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MUW MANCHESTER UNITED WoMEN

SEASON 2025/26

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U N I T E D H AV E R E A C H E D T H E L A S T T H R E E F I N A L S , AND AS WE ENTER THE 2025/26 COMPETITION MARC SKINNER’S REDS WILL ONCE AGAIN BE...

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WELCOME

INSide

YO U R M ATC H P RO G R A M M E 04 HEAD COACH’S COLUMN

08 TALK OF THE TERRACE 13

CAPTAIN’S COLUMN

14 ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES 22 FAN MESSAGES 24 SIMI AWUJO POSTER

28 BURNLEY v UNITED, 2021 34 PLAYER PROFILES

36 THE OPPOSITION 38 JUNIOR REDS 41 STATS AT THE BACK

46 ADDED-TIME QUIZ

MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN HONOURS BOARD

WOMEN’S FA CUP

WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP

U21 S PGA CUP

2024

2019

2022

MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB Co-chairmen Joel Glazer, Avram Glazer Directors Bryan Glazer, Kevin Glazer, Edward Glazer, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Michael Edelson, Sir Alex Ferguson, David Gill CBE, Omar Berrada, Sir Dave Brailsford Secretary Rebecca Britain Honorary president Martin Edwards

MATCH PROGRAMME TEAM Editor Charlie Ghagan Contributors Mikey Partington, Helen Rowe-Willcocks, Sean Mullan, Jamie Spencer, Matt Brown, Isaac Stacey Stronge, Matt Holt, Sam Carney Design Tom Chase Photography Poppy Townson, Ash Donelon, Zohaib Alam, Kevin Hayden/Burnley FC, Getty, Alamy Thanks to Ellie Decrop, Paul Davies, John Shiel, Mark Froggatt, Ashley Colbourn/Burnley FC Printed by MuPrint.com © Manchester United 2026

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H E A D C OAC H ’ S N OT E S

Marc

SKINNER AHEAD OF OUR FIRST HOME OUTING OF 2026, THE BOSS DISCUSSES RECENT CHANGES TO THE SQUAD, WHILE REFLECTING ON SOME PERSONAL PRIDE LAST WEEKEND...

elcome back to the Progress With Unity Stadium for the first time in 2026 for what I hope will be an exciting year for us. We are still in four competitions – the first time we have ever been in that type of realm – with today being the start of the FA Cup. It’s exciting to welcome Burnley here. Although they play a couple of divisions below us, we will not be taking the game lightly. This competition is known for its shocks so we’ll need to be at our best today. The FA Cup is special for us all at United. We have been to three consecutive finals but we are not taking for granted the work we’ll need to put in once again this season. It was important to bring in some extra depth to the squad during this transfer window – players of quality and experience to help us go deep into all the competitions.

We have also seen players leave us during the window. It’s hard to say goodbye to players, especially those who have made such an impact at the club. It’s important for them to know they will always be part of the club and will be welcomed back anytime. I was proud to have been in charge of my 100th WSL game as United manager for last weekend’s draw away to Arsenal, and I’d like to take this time to thank you all for your support. In modern football it is hard to get to that number with one club. You fans make it an incredible experience and hopefully I can keep adding to that number and taking this team forward. The ‘fan energy’ the players receive, whether we are home or away, is always fantastic and it can really make a difference in a tight game, so I’m looking forward to hearing you at your best today. Enjoy the game.

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R The FA Cup is special for us all at United but we are not taking for granted the work we’ll need to put in once again 05

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T H E

B I G

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HEAD START TO 2026... A point secured at the Emirates has to be considered a reasonable way to kick off the new year, but we’re still thinking about what could have been had this header from Fridolina Rolfo found the back of the Arsenal net in the early stages of our WSL meeting eight days ago. The big chance came about following some smart play down the left from Jess Park and Anna Sandberg, with Frido’s effort tipped on to the crossbar by Gunners’ goalkeeper Anneke Borbe. It would be our one big chance of the game, with Renee Slegers’ side looking increasingly dangerous as the clock ticked on, especially after Jayde Riviere was sent off in the 65th minute following a second yellow card. A strong, collective defensive effort was needed after that, with debutants Hanna Lundkvist and Lea Schuller both playing their part from the bench, as the game ended 0-0 – just as it did for the reverse fixture here in Leigh back in September. We’re back down south to face the Gunners again in three days’ time, of course – this time at Meadow Park – and a share of the spoils won’t be possible in that one, with a winner needed on the night to book a spot in the League Cup final. But before all that, there’s the small matter of the FA Cup.

