MADCHESTER! – Rebels with a Cause?

Marc Skinner’s Manchester United will be hoping key signings gel quickly with his young rebels. Clare McEwen talks us through their chances

Head coach: Marc Skinner has been overseeing the Manchester United Women project since 2021. He’s just signed a new contract that’ll keep him with the team until June 2027 and on the whole, it’s been a very successful tenure. United’s first silverware in the FA Cup in 2023/24, three consecutive FA Cup Finals and a sprinkling of top three WSL finishes.

With success in the preliminary rounds of the Champions League, United will want to challenge in Europe and at the top of the WSL to consider this season a progression. A solid season across domestic league and cup competitions and a couple of rounds in the Champions League would back-up last season’s strong showing.

New signings: Julia Zigiotti Olme, Fridolina Rolfo, Jess Park. 

United’s young “rebels” now have an extra dash of experience from incoming Swedish duo, Julia Zigiotti Olme and Fridolina Rolfo. Zigiotti will bolster the midfield whilst Rolfo adds strength and experience to the left hand side. Solid signings that strengthen the squad whilst fitting into the tight-knit United unit.

And then there’s the surprise switcheroo of Jess Park for Grace Clinton. Clinton goes from red to blue and fellow Lioness Jess Park goes from blue to red. Both supremely talented players, it will be interesting to see whether a change in environment can take both of them to the next level.

Outlook: Skinner has signed a new contract, the vast majority of last year’s squad remain, and a sprinkling of extra magic has been added. Having built a formidable team spirit during last season and with a breakout performance for goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce – behind talismanic young skipper Maya Le Tissier – I fully expect the team to make some progress in the Champions League and challenge at the top of the WSL. 

Will finish: 2nd