Manchester United Women v Everton Women match programme WSL 08.12.19

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OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2019/20 SEASON • VOLUME 02 ISSUE 07

BARCLAYS FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2019 KICK-OFF 12pm

03/12/2019 11:40

Supporting

RAINBOW LACES

#allredallequal

CONTENTS

WELCOME It’s home game no.7 of the season for Casey Stoney’s side, with in-form Everton making the short trip from Merseyside to take on the Reds.

For United’s Millie Turner, it’s a first home meeting as a United player with her old club, and the centre-back tells us about her time with the Toffees – which included a 2014 FA Cup final clash with Casey Stoney – in today’s big interview (p20). As for the head coach, she talks candidly about last weekend’s frustrating finale in east London on p4, with skipper Katie Zelem also assessing that defeat to West Ham in her column (p11). For match reports from our last three games, including convincing home wins against Leicester and Brighton, turn to p7.

With their WSL game against Chelsea called off last weekend, Everton – led by former United assistant coach Willie Kirk – will be eager to get back to action today, and you can read all about the visitors’ 2019/20 so far on p30.

MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB Co-chairmen Joel Glazer, Avram Glazer Directors Bryan Glazer, Kevin Glazer, Edward Glazer, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz,

p4

Casey Stoney column

p7

Match reports

Charlton, Sir Alex Ferguson,

p11 Katie Zelem column

Secretary Rebecca Britain

p13 Rainbow Laces campaign

Martin Edwards

Ed Woodward, Richard Arnold, Michael Edelson, Sir Bobby David Gill CBE Honorary president

p15 Fred’s fan zone/gallery p20 Mille Turner exclusive p27 Siobhan Chamberlain p30 Today’s opposition

PROGRAMME TEAM Editor Charlie Ghagan Editor-in-chief Ian McLeish Contributors Harriet Drudge, Michael Plant, Feargal Brennan

p33 Player and team statistics

Design Anthony Moore Photography Ash Donelon, Siobhan Chamberlain, John & Matt Peters, Getty, PA Thanks to Haylee Howe, Harriet Drudge, John Shiel / MuPrint.com, Emily Crook / Everton FC © Manchester United 2019

Manchester United Women v Brighton Hove Albion

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HEAD COACH

CASEY STONEY THE HEAD COACH’S COLUMN

Last Sunday was tough to take, but now we have the opportunity to bounce back by beating a dangerous Everton side in our final home game of 2019...

Welcome to Leigh Sports Village for our final home game of 2019. It’s been an incredible year: winning the Championship with two games to spare, going on impressive runs in both cups and our first ever pre-season tour, to name a few highlights.

A particular highlight for me may be something many have forgotten though: the players sprinting back to restart the game after scoring a fifth goal against Lewes in our final league match last season. They were trying to score another two goals in the last 10 minutes to take our season tally to 100 goals. There aren’t many teams who are that relentless, but it demonstrated the incredible work ethic and mentality of this team. It was a proud moment!

With the highs come the inevitable lows, though – as is the way in football – and we were massively disappointed as a team after last week’s match. It was a really frustrating three points to drop. We were nowhere near our best but we could have won. We should have won. It’s a tough lesson and we’ll need to learn from it but it’s just a bump along the way – we’re going to have a few this season.

Today is a chance to bounce back, with Everton the visitors. They’re an organised team who’ve won a lot of games in the league. With the likes of Chloe Kelly and Lucy Graham, we’ll have to be at our best to get a result, but I trust my players to react in the right way to last weekend.

Our final two fixtures of 2019 are away at Birmingham.

We’ve been performing well at home but it’s so important to get momentum away from home. To be successful you can’t lose games like the West Ham fixture. Our away form has to pick up and when we’re not at our best, we have to find a way to win. Sometimes we’ll need to win ugly.

In those situations, it’s about focusing on our standards and not being drawn into the type of game our opponents want us to play. We have to match their work rate and physicality but not get involved in a battle.

On behalf of all the staff, thank you for your fantastic support in 2019 and we’ll see you again in 2020.

Enjoy the game.

04 Manchester United Women v Everton Women

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HEAD COACH

Y

ce ...

“WE’LL HAVE TO BE AT OUR BEST TO GET A RESULT TODAY, BUT I TRUST MY PLAYERS TO REACT IN THE RIGHT WAY TO LAST WEEKEND” Manchester United Women v Brighton Hove Albion 08

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Mancheste

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SINCE LAST TIME

MATCH CENTRE

• Hammers stun the Reds with decisive late double • Four-some display sees off Seagulls here in Leigh

What a start against West Ham, as Hanson scores in the first minute

Earps clears the danger in east London

KEY STATISTICS

Zelem makes it four against Brighton

WEST HAM UNITED WOMEN 3

⊲

MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN 2 SUN 1 DEC, WSL, RUSH GREEN STADIUM, ATT: 1,736 Scorers: Vetterlein (3), Baunach (83, 90); Hanson (1), James (80) Line-up: Earps; A Turner, McManus, M Turner, Harris; Zelem, Ladd, Groenen (Toone 70); Hanson (Sigsworth), Ross (James 58), Galton. Subs not used: Mikalsen, Okvist, Green, Arnot, Smith MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN 4 BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION WOMEN 0 SUN 24 NOV, WSL, LEIGH SPORTS VILLAGE, ATT: 1,707 Scorers: James (10), Galton (29, 67), Zelem (87, pen) Line-up: Earps; A Turner, McManus, M Turner, Harris; Zelem, Ladd, Groenen (Toone 73); Hanson, James (Ross 61), Galton (Sigsworth 79). Subs not used: Mikalsen, Okvist, Green, Sigsworth, Smith MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN 11 LEICESTER CITY WOMEN 1 THU 21 NOV, LEAGUE CUP, LEIGH S VILLAGE, ATT: 1,127 Scorers: Sigsworth (2), Arnot (8), Toone (21, 42, 44, 73, 87), Smith (40), Ross (70), Ladd (83), James (90+1) Line-up: Mikalsen; Smith (Harris 60), McManus, M Turner, Okvist; Zelem (Ladd 45), Green (James 66), Toone, Sigsworth, Ross, Arnot. Subs not used: Earps, A Turner, Galton, Hanson

United Women suffered a disappointing away day in east London last Sunday, losing 3-2 to West Ham at the Irons’ Rush Green Stadium.

