Manchester United got their Women’s Super League (WSL) off to the perfect start against West Ham yesterday afternoon, coasting to a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford.
Following a memorable FA Cup triumph, Marc Skinner had promised supporters his side would “feel different” this season – with a sense of frustration building in certain sections.
His squad has seen significant reshuffling throughout the summer, with fresh signings that promise a dynamic campaign ahead.
But, in Grace Clinton, Skinner may have his defining addition, with the England midfielder dominating proceedings throughout and capping an excellent debut with a deserved goal.
Clinton arrived at the club in 2022 but joined Bristol City on loan and followed that with a season-long stint at Tottenham last campaign.
Her second-half header followed first-half strikes from Geyse and Leah Galton, with a team performance that will encourage the partisan WSL support.
Following a summer of undeniable change – both in and out – the Theatre of Red has crafted your one-stop piece to bolster your knowledge on this exciting United side ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Summer Transfer Activity: Strengthening the Squad
The most notable departure was Mary Earps, who transferred to Paris Saint-Germain after being a key figure for Manchester United and England.
Earps’ exit surprised many, given her catalogue of exceptional performances, but it opened the door for Phallon Tullis-Joyce. The American goalkeeper, signed from the NWSL’s OL Reign in 2023, is expected to step into Earps’ shoes.
United also reinforced their back line with the arrival of Dutch international Dominique Janssen, who joined from VfL Wolfsburg.
At 29, Janssen brings a wealth of experience, having won major titles in Germany and previously played for Arsenal in the WSL. Her defensive prowess and leadership will be vital as the Red Devils aim for greater consistency in the league.
Another major signing is Anna Sandberg, a Swedish international defender.
At just 21, Sandberg already boasts significant experience at domestic and European levels.
Additionally, Gabby George – sidelined for much of last season due to an ACL injury – is expected to play a pivotal role this season after her recovery.
In midfield, Simi Awujo, a talented Canadian, joins the squad, adding depth and versatility to the engine room.
There was also a strong focus on bolstering attacking options, with Norwegian duo Celin Bizet and Elisabeth Terland arriving in the North West.
Both attackers bring energy, creativity, and a goal-scoring threat that will be crucial in high-stakes matches.
Alongside established forwards like Galton and Ella Toone, the new additions could help transform United’s attack into one of the most formidable in the WSL.
Melvine Malard’s move was made permanent after an impressive loan spell. Her dynamism and Champions League-winning experience with Lyon is expected to provide more firepower for United as they aim to challenge the WSL’s top sides.
Departures: Big Losses to Overcome
Earps was not the only significant departure from Manchester United over the summer.
One of the most notable exits was Ona Batlle, who moved to Spanish giants Barcelona. Batlle had been a cornerstone of United’s defence, and her departure leaves a gap in quality and consistency that the new signings will have to fill.
Alessia Russo, who left for Arsenal last season, remains a significant loss.
As United’s top scorer, her move left a void in attack, and while the team has strengthened in that department, finding a player to consistently replicate her goal-scoring output will be essential if United are to push for the title.
Despite these high-profile departures, Skinner remains optimistic about the squad’s potential.
He has acknowledged the challenges of losing key players but emphasised that the new signings offer the team fresh opportunities to evolve and grow stronger.
“We’ve lost key players, but we’ve brought in real quality. It’s about how we evolve as a team. I believe we’re stronger now,” Skinner said during pre-season.
Last Season’s Success and Future Ambitions
United secured a famous FA Cup victory, beating Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 at Wembley to mark a significant milestone in their rise within English football.
However, the team finished fifth in the WSL, a disappointing gap of 29 points behind champions Chelsea.
The FA Cup triumph showed that United are capable of winning big games, but consistency remains the team’s Achilles heel.
Skinner has pointed to dropped points in winnable matches as a major area for improvement. “If we want to be champions, we can’t afford to slip up. Every game matters, and we need to bring that mentality from day one,” he said.
This season, the objective is clear: to challenge for the WSL title while remaining competitive in the FA Cup and other competitions. With the squad’s new additions and the hunger for more success, United are poised to make a serious push for silverware.
Key Challenges for the Season Ahead
United’s immediate challenge will be adapting to the new faces in the squad and overcoming the loss of key players like Earps, Batlle, and Russo.
Tullis-Joyce will have to quickly establish herself as a reliable presence in goal, while the new defensive additions will need to gel as a cohesive unit to prevent the team from leaking goals.
Additionally, the attacking players – both new and old – will have to find a rhythm that allows them to capitalise on scoring opportunities, particularly in matches against the top sides.
The inclusion of Bizet, Terland, and Malard could provide the necessary firepower to make this happen.
The focus will be on meshing the new additions with the existing core of the team and building on last season’s FA Cup success.
If Skinner can achieve the balance needed for consistency and his squad can deliver under pressure, United could emerge as serious contenders for the WSL crown.
How did you view the opening-day win and prospects for the season ahead? Let us know in the comments or across our social channels
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