Manchester United Women v Aston Villa Ladies match programme, FA Women's Championship, 17.04.19

OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2018/19 SEASON, VOLUME 1 ISSUE 12

v ASTON

VILLA LADIES

FA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2019 KICK-OFF 7pm

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W E LC O M E

FOCUSED ON THE PRIZE IT’S A HUGE WEEK FOR THE REDS, STARTING WITH VILLA AT HOME

Inside tonight’s match programme:

N EWS ALE RTS

p4 Casey Stoney column p7 Reports: Championship p8 Report: Women’s FA Cup p11 Alex Greenwood column p13 Fan zone

p14 p21 p22 p24 p26

Katie Zelem interview MU Foundation Player statistics Tonight’s opposition 2018/19 team statistics

REDS’ NO.10 UNDER-19s ALL NAMED POTM SET FOR EUROS Katie Zelem has been named FA Women’s Championship Player of the Month for March. Our midfielder played a key role in two of our three victories in the month as she beat Charlton’s Kit Graham, as well as Sheffield United duo Jade Pennock and Maddy Cusack to the prize. Read all about it in our big interview with Katie, from p14.

Manchester United Football Club Limited

Many Reds have been away on international duty since our last game – including five who helped England’s U19s reach the 2019 UEFA European U19 Championship finals following three straight wins in qualifying: Aimee Palmer, Lauren James, Emily Ramsey, Ebony Salmon and Naomi Hartley. The finals will take place in Scotland between 16-28 July. Well done, all!

Co-chairmen Joel Glazer, Avram Glazer Directors Bryan Glazer, Kevin Glazer, Edward Glazer, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Ed Woodward, Richard Arnold, Michael Edelson, Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Alex Ferguson, David Gill Secretary Rebecca Britain Honorary president Martin Edwards

MU Women match programme: Editor Charlie Ghagan Editor-in-chief Ian McLeish Contributors Harriet Drudge, Haylee Blease, Joe Ganley, Adam Bath, Michael Plant Photography Getty, PA Images, John Peters, Matthew Peters Thanks to Suzie Hamilton, Julie Ferguson, John Shiel, Greg Style @ Aston Villa Ladies Printed by MuPrint.com ⬤ Copyright Manchester United 2019

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H E A D C OAC H ’ S C O L U M N

Casey Stoney

THE HEAD COACH’S COLUMN

With the Championship finish line in sight, we can’t afford to blink, with Villa next in our sights

G

ood evening and welcome to Leigh Sports Village for what is our first home game in over a month.

We’re entering into the final stages of the season and three of our last four matches are here. Having been away in London and the south a lot recently, it will be nice to not have to travel too much but also to play in front of you, our wonderful home crowd.

Our last match, two and a half weeks ago, was one such away game in London, against Tottenham Hotspur. They have had a brilliant season under Karen Hills and going into this, it was first versus second in the Championship table. It was a must-win game for us and we were outstanding. The second half was most pleasing for me; the way we controlled the game and the ball, especially on a difficult surface away from home, was superb.

The girls were really professional and there were some standout performances as we won 5-1. Leah Galton had an excellent game.

She’s getting stronger all the time, especially now she’s training consistently without injuries.

Leah’s in a good place – she’s confident and almost unplayable at the moment.

In the middle, Katie Zelem was exceptional.

She controlled and dictated play which helped us win the match. She’s back to her best after a few injuries herself and she’s a very deserving winner of the FA Women’s Championship Player of the Month award for March.

Today we welcome Aston Villa. Though we won our previous meeting 12-0 in our first ever league fixture, it won’t be the same kind of game today. Villa have improved massively since September and it will be one of the tougher games we have this season.

Gemma Davies’ side are organised and will pose threats. Jodie Hutton is a very good player so we will need to be wary of her. We can’t go into this game with the wrong mentality because we could come unstuck.

As I said after the Spurs match though, our focus for the remaining four games is simple: four wins – the first of which will hopefully come tonight in front of our own fans.

Enjoy the game.

04 Manchester United Women v Aston Villa Ladies

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C H A M P I O N S H I P M ATC H R E P O R TS

THE REDS GO MARCHING ON

What a month it was in the Championship!

TOTTENHAM LADIES 1 UNITED WOMEN 5 SUN 31 MAR | CHESHUNT STADIUM | SPURS SCORER: SCHILLACI 40; UNITED SCORERS: ZELEM 3, 10 (PEN); GREEN 46, SIGSWORTH 81, GALTON 87 | ATTENDANCE: 1,836

United extended the lead at the top of the FA Women’s Championship to four points, defeating second-placed Tottenham 5-1 at Cheshunt Stadium.

Two first-half goals from Katie Zelem and a third from Mollie Green at the start of the second period set Casey Stoney’s team on track, before late headers from Jess Sigsworth and Leah Galton made sure of the points.

The top-of-the-table clash started brightly, with both sides keen to get forward from the outset and Spurs showing why they have been the Reds’ main challengers this season.