United twice took the lead but conceded immediately after scoring both times, then succumbed to a late goal from four-time Bundesliga winner Katharina Baunach.

Jane Ross – leading the line for United against her former club – was involved from the off and provided an assist for the opener inside a minute. The Reds won the ball high up and Ross delivered in a pinpoint cross to find Kirsty Hanson. Our no.18 leapt well to beat her marker to the ball and direct her header brilliantly back across goal and past goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan.

The lead didn’t last long though, the hosts responding almost immediately with a headed goal of their own. The Reds failed to clear our lines properly from a corner, with Kenza Dali picking up the ball on the left and delivering for German defender Laura Vetterlein to head just beyond Mary Earps’s reach.

It was substitute Lauren James who gave United the lead with nine minutes to go, latching on to Hanson’s through ball and drilling a low finish into the far corner.

But it wasn’t to be for United, who were again caught out immediately after scoring. Baunach’s free-kick ⊲ Manchester United Women v Everton Women 07

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SINCE LAST TIME

“PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE AND GREAT TO SEE SO MANY NAMES ON THE SCORESHEET” – CASEY STONEY (v LEICESTER CITY)

Stoney congratulates her charges after the Leicester victory

THE BIG NUMBERS

18

4

United goals scored in November – only bettered in September 2018 (20 goals)

West Ham become just the fourth side ever to net more than once in a game v United

11

2

Different scorers this season after Arnot, Ladd and Smith got off the mark

Players to have scored five in a game for United: Toone and Sigsworth

from the right wing went all the way through a packed area and into the net, evading everyone including Earps.

With the score at 2-2, West Ham’s Leanne Kiernan was dismissed for a second yellow following an off-the-ball incident, but it was another set-piece that proved the Reds’ downfall. Ella Toone conceded a free-kick just outside the United box in the 90th minute, and Baunach brilliantly chipped her free-kick into the net.

The defeat in London dampened the mood following an impressive two games here at Leigh.

In the WSL, we recorded our biggest top-flight win to date, as Brighton were swept aside 4-0. James fired us into the lead in the 10th minute, latching on to a brilliant centre from Leah Galton. Our provider turned scorer 19 minutes later, confidently finishing from close range. After the break, the Reds added a third, as Galton stretched on to the end of Hanson’s cross from the right.

Katie Zelem scored a fourth from the penalty spot late on, as Hanson was brought down by Kayleigh Green.

Three days earlier, the Reds all but secured a place in the next round of the Continental League Cup with a record home win – 11-1 – over Championship side Leicester City. Five goals by Toone and efforts from Jess Sigsworth, Lizzie Arnot, Kirsty Smith, Ross, Hayley Ladd and James meant it was a night to remember for the 1,127 home fans here at the Reds’ home ground.

As well as Toone’s incredible haul, one of the biggest cheers of the night came for Smith, after the Scottish full-back netted her first goal for the club, in her 27th game. Smith’s goal was a composed finish after keeper Demi Lambourne had misjudged the flight of the ball and it fell for our no.20, but Kirsty still had to navigate past several opponents before lobbing the ball home.

Goals of the night came from Arnot – a sumptuous curling effort from near the corner of the box to make it 2-0 – and Ladd, who bagged an audacious effort from all of 30 yards in the 83rd minute after intercepting a loose pass in midfield for our ninth goal.

The result leaves the Reds top of our group with three wins from three, and only a nine-goal defeat to Birmingham City this coming Wednesday can deny us a spot in the knockout stages.

08 Manchester United Women v Everton Women

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CAPTAIN

KATIE ZELEM THE CAPTAIN’S COLUMN

We’re determined to get back to winning ways today, to give you amazing fans something to cheer about before we hit the road for our remaining 2019 games...

To say we’re disappointed after last week is an understatement. It was a tough match. West Ham had a game plan to stop us playing the way we like to play and they succeeded. But to take the lead twice and let it slip at the end was gutting.

We know the areas we need to improve on, defending from set-pieces being one. Typically we’re solid when defending. We take our defensive responsibilities very seriously, from our attackers all the way through to Mary in goal. We love clean sheets as much as we love scoring and rarely concede from open play. If we can limit the

“WE TAKE OUR DEFENSIVE RESPONSIBILITIES SERIOUSLY, FROM OUR ATTACKERS ALL THE WAY THROUGH TO MARY”

amount of opportunities we give away from set-pieces in dangerous areas, we will be back on track in no time.

We face Everton today having beaten them in the Continental League Cup earlier in the season. They are always a tough team to face and have quality in all positions. But we know if we play the way we can – especially in front of a quality crowd here – we can pick up three points to finish the year at home on a high.

Overall, this year has been one filled with amazing highs. Personally, being handed the armband and becoming captain of my club was an incredible moment.

I’m so proud and honoured to lead the team out each week. And of course, winning the Championship was a great feeling and only inspired me and the rest of the girls – we definitely want to be lifting more trophies in the future.

We’re already looking forward to seeing you back here in 2020 and on behalf of all the players, thank you so much for your brilliant support all year, home and away.

Manchester United Women v Everton Women 11

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AND AFTER!

NEWS

NEWS ROUND-UP

RAINBOW LACES Reds show support for Stonewall’s equality campaign As part of Manchester United Women’s ongoing commitment to equality under the #allredallequal campaign, today’s fixture against Everton Women is dedicated to Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign.

