After a somewhat successful 2024/25 campaign for Manchester United, Marc Skinner's side look to maintain and build on their successes in the coming season.
The side were the first in the Women's Super League to get their season underway, doing so in style with 4-0 and 1-0 wins over PSV Eindhoven and Hammarby in the UEFA Women's Champion's League qualifiers last week. The Red Devils' win against Hammarby means that regardless of the result of the two-legged tie against SK Brann this month, they will have secured European football in some capacity, whether it be in the Champion's League or Europa Cup.
The side will be looking to push on with their European football journey, and build on their 24/25 successes in the WSL.
2024/25 Season Recap
Last season saw Manchester United improve on their 2023/24 season in in the WSL, with the side knocking their rivals, Manchester City out of the top three, and securing a spot in the Champion's League qualifers. This was a two position improvement from the 2023/24 season, during which Manchester United recorded their lowest ever standing in the WSL since promotion in 2019.
Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce was praised highly by fans, staff and pundits alike and was awarded the Golden Glove accolade alongside Chelsea's **Hannah Hampton.**The defence, was largely to thank for The Reds' top 3 position, conceding only 16 goals across the 22 match campaign. Only treble winners Chelsea conceded less.
Their league performances were not faultless however, with frustrating draws to Aston Villa, West Ham & Brighton across the season, as well as a 3-1 loss to a Liverpool side with an interim manager, leaving much room for improvement in the league for the coming season.
United bagged their third consecutive trip to Wembley Stadium for the FA Cup final, however were unable to retain their title as FA Cup champions, losing out the day in a 3-0 battle against Chelsea. No doubt, Skinner's side will be hoping to secure their fourth trip to the capital in four years and reclaim the trophy in the coming season.
In June, the club announced the departure of Republic of Ireland defender Aoife Mannion, who has joined WSL2 side Newcastle after spending four seasons at the club.
There has been speculation in recent weeks regarding the future of midfielder Grace Clinton, who has been linked with a move to Manchester City. The women's transfer deadline is midnight on September 4th, which is the day before the WSL season commences.
In terms of quantity, Manchester United's incomings have been small, with only two new additions to the squad, however the impact these two signings are likely to have cannot be understated. It was announced that the club had signed Sweden international Julia Zigiotti Olme from Bayern Munich at the end of July, and most recently, compatriot Fridolina Rolfö from Barcelona.
Player to watch
Elisabeth Terland
Elisabeth Terland's high press and impressive work rate in her first season with Manchester United earned her ten goals and five assists in the league campaign, giving her the highest combined goals and assists in the WSL for the 24/25 season.
In the opening of United's 25/26 season in the Champion's League qualifying round, the side scored five goals across two matches, with four coming from Terland. The Norwegian looked to benefit from the new set up in midfield which was made up of England international Ella Toone sat in front of new signing Zigiotti and 2023 Women's World Cup Golden Boot Winner Hinata Miyazawa of Japan.
With the addition of Rolfö on the left flank, and an already cemented connection on the pitch with fellow Norwegian Celin Bizet Dønnum, it seems inevitable that Terland will have goal scoring opportunities in abundance.
Strongest XI
Goalkeeper: Phallon Tullis-Joyce
Defenders: Jayde Riviere, Maya Le Tissier, Dominique Janssen, Anna Sandberg
Midfielders: Julia Zigiotti Olme, Hinata Miyazawa, Ella Toone
Forwards: Celin Bizet Dønnum, Elisabeth Terland, Fridolina Rolfö
The Manager
Skinner, who was appointed as head coach in 2021 is currently the longest serving manager in the WSL, and signed a new contract with the club earlier this year until June 2027.
Under his watch, Manchester United won their first major trophy, and he has been head coach for all three of their consecutive FA cup finals.
In an interview upon the signing of his new contract in April, Skinner made his aim for the side clear. He said that he is "building a young, hungry team with the aim of challenging consistently for further trophies."
Skinner will have a period of adjustment going into the start of the new season, with the club having undergone a flurry of staff change over the summer. Goalkeeper Coach, Ian Wilcock, and Assistant Coach, Charlotte Healy, were amongst those who left, each to pursue roles at Canada Women's National Team and WSL2 side Bristol City respectively.
A combination of these staff changes, and a relatively quiet window in comparison to other clubs in the WSL, will make it interesting to see how Skinner manages his side in what he will hope to be a busy and fruitful season for Manchester United.
Expectations for the season
As it stands, Manchester United have secured their place in the third qualifying round of the Champion's League, and have drawn opponents **SK Brann**for their two-legged tie on the 11th and 18th September. Should they win the tie, they will enter the league phase of the competition. A loss would mean that they enter the Europa Cup at the second qualifying round stage. The side will be looking to make their mark upon European football, after exiting in Round 2 of the Group Stages in the 23/24 competition.
Undoubtedly, United would like to continue their FA cup success, as playing in cup finals at Wembley has become somewhat of a trademark for Skinner's side.
Manchester United will skip the group stages of the Subway Women's League Cup, due to their involvement in European football, and will be looking to better their quarter-final knock out during the last campaign.
Maintaining their top 3 position in the WSL would be an excellent result for the Red Devils, with Manchester City, current Champion's League holders Arsenal and domestic treble winners Chelsea, the other likely contenders for the prime positions. Though with impressive transfer windows for mid-table clubs such as Everton as well as newly promoted London City Lionesses, no result this season will be guaranteed.