Manchester United have announced the loan transfer of French international Estelle Cascarino for the remainder of the 2022/23 season in what comes as another potential seismic shake-up to Marc Skinner's backline.
The 25-year-old defender joins the Reds from Ligue 1 leaders Paris St. Germain, where she spent the previous two seasons after spells with Bordeaux, Paris FC and Olympique Lyon. Cascarino brings with her a wealth of experience that belies her age, including two Division 1 titles and two French Cups.
The French international showed off her prowess against United in the Toulouse Cup in the summer, with Cascarino coming closest to firing the French outfit ahead in the second half before being thwarted by United full-back Ona Batlle.
And United head coach Marc Skinner admitted that the performance clearly demonstrated “what she can add to our group”.
He added: “Estelle will add quality and versatility both in and out of possession. She can play in midfield or central defence with excellent technical ability and a calmness that is inherent of a player who trusts in her own ability.
“We’re looking forward to working with Estelle, as we build a highly competitive, forward-thinking team.”
Cascarino made her full international debut for France in 2017 after representing her country from under-16 level.
Head of women’s football, Polly Bancroft, commented on the loan spell: “Estelle is a proven winner who can offer our team key positional options, as we push towards a strong finish to the second half of the season.
“Her experience will no doubt prove invaluable to the group and we are delighted to welcome her to United.”
United's defensive ranks were bolstered earlier on Saturday with the announcement of Canada international Jayde Riviere but the double arrival could spell trouble for those defenders already battling for game time, such as Maria Thorisdottir.
United return to WSL action when they travel to tenth-place Reading as they hope to extend their winning ways following a 6-0 thumping of Liverpool last weekend to earn them a crucial advantage in the title race.
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