United continues to work closely with Stonewall throughout its activities within the area of equality, diversity and inclusion, which supported the club’s achievement of the Premier League Equality Standard Advanced Level in June 2019. United’s ongoing commitment to LGBT+ inclusion has further developed during 2019, a year that’s seen the club work with fans to launch its first LGBT+ supporters’ group, Rainbow Devils.

This has coincided with continued efforts internally, being led by the club’s Pride Network. These efforts were recognised by the LGBT+ inclusion organisation OUTstanding,

who named group managing director Richard Arnold as one of its top 50 LGBT+ executive allies for the third year running.

Ahead of kick-off, Rainbow Laces will be handed out to fans and dedicated content has been launched on the club’s social media channels.

Activities also took place at Old Trafford on Wednesday for the Premier League game between United and Tottenham, as the club continues its support of Rainbow Laces as part of its own #allredallequal campaign.

Speaking of the club’s support for Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, head coach Casey Stoney said: “I’m proud to be part of a club that is fully committed to equality and inclusion, these core values run through the club at all levels both

on and off the pitch.

We as staff and players continue to support Stonewall’s campaigning and encourage fans to get behind the Rainbow Laces initiative to ensure that football is inclusive for all.”

Manchester United’s equality, diversity and inclusion work continues to develop as part of the club’s #allredallequal campaign, with ongoing support for a number of equality organisations throughout the year.

Robbie de Santos, Stonewall’s director of sport, said: “We’re so pleased Manchester United is supporting Rainbow Laces again.

Kicking discrimination out of sport takes dedication and commitment, which is why our ongoing partnership is so vital.

“But our work won’t be finished until every lesbian, gay, bi and trans person is able to be themselves in sport, and we look forward to working with Manchester United to make sport everyone’s game.”

STADIUM NEWS

GO VIP FOR VIXENS VISIT Enjoy WSL clash with hospitality for just £45 If you’re looking to treat the MU Women fan in your life this Christmas, Matchday VIP Experiences are just £45pp for our first game of 2020 here at Leigh Sports Village, against Bristol City.

As well as having a balcony seat outside a hospitality box to take in the action, you’ll enjoy a two-course meal, plus a cash bar while you watch the Reds face the Vixens for the very first time.

Whether you’re entertaining family and friends, or a business client, a VIP Experience ensures an unforgettable day out here in Leigh.

Visit ManUtd.com/VIP to book, or for details on other MDVIP packages for this season.

Ex-Red Ebony Salmon (inset) could be in the Bristol City XI for the 5 Jan clash here at LSV

Manchester United Women v Everton Women 13

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29/07/2019 15:

KIDS’ PAGE

FRED’S FAN Z ON E TR ICK Y TO FF E E POSE RS!

(Answers below)

Can you identify the five current United Women players through the Everton links below?

1

The first of my four United goals came against Everton in last season’s 3-0 away win in the Continental League Cup (pictured above right).

2

I was part of Arsenal’s matchday squad (along with Casey Stoney) as the Gunners beat Everton in the 2014 Women’s FA Cup final.

3

I was in Everton’s team that day as Arsenal won the FA Cup final 2-0 (pictured above left).

4

My first top-division game came against Everton in May 2014, when I played for Manchester City.

5

I joined United from Everton (where I won the WSL2 Spring Series in 2017), and I scored 16 goals for the Reds last season.

6

My senior debut for my former club Arsenal came against Everton in October 2017, exactly one month after my 16th birthday.

Answers 1. Leah Galton; 2. Siobhan Chamberlain; 3. Millie Turner; 4. Abbie McManus; 5. Mollie Green; 6. Lauren James

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FAN PHOTOS

RE DS ’ GA LL ERY

Send your brilliant pictures and messages (plus any birthday announcements) to us at MUWomenfamily@manutd.co.uk

#15 Hello to Amelia Nicholls, who celebrated her 10th birthday this week. Her two favourite players are Martha Harris and Jackie Groenen.

Laura, Alison, Charlie and Gem are all big United fans, and as ever they’ll be cheering on the Reds this afternoon. Thanks for your support!

TAKE FIVE WITH...

AURORA MIKALSEN

What I’m watching...

The Blacklist, Grey’s Anatomy and S.W.A.T. – a really good series on Netflix and Viaplay.

On my earphones...

A belated happy 14th birthday to Niamh Murphy, pictured here with Jackie. We hope you had a great day at the Brighton match last month.

Lily, aged 9, and Sophie, 13, love watching the team and singing all the songs. They also adore Casey, and their no.1 player is Leah Galton.

At the moment I’m listening to Sondre Justad (a Norwegian artist) and a song called Ikke Som De Andre. Also Maria Mena – another Norwegian artist! – and Ben Howard.

What I’m reading...

Becoming a Great Team Player by Allistair McCaw. I also read the Norwegian news every day so I’m updated on things at home.

What I’m surfing...

No doubt there... Instagram!

Making me laugh...

Sarah Partington will be here this afternoon cheering and singing along with the rest of the Barmy Army.

Look out for her in the West Stand!

Good afternoon to 11-year-old Ole, a season ticket holder pictured here with the skipper. We hope you continue to enjoy the home games!

Ellen DeGeneres and also my team-mates, especially LJ, Fran and Kirsty Hanson.

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The best stories are yet to be written The world is watching. The fans are waiting. The players are ready. The new Barclays FA Women’s Super League season is here, and it’s all to play for.

Creating opportunities with football. #AllToPlayFor

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SNAPSHOT

ALL EYES ON LEAH...

