Manchester United Women have been on an inspiring journey, with their Champions League story continuing and another final awaiting. How has the club taken such a great rise?
Established in 2018, Manchester United Women have taken an inspirational journey, reaching four finals in just four years and are rapidly becoming one of the biggest and best teams in Europe.
Their taste of silverware was instant, winning the WSL 2 in their first season, propelled by ever-presents, Millie Turner and Ella Toone, still at the club today.
The Red Devils quickly made a statement of intent competing in their first Women’s Super League season in 2019/20 and 2020/21 finishing fourth on both occasions, solidifying themselves as contenders for a spot in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Eventually, their breakthrough year came in 2022/23, finishing second in the WSL and qualifying for the UWCL and having their first taste of a major final losing to Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
Finally, they were triumphant, bringing the first major trophy back to the red side of Manchester as they hammered Spurs 4-0 in the FA Cup final in 2024, seeing off favourites Chelsea on the way to victory.
But what challenges did Man Utd women face, and how did they overcome them?
Losing big names was a blow
United’s recruitment was never an issue, but holding onto players proved to be the tipping point, holding them from reaching the highest of highs.
Players who have become household names among WSL fans have had stints at the club, including Lionesses Lauren James, Alex Greenwood, and Alessia Russo, who have gone on to win trophies at both the domestic and international levels at Chelsea and Manchester City.
Finally, United have become a club where the biggest names want to join, rather than a stepping stone on a player’s path to bigger and better things.
United have recently secured pen to paper with some of the biggest names in Europe, with the likes of Lea Schuller, Fridolina Rolfo and Jess Park.
United have secured results to back the signings of these names, with their recent away victory in the UWCL leaving them 3-0 up after the first leg against Atletico Madrid.
Iconic moments providing the goods
Recent seasons have shown manager Marc Skinner’s side take on challenges and put up a great fight. From Ella Toone’s derby day hat-trick, to beating Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford, and even lifting the FA Cup at Wembley.
United have maintained this level of consistency over the last few years and only seems to be getting stronger despite doubters.
And now with their fourth final in four years looming, the growth of the club is undeniable. Elite recruitment, paired with clear optimism in the fanbase and the squad, has galvanised the club towards greatness.
Pressure has not proven to be too much for the players, with huge expectations over the likes of Phallon Tullis Joyce taking over from Mary Earps or Maya Le Tissier taking the captain’s armband from Katie Zelem, the trajectory of the club continues to go up.
Clear impact
The team has raised expectations for the club, with the challenge of silverware, hosting games at major stadiums, and bringing in huge names becoming the norm, truly showcasing the club’s growth.
This squad has also inspired generations to come, breaking the narrative of the so-called “Big Three” in the WSL, typically dominated by Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City.
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As we continue to see growth at the youth level, with the introduction of more academy products to the squad, Man United Women will continue to redefine the club’s expectations.
In less than a decade, they have gone from not even existing to challenging for the WSL title, winning the FA Cup, reaching four major finals in four years, and now are set for a place in the UWCL quarterfinals.
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