; 2. Jayde Riviere; 3. Ella Toone
Helping our young people tell their stories.
FOLLOW ALONG
Stats AT THE BACK
A CLOSER LOOK...
With 91 appearances, Hannah Blundell was very much in line to become our seventh centurion until her exciting news (see p9). No other Red is within range of 100 in 2024/25
– although Maya Le Tissier could go close: she is 36 shy of a century, having played 31 times in ’22/23, and 33 times last term. But even if we reach two cup finals this season, the most Maya can play is 34... taking her to 98.
UNITED WOMEN’S TEAM, ALL-TIME APPEARANCES & GOALS
7
8
Only Khadija Shaw scored more WSL goals last season than our summer signing Terland
WOMEN’S
SUPER LEAGUE preview
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR ELSEWHERE ON THIS OPENING WEEKEND...
It’s back! A new season of Women’s Super League football is already under way, with our Old Trafford outing against West Ham this afternoon one of six fixtures being played out across the division’s opening weekend.
Champions Chelsea began their pursuit of a sixth successive WSL title last night, minus the familiar – and highly successful – figure of former manager Emma Hayes in the dugout, following her departure to the US.
Sonia Bompastor, the spearhead of Lyon’s domestic and European success in the women’s game over the last three years, now has the reins and was tasked with a maiden assignment at home to Aston Villa, who also have a new boss for ’24/25, in Dutchman Robert de Pauw.
Miedema
ACROSS THE WSL
Four of the league’s 12 clubs are under fresh stewardship in fact, with Dario Vidosic – having won the 2023/24 A-League Women title with Melbourne City – coming in at Brighton and ex-Reims manager Amandine Miquel calling the shots at Leicester. Vidosic’s Seagulls squad, featuring ex-Chelsea star Fran Kirby following her off-season arrival, as well as Nikita Parris, of course, start their campaign by hosting the side that finished directly above last season, Everton, in today’s only other match (12.30pm).
Leicester, meanwhile, are involved in a Sunday triple-header, which begins with a meeting between two of the previous season’s top three, Arsenal and Manchester City, at Emirates Stadium. Vivianne Miedema, the WSL’s
could make her WSL bow for City on her old stomping ground tomorrow
all-time top scorer, became synonymous with the Gunners after arriving in the UK seven years ago, but her switch from the red of north London to the sky blue of Manchester means she could make her WSL bow for City on her old stomping ground in tomorrow’s 12.30pm offering.
It’s Leicester’s turn at 2pm, as the Foxes make the trip to the North West for a duel with Liverpool, who now call the Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens their primary home, following six seasons at Prenton Park.
Meanwhile, at the same time, there’s a battle in the capital to keep an eye on, as our recent FA Cup final opponents, Tottenham, welcome newly promoted Crystal Palace to Brisbane Road for a London derby. Let the games begin!
Kirby is a Seagull, who begin their campaign on home soil today
Liverpool’s new home in St Helens was previously known as Langtree Park Words: Mikey Partington
FIXTURES + RESULTS
ADDED-TIME QUIZ
Which current Red started in the first-ever meeting with West Ham, in the League Cup in January 2019?
Who were the Reds’ first WSL opponents at home in 2023/24?
Who completed the scoring in last season’s 5-0 WSL win over West Ham?
Who was the last member of the current squad to net at the Theatre of Dreams?
West Ham’s Kirsty Smith made her final league appearance for the Reds in 2022 against which London club –Arsenal, Chelsea or Spurs?
Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s 91 is the highest squad number worn in a competitive fixture at United, but what’s the record for an outfield player at the club, donned by Tobin Heath? 2. 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
The Reds will face Crystal Palace in the WSL for the first time this season, but in which year was the last competitive meeting between the clubs?
9. 8. 10. Our questions grid will test your knowledge – good luck! ANSWERS: 1. Millie Turner; 2. Arsenal; 3.. Melvine Malard; 4. Hayley Ladd, 5. Tottenham; 6. Jane Ross and Martha Thomas; 7. Everton; 8. 2019; 9. Maya Le Tissier; 10. 77
Name the two other Scotland internationals who have appeared for both United and West Ham.
Other than United and Spurs, for which other club has Grace Clinton appeared in the WSL?
Prior to new striker Elisabeth Terland, who was the last player to join United Women from Brighton?