It was United who opened the scoring though, with just three minutes on the clock.

Zelem picked the ball up just outside the area and took aim with a long-range effort. Spurs goalkeeper Chloe Morgan couldn’t get to it as it looped over her and into the net.

It was 2-0 soon after, Zelem again the scorer. Our no.10 converted emphatically from the penalty spot after a lively Galton was fouled by Megan Wynne.

The hosts did pull a goal back through captain Jenna Schillaci just before half-time.

Toone takes aim in front of 1,836 fans in Cheshunt

Galton puts the seal on a great day’s work

Galton, in her haste to get back to defend, gave away a free-kick on the right wing. Aided by the wind, Schillaci’s delivery into the box evaded everyone, including Chamberlain.

United were perhaps lucky to still be ahead at the break as Spurs pushed on, but Green made it 3-1 less than a minute after the restart, applying a first-time finish to Galton’s low cross from the left.

That goal seemed to halt any attacking momentum Spurs had gathered just before the interval and the second half was really then all about the Reds.

Lizzie Arnot, who came on for Charlie Devlin just after the hour mark, did brilliantly to skip past Ashley Neville on the right and deliver a pinpoint cross to Sigsworth, who nodded in United’s fourth goal.

Galton rounded off the scoring, directing a powerful header in from Zelem’s free-kick on a day to savour in Hertfordshire.

United Women: Chamberlain, Smith (Harris 82), A Turner, M Turner, Greenwood; Zelem, Green (James 57), Toone; Sigsworth, Devlin (Arnot 66), Galton. Subs not used: Ramsey, Palmer, Hanson

06 Manchester United Women v Aston Villa Ladies

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C H A M P I O N S H I P M ATC H R E P O R TS

CHARLTON WOMEN 1 UNITED WOMEN 2 SUN 24 MAR | THE OAKWOOD | SCORERS: GRAHAM 82; ZELEM 57 (PEN), SIGSWORTH 63 | ATT: 732

Second-half rally wins points in south-east London The Reds moved to the top of the Championship after a closely fought 2-1 win against Charlton at The Oakwood.

With the Reds and the Addicks sitting second and third going into the game, it had all the makings of being a competitive affair and that was the case in the opening stages. The first chance fell the way of the hosts with Liz Ejupi making a darting run forward and firing just over Siobhan Chamberlain’s goal.

Green comes United started to grow close for United into the game and dominated possession up until the interval. Sigsworth went close as she chipped keeper Katie Startup, but the ball was cleared

by Charlton’s Amelia Ritchie. Moments later, Alex Greenwood’s shot from a tight angle was saved after a one-two with Mollie Green.

The Reds maintained the intensity and earned a penalty just before the hour mark, as Ella Toone’s shot was blocked by Charlotte Gurr’s arm. Up stepped Katie Zelem to find the net. Six minutes later, Zelem’s corner was met by Sigsworth, who thundered in a strong header.

United’s two-goal cushion didn’t deter the Addicks and, with eight minutes left, Graham struck a curler past Chamberlain. It meant a tense finale but the Reds held out and due to Spurs losing to Sheffield United that day, United reclaimed top spot.

United: Chamberlain; Harris (Arnot 67), Palmer, M Turner, Greenwood; Zelem, Green (Devlin 58), Toone (Smith 89), Sigsworth, James, Galton.

Subs not used: Ramsey, A Turner, Hanson

UNITED WOMEN 6 LEICESTER WOMEN 1 SUN 10 MAR | LEIGH SPORTS VILLAGE | SCORERS: GREEN 16, JAMES 22, HANSON 43, TOONE 48, SIGSWORTH 67, 84; SMITH 59 | ATT: 1,554

Foxes hit for six in Leigh as Sigsworth bags brace Casey Stoney’s side chalked up a fourth consecutive league win by hitting Leicester for six at Leigh Sports Village.

Victory looked on the cards after just 16 minutes in the sunshine when Mollie Green lifted a half-volley into the roof of the net. The second strike was the pick of United’s six and a strong contender for Goal of the Season, as Lauren James unleashed an unstoppable left-footed shot from 30 yards.

Shortly before the interval, Kirsty Hanson looped James was in in a third goal, fine form in sending the ball the rout beyond keeper

Demi Lambourne into the top right corner.

Ella Toone then got in on the act with the first goal of the second half, a chip past Lambourne from the left-hand side of the box.

United’s no.1 Siobhan Chamberlain was beaten by Libby Smith with a low drive to make it 4-1, but eight minutes later it was 5-1, as Alex Greenwood’s cross found its way to Jess Sigsworth, who tapped it home.

Greenwood was also involved in our sixth – starting a fine move which led to James’s pass finding Sigsworth, who finished it off with ease.

