Manchester United Women head into the start of a new campaign looking to achieve new heights after a top-three finish in the 2024/25 season and the prospect of competing on the European stage. This marked an improvement on the 2023/24 season, where we recorded our lowest standing (5th) in the WSL since being promoted to the top flight back in 2019. The Reds knocked their local rivals, Manchester City, out of the top three places to secure the Champions League qualification spot.
United have already begun their season before any other WSL side this season as they navigate their way through the Champions League qualifiers. We have secured a 4-0 and 1-0 wins over PSV Eindhoven and Hammarby, respectively, to progress to the next round of qualification.
The victory over Hammarby means if we were unable to get past SK Brann over the two-legged tie this month, we will have European football anyway, which could either be the Champions League or the newly created Europa Cup. The club will be keen to reach the league phase of the competition whilst pushing themselves further in the WSL.
Season 2024/25 Recap
Last season saw United finish on 44 points to claim third place. Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce won many plaudits from the fans, players, pundits and won the Golden Glove alongside Chelsea’s Hannan Hampton. We conceded 16 goals across the 22-match season. Only champions Chelsea conceded fewer. There were some frustrating performances throughout the season with draws against West Ham, Brighton and Aston Villa and a defeat away to Liverpool. It clearly showed that the squad still had to improve areas.
We also reached our third consecutive FA Cup final in a row. However, we were not able to achieve back-to-back wins at Wembley Stadium, losing out 3-0 to Chelsea. Marc Skinner’s side will be looking to get to the showpiece final in the capital for the fourth time in four years and reclaim the trophy in the upcoming season.
Who have United signed?
United have made three signings during the summer transfer window. The first of these to arrive at the club was Julia Zigiotti Olme from Bayern Munich at the end of July followed by fellow compatriot Fridolina Rolfö from Barcelona. Deadline day saw the Reds sign Jess Park from Manchester City.
Who has left United?
With Jess Park arriving from our local rivals, it has seen Grace Clinton switch from the red to the blue side of Manchester, having left us after three seasons. We also saw the departure of Aoife Mannion after four seasons, and she has since joined WSL 2 Newcastle United. Alyssa Aherne also left to sign for Sheffield United.
Keira Barry, Evie Rabjohn, Emma Watson, Jess Simpson and Lucy Newell have all gone out on loan to WSL and WSL 2 clubs to gain first-team experience.
The Manager
Marc Skinner signed a contract extension towards the end of the last season, committing his future until 2027 with an option to extend by a further 12 months. He is currently the longest-serving manager in the WSL. Whilst under his tenure, we won our first major trophy and reached the FA Cup final three times. There have been changes to his backroom staff across the summer as goalkeeper coach Ian Wilcock and assistant coach Charlotte Healy left the club to join the Canadian national team and WSL 2 side Bristol City, respectively.
Key Player
Elisabeth Terland. Since her arrival last summer, she has delivered with a solid goals-per-game ratio, already tallying 10 goals in 20 WSL appearances for United. Her presence provides a reliable scoring outlet up front.
One to watch
Jess Park. A dynamic attacking midfielder that combines creativity, tactical intelligence and a goal threat. She will bring a fresh spark into our midfield as we look to compete domestically and on the European stage. Marc Skinner highlighted her “wonderful rebellious attitude” and her desire to continually learn and push her limits – qualities he believes United fans will love.
Expectations for the season
The expectation would be to maintain our top-three position in the WSL. The pressure is more on Chelsea, given their feat last season of a domestic treble and Arsenal too, who won the Champions League. Our battle is likely to be with our neighbours, Manchester City, again. We have to be wary of the likes of London City Lionesses, who have invested heavily in the summer transfer window; no guaranteed result is definite.
United will be looking to make their mark on the European stage, whether that is the Champions League or the Europa Cup. This comes after the disappointment of exiting in Round 2 of the group stages in the 2023/24 competition.
We will also skip the group stages of the Subway Women’s League Cup due to European football, as we look to go further than the quarter finals last season. Another run in the FA Cup would be great, having reached the final at Wembley for the last three seasons.
