Manchester United ready to put their mark on WSL

Following their promotion from the Championship last season, Manchester United Women look to start this WSL campaign on the front foot.

Officially reintroduced just last year, Man United started off their debut season in the FA’s Women’s Championship.

This marked the club’s return to women’s football after a 13-year absence – with former Chelsea manager Casey Stoney appointed as head coach.

An Unstoppable Debut

United’s first game back in action saw them win 1-0 against Liverpool in the FA Women’s League Cup. Forward Lizzie Arnot scored the only goal of the game.

Three weeks later, a dominating performance by United bagged their league opening win with a massive 12-0 victory over Aston Villa. An electric performance from Jess Sigsworth contributed five goals to the tally.

Emphatic 8-0 and 9-0 wins against Millwall Lionesses and London Bees respectively steered the Red Devils on course for a trophy-bound season.

Recurring goals from Mollie Green, Katie Zelem and Lauren James assisted the two impressive score-lines.

United confirmed promotion to the FA Women’s Super League following a 5-0 win over Aston Villa. Three days later Stoney’s side secured the title with a 7-0 home win against Crystal Palace.

As the new season looms, the Red Devils see their campaign kick-off with a Manchester derby away to reigning FA Cup winners Man City.

United will be up against two stand-out performers from this year’s Women’s World Cup, in the form of England captain Steph Houghton and Bronze Boot winner Ellen White.

Bolstering the Ranks

Manchester United have been adding new personnel to the squad for the upcoming campaign.

Dutch midfielder Jackie Groenen recently signed from FFC Frankfurt, becoming the first overseas player to join Stoney’s side.

Groenen has a wealth of experience after playing for Chelsea and amassing 54 caps for the Netherlands. She also scored the winner against Sweden in the 2019 World Cup semi-final.

The 24-year-old was an integral part of her country’s journey to the final of the World Cup.

Groenen, along with others such as Abbie McManus and Jane Ross look to be integral parts of this Man United side.

Casey Stoney has bolstered an already strong and well-gelled team, putting them in good stead to compete against the country’s best.

The Red Devils prepare to embark upon their first season in the WSL. Will they go toe-to-toe with 2018/19 top dogs Arsenal and Man City?