Manchester United have agreed terms for team captain Alex Greenwood to join six time Champions League winners Lyon after just one season at the club.
News of Alex Greenwood’s imminent departure from Manchester United has left fans stunned.
The England international joined from Liverpool in 2018, and led her team to Championship success in their first active season.
The Red Devils prepare for their Women’s Super League debut, but their captain will not be a part of it.
Subject to further announcement, the United skipper follows fellow Lionesses Izzy Christiansen, Nikita Paris and Lucy Bronze in France.
Greenwood also prepares to join the first ever female Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg.
Alex Greenwood had the honour of being named the first captain of Manchester United Women in 2018. She then led her side to a Championship title and promotion to the WSL.
She is now set to join the dominant Lyon side who have won six Champions League titles, including a record four in a row.
The French giants have also won 13 consecutive Division 1 Féminine titles from 2007-2019.
Lyon manager Jean-Luc Vasseur looks to strengthen his side by adding Greenwood to the ranks. The 25-year-old can operate at left-back or centre-back, supporting the likes of Lucy Bronze, Carolin Simon and captain Wendie Renard.
A Scramble to Sign
The clock is now against Man United to replace their experienced captain and Championship-winning defender.
Casey Stoney has already been reshaping her squad with incomings such as Mary Earps Hayley Ladd, Jane Ross, Jackie Groenen and Abbie McManus.
McManus could be the replacement Stoney has in mind. The 26-year-old defender recently left Manchester City after winning the FA Cup with them.
In United’s most recent pre-season friendly, defender Amy Turner led the team out against Sandejiford. The Red Devils put five past the Norwegian side.
Greenwood was one of Stoney’s second half substitutes, making her first appearance since returning from the World Cup and most likely her last in a United shirt.
United’s opening WSL fixture is just a month away, but Stoney still has the opportunity to evaluate her squad.
Their opening two fixtures will be against Man City and Arsenal. Will United regret letting their captain go? How will this affect their first run out in the top tier of women’s football?
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