Much like the fans in the crowd and the players on the subs’ bench, United’s backroom staff watch intently as in-form winger Leah Galton launches yet another lung-busting attack in our last home outing, on a day when the no.11 would finish the game with two of our four goals against Brighton. Those in the front row are (left to right): Eddie Craghill (doctor), Kitty Forrest (physio), Dexter Bollen (kit man), Ian Willcock (goalkeeping coach) and Glen Harris (assistant coach)... with head coach Casey Stoney – not for the first or last time in the WSL clash – preferring to be up on her feet!

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SNAPSHOT

Manchester United Women v Everton Women 19

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INTERVIEW

D

MILLIE TURNER PROFILE: Date of birth 7 July 1996 Place of birth Wilmslow, Cheshire Position Defender United record 40 apps; 2 goal Previous clubs: 2011-13 Manchester United (youth) 2013-17 Everton 2017-18 Bristol City International career England U19s, U23s 07 Manchester United Women v Brighton Hove

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INTERVIEW

“WOULD I TAKE A 1-0 WIN

OVER AN 11-1 WIN?

DE FIN ITE LY!

WE TAKE PRIDE IN CLEAN SHEETS” Ever-present in the heart of defence since joining the Reds, Millie Turner tells us she’s excited about the games ahead – with her former club Everton next up this afternoon...

Although we beat your old club Everton in the League Cup last month, they’ve had a strong start in the WSL. Has that surprised you at all?

No, not really. It’s a very unpredictable league, every team is really good and I don’t think it’s surprised us. They’re a very good and competitive side. They’ve had a good run so it will be a tough game, but it’s one we’ll be ready for.

What would you say are Everton’s main strengths?

Well, we know they like to play in behind and they like to take shots from distance, so it’s all about us stopping that as a team and exploiting their weaknesses.

What did you make of our last meeting against them, a 3-0 away win in the cup a few weeks ago?

It was a really good performance. The pitch wasn’t the best, but we were solid and hard to break down. We were clinical and I think that’s the most important thing in

games like that. I think we out-worked them and out-played them and were the best team on the day.

Tell us about your time at Everton…

It was my first three years as a professional player [after spending 2013/14 with their development team] and I was still very young, so it was a really good learning curve. I got a lot of playing time in the top league [in 2014] so that was a very good experience. You have ups and downs at every club and [in 2017] I thought it was the right time to move on, as a player and as a person.

You played close to 50 senior games for Everton in the WSL and WSL2 before moving to Bristol City...

Yeah, when I look back, it helped me grow as a person and mature. My experiences helped shape me into the person I am today, and I’m at United which is a dream come true. I can only thank people for that experience. ⊲

“I WAS STILL VERY YOUNG AT EVERTON, SO IT WAS A GOOD LEARNING CURVE. I GOT A LOT OF PLAYING TIME IN THE WSL” Manchester United Women v Everton Women 21

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Mancheste

INTERVIEW

Our no.21 gets involved at the other end of the pitch in November’s away victory against Everton in the Continental League Cup

You weren’t even 18 by the time you represented Everton in the 2014 FA Cup final, against Arsenal...

I couldn’t believe it and at the time it was the biggest crowd I’d ever played in front of. There was a red carpet and the crowd was so loud. It was also the first game I ever played that was on TV. I’ll never forget it.

Do you ever speak to Casey or Siobhan about that final as they were in the Arsenal squad that day?

You know what, I never have actually, but Casey did pull out the FA Cup final programme a few weeks ago and it doesn’t have the best picture of me! She brought that up but we’ve never actually spoken about the game.

Are you still in touch with many people at Everton?

In football you make friends for life and I’ve still got a few from Everton that I keep in good contact with. Obviously, Willie [Kirk] is there and he was a big part of my career [managing Millie at Bristol City before they both moved to United in 2018]. I still keep in touch with him too.

At Bristol City you were given the armband, and your leadership qualities are now clear to see....

It was another really big experience for me and another stage of my career. Everyone is a leader in their own way but to get that armband does add a little more

responsibility and I do think that helped me grow and mature a lot as a player. I think it showed on the pitch as well. I like to encourage my team-mates because I think it’s really important to keep your team happy.

You’ve progressed from England U19s to U23s in recent years, but how much of an ambition is it to get a chance with the senior team?

I think that’s always going to be an ambition of mine.

Everyone wants to play at the highest level but my focus now is to just keep performing at club level and doing as well as I can. If that’s good enough, great, and if it’s not then I’ll just carry on doing as well as I can for my team.

You’ve certainly struck up a good partnership with England international Abbie McManus...

I think we’re quite similar players. Abs is a little older than me and has that knowledge of how to play in that position – even little things like if you’re driving into midfield and you pass it, what angles can you make for a certain player. I’ve learnt a lot, especially with Mary at the back too. She talks me through games and helps in training.

They’ve both been really good for my development.

And you must be pleased to see Amy Turner playing so well at full-back?

22 Manchester United Women v Everton Women

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INTERVIEW

of play – it’s good to see what that next level is like.

We can see Casey likes to play with a high tempo...

I think that’s just the United way. We want to get forward as much as possible really in the right areas. If we can get the ball up the pitch as quick as we can, we’ll do that and we’ve scored a lot of goals recently from doing that.

Leicester was a good example of that – a lot of teams would have eased off after scoring a few...

We never take our foot off Still only 17, Millie was named in the pedal and even if we the starting XI for Everton in the score 10 we want to keep 2014 Women’s FA Cup final, which scoring. I think it’s a really the Toffees lost 2-0 to Arsenal good trait to have and that comes from Casey. I think it’s bringing a winning mentality to this team and we keep going to the very end, no matter what the score.

“I’VE LEARNT A LOT FROM ABS [McMANUS], AND MARY TOO. THEY’VE BOTH BEEN REALLY GOOD FOR MY DEVELOPMENT”

Teens [Amy] is an unbelievable player and I could not speak more highly of her as a person and a player. She’s what every team needs and we’re all so proud of her.