United: Chamberlain; Harris, A Turner, M Turner, Smith; Green, James, Toone (Devlin 55); Hanson, Sigsworth, Galton (Greenwood 59). Subs not used: Ramsey, Palmer, Zelem, Arnot, Roberts Manchester Manchester UnitedUnited Women Women v Aston v London Villa Ladies Bees0707

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Mancheste

S S E WO M E N ’S FA C U P M ATC H R E P O R T

READING WOMEN 3 UNITED WOMEN 2 (aet) SUN 17 MAR | SSE WOMEN’S FA CUP QF | ADAMS PARK | READING SCORERS: ALLEN 100, FURNESS 108, HONNUDOTTIR 120; UNITED SCORERS: GREENWOOD (PEN) 98, HOLDING (og) 107 | ATT: 951

Tense Cup tie ends in agony for visiting Reds, as top-flight Royals claim 120th-minute winner MU Women put up a great fight in the SSE Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals, twice taking the lead against Reading before eventually bowing out to the hosts from the top flight in heartbreaking fashion.

Icelandic international Rakel Honnudottir won it in injury-time at the end of extra-time, after her team-mates Remi Allen and Rachel Furness cancelled out Alex Greenwood’s penalty and Natasha Harding’s own goal.

After a cagey first half at Wycombe’s Adams Park, in which only set-pieces tested the two keepers, the tie opened up. Brooke Chaplen swept in a cross-cum-drive that Millie Turner did well to clear for a corner.

Then United’s Lauren James, who had come on for Kirsty Hanson at half-time, cut inside to unleash a shot that was deflected just wide.

When Reading broke forward in response, Jade Moore leapt above two Reds defenders to head a corner on to the top of the crossbar.

For the visitors, Leah Galton cut in from the left to fire inches wide of the far post.

Chaplen remained a threat and struck a fierce shot which Siobhan Chamberlain had to push out for a corner from point-blank range.

With neither side breaking the deadlock it was into extra-time, and halfway through the first period, Fara Williams was guilty of a costly foul, clipping James’s heels as the youngster broke into the box. Greenwood stepped up to slam home the penalty. Just two minutes later, though, it was 1-1, as Remi Allen directed a looping header over Chamberlain.

If the defending could have been better for Reading’s leveller, the same could be said for the next two goals, which were scored in breathtakingly quick succession.

First, the Reds regained the lead with Jess Sigsworth’s right-wing cross causing Harding to head into her own net after the intended target, Mollie Green, missed the ball. Then the Royals responded instantly again as a cross

Our captain finally breaks the deadlock in the 98th minute

from Williams beat two Reds at the far post.

Allen headed it back across goal and Furness swept the ball home from close range.

Hearts were in mouths among the Manchester contingent when another Williams delivery, this time from a corner, went all the way into Chamberlain’s net – only for the referee to blow for a foul on the United keeper. Sadly for United, it was a temporary reprieve. Williams struck a free-kick straight down the middle, which Chamberlain blocked, but Royals substitute Honnudottir reacted quickest to force the ball over the line, in what was a painful end to a pulsating extra-time.

United: Chamberlain; Harris, A Turner, M Turner, Greenwood; Green, Zelem, Toone (Smith 71); Galton, Sigsworth, Hanson (James 46).

Subs not used: Ramsey, Palmer, Devlin, Arnot It’s chaos in the box as James and Green battle for the ball

Manchester Manchester United United Women Women v Reading v Aston FC VillaWomen Ladies 08 07

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CA P TA I N ’S C O L U M N

I’VE SEEN SOME OF VILLA’S GAMES SINCE WE LAST FACED THEM AND THEY ARE LIKE A DIFFERENT SIDE NOW

Alex Greenwood

THE CAPTAIN’S COLUMN

F

our cup finals, starting tonight. That’s how we are approaching these last few league matches and we’ll be giving everything to win all four.

Our recent run of results has taken us back to the top, which means we don’t have the same pressure of playing catch-up. We can enjoy our football, knowing that if we get the job done then we will win the FA Women’s Championship.

The match at Tottenham was built up to be the biggest game of the season and that made sense – Spurs are a fantastic side who have been at the top end of the league for the majority of the season, as we have.

We were there to prove a point, though, to put in a big performance and secure a massive three points. We absolutely did that with a really professional performance, scoring some great goals too. Katie’s early goal settled us and I’d like to give a shout-out to Jess, getting stitches but still going for every header and every ball the same way she always does!

Hopefully we can build on that performance tonight against Aston Villa. It will be a completely different test against them to the one we faced at the beginning of the season. That scoreline will have no bearing on what happens now and if anything, they will be looking to make

Nothing was going to stop Sigsworth against Spurs, with our no.9 playing on with a bandaged head

up for that result. I’ve seen some of their games since and they are like a different side now.

We will approach the game in the same way we always do and I know and believe that this team has the character and confidence to achieve our aim of getting four wins from four.

And with three of our last four matches at home, we can’t wait to get started.

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H E R E

T O

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MANCHESTER UNITED HOME JERSEY 18/19

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Q U I Z /G A L L E RY

FRED’S FAN ZONE WORLD CUP CHALLENGE!