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TAlk Terrace of the

ALL THE CHAT AHEAD OF THIS AFTERNOON’S CUP CLASH... Happy new year! We’re back at home for the first time in 2026, following last weekend’s WSL draw at Arsenal… It was good to see the Reds back in action after the winter break and, in the circumstances, it felt like one Barclays Women’s Super League point gained for Marc Skinner’s battling side. A trip to a fellow UEFA Champions League challenger – and the reigning champions of Europe – was always going to be a tough task right out of the gate after the mid-season hiatus,

Words Mikey Partington

Riviere is eligible to play, despite her red card in London eight days ago

but United fought hard both before and after Jayde Riviere’s 65th-minute red card to get what could prove a vital point on the board. We’re now up and running in an exciting second half of the season, which will see us compete across four different competitions over the next five months. Our attentions turn to the Adobe Women’s FA Cup today, as our knockout campaign begins in the fourth round… It’s always a special feeling when the FA Cup comes around in the new year, and even more so in the last few seasons, on the back of the recent success United have had in the competition. Skinner’s team have reached the tournament’s last three Wembley finals and our pursuit of another return to May’s Wembley showpiece starts here today. We were runners-up to Chelsea in the last edition – and in 2023 – but who can forget that thrilling run to the silverware in 2024? That path to a historic triumph over Spurs, under the arch, began on a chilly January afternoon in Leigh, just like this one… If we’re to get back to the final this year, the first step is beating Burnley. What kind of a challenge will that be? Well, the Clarets are currently midway through a historic campaign of their own, having transitioned to become a full-time

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M ATC H P R E V I E W

...

Our last FA Cup encounter came at Wembley eight months ago, with this year’s showpiece taking place on 31 May Naomi Hartley is a familiar face within the Clarets’ squad

professional outfit at the start of this season. After expressing their ambition to compete higher up the women’s football pyramid in the summer, the Lancashire outfit have made an unbeaten start to this league term in the third tier and, in second place, are just two points off the promotion that finishing first offers, after 10 wins and two draws in their first 12 FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division games. In the opposition section from p36, you can read more about our visitors, who are a very different team from the one we beat 6-0 in our only previous meeting, at the same stage of the 2020/21 FA Cup. We’ve got a different squad now too, which has evolved further over recent weeks. Could new signings Hanna Lundkvist and Lea Schuller make their home debuts this afternoon?

Our January recruits are in line to feature in Leigh for the first time as United players, after making their maiden Reds appearances off the bench last weekend. That’s an exciting prospect, particularly given we didn’t have the opportunity to learn too much about them as players at the Emirates, after they came on in a second half that saw United go down to 10, before really having to band together as a collective to take a point. It is worth saying that Riviere is available to play today despite being sent off last week, as the full-back’s one-game suspension only applies to the league and will be served during next weekend’s trip to Aston Villa. In the FA Cup, there’s plenty going on elsewhere today too, right? Our game is one of 12 ties taking place in the fourth round this afternoon – following four scheduled fixtures across Thursday, Friday and Saturday – as the WSL clubs enter the competition. Turn to p43 to read more about these other fixtures. There will be no replays throughout the tournament again this term, with extra-time and penalties to separate sides level at 90 minutes. A date and time for the fifth-round draw was still to be confirmed as this programme went to print, but one thing for sure is the goal for Skinner’s Reds today: to be one of the 16 clubs in the hat for it. Come on, United! ●

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L AT E S T N E W S S TO R I E S

LONDON CITY CONFIRMED

Toone was one of a number of Lionnesses to be recognised in the New Year Honours list

M-B-ELLA!