From full-back, I’ve never seen her get so high up the pitch. She’s really doing well at full-back and everyone is so proud of her. She’s probably been one of our best players this season. She won Player of the Month recently and it was fully deserved – she doesn’t get the credit she deserves and I’m honoured to share a pitch with her.

What would you say are the key differences between this year’s squad and last season’s?

It terms of togetherness it’s similar, we’re very close-knit.

I think with the players we’ve brought in, the standards in training have really gone up and you can see that on the pitch. The relentlessness of it and the speed

How proud are you of our defensive record?

We pride ourselves on clean sheets and our target at the start of the season was to have one of the best defensive records in the league and I think that comes from Casey.

She demands high standards from everyone and, with her being a centre-half, she prides herself on clean sheets too. A lot of people would prefer an 11-1 win but I’d rather win 1-0. The other week after the Leicester game, our focus was ‘right, we conceded, so what can we do better next time?’. So I’d definitely take 1-0!

Winning the Championship was obviously a great achievement, but what would it mean to you to win a major trophy with United this season?

We’ve got to be realistic and know we’re only in our first 18 months as a club. We take every game as it comes and our target this year is to try and get some silverware, whether that’s the FA Cup or Conti Cup, but we also want to just try and get as high up the table as we can.

With our League Cup progress pretty much assured, Birmingham away on Wednesday could be a good opportunity for you to finally ⊲

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INTERVIEW

Millie is one of a number of natural leaders within Stoney’s squad

sit a game out, or are you desperate to maintain your ever-present run for the club?

I don’t know. It’s obviously not my decision, but I’m feeling good in myself – I’m fit and confident. I’m prepared to do whatever I need to do for this team. If Casey thinks sitting that one out is best for the team, I’ll respect her decision.

Although, of course I definitely don’t want that run to end!

After that it’s the winter break – are you looking forward to a bit of time off?

Yeah, definitely. It comes at an important time as well.

Obviously, you have a lot of fixtures leading up to that break so a lot of players start to feel a bit tired and mentally worn out. So I think the break is a really good chance for everyone to get away and spend a bit of time with their families and it’s nice. I’m going away with a few friends to Prague over Christmas and then just spending Christmas and new year with my family. We’re not always together all the time so I’ll be making the most of that.

Will the squad do anything for Christmas?

Jackie [Groenen] has just moved into a new flat and got all her furniture and everything sorted, so she’s invited the

Her enthusiasm is infectious – both on the training ground and back at the team houses!

“I’M FEELING GOOD IN MYSELF, I’M FIT AND CONFIDENT. I’M PREPARED TO DO WHATEVER I NEED TO DO FOR THIS TEAM” whole team round for a Christmas party [laughs]. Then we’ve got a Secret Santa, but I can’t give much away!

Have the practical jokes calmed down a bit in the shared houses this season, or are you still leading the way on that front?

I think I’m still leading the way. We all live quite close in the club houses so we do like to prank each other. But I think I’ve scared Mol [Green] too much and she doesn’t react any more – I don’t know what it is, maybe she’s ran out of screams. There was one prank I can’t say too much about it because they don’t know it’s us! To this day we haven’t told them, so I can’t spill that one.

Manchester United Women v Everton Women 25

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03/12/2019 11:44

AVA I L A B L E AT A D I DA S. C O M

SIOBHAN CHAMBERLAIN

SHIV’S A relaxing Christmas awaits for United’s no.1, but before the mince pies come out she wants three festive wins just as badly as her team-mates...

It’s been such a great start to our WSL journey and even though we’ve had some narrow defeats to top teams along the way, it’s always been really positive.

Last Sunday’s defeat to West Ham probably felt like the first frustrating defeat where we know we could have done better, and we should have done better.

I’m sure the girls will use that result as motivation for the last three games of the year, to finish 2019 on a high. You often learn more about yourself and your team-mates when you lose matches like this, so it’ll be a great learning curve for everyone and hopefully put people in a good place moving forwards, starting with three points against Everton.

In a way the West Ham game brings back memories of losing to Durham last season – and the team we played next was Everton, putting on a fantastic performance and winning 3-0. Who knows, maybe history can be repeated again today?

With it being the last home game of 2019 I just wanted to say a huge thank you to all of you fans. The support has been amazing throughout the year as attendances have

continued to grow, and hopefully we can build on it with even bigger crowds in 2020. I may even contribute to it with an extra little person – we’ll have to wait and see what baby’s first football game will be, but I suspect it’ll be watching United Women!

I still need to start my Christmas shopping and I still don’t have any decorations up yet as my house is currently a building site, but I can’t wait for Christmas. It’ll be a very chilled one this year as I’ll be heavily pregnant but it will be lovely to see friends and family... and potentially get away with eating a few more mince pies than I normally can!

I did some MUTV co-commentary for the first time for our match against Leicester a couple of weeks ago and I really enjoyed it – scoring 11 goals definitely gives you a lot to talk about. I read some lovely comments from fans about my commentary on social media, and I wanted to thank you for that and also let you know that I may even be back on the mic for one more game before Christmas!

I hope you all have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year, and I look forward to seeing you back here in 2020.

On duty for MUTV as we faced Leicester – you can’t see the hot water bottle inside my jacket!

Manchester United Women v Everton Women 27

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03/12/2019 11:43

PLAYER PROFILES

MEET THE 2019/20 SQUAD Today we profile the scorer of United’s first ever goal, back on 19 August last year...