Test yourself with some World Cup posers, plus your brilliant pictures...

It’s less than two months until the eighth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off – but how far can you progress in our quiz version of the tournament?

Let’s start in the group stage! In which country is the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup being played: USA, France or South Korea?

Into the Round of 16! True or false: Alex Greenwood was the youngest member of England’s squad for the 2015 World Cup finals?

Into the quarters! How many nations are to compete in this year’s tournament – and how many of those are from the UK (England, Wales, Scotland, N. Ireland)?

Into the semis! Which nation has won the FIFA Women’s World Cup the most times (three of the seven tournaments to date)?

Into the final! Can you name the two England players who were among the nominees for the 2018 Women’s Ballon d’Or?

Email: MUWomenfamily@manutd.co.uk

(Check the answers below to see if you lifted the trophy!)

FANS’ GALLERY

Sophie, Lily and Faye are huge Reds, and they’ve been to most home fixtures. Enjoy today’s game!

Here’s a great pic of United fans Isabelle Rose and Poppy Devon.

So many shirts!

Rosie (aged 12) and Will (9) have been enjoying the hot dogs as much as the football here at LSV!

(World Cup quiz answers: Group stage: France; Round of 16: True; Quarter-finals: 24, 2 (England and Scotland); Semi-finals: USA; Final: Lucy Bronze and Fran Kirby Manchester United Women v Aston Villa Ladies 13

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K A T I E

Z E L E M

United’s no.10 has been in sensational form of late, and as our classy midfielder tells us, she can’t wait for what lies ahead – both for the Reds and the women’s game...

First of all, congratulations on being named Championship Player of the Month for March!

Thanks! It’s a really proud moment for me. It’s nice to get recognition from people, and knowing that the fans have voted for this means even more.

Heading into our last four games, how do you think such recognition will motivate you?

The last four games for us are massive and, to be honest, award or no award we need to win every one of them. I know that, the girls know that, and that’s the mentality we’re going into these games with.

How pleased were you with the win against promotion rivals Tottenham in our last game?

Really pleased. It was a big result for us given it was first versus second, and it gives us a bit of a cushion in our hopes of winning the league.

You scored twice in that game, including one long-ranger – be honest, did you mean it?

12 Manchester United Women v Charlton Athletic Women

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K AT I E Z E L E M I N T E R V I E W

Holding her nerve from the penalty spot away to Spurs – just one moment that contributed to Katie winning the Championship’s Player of the Month award (below)

KATIE’S STATISTICS

[Laughs] I didn’t! It was a cross... but a goal is a goal at the end of the day!

Age: 23 Born: Oldham Position: Midfield Previous clubs: 2004-13 Manchester United (girls); 2013-17 Liverpool; 2017/18 Juventus International career: England U15s, U17s, U19s, U20s, U23s

You’ve taken the majority of the team’s penalties this season, as you did against Spurs. Have you always been confident stepping up to take them?

I’ve always been confident taking them, to be honest, and I’ve taken them since I was little so I’m used to the pressure. I’ve missed a couple this season but it’s about how you bounce back from it. We have a lot of good penalty takers in the team so as long as somebody scores it, it doesn’t matter.

I practise in training but Siobhan tends to remember everywhere you’ve put one so it makes it more difficult! It’s good to get the practice in, though.

There are three games left after Aston Villa tonight. What’s the mood like among the squad as we approach the end of the season?

The season has flown by – it seems like it was just last week when we first got together! The mood is really high and we’re all really together as a team so we just want to win these last games and finish the season strongly.

How much have you enjoyed being back in England following your time in Italy with Juventus?

It’s great to be back and being home, not just in England but in Manchester near my family and friends and the club I grew up at. Some of the coaches I had are still the same so it’s nice have that familiarity too.

▲

What has been your highlight of the season so far: both for the team and personally?

As a team, the highlight was beating Liverpool in the first game of the season. For such a new team at the time, to beat Liverpool was such a big thing. That result really brought us together.

The Everton game was a personal highlight; we won 3-0 and to get a goal in that game was a big thing for me.

We played today’s opponents Villa in our first league match and won 12-0. What do you remember about that day?

We really put our marker down in that game but it’s going to be a completely different game this time around. Villa are coming into quite a bit of form; they are a much more organised side.

Manchester United Women v Aston Villa Ladies 15

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K AT I E Z E L E M I N T E R V I E W

Even at the age of 23, Oldham-born Katie is a figure the younger players can look up to

THIS TEAM IS A BIT YOUNGER THAN OTHER TEAMS... IT WOULD BE A WASTE NOT TO PASS ON MY EXPERIENCE Do you feel your time at Juventus has helped your game this season?

Yeah, definitely. I think going to Italy really developed me as a player and a person. They play the game in such a different way so the more you can add to your game, the better.

Your former team-mates played at the Allianz Stadium [home of the men’s team] a few weeks ago. What are your thoughts on the women’s matches we’ve seen at some big stadiums in Europe?