In case you missed it over Christmas, Toone’s been recognised by the King United midfielder Ella Toone proudly returned from the winter break as an MBE, after being recognised in the King’s New Year Honours list. Tooney was among a number of England Women players and staff to receive recognition, following their roles in last summer’s Euros success. That included an honorary DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for Dutch head coach Sarina Wiegman, a title only awarded to foreign nationals for services to the UK or for international achievement. Lionesses captain Leah Williamson was honoured with a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British

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Empire), while there were also MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) awards for three of Toone’s international team-mates: former United and current Manchester City defender Alex Greenwood, Bayern Munich’s Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh of Chelsea. Ella said: “To be awarded an MBE is an incredible honour and something I’m deeply proud of. “Representing England and being part of a team that has won the Euros twice has helped change the landscape of women’s football, these memories will stay with me forever.” Congratulations, Ella – you continue to make us all so proud.

Next month’s Barclays WSL clash with London City Lionesses here in Leigh has been announced as a 12pm kick-off on Sunday 15 February. You can see the availability of tickets for the clash – and the rest of our upcoming fixtures – by scanning the QR code below. The Reds won our first meeting with the Lionesses 5-1 in September, and have trips to Arsenal (League Cup), Aston Villa, Leicester City and Atletico Madrid (Champions League) – plus a home date with Liverpool – before the return encounter with the newly promoted side, who have appointed a new boss in Eder Maestre this month.

THREE-PEAT FOR PARK Jess Park’s impressive end to 2025 saw the creative midfielder win our fans’ Player of the Month award for December, presented by Estee Lauder. It’s the third time in a row Park has collected the prize. Last month, Jess scored our winning goal at Juventus and a vital equaliser in the League Cup win over Spurs and, while the former effort was shortlisted for our Goal of the Month prize, that honour went to Toone’s volley in the WSL draw with Spurs.

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Official Electrical Styling Partner of Manchester United

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Maya S K I P P E R ’ S N OT E S

THE CAP TAIN

UNITED’S SKIPPER ENJOYED SWITCHING OFF OVER THE BREAK, BUT NOW IT’S BACK TO BUSINESS AS THE REDS TARGET TROPHIES IN THE MONTHS AHEAD...

belated happy new year to you all, if you didn’t make it down to Arsenal last weekend! The Christmas break was amazing. I got to go home and spend it with my family, which I haven’t had time to do in so long. It was really nice to live a normal life for a little bit and not think about the football. I had a great time but now I’m back I’m ready and looking forward to getting on with the second half of the season, as we all are. We love the FA Cup and it’s something I really look forward to every year. Going up against different teams and having the

excitement of facing new sides, whether home or away, adds to the thrill of the competition. There is a bit of an unknown around the game, and I’m imagining this game will feel a bit like it did when we came up against Wolves last year. The Burnley fans that make the short journey will be loud and want to show strong support for their team, so we’re expecting a good atmosphere at this one. The FA Cup is a really fun tournament and we always love watching the draws. We won the trophy two seasons ago, of course, and that was such a special day. We would all love to experience that once again. We know that Burnley have been in good form and will come to Leigh with a point to prove, so we will need to be ready for that today. But if we play as well as we know we can, we’re confident we can secure a place in the next round.

Maya stands her ground against the Gunners in our 2026 opener

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the M eet new Reds

THERE’S BEEN PLENTY TO REPORT ON SINCE UNITED WERE LAST ON HOME SOIL -- NOT LEAST THE ARRIVAL OF SOME EXCITING TALENTS TO BOLSTER THE REDS’ RANKS...