27

1

13

22

SIOBHAN CHAMBERLAIN

EMILY RAMSEY

FRAN BENTLEY

Position Goalkeeper DOB 15/8/1983 Nationality English

Position Goalkeeper DOB 16/11/2000 Nationality English

Position Goalkeeper DOB 26/6/2001 Nationality English

15

2

3

MARY EARPS

AURORA MIKALSEN

MARTHA HARRIS

LOTTA OKVIST

Position Goalkeeper DOB 7/3/1993 Nationality English

Position Goalkeeper DOB 21/3/1996 Nationality Norwegian

Position Full-back DOB 19/8/1994 Nationality English

Position Full-back DOB 17/2/1997 Nationality Swedish

4

5

20

AMY TURNER

ABBIE McMANUS

KIRSTY SMITH

Position Centre-back DOB 4/7/1991 Nationality English

Position Centre-back DOB 14/1/1993 Nationality English

Position Full-back DOB 6/1/1994 Nationality Scottish

21 MILLIE TURNER Position Centre-back DOB 7/7/1996 Nationality English

28 Manchester United Women v Everton Women

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03/12/2019 11:43

PLAYER PLAYERPROFILES PROFILES

8

10

12

14

MOLLIE GREEN

KATIE ZELEM

HAYLEY LADD

JACKIE GROENEN

Position Midfield DOB 4/8/1997 Nationality English

Position Midfield DOB 20/1/1996 Nationality English

Position Mid/defence DOB 6/10/1993 Nationality Welsh

Position Midfield DOB 17/12/1994 Nationality Dutch

9

11

7

16 LAUREN JAMES

JESSICA SIGSWORTH

LEAH GALTON

ELLA TOONE

Position Forward DOB 13/10/1994 Nationality English

Position Winger DOB 24/5/1994 Nationality English

Position Mid/forward DOB 2/9/1999 Nationality English

17 LIZZIE ARNOT Position Winger DOB 1/3/1996 Nationality Scottish

The Scottish international has needed to be patient this season, on account of the superb form of Hanson and Galton out wide, but the ex-Hibernian winger has looked as lively as ever when given the chance.

After coming off the bench against Manchester City in the cup, she started – and scored a cracker – in our win against Leicester, moving her on to eight goals in 26 games for the Reds.

18

Position Mid/forward DOB 29/9/2001 Nationality English

19

KIRSTY HANSON

JANE ROSS

Position Winger DOB 17/4/1998 Nationality Scottish

Position Forward DOB 18/9/1989 Nationality Scottish

Manchester United Women v Everton Women 29

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03/12/2019 11:43

OPPOSITION

TODAY’S VISITORS

EVERTON

Incredibly, the Toffees have already beaten their points total from all of last season, as they target a top-half finish in the WSL under Willie Kirk...

Everton have started the 2019/20 WSL season in determined fashion, with the Blues eager to improve on the disappointment of last term, when they picked up just three wins from 20 games to finish in 10th place in the 11-team division.

Over the summer, boss Willie Kirk stated that above all else, his side needed to improve their game management skills, and work harder to close games out. Such thinking shaped the team’s transfer policy, with experienced figures Kika van Es (Ajax), Tinja-Riika Korpela (Valerenga), Lucy Graham (Bristol City) and Maeva Clemaron (FC Fleury 91) all arriving to steady the ship.

Goalkeeper Korpela has been arguably the pick of the bunch so far this season, the 33-year-old’s calmness between the sticks giving Kirk’s Toffees an extra layer of stability at the back. Indeed, they arrive today with four league clean sheets from seven games, and only five

goals shipped – a third of their total concessions at the equivalent stage last season.

Finland international Korpela has been helped by a settled defence in front of her. Van Es has slotted in immediately at centre-back, alongside long-serving Gabrielle George (cousin of United’s Jesse Lingard), with a solid partnership already emerging between the pair. With the defence looking tight, the midfield and

SUMMER SIGNING GRAHAM WAS NAMED CAPTAIN, AND SHE’S ALREADY CHIPPED IN WITH IMPORTANT GOALS

30 Manchester United Women v Everton Women

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03/12/2019 11:43

..

OPPOSITION

Graham celebrates with team-mates after scoring the third goal in their recent 3-1 win against Tottenham

forwards have been able to contribute more in an attacking sense, and they head to Leigh on the back of five wins from seven in the WSL. Scottish international Graham was named captain following her arrival, and she’s already chipped in with some important goals from the middle of the park, alongside fellow new midfield signings Clemaron and teenager Molly Pike.

DYNAMIC FRONT THREE In attack, Chloe Kelly has been the standout name in recent weeks (see right), with four league goals, and she’s been ably supported

by Simone Magill and Inessa Kaagman. Magill will look to lead the line through the middle, with Kaagman and Kelly making use of the space out wide and cutting inside to create chances.

United and Everton have met once already this season, of course, in the Continental League Cup. Despite the Reds running out 3-0 winners, Casey Stoney will have likely earmarked the resilience of Everton’s defence, who only really cracked with 10 minutes to go, and the pace and goal threat of Kelly on the break.

If the Toffees can maintain their early-season form in the months ahead, Everton are likely to be one of United’s main challengers for a top-half finish, and the Reds will need to be at their best this afternoon to nullify the threat of a side that will arrive with no shortage of belief after all they have achieved in recent weeks.

30_31_oppo.CGIM.indd 5

ONE TO WATCH CHLOE KELLY

THE MANAGER WILLIE KIRK

The former Arsenal player, who has been at Everton since 2016, has been vital for the Toffees this term, showing consistency to match her developing talent. She currently leads the scoring charts for the Blues, and the 21-year-old was named September’s WSL Player of the Month.

Kirk has generally opted to play the once-capped England international on either flank within a front three, using her pace and direct running to hurt defences. However, Kelly can also operate centrally, where her sharp eye for a shot makes her just as dangerous.

United fans will need no reminding of the opposition boss, with ex-Bristol City manager Kirk starting 2018/19 as Casey Stoney’s assistant, as United chased promotion to the WSL. It was last December when he opted to make the move to the WSL club, following the departure of Andy Spence as Toffees boss. Kirk endured a mixed start to life on Merseyside, as Everton struggled at the wrong end of the table, but with a full pre-season under his belt, the Edinburgh-born boss, 41, will be delighted with how his Toffees team have started 2019/20.

