With 17 players leaving Manchester United’s Women’s team – and nine coming in – questions are being raised about what is going on behind the scenes at the club.
Olivia Hughes takes a deep dive into United’s transfer window...
Just days before the start of the WSL season, and Manchester United fans’ excitement has been tinged with nervousness.
With manager Marc Skinner leaving most of his transfers until the last day of the window as well as losing key players, it could be a challenge to compete for the top this season.
United placed second in last year’s Women’s Super League, missing out to Chelsea by two points.
Skinner has also led the Red Devils to their first UEFA Champions League campaign with their first match taking place on October 10.
But the overhaul of the squad has led to questions being raised around whether the club will have the depth to compete in Europe.
With 17 players heading out the door, perhaps the most shocking exit to United fans was that of Alessia Russo, who has headed to title rivals Arsenal.
It was reported that Russo wanted to stay with the Red Devils but the club left it too late to table an offer that was acceptable.
United also lost a star player, as Ona Battle moved to FC Barcelona. The Spaniard was key in her country’s success at the World Cup this summer and was heralded as a key playmaker for the Red Devils.
Concerns were also raised as reports emerged of the Golden Glove winner Mary Earps looking unhappy with the Red Devils.
Skinner retained the star keeper at least until January but reserve goalie Sophie Baggaley has left the club to move to Brighton & Hove Albion.
To combat this Skinner brought in Phallon Tullis-Joyce from NWSL team OL Reign but it is unclear whether she will start for United as they prepare for the potential of Earps leaving in January.
Despite losing the most players from any WSL club this season, Skinner has also brought in some phenomenal talent.
Speaking to journalist Mina Ibrahim, Skinner promised to spend like WSL counterparts do in order to obtain world-class talent.
Notably, Hinata Miyazawa has joined the club from Mynavi Sendai.
The Golden Boot winner from this summer’s World Cup could be seen as a key replacement for Russo in the number nine position.
United have also signed Geyse Da Silva Ferreira from FC Barcelona who could also slot into the teams starting 11 as a striker.
Returning to United is Gabby George who was an academy player for the club but signed for Everton in 2014.
United shared a video to X, formerly Twitter, showing George a picture of her at the academy with current players Millie Turner and Katie Zelem, in which she states she is here to do one thing at United and that’s to win.
Skinner debuted his new starting 11 in a pre-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspurs on September 17.
New arrivals George and Geyse started the game and Miyazawa was subbed on in the 70th minute.
This is potentially indicative of the team’s lineup as we edge closer to the start of the WSL season.
Featured image credit: James Boyes on Flickr