Hanna Lundkvist Not the first (or last!) Swede to sign for United

AGE: 23 NATIONALITY: SWEDISH POSITION: RIGHT-BACK SHIRT NUMBER: 5

United’s first arrival of the transfer window, two days after Christmas, is only 23, but she’s already spread her wings widely – from Sweden to Spain to the States, and now to Manchester, experiencing top-flight football all the way. Born on the Swedish island of Djuro, a short drive from Stockholm city centre, Hanna Lundkvist’s senior career began in her homeland’s capital with AIK in 2018. As the energetic defender’s star began to rise, switches to Hammarby (2019), Atletico Madrid (2021) and San Diego Wave (2024) would follow. Aside from her first term at Atletico as a teenage Hanna found her feet in Spain’s Liga F, she’s had regular involvement at

club level, with her dependability at full-back (she can play on either side) seeing her step up her involvement with the national team ever since her 2023 debut – Hanna is now up to 29 caps, including four starts in Sweden’s five Euro 2025 games en route to the Blagult’s quarter-final exit to England. With Jayde Riviere suspended for our next WSL outing, away to Aston Villa, and Hannah Blundell on loan to Everton, a league debut for the Reds looks likely for Hanna next Sunday, where hopefully our new no.5 will get the opportunity to showcase more of the attacking aspects of her game than she was able to do in her half-hour debut away to Arsenal – Hanna entering the game six minutes after Riviere’s dismissal to shore up the back four. Lundkvist’s first involvement of that 0-0 draw – a beautiful pirouette with the ball to evade a tackle from Caitlin Foord – was a glimpse of her excellent close control, while – much like compatriot Anna Sandberg on the opposite side of defence – she can whip in a cross with real precision. Who knows, maybe we’ll see some of that in the Cup today...

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N E W A R R I VA L S

Lea Schuller

AGE: 28 NATIONALITY: GERMAN POSITION: FORWARD SHIRT NUMBER: 24

Lea netted twice at last summer’s Euros

Warming up for her United bow

Having celebrated her 28th birthday in the weeks before joining the Reds, United’s new striker is right at the peak of her powers, and all the signs point towards the German being a big success with her new club, having signed a contract until June 2029. Schuller’s game has always been about the goals, and after phenomenal success in that regard since making her Frauen-Bundesliga debut for SGS Essen in December 2013, aged 16 – she’d go on to net 77 in 143 games for the club – Lea would step things up even further upon her 2020 move to Bayern Munich. A league champion in four of her five full seasons in Bavaria, her 103 goals in 180 Bayern outings came with impressive regularity, suggestive of a headstrong forward who’ll always back herself in front of goal. A half-hour debut from the bench away to Arsenal made for a challenging start for United, with most of the play taking place in the opposition half following Jayde Riviere’s red card five minutes after Schuller’s introduction, but we saw small glimpses of what Lea will bring – intelligent movement in the final third, and two quick feet to accompany those pacy legs – while her instinctive eye for goal when the ball’s in the opposition box is something we all hope to see plenty of in the weeks, months and seasons ahead. “I’m a very direct player so my strength is speed and headers,” she told MUTV. “I’m very excited because the team looks like it makes many crosses, so that’s perfect for me.” Riviere and Anna Sandberg – two wide players to have excelled at deliveries into the box this season – won’t be the only Reds well aware of Schuller’s aerial threat, while anyone who saw her headed goal for Germany against Poland at last year’s Euros, as she pulled away from her marker at the back post to nod home, will have an appreciation for how the 5ft 8in forward moves so well to get her head to the ball first. That was one of Lea’s 54 goals for her country, from 82 caps, and while Schuller might be the first German to line up for United Women (and only the second for the club at senior level, after Bastian Schweinsteiger), there are old friends here who well help her settle, with our new no.24 having played alongside Dominique Janssen at Essen, and Julia Zigiotti Olme at Bayern.

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MANCHESTER

UNITED

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O U TG O I N G S, LOA N E E S & C O N T R AC T S

Away from the incoMings

IN CASE YOU MISSED THESE OTHER KEY RECENT STORIES... 2024 final against Spurs. The 38-year-old departs with 90 appearances and 21 goals to her name, placing her inside the top 10 on the team’s all-time charts for both categories. Geyse, who recently won the 2025 NWSL title during a temporary stay with Gotham FC, has also departed after tallying 39 games and three goals for us. The Brazilian, who made the move to the Reds from Barcelona in 2023, has transferred to Club America in Mexico. 12 May 2024: a high point for the departing Williams