03/12/2019 11:43

DON’T MISS A GAME

THIS SEASON BUY TICKETS: MANUTD.COM/MUWTICKETS

STATISTICS

TABLES & PLAYER STATISTICS

FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE TABLE

Teams

1 Arsenal

P

W D L GD Pts

APPEARANCES/GOALS 2019/20

Player

League

FA Cup

League Cup

Total

App Gls App Gls App Gls App Gls

Lizzie Arnot

0 0 0 0 1(1) 1 1(1) 1

Mary Earps

8 0 0 0 2 0 10 0

Leah Galton

8 2 0 0 2 0 10 2

Mollie Green

0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0

Jackie Groenen

6 0 0 0 2 0 8 0

Martha Harris

5 0 0 0 2(1) 0 6(1) 0

Kirsty Hanson

5(3) 3 0 0 2 0 8(3) 3

Lauren James

5(3) 3 0 0 1(1) 2 6(4) 5

Hayley Ladd

8 0

2 Manchester City 8 7 0 1 17 21

Abbie McManus

7 0 0 0 3 0 10 0

3 Chelsea

7 6 1 0 15 19

Aurora Mikalsen

0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0

4 Everton

7 5 0 2 6 15

Lotta Okvist

8 7 0 1 19 21

0 0 2(1) 1 10(1) 1

2 0 0 0 1 0 3 0

5 Manchester United 8 4 0 4 7 12

Jane Ross

3(4) 1 0 0 1(2) 1 4(6) 2

6 Reading

Jess Sigsworth

3(5) 1 0 0 2(1) 2 5(6) 3

7 3 2 2 -1 11

7 Tottenham Hotspur 7 3 0 4 -4 9

Kirsty Smith

8 West Ham United 8 3 0 5 -7 9

Ella Toone

3(5) 0 0 0 1(2) 5 4(7) 5

9 Brighton

Amy Turner

6(2) 0 0 0 2 1 8(2) 1

8 1 3 4 -9 6

3 0 0 0 1 1 4 1

10 Birmingham City 6 1 0 5 -12 3

Millie Turner

8 0 0 0 3 0 11 0

11 Bristol City

8 0 3 5 -22 3

Katie Zelem

8 2 0 0 3 2 11 4

12 Liverpool

8 0 1 7 -9 1

CONTINENTAL LEAGUE CUP GROUP C

Teams

P

W

L

Pns* GD Pts

UNITED CAREER APPEARANCES/GOALS

Player

App Gls App Gls App Gls App Gls

League

FA Cup

League Cup

Total

Lizzie Arnot

12(5) 6 1(1) 0 4(3) 2 17(9) 8

2 Manchester City 4 3 1 0/0 7 9

Fran Bentley

0(1) 0 0(1) 0 0 0 0(2) 0

3 Birmingham City 3 2 1 0/0 4 6

Siobhan Chamberlain 18 0 3 0 6 0 27 0

4 Everton

3 0 3 0/0 -7 0

Mary Earps

5 Leicester City

3

Leah Galton

18(4) 5 1(1) 0 5(2) 1 24(7) 6

Mollie Green

14(4) 13 3 1 7 2 24(4) 16

1 Manchester United 3

3 0 0/0 15 9

0 3 0/0 -19 0

(*Drawn games settled by penalties – 2pts to winner; 1pt to loser)

8 0 0 0 2 0 10 0

Jackie Groenen

TOONE JOINS THE TWENTY GOAL CLUB Our 11-1 demolition of Leicester City in the Continental League Cup saw Ella Toone become the third Red to hit 20 goals for the club. Lauren James’s goal at West Ham last weekend means the pair are level at the top of our 2019/20 goalscorers list (five each), with James two ahead of Toone as our all-time leading scorer: Lauren has 22, Ella 20, while Jess Sigsworth sits in between the duo, on 21.

