The plan
It was a case of so near yet so far for Manchester United last season as they were pipped to the WSL’s final Champions League spot by Manchester City.
This is Marc Skinner’s second season in charge, having had a year to bed in his ideas and personnel. There will be belief in their ranks that they are in a strong position to take that next step and secure European football. Consistency is key and departures have been minimal. There is evidence that their star players, such as Alessia Russo and Ella Toone, are hitting something close to top form.
United have also recruited impressively. The Spain forward Lucía García and France defender Aïssatou Tounkara bring international flair and Nikita Parris’s arrival also caught the eye. The England winger signed after a difficult season at Arsenal and is looking to rediscover the form that earned her a move to Lyon. The Canada attacker Adriana Leon is also a strong acquisition, arriving from West Ham with an Olympic gold, and Rachel Williams brings a wealth of WSL experience.
Perhaps most exciting is the young talent Skinner has brought in. Maya Le Tissier is one of the buys of window. The defender, still only 20, has been a mainstay at Brighton in recent years, her consistency and performances earning plenty of praise. Grace Clinton is an attacking player with potential. Both are involved in the English youth pathway and there is a lot of hope that they will make that leap to the senior side.
United have had a strong pre-season, heading to France to play some of Europe’s finest. A win over Paris Saint-Germain and defeat by Bayern Munich will have given them a much stronger idea of where they are at. A tough opening fixture awaits at Tottenham. That will be the perfect opportunity for them to lay down a marker and build for the rest of the campaign.
The manager
Skinner arrived last year tasked with improving on what Casey Stoney had built. He is an enthusiastic and passionate manager, and the progress across the season was clear. Despite a heavy defeat by Chelsea early on, his side were defensively solid, conceding 22 goals in the league. Generally employing a 4-2-3-1 formation, he sets his team up to be fluid in attack and encourages his forwards to play freely.
Key player
Toone is the key to this United side. At 23 years old, her vision and technical ability are second to none in assisting and scoring goals. She is at her best in the No 10 role but can be used on the wing or as a false 9. The instinctive relationship between her and Russo comes naturally on the pitch and is a powerful weapon.
Big summer signing
García was one of the summer’s eye-catching signings. She departed Athletic Bilbao in Spain with an impressive 161 appearances and 63 goals. The 24-year-old brings a new impetus and competition to United’s attack, with a strong ability to break through defensive lines. At Athletic, she featured regularly as the left-sided attacker and is acquainted with the 4-2-3-1 that Skinner likes to employ.
Euro 2022 delight/heartache
Four of United’s squad return with European Championship winner’s medals. Mary Earps, Russo, Toone and Parris were part of Sarina Wiegman’s successful England team. Tounkara was a member of the France team that reached the semi-finals but others were less fortunate. García and Norway’s Maria Thorisdottir and Vilde Bøe Risa endured heartbreak at the hands of England and Jackie Groenen’s Netherlands side lost in the quarter-finals.
Bring on the crowds
United’s fanbase is well-known throughout the league. As the midfielder Jade Moore says: “[The club] has been phenomenal for the last three years … to gain interest and keep fans coming back.” Their supporters are noted for their turnout at Leigh Sports Village and the vocal number that travel around the country. United also have the pull of several Lionesses to bring in the crowds. The game against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on 4 December will be a focus as they look to build on last year’s success.