Geyse is moving from the NWSL to Mexico

TRIO DEPART PERMANENTLY Members of Marc Skinner’s squad have completed permanent transfers away from United this month, with our thanks for their contributions and best wishes for the future. As this programme was about to go to print, experienced striker Rachel Williams was all set to return to fellow Barclays Women’s Super League side Leicester City, where her proud journey in senior football began more than two decades ago. Williams joined the Reds in 2022 and built a reputation here of scoring goals in vital moments, not least after netting the decisive strikes in two FA Cup semi-finals and getting on target in our triumphant appearance at the

BLUNDELL’S BLUES LOAN Moving on to temporary transfers elsewhere, full-back Hannah Blundell has completed a six-month switch across the WSL, joining Everton on loan. The defender has made us all so proud over the last year or so, giving birth to her first child – baby Romi – in March, before returning to pre-season training and then first-team action, with a substitute showing away to Brighton in November. Our no.6 has since made further cameos in clashes with Manchester City and West Ham, prior to making her first start of Hannah’s the term – and playing fan club for her 91 minutes – in last debut! month’s Women’s League Cup win over Spurs, our final game before Christmas. The mid-season move to Merseyside will hopefully allow Hannah to continue building up minutes, as she looks to help the Toffees shoot up the WSL table following a testing start to the season.

NEW DEAL FOR HINI Along with the incomings and outgoings, there has also been some crucial squad maintenance to take care of with regards to the players that we will see out on the pitch for United this afternoon, and regularly

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O U TG O I N G S, LOA N E E S & C O N T R AC T S

New deals for Norwegians!

Hini signs up to 2029 alongside Matt Johnson

throughout the second half of the season. That includes midfielder Hinata Miyazawa, who put pen to paper on a new contract with the club during the winter break, a deal that will see the Japan international stay with us in Manchester until the summer of 2029. It is brilliant news, particularly given how important ‘Hini’ has become over the last couple of years – she’s one of only two players to have started all our games so far this season, alongside captain Maya Le Tissier. “I am really enjoying playing football at Manchester United and I am really happy to be continuing my journey here,” Miyazawa said.

are working hard on that. They’ve been fantastic for us and the club will continue to work to find solutions for extensions, hopefully, for them.”

CONTRACT EXTENSIONS

LOANEES RETURN

The one-year options in the deals of Gabby George, Lisa Naalsund, Elisabeth Terland, Ella Toone (left) have also been exercised, keeping them under contract with the club to the end of next season. The news was confirmed by Skinner in a press conference, when he explained that work is ongoing to find longer-term extensions for the quartet, which would make them United players beyond the summer 2027 conclusion. “[Exercising the options] gives you that window to negotiate for potential new contracts – it was always [going to be] the way with those four,” the boss told reporters. “Those are four players we’re having constant conversations with, and Matt [Johnson, director of women’s football] and the team

Young midfielder Watson is back in the north

A number of young Reds are back at the club too, after continuing their respective development outside of the WSL. Evie Rabjohn has returned from a spell with Sunderland, where the 20-year-old defender made six appearances. Alongside further first-team exposure, the move crucially allowed Evie to register her first competitive minutes since rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament last season. Keira Barry has also returned from Sunderland, the forward having played 11 games and scored three goals for the Wearsiders, including a brace in the FA Cup third round against Derby County. Scottish midfielder Emma Watson is another player back at United to start 2026, after representing Crystal Palace in the first part of the campaign. Watson won the London side’s Player of the Month award for October and now has a second loan experience under her belt, after going out to Everton previously. And just before this programme went to print, young defender Lucy Newell was recalled from her loan spell with Birmingham City. The 19-year-old made four appearances for the club, who are currently in second place in WSL2.

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Live every week on Sky Sports, BBC, and YouTube.

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P H OTO G A L L E RY

I N

T H E

Stands

WHO’S HERE FOR THIS AFTERNOON’S CUP CONTEST?

→ Happy 11th birthday to Evelyn – she’s here with best friend Esme.

