Manchester United Women: What You Should Know About England’s Best New Team
After a thirteen-year absence, Manchester United Women have made a return. In May 2018, Manchester United announced the return of its women’s side. For their inaugural season, they competed in England’s second-tier league: the FA Women’s Championship. However, this is Manchester United we’re talking about; they always had their sights on the top tier, the FA WSL.
It did not take long for the Red Devils to show they meant business; in their first game back they defeated Liverpool 1-0. They continued to dominate the FA Women’s Championship, later being named the FA Women’s Championship Club of the Year in 2019. After just one year back, the club secured promotion to the FA WSL. Most new teams would consider themselves lucky to be in Manchester United’s position after just a single season under their belt, but United showed they weren’t just happy to be included, they want to win. As of January 2021, just their second season in the FA WSL (and third ever), they’re fighting for first place among juggernauts of the English professional game. The future is bright for the Red Devils.
Here’s What You Should Know About England’s Top New Team:
Tobin Heath Is Guiding the Team to Greatness
Tobin Heath, a USWNT star known for her fancy feet and incredible ability in front of goal, has been a key asset in United’s 2020-21 season. From the start, Heath expressed her excitement and passion to play for such a well-known club. It didn’t take her long to have an impact. As of January 2021, she played in 8 matches, tallying 4 goals and 2 assists. It’ll come as no surprise to fans of the women’s game that she quickly became one of the best players in the FA WSL. Her commitment to the Red Devils is something to admire; she turned down an invitation to USWNT’s January camp to stay and help the Red Devils win a title. Her contract only goes through the end of the 2021 season, so only time will tell if she decides to stick around.
Christen Press is Always an Attacking Threat
Christen Press, USWNT and NWSL superstar, joined Heath in helping Manchester United reach the top of the FA WSL. Press and Heath are a dynamic duo up top and definitely brought their American style of play overseas. As of January 2021, Press has appeared in 6 matches and tallied 1 goal. While she has yet to make a massive impact on the team, it’s only a matter of time before she finds her footing – and everyone knows just how much of a goal-scoring threat she can be. Like Heath, Press’s contract with the Red Devils only goes through the end of the 2021 season, but if she finds her place with the team, who’s to say whether she won’t extend her stay.
Leah Galton Found Her Groove at United
Leah Galton, a dynamic winger, joined Manchester United Women for their inaugural 2018 season. However, U.S. fans will remember her from her time in the NWSL. While Galton gained a ton of experience around the world, she really found her footing at United. Her time with the Red Devils has helped make them the powerhouse they are now. She found herself winning awards like Barclays Player of the Month and transforming the play of Man U. If Heath and Press remain with United for another season, the attacking line will be truly unstoppable.
Casey Stoney is One of the Best Managers in the League
Manchester United Women manager Casey Stoney has transformed the Red Devils into a real threat in the FA WSL. With only two years of club history, she has written quite the story for the Red Devils thus far. She is creating a powerhouse team that is continuing to get better with each passing game. As the first head coach of the club, she’s created quite the name for herself and her squad. Hers is certainly a career to watch.
Featured Image via Michael Regan/Getty Images
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