Since its re-establishment in 2018, Manchester United Women’s Football Club has emerged as a defining force in the upper echelons of English women’s football. While the club’s men’s side commands global headlines and carries the weight of a storied past stretching back to Newton Heath, the women’s section represents a deliberate, modern investment in the club’s identity. This article examines the historical trajectory of the women’s team, from its earlier iterations to its present-day squad, situating its growth within the broader context of Manchester United’s institutional evolution.
The Early Years: A Discontinued Chapter
The origins of women’s football at Manchester United trace back to the late 20th century, a period when the club operated a women’s section that competed in regional leagues. During the 1990s and early 2000s, this team achieved modest success, including a league title win in the 2001–02 season. However, following the Glazer family’s acquisition of the club in 2005, a strategic reorientation led to the disbandment of the women’s team around that time. The decision, driven by cost-cutting measures and a prioritisation of the men’s first team, left a void in the club’s representation of women’s football for over a decade.
This hiatus coincided with a period of significant growth in the women’s game across England, particularly after the establishment of the FA Women’s Super League in 2011. The absence of a Manchester United women’s team during this formative era meant the club forfeited early opportunities to build a competitive foundation. For a more detailed exploration of the Glazer era’s impact on club operations, readers may consult our dedicated Glazer era and sale analysis.
Re-Establishment and Rapid Ascent (2018–2021)
In 2018, Manchester United announced the re-establishment of its women’s team, entering the FA Women’s Championship—the second tier of English women’s football—for the 2018–19 season. The decision reflected a broader recognition of the commercial and competitive imperatives of women’s football, as well as pressure from supporters and stakeholders. The team, managed by Casey Stoney, was built from scratch with a squad comprising experienced professionals and emerging talents.
The impact was immediate. In their debut season, Manchester United Women secured the FA Women’s Championship title, earning promotion to the FA Women’s Super League. The team’s attacking style, anchored by the prolific goalscoring of Jess Sigsworth and the creativity of Ella Toone, captivated supporters. The following season, 2019–20, saw United finish fourth in the WSL, a remarkable achievement for a newly promoted side. By 2020–21, they improved to fourth again, demonstrating consistency and laying the groundwork for future contention.
The Transition to Contention (2021–2024)
The summer of 2021 marked a pivotal shift. Casey Stoney departed and was replaced by Marc Skinner. Under Skinner, the team evolved its tactical approach, emphasising defensive solidity and transitional speed. The 2021–22 season yielded a fourth-place finish, but the subsequent 2022–23 campaign saw Manchester United Women achieve their highest-ever league position: second place in the WSL, behind Chelsea. This performance secured qualification for the UEFA Women’s Champions League for the first time.
The 2023–24 season brought further consolidation. United finished in the top half of the WSL and reached the FA Cup final. The European campaign, while brief, offered invaluable experience. The squad’s core—including Mary Earps, Ona Batlle, and Alessia Russo—attracted significant attention, and the eventual departures of Russo and Batlle underscored the club’s challenge in retaining elite talent.
Current Squad: Profile and Key Players (2025–26 Season)
As of the 2025–26 season, Manchester United Women’s squad represents a blend of experienced internationals and promising academy graduates. The team competes in the FA Women’s Super League, aiming to close the gap on perennial champions Chelsea and the resurgent Arsenal.
The following table outlines the key positional groups and notable players within the current squad:
| Position | Notable Players | Key Attributes |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Mary Earps, Sophie Baggaley | Earps provides world-class shot-stopping and distribution; Baggaley offers reliable depth. |
| Defenders | Maya Le Tissier, Hannah Blundell, Gabby George, Aoife Mannion | Le Tissier anchors the backline with composure; Blundell offers experience on the flank. |
| Midfielders | Ella Toone, Katie Zelem (captain), Hinata Miyazawa, Lisa Naalsund | Toone provides creativity and goals; Zelem orchestrates play from deep; Miyazawa adds dynamism. |
| Forwards | Geyse, Melvine Malard, Lucía García, Rachel Williams | Geyse offers pace and directness; Malard contributes technical finishing; García provides versatility. |
The squad’s depth has been enhanced by strategic acquisitions, including the signing of Melvine Malard and the arrival of Hinata Miyazawa, a standout performer from the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The development of academy products such as Grace Clinton and Emma Watson signals a commitment to long-term sustainability.
Comparison with Other WSL Contenders
To contextualise Manchester United Women’s standing, the following table compares key metrics from a recent WSL season with their primary rivals:
| Metric | Manchester United Women | Chelsea Women | Arsenal Women | Manchester City Women |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final League Position | Top 4 | Top 2 | Top 3 | Top 4 |
| Points Total | 55+ | 60+ | 55+ | 50+ |
| Goals Scored | 50+ | 65+ | 60+ | 45+ |
| Goals Conceded | 25-30 | 15-20 | 20-25 | 30-35 |
| Top Scorer | Ella Toone (10+) | Sam Kerr (15+) | Beth Mead (10+) | Khadija Shaw (15+) |
The data reveals that while United have closed the gap on the top three, they remain behind Chelsea and Arsenal in attacking output and defensive solidity. The team’s reliance on a narrow set of goal-scorers—primarily Toone and Geyse—contrasts with the more distributed scoring of their rivals.
Risks and Challenges
Despite progress, the women’s team faces several structural risks. First, retention of star players remains a persistent issue; the departures of Alessia Russo to Arsenal and Ona Batlle to Barcelona highlight the challenge of competing with clubs offering higher wages and more established European pedigree. Second, investment in the women’s section, while increased, still lags behind that of top-tier rivals. The club’s training facilities, though improved, continue to develop.
Third, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Old Trafford’s redevelopment—detailed in our Old Trafford redevelopment plans—could impact the women’s team’s matchday experience and revenue. While the club has committed to playing select women’s matches at the main stadium, consistent access to a premier venue remains a strategic goal. Finally, the competitive landscape of the WSL is intensifying, with Manchester City and Arsenal investing heavily, and the emergence of clubs like Aston Villa and Tottenham adding depth to the league.
Conclusion: A Foundation for the Future
Manchester United Women’s team has traversed a remarkable arc in just seven years since its re-establishment. From a second-tier start to regular WSL contention and European qualification, the club has demonstrated that strategic investment and fan support can yield rapid progress. However, the path to sustained success requires addressing retention challenges, enhancing infrastructure, and broadening the attacking threat. As the club continues its journey, the women’s team stands as a testament to the broader ambition of Manchester United: to compete at the highest level across all fronts. For a deeper understanding of the club’s historical foundations, readers are encouraged to explore our history and heritage section.
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