↑ It’s Kaylah Best’s birthday! She’s turning 16. Have a brilliant day.

↓ Maisie recently celebrated her 16th birthday – her sister Lily, plus Mum and Dad, say hi!

↓ Wishing Eloise a very happy 12th birthday, love Mum, Dad and Esme.

↑ Happy 12th birthday Alaina – love Mum, Dad, Liv, the dogs and Jasper!

↑ Happy 11th birthday to Lola – have the best day, love, Mummy, Daddy and George.

↑ Violet turned 12 on New Year’s Day – Mum, Dad and all the family send their love.

YOUR TEXT MESSAGES ● A very happy 44th birthday to United fan Emma Bilham-Wills, from Tracy and Lou. ● Happy 22nd birthday to Zoe, love Mum, Dad and Abi. ● Alex and sister Lola, from Nantwich, are at the game!

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↑ Steve Smith and his daughter have this great flag – we’ll be keeping an eye out for it today.

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GETTING A SEAT ON THE TRAIN HOME

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Awujo I M I S

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Live every week on Sky Sports, BBC, and YouTube.

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M U F O U N DA T I O N

PROUD TO BELONG

Words Matthew Brown

Students connect to the club through inspirational trip to the museum The club’s rich history inspires all associated with United, and recently students from a Manchester United Foundation partner school took a trip to the Old Trafford museum as part of an exciting school project. “We’ve had a great morning at Old Trafford learning about the amazing stories throughout United’s history,” Xante, head girl at Dean Trust Ardwick, told us. Xante and her fellow students have been tasked with learning about how organisations like United use history to shape the present and inspire the future. Pupils on the trip will be tapping into the history of their school and the local area of Ardwick, using their motto of ‘Proud To Belong’ to formulate ideas. The aim of the project is to inspire present and future students in their studies and enhance their aspirations as the school celebrates its 10-year anniversary. The group arrived early to first embark on a tour before being tasked with a ‘treasure hunt’ style exploration of the museum. The students were challenged to identify key moments that defined the club’s identity: powerful objects, artefacts and quotes that capture values and tradition. “We learned about significant club figures and about how they

The educational exploration begins for the youngsters

shaped what it means to be a United player,” Xante added. “We also heard from club employees about the values they think are important to the club. It’s fantastic to have this connection to United through the Foundation and it’s exciting that we will be channelling what we’ve learned into something very inspiring at our school.” “As staff at United we know first-hand how inspirational our club history is,” Jonny Buckley, the Foundation’s partner high school coordinator said. “One of the things we try and do at the Foundation is to create a sense of belonging within communities all over Greater Manchester, and a great way to do that is by gaining

dgdgdgdg Xante was one of the group to enjoy the day

inspiration from the history of your school or the area where you come from. By coming to the museum today the pupils have learned about how culture is often shaped from history, and how everyone can play their part in shaping it. I’m excited to see how they take what they’ve learned and apply it at their school.” For more, visit mufoundation.org

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F ive

yeArS Ago... THEY WERE STRANGE TIMES WHEN TODAY’S TEAMS LAST MET IN THE FA CUP IN 2021 -- A GAME THAT SAW SIX GOALS FROM FIVE DIFFERENT SCORERS, IN FRONT OF ZERO FANS

Words Charlie Ghagan

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B U R N L E Y v U N I T E D, A P R I L 2 0 2 1

