Manchester United Women experienced a tumultuous end to the 2023/24 season – finishing a disappointing 5th place in the Women’s Super League standings but celebrating their first piece of silverware with a commanding 4-0 victory over Tottenham in the FA Cup Final. The team will now be looking to improve on their league finish and compete for a top-three spot. With a strong transfer window and a promising pre-season, could Marc Skinner’s side be gearing up for a serious challenge in the Women’s Super League games this year?
Pre-Season: Promising in Places
United played five pre-season games this summer, securing wins against Leicester, Durham, Newcastle, and Blackburn Rovers, but suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Tottenham. All matches were played behind closed doors, making it difficult to gauge the squad’s true form, but the results have largely been positive. With the arrival of new Manchester United players and the departure of key figures, the pre-season offered Skinner a chance to trial new tactics ahead of the league campaign.
With Manchester United transfer news shaking things up this summer, fans will be eager to see how the new signings fit in. The Women’s Super League season is the real test, and everyone will be watching to see if this revamped squad can return United to the top three.
A New Captain
Katie Zelem’s transfer to Angel City FC has left a gap in the leadership department. Young defender Maya Le Tissier will be donning the captain’s armband this season, supported by Ella Toone as vice-captain. Le Tissier’s appointment, despite being just 22, signals the club’s intent to build a younger, more dynamic squad for the future. With Zelem and other Manchester United players such as Mary Earps, who joined PSG, and Nikita Parris, who signed for Brighton, leaving the club, Le Tissier has big shoes to fill, but her impressive consistency from last season suggests she’s more than ready for the challenge. She went on record to state her delight with the role: “It’s an honour to be named captain of this great football club and I will wear the armband with real pride, to help drive this team to success on and off the field.”
Phallon Tullis-Joyce Steps Into the Net
Following Mary Earps’ highly publicized move to Paris Saint-Germain, Phallon Tullis-Joyce is expected to become United’s new No. 1. Fans have been following Manchester United transfer news closely, and Tullis-Joyce’s arrival from OL Reign is seen as a key moment. This season will be her chance to step into the spotlight in the Women’s Super League games and make her mark.
A Strengthened Defence
The defensive issues that plagued United last season have been tackled head-on in the summer transfer window. With the addition of Swedish fullback Anna Sandberg and Dutch defender Dominique Janssen, Marc Skinner seems to have addressed a crucial weakness. Janssen, with her Manchester United shirt now on, brings vast experience, having played for Wolfsburg and Arsenal. These new signings should provide much-needed stability as United push for better league results.
Fans hoping for a return to form will be eager to see these fresh defensive additions in action as the club aims to improve on their Women’s Super League standings. With Gabby George returning from injury and Hannah Blundell on maternity leave, the team’s defensive depth looks better than it has in recent years.
Ones to Watch: Anna Sandberg & Dominique Janssen
The Midfield Headache
The loss of Katie Zelem, combined with Manchester United transfer news surrounding the arrival of Simi Awujo, Grace Clinton, and Emma Watson, has given Skinner more options in midfield than last season. With Zelem gone, Simi Awujo and Hayley Ladd are expected to compete for the defensive midfield spot, and Clinton’s return from a loan spell at Tottenham adds even more depth. Awujo, who impressed for Canada, offers fresh legs, while Ladd brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the table.
As United look to rise up the Women’s Super League standings, a well-oiled midfield will be key, and Skinner’s challenge will be finding the right combination of players to make it all work.
Ones to Watch: Emma Watson and Grace Clinton
A Rejuvenated Attack
Up front, the loss of Nikita Parris, who left on deadline day to join Brighton, and Lucia Garcia will have an impact, but United’s attack has been rejuvenated with signings like Elisabeth Terland, Celin Bizet, and Melvine Malard. Terland, who scored a significant number of goals for Brighton last season, will be one to watch in particular, as she dons the iconic Manchester United badge.
With these new arrivals wearing the Manchester United shirt, the attack looks more potent than ever. Bizet, signed from Tottenham, offers pace and creativity on the wing, while Malard, after a successful loan spell, has joined permanently from Lyon, giving Skinner multiple options up front. If these players can form strong partnerships with the likes of Geyse, Williams, and Galton, United’s forward line could become one of the most feared in the league.
Ones to Watch: Elisabeth Terland & Melvine Malard
A Successful Window?
United’s summer business addressed their major weaknesses, with Manchester United transfer news buzzing over the arrivals of both experienced and young talents. The team strengthened in attack, bolstered their defense, and added depth in midfield. Now it’s up to Marc Skinner to get these players performing on the pitch and build momentum.
Building for the Future
Despite some media criticism about the club’s investment in the women’s team, United’s transfer strategy reflects a clear focus on youth. The average age of their new signings is just 23, indicating a long-term plan to compete at the top level. Alongside the return of Grace Clinton and the recovery of Emma Watson from injury, these players will be pivotal in United’s upcoming campaigns.
Looking Ahead
As the new season kicks off, United’s goals are clear – climb back up the Women’s Super League standings and secure Champions League qualification. Their season opener against West Ham on September 21 at Old Trafford will be a key test, and fans are already grabbing their Manchester United tickets in anticipation.
After their FA Cup success, the team will be hungry for more trophies. United fans can proudly wear the Manchester United badge and cheer on their squad as they look to redeem themselves and prove that they are still one of the Women’s Super League powerhouses.
“Header photo” by James Boyes is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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