The crowds have been unbelievable, I saw at Juventus they had 39,000! It’s definitely a step in the right direction for women’s football.

Looking back on your football journey, how did you start playing the game?

I’ve played since I was very young, my family

all played it, especially my dad and his twin.

That got me involved; I’ve never looked back.

What are your memories from when you were at United the first time around?

I remember winning! We had a strong team and some of those girls have gone on to play for England at various age groups, plus the likes of Millie Turner who is obviously back here now. We won a few leagues and cups; even when we weren’t a Centre of Excellence, we used to beat some of the better teams.

And when did you realise you wanted to pursue football as a career?

When United turned into a Centre of Excellence. I got called up to the England Under-15s and I’d seen women’s football become bigger and bigger. It was still a part-time career and players had other jobs, but it was always something I knew I wanted to do and be involved in.

Who are your role models in the game?

I’ve always loved watching [Andres] Iniesta and how he links up the play. That Barcelona team had an unbelievable philosophy.

You like encouraging team-mates. Has that always been part of your game?

I guess it has, but in some teams I have been one of the younger players and maybe less experienced, plus in Italy not many spoke English. This United team is a bit younger so it has definitely brought it out in me. I’ve had experiences from all around Europe in different high-level competitions so it would be a waste not to pass on my experience.

You always show your appreciation for the dedicated United fans. Is there one chant in particular that you like?

I like the one that goes ‘Devlin is a dancer’ [to Rhythm Is a Dancer]. I think that’s my favourite!

There have been some big sponsorship deals announced recently, for both FAWSL and the England team – how crucial is this for the game as a whole?

It’s so important – it’s the next step that women’s football needed. To have the backing of Barclays for the WSL is unbelievable and I hope it can push the game to the next level. ⬤ Manchester United Women v Aston Villa Ladies 17

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H E R E

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MANCHESTER UNITED AWAY JERSEY 18/19

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M U F O U N DAT I O N

SIOBHAN GIVES SOME GUIDANCE United’s no.1 advises football-loving students in Wigan about how to follow their sporting dreams

Chamberlain enjoyed the day just as much as the enthusiastic pupils

United Women goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain recently visited one of the club’s Foundation partner schools, Dean Trust Wigan, where she spent an inspiring day with some Year 7 footballers.

Our no.1 took an active part in a communication workshop and Q&A session, before making time for a kickabout with the excited students. Chamberlain – capped 50 times by England and the most experienced player within the Reds’ squad – also shared stories from across her successful career, giving some detailed insight into life as United’s stopper.

Speaking about the visit, Siobhan explained how important it is for players to reach out to local schools and spend time communicating with young fans. “I think it’s really important to be able to give back to the community,” she said. “It’s also about giving young girls the opportunity to see the possibilities that if they follow their dreams, work hard and are good at football, they could one day play for Manchester United Women.”

Siobhan added: “I came in and the students were doing a workshop on communication and leadership – how it relates into football and developing your abilities on and off the pitch. Their standard was really good and it was great that

they had a goalkeeper as well, as goalkeeping is an area where we want to get more girls into.”

Foundation school partnerships officer Matt Lawlor, who is based at Dean Trust Wigan full-time, spoke about how the visit would inspire pupils to greater heights, both from a sporting and academic perspective. “The players will be so happy with today,” said Matt. “Siobhan is a huge star within football and has seen and done it all. Hearing about her pathway to becoming a professional, then having a chance to kick a ball around with her, will have made a huge impact.”

Matt added: “These types of opportunities don’t happen every day and as a Foundation we’re always excited when we give students the chance to get closer to their idols and experience some of the Manchester United magic.”

For more information about Manchester United Foundation, visit www.mufoundation.org

Time for a kickabout in the school gym...