6 0 0 0 2 0 8 0

Kirsty Hanson

17(8) 8 2(1) 0 5(3) 0 24(12) 8

Martha Harris

17(3) 1

Lauren James

17(9) 17 0(3) 2 7(1) 3 24(13) 22

3 0 6(1) 0 26(4) 1

Hayley Ladd

8 0

Abbie McManus

7 0 0 0 3 0 10 0

Aurora Mikalsen

0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0

0 0 2(1) 1 10(1) 1

Lotta Okvist

2 0 0 0 1 0 3 0

Emily Ramsey

2 0 0(1) 0 0 0 2(1) 0

Jane Ross

3(4) 1 0 0 1(2) 1 4(6) 2

Jess Sigsworth

18(9) 18 3 0 8(1) 3 29(10) 21

Kirsty Smith

16(3) 0 1(1) 0 6 1 23(4) 1

Ella Toone

19(9) 14 3 1 1(8) 5 23(17) 20

Amy Turner

22(2) 2

2 0 8 1 32(2) 3

Millie Turner

28 2 3 0 9 0 40 2

Katie Zelem

26 12 2 0 9 3 37 15

Manchester United Women v Everton Women 33

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03/12/2019 11:42

LINE-UP

ATTENDANCE

SCORE

VENUE

KICK-OFF

OPPOSITION

DATE

FIXTURES & LINE-UPS

AUGUST SEPTEMBER WSL Sat 7

Manchester City

3pm

A

0-1

31,213

Earps

Ladd

McManus

M Turner

Okvist

WSL Mon 16

Arsenal

7.30pm

H

0-1

2,530

Earps

A Turner

McManus

M Turner

Smith

Gro

Lad

WSL Sat 28

Liverpool

12pm

H

2-0

2,813

Earps

Smith

McManus

M Turner

Okvist

Lad

OCTOBER WSL Sun 13

Tottenham Hotspur

12.30pm A

3-0 x

1,299

Earps

Harris

A Turner

M Turner

Smith

Lad

CC

Manchester City

12pm

H

2-0

4,042

Earps

A Turner

McManus

M Turner

Harris

Lad

Reading

12.30pm H

2-0

1,997

Earps

A Turner

McManus

M Turner

Harris

Lad

Sun 20

WSL Sun 27

NOVEMBER CC

Sun 3

Everton

12.30pm A

3-0

361

Earps

A Turner 1

McManus

M Turner

Harris

Lad

WSL

Sun 17

Chelsea

2pm

A

0-1

4,790

Earps

A Turner

McManus

M Turner

Harris

Lad

CC

Thu 21

WSL Sun 24

Leicester City

7.30pm

H

11-1

1,127

Mikalsen

Smith 1

McManus

M Turner

Okvist

Gre

Brighton

12pm

H

4-0

1,707

Earps

A Turner

McManus

M Turner

Harris

Lad

2-3

1,736

Earps

A Turner

McManus

M Turner

Harris

Lad

DECEMBER WSL Sun 1

West Ham United

3pm

A

WSL Sun 8

Everton

12pm

H

CC

Birmingham City

7.30pm

A

Birmingham City

2pm

A

WSL Sun 5

Bristol City

12pm

H

WSL Sun 12

Liverpool

12pm

A

Wed 11

WSL Sun 15

JANUARY

CC 15/16 Quarter-final

WSL Sun 19

Tottenham Hotspur

H

FA

Round four

CC 29/30 Semi-final

Sun 26

12pm

* Head to ManUtd.com for match report and reaction from Thursday's game

FEBRUARY WSL Sun 2

Reading

2pm

A

WSL Sun 9

Chelsea

12pm

H

WSL Wed 12

Brighton

7.45pm

A

FA

Round five

Sun 16

WSL Sun 23

Everton

CC

Final

Sat 29

12.30pm A N

MARCH Quarter-final

WSL Sun 22

West Ham United

12pm

H

WSL Sun 29

Manchester City

12pm

H

WSL Sun 5

Arsenal

2pm

A

FA

Semi-final

Bristol City

A

FA

Sun 15

APRIL Sun 19

WSL Sun 26

3pm

MAY FA

Sat 9

WSL Sat 16

Final

N

Birmingham City

H

CONTACT US via email

TBC

Message and picture requests: MUWomenfamily@manutd.co.uk

34_35 season stats_leicester_brighton_wham_added.CGIM.indd 4 West Ham United

Ticket information: Call 0161 868 8000 or visit ManUtd.com/Tickets

03/12/2019 11:42

WSL - Women’s Super League

Scorers Bold

First sub

CC - FA Continental League Cup

Penalty •

Second sub

FA - Women’s FA Cup

x Own goal

Third sub

* after extra-time

Yellow/red card

SUBS USED

KEY:

Groenen Ladd

Zelem

Toone

Sigsworth

Ross

Zelem

Toone

Sigsworth

Ross

Sigsworth

James 1

James

Ladd Zelem 1 • Toone

Galton

A Turner

Galton James Galton

Hanson

James

Hanson

-

A Turner

Hanson

-

Ladd

Zelem Groenen

Ladd

Zelem 1 Groenen

Hanson

Ladd

Zelem

Groenen

Groenen

Hanson James 1

Ladd

Zelem 1 •

Ladd

Zelem

Green

Zelem

Hanson 1

Hanson 1

James

Groenen

Hanson

Sigsworth 1

Toone 5

Galton

Sigsworth 1

James Ross 1

Hanson James 1

Ladd

Zelem

FOLLOW US online

Ross

Facebook: manutdwomen

34_35 season stats_leicester_brighton_wham_added.CGIM.indd 5

Galton

Zelem 1 • Groenen

Hanson 1

Ross

Toone

Arnot

Galton Sigsworth 1 Ross

Ladd

Groenen

Sigsworth

Galton

Toone

Galton 2

Ross

Ross

Harris

James 1

Sigsworth

Sigsworth

Galton James 1

Twitter: @manutdwomen

Toone

Toone

Ladd 1 Ross

Toone

Ross 1

Toone

Sigsworth

Galton Sigsworth Arnot 1

YouTube: /ManUtd

Toone

Instagram: @manutdwomen

03/12/2019 11:42

MANCHESTER UNITED ­WOMEN

Siobhan CHAMBERLAIN (GK) Martha HARRIS Lotta OKVIST Amy TURNER Abbie McMANUS Ella TOONE Mollie GREEN Jessica SIGSWORTH Katie ZELEM Leah GALTON Hayley LADD Emily RAMSEY (GK) Jackie GROENEN Aurora MIKALSEN (GK) Lauren JAMES Lizzie ARNOT Kirsty HANSON Jane ROSS Kirsty SMITH Millie TURNER Fran BENTLEY (GK) Maria EDWARDS Chloe WILLIAMS Mary EARPS (GK)

EVERTON WOMEN 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 27

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 20 21 22 23

Kirstie LEVELL (GK) Taylor HINDS Danielle TURNER Georgia BROUGHAM Kika VAN ES Gabrielle GEORGE Chantelle BOYE-HLORKAH Inessa KAAGMAN Elise HUGHES Simone MAGILL Chloe KELLY Abbey-Leigh STRINGER Esme MORGAN Molly PIKE Hannah CAIN Lucy GRAHAM Megan FINNIGAN Maeva CLEMARON Faye BRYSON Tinja-Riikka KORPELA (GK)

MATCH OFFICIALS: Referee Joe Hull Assistants Alexander Kelly, Magdalena Golba • Fourth official Sam Mulhall

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03/12/2019 11:42