Manchester United Women v Aston Villa Ladies 21

p21 school visit.CGIM (approved).indd 4

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STONEY’S SQUAD

▲ ▲ ▲

2

MARTHA HARRIS Position Defender DOB 19/8/1994 Nationality English

15

LUCY ROBERTS Position Defender DOB 11/5/2001 Nationality English

1

13 22

SIOBHAN CHAMBERLAIN Position Goalkeeper DOB 15/8/1983 Nationality English

3

EMILY RAMSEY Position Goalkeeper DOB 16/11/2000 Nationality English

FRAN BENTLEY (out on loan) Position Goalkeeper DOB 26/6/2001 Nationality English

4

ALEX GREENWOOD Position Defender DOB 7/9/1993 Nationality English

AMY TURNER Position Defender DOB 4/7/1991 Nationality English

20

21

KIRSTY SMITH Position Defender DOB 6/1/1994 Nationality Scottish

MILLIE TURNER Position Defender DOB 7/7/1996 Nationality English

12

NAOMI HARTLEY Position Defender DOB 12/1/2001 Nationality English

6

AIMEE PALMER Position Midfielder DOB 25/7/2000 Nationality English

22 Manchester United Women v Aston Villa Ladies

p22_23 profiles.CGIM.indd 4

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P L AY E R STAT I ST I C S

8

MOLLIE GREEN Position Midfielder/forward DOB 4/8/1997 Nationality English

7

10

KATIE ZELEM Position Midfielder DOB 20/1/1996 Nationality English

9

14

CHARLIE DEVLIN Position Midfielder DOB 23/2/1998 Nationality English

16

LAUREN JAMES Position Midfielder/forward DOB 29/9/2001 Nationality English

▲ FOCUS ON... ▲ ▲ 16

ELLA TOONE Position Forward DOB 2/9/1999 Nationality English

11

LEAH GALTON Position Forward DOB 24/5/1994 Nationality English

JESS SIGSWORTH Position Forward DOB 13/10/1994 Nationality English

17

LIZZIE ARNOT Position Forward DOB 1/3/1996 Nationality Scottish

One of the brightest young talents in the English game, Lauren James is only 17, but as United fans have been lucky enough to witness, out on the pitch she possesses a maturity way beyond her years. Always comfortable on the ball, Lauren also has a very cool head in front of goal – as demonstrated by her impressive return of 12 goals in 24 games for the Reds. This year has also seen the former Arsenal player make the step up to England’s U19 team, and as her club manager says: “Lauren has the potential to do whatever she wants with hard work.”

18

KIRSTY HANSON Position Forward DOB 17/4/1998 Nationality Scottish

19

EBONY SALMON (out on loan) Position Forward DOB 27/1/2001 Nationality English

Manchester United Women v Aston Villa Ladies 23

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ASTO N V I L L A L A D I E S

THE VISITORS

With only four league defeats since we last faced them, Villa have been working their way up the table

O

ne of the second-tier’s most consistent sides since their admittance to the league in 2014, Villa endured a difficult time of it last season, finishing ninth in the 10-team division.

But Gemma Davies’ side have posted a solid 2018/19 thus far, bouncing back well from their crushing opening-day loss to United, and currently lie in seventh. As well as being unbeaten in the league in 2019, they have games in hand on many of their mid-table rivals (Villa face Lewes, London Bees, Spurs and Palace after today), meaning a fifth-place finish could yet be on for the Birmingham club.

N’DOW AND RICHARDS SHINE

Key to their improvement has been two defenders, versatile youngster Elisha N’Dow and captain Jade Richards, who have linked up superbly in recent weeks. A graduate of Villa’s Centre of Excellence, with the club in her heart, N’Dow can take up any position in the backline and is also an able deputy in midfield. Renowned for her speed and strength in the tackle, she also starts many attacks from the back. Richards, meanwhile, was presented with the captain’s armband last summer, and leads a young team by example.

Defender N’Dow has been getting stuck in with real purpose all season

O N E TO WATC H: Jodie Hutton A hard-running wide player with a ferocious left peg, Hutton is Villa’s top scorer to date this season. She reached double figures with a strike in the 3-1 victory over Millwall last time out, soon after signing her first professional contract. The Leicestershire player hinted at her promise during pre-season, with five goals in six matches, and has delivered superbly ever since. Hutton’s form also recently led to an England Under-19s call-up.

An impressive recent win against high-flying Charlton, and a dogged draw away at Durham prove Davies’ outfit are more than capable of competing with the best, as did a plucky display away to Spurs. Villa were minutes away from taking a highly creditable draw from their October clash with the north London title contenders, until an agonising late penalty meant Kerri Welsh’s goal counted for nothing.

This calendar year began with two frustrating draws, but the most recent of those, a 0-0 against Leicester, saw 1,618 fans attend the game at Villa Park, and witness a very promising display from up-and-coming 17-year-old Asmita Ale at full-back. The club have begun 2019 with real momentum and much optimism about the talent coming through, and with three league wins in their last five, Villa will be confident of putting on a good show tonight.

24 Manchester United Women v Aston Villa Ladies

p24_oppo single.CGIM..indd 4

12/04/2019 08:36

THE SSE WOMEN’S FA CUP FINAL 2019 TICKETS ON SALE NOW KIDS GO FREE | ADULTS £15

Half price adult tickets for groups (12+ people)

SATURDAY 4 MAY 2019 WEMBLEY STADIUM CONNECTED BY EE THEFA.COM/TICKETS

S E AS O N STAT I ST I C S

DATE

August

OPPOSITION

KO

CT Sun 19 Liverpool CT Sat 25 Reading

VEN RES

ATT

STARTING LINE-UP

2pm 12pm

A H

1-0 0-2

829 4,835

Chamberlain Smith Chamberlain Smith

A Turner A Turner

M Turner M Turner

Greenwood Greenwood

Green Green

3pm 7pm 2pm 12pm

A H A H

12-0 3-0 5-0 0-0

1,165 2,003 642 2,244

Chamberlain Chamberlain Chamberlain Chamberlain

A Turner A Turner A Turner A Turner

M Turner M Turner M Turner 1 M Turner

Smith Greenwood Greenwood Greenwood

Zelem 1 • Zelem 1 • Palmer Zelem

LG Sun 14 Charlton Athletic 12pm H

3-0

2,349

Chamberlain Smith

A Turner

M Turner

Greenwood

Green

September LG LG LG LG

Sun 9 Thu 20 Sun 23 Sun 30

Aston Villa Sheffield United London Bees Durham

Harris Harris Smith Harris

October November LG Sun 4 Tottenham Hotspur LG Sun 18 Crystal Palace LG Sun 25 Millwall Lionesses

12pm 2pm 12pm

H A H

4-1 5-0 8-0

2,367 975 1,467

Chamberlain Harris A Turner Chamberlain Harris A Turner Chamberlain Smith A Turner

M Turner M Turner M Turner

Greenwood Greenwood 1• Greenwood 1•

Palmer Green 2 Green 3

Lewes Durham Durham Everton

2pm 7pm 12pm 7pm

A H A A

2-0 1-0 1-3 3-0

1,958 686 912 267

Chamberlain Chamberlain Chamberlain Chamberlain

Smith Harris Smith Harris

Hartley A Turner A Turner A Turner

M Turner M Turner M Turner M Turner

Greenwood Greenwood Greenwood Smith

Zelem Zelem Zelem Zelem 1

London Bees West Ham United

2pm 7pm

H H

9-0 2-0 x

1,889 1,029

Chamberlain Harris Chamberlain Harris

M Turner A Turner

Greenwood M Turner

Smith Smith

Zelem 1• Zelem

Chamberlain Chamberlain Chamberlain Chamberlain Chamberlain

Harris Harris Smith Harris Harris

A Turner A Turner A Turner Palmer A Turner

M Turner M Turner M Turner M Turner M Turner

Greenwood Smith Greenwood 1 Smith Greenwood

Zelem Zelem Zelem Greenwood Zelem 1

Chamberlain Chamberlain Chamberlain Chamberlain

Harris Harris Harris Smith

A Turner A Turner Palmer A Turner

M Turner M Turner M Turner M Turner

Smith Green 1 Greenwood 1 • Green Greenwood Zelem 1• Greenwood Zelem 2 •

December LG CT LG CT

Sun 2 Wed 5 Sun 9 Thu 13

January LG Sun 6 CT Wed 9

February FA CT LG FA LG

Sun 3 Thu 7 Wed 13 Sun 17 Wed 20

Brighton (R4) Arsenal (SF) Leicester City London Bees (R5) Sheffield United

12.30pm A 2-0 764 7.30pm A 1-2 1,836 7.45pm A 7-0 x 824 2pm H 3-0 838 7pm A 4-0 1,008

March LG Sun 10 FA Sun 17 LG Sun 24 LG Sun 31

Leicester City Reading (QF) Charlton Athletic Tottenham Hotspur

12pm 2pm 2pm 2pm

H A A A

6-1 2-3*x 2-1 5-1

1,554 951 732 1,607

April LG Wed 17 Aston Villa 7pm H LG Sat 20 Crystal Palace 12pm H LG Sun 28 Millwall Lionesses 2pm A

May Lewes

5.30pm H

P

1 UNITED

16 14 1 1 69 43

W D L GD Pts

2 Tottenham 17 13 0 4 14 39 3 Durham

16 10 5 1 23 35

4 Charlton

17 11 2 4 22 35

5 Sheffield Utd 16 7 1 8 -9 22 6 London Bees 18 7 0 11 -18 21 7 Aston Villa

15 5 5 5 -8 20

8 Leicester

18 6 2 10 -13 20

9 Lewes

17 5 1 11 -16 16

10 Crystal Palace 17

3

11 Millwall

1 2 14 -44 5

17

1 13 -20 10

KEY TO STATS: LG – FA Women’s Championship;

CT – FA Continental Tyres League Cup; FA – Women’s FA Cup Scorers Bold • Penalty x Own goal *after extra-time Sent off First sub Second sub Third sub

LEAG U E C U P, G R O U P TWO N O RTH

FA WO M E N’S C HAM PI O N S H I P

LG Sat 11

P W D L GD Pts

1 UNITED 4

3 0

1

3

9

2 Reading 4 2 1 1 4 7

-------------------------------------

3 Everton 4

2 0

2

-1

6

4 Durham 4

1 1

2

-3

4

5 Liverpool 4

0

2* 2

-3

4

* Liverpool awarded two bonus points – one for each penalty shoot-out victory following a draw

26 Manchester United Women v Aston Villa Ladies

p26_27 stats spread 1st April.CGIM (1).indd 4

West Ham United

12/04/2019 08:36

eenwood eenwood

S E AS O N STAT I ST I C S

SUBSTITUTES USED

STAY UP

TO SPEED

WITH MU WOMEN!

Green Green

Zelem Zelem

James James

Arnot 1 Arnot

Sigsworth Sigsworth

Hanson Hanson

Toone Palmer

Galton Galton

Devlin Toone

Zelem 1 • Zelem 1 • Palmer Zelem

Devlin Green Zelem Toone

James 2 James Green 2 James

Galton Toone Arnot Arnot

Sigsworth 5 Sigsworth James 1 Sigsworth

Hanson 2 Hanson 1 Hanson Hanson

Green 1 Arnot 1 Sigsworth Galton

Toone 1 Palmer Toone 1 Devlin

Palmer Devlin Hartley Smith

eenwood

Green

Zelem 1

Palmer

Hanson

Sigsworth 1 Arnot 1

Toone

Harris

Devlin

eenwood eenwood 1• eenwood 1•

Palmer Green 2 Green 3

Zelem Zelem Zelem 1

Toone Devlin James 1

Hanson Arnot 2 Hanson

Sigsworth 2 James 1 Toone Hanson Sigsworth 1 Arnot

Galton Sigsworth Toone 1

Green Smith Bentley

Devlin 1 James Palmer

eenwood eenwood eenwood mith

Zelem Zelem Zelem Zelem 1

Green 1 Green 1 Green Green

Palmer James Toone 1 Greenwood

Toone 1 Hanson Hanson Sigsworth

Sigsworth Sigsworth Devlin James 1

Devlin Toone Sigsworth Hanson

Galton Arnot James Toone

James Devlin

Galton –

mith mith

Zelem 1• Zelem

Green 1 Green

Toone 2 Greenwood

Arnot 1 James

Devlin 2 Hanson Sigsworth 1 Arnot

Palmer Hanson

Hartley Toone

James 2 –

eenwood mith eenwood 1 mith eenwood

Zelem Zelem Zelem Greenwood Zelem 1

Green Green 1 Green Green 1 Green 1

Toone Greenwood Toone 4 • Toone 1 Toone 1 •

Hanson Sigsworth Hanson 1 Sigsworth Sigsworth

Sigsworth James Sigsworth Devlin 1 James 1

Devlin Galton Galton Arnot Galton

James 2 Hanson Devlin James Hanson

Galton Toone Arnot Ramsey Palmer

Twitter: @ManUtdWomen Arnot Arnot James Hanson Arnot

James 1 Zelem Green Green 1

Toone 1 Toone Toone Toone

Hanson 1 Galton Sigsworth 1 Sigsworth 1

Sigsworth 2 Sigsworth James Devlin

Galton Hanson Galton Galton 1

Devlin James Devlin James

Greenwood Smith Arnot Arnot

– – Smith Harris

mith eenwood eenwood eenwood

mith Green 1 eenwood 1 • Green eenwood Zelem 1• eenwood Zelem 2 •

APPEARAN C E S / G OALS (ALL C O M PS)

Apps

Arnot Galton Arnot Galton 1

Apps

Goals

Naomi Hartley

1 (2)

0

Lizzie Arnot

12 (8)

6

Lauren James

15 (9)

12

Fran Bentley

0 (1)

0

Siobhan Chamberlain Charlie Devlin Leah Galton Mollie Green Alex Greenwood

25 7 (10) 10 (7) 22 (2) 23 (1)

0 4 2 16 4

Aimee Palmer Emily Ramsey Jess Sigsworth Kirsty Smith Ella Toone

6 (6) 0 (1) 21 (3) 16 (4) 15 (10)

0 0 14 0 14

Kirsty Hanson Martha Harris

17 (5) 16 (2)

5 0

21 25 23

0 1 10

Goals

Amy Turner Millie Turner Katie Zelem

Facebook: manutdwomen

YouTube.com /ManUtd

Instagram: @manutdwomen

Match programme picture requests: MUWomenfamily @manutd.co.uk

Manchester United Women v Aston Villa Ladies 27

p26_27 stats spread 1st April.CGIM (1).indd 5

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Mancheste

MANCHESTER UNITED ­WOMEN

Siobhan CHAMBERLAIN (GK) Martha HARRIS Alex GREENWOOD Amy TURNER Aimee PALMER Ella TOONE Mollie GREEN Jess SIGSWORTH Katie ZELEM Leah GALTON Naomi HARTLEY Emily RAMSEY (GK) Charlie DEVLIN Lucy ROBERTS Lauren JAMES Lizzie ARNOT Kirsty HANSON Kirsty SMITH Millie TURNER

p28 Villa back cover (we wont get officials).CGIM.indd 1

1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21

ASTON VILLA LADIES

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 16 17 18 19 20 23 24

Sian ROGERS (GK) Hayley CRACKLE Asmita ALE Ria ELSMORE Elisha N’DOW Jade RICHARDS Alice HASSALL Aoife HURLEY Alison HALL Kerri WELSH Amy WEST Jodie HUTTON Hollie GIBSON Tanisha SMITH Sophie HAYWOOD Aja AGUIRRE (GK) Natasha BAPTISTE Phoebe WARNER Nadine HANSSEN Ashlee BROWN

12/04/2019 08:37