urnley captain Lauren Bracewell wasn’t holding back when asked about the prospect of facing Manchester United in the 2020/21 Women’s FA Cup. “It’s the biggest game in most of our careers,” said the team’s armband-wearing keeper, speaking to The Observer ahead of the fourth-round fixture. “To come up against a global name is just amazing – it’s so exciting.” If it feels like the Reds have come a long way in the ensuing five years, the Clarets have been on a rather different journey. While in April 2021 their amateur team had recently amalgamated with Burnley’s men’s side – as instigated by the club’s new American owner Alan Pace following a takeover that February – it was still very early days in that respect, and Burnley Women remained a part-time outfit, with their squad unrecognisable from the one we’ll see today. Representing Burnley as professional players – as the current Clarets now do, starting this season – or even lining up to play a game at Turf Moor, as they’d go on to do for the final game of their ’22/23 campaign, still seemed a little while off for the National League North side, who were led by head coach Matt Bee. With Covid-19 restrictions throwing the entire 2020/21 football schedule into chaos – resulting in the complete suspension of non-elite fixtures, including the National League – there was a three-month gap between the FA Cup’s second and third-round ties, leading to an April bottleneck that saw Burnley progress from the third round just a week earlier. Bracewell was the hero of that victory, saving three penalties in a shoot-out as the Clarets overcame Sunderland. The prize: a home meeting with Casey Stoney’s Reds – a team who’d been top of the league on New Year’s Day, only for a tough start to the year seeing us drop to fourth by the time of our FA Cup opener, having lost five of our nine WSL games to kick off 2021.

A moment’s silence with social distancing pre-match

It was a rare runout for the Reds’ eye-catching ‘zebra’ kit

And with our League Cup campaign already over, a decent assault on the FA Cup was much coveted to lift the mood, amid a backdrop of Covid rules that continued to put restrictions on all aspects of our lives. The visit of the Reds would see Burnley move the tie from their usual home of Padiham FC to the County Ground in Leyland. This was to improve player access to the two changing rooms, rather than to allow for more supporters at the larger 2,300-capacity stadium. After all, the official attendance would have been the same at either venue: zero. On the back of the international break, the Reds arrived in Leyland with an injury-depleted squad – Alessia Russo and Leah Galton were key absentees, while Tobin Heath had just picked up a knee-knock – but nevertheless, head coach Stoney was in confident mood. For Millie Turner, Katie Zelem, Ella Toone and Kirsty Hanson – all starters that day – there were familiar faces within the opposition squad, such as Cara Bickett, Kerry Hope, Levi Rathburn and Olivia Wilson, who – like the Reds quartet – had previously been part of United’s Centre of Excellence. “We watched their previous game and we know what their threats are,” said Stoney to MUTV ahead of

opponents such as Bickett, Hope, Rathburn and Wilson had previously been part of our Centre of Excellence 29

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B U R N L E Y v U N I T E D, A P R I L 2 0 2 1 kick-off. “Their league hasn’t been going so they’ve had a few obstacles, whereas we’ve been training every day and playing games, so we’ll go into the game fully confident that we can get a result.” With Burnley skipper Bracewell admitting that a “scrappy, sitting-in game” would be needed if the hosts were to progress, the last thing the keeper and her team-mates would have wanted is an early concession. Unfortunately for them, Millie Turner provided it with a far-post header from a corner with just 11 minutes on the clock. Five minutes later it was 2-0, as Toone fired in a first-time effort from Ona Batlle’s pass. Bracewell pulled off some good saves, but with the one-way traffic continuing, a rout was looking likely. Just before the half-hour mark, Lucy Staniforth’s composed lob – her first Reds goal – made it three, before Amy Turner matched her centre-back namesake by netting our fourth right on half-time.

It’s been disappointing lately as we’ve not taken our chances, but today we stuck to our gameplan

MATCH DETAILS

Toone’s influence continued as the second half commenced, when she teed up Kirsty Hanson to fire low into the bottom corner, before Hanson nodded home a rebound from Jess Sigsworth’s shot. Six down after 58 minutes, beleaguered Burnley then had to witness the sight of double World Cup winner Christen Press stepping off the bench as part of a triple substitution – one that included debutant Tara Bourne, as well as fellow youngster Carrie Jones – but there’d be no further goals, as Bracewell stood strong to deny Staniforth, and then Jane Ross. With the job done, the Reds could reflect on a morale-boosting 6-0 win. “It’s been disappointing lately, as we’ve not taken our chances in the last few games,” double scorer Hanson would tell MUTV, “but today we stuck to our gameplan. Hopefully this will give us more confidence going into the last few games of the season.” While it would indeed give us a jump-start in the league – United winning all three of our remaining WSL games – sadly it wouldn’t be enough to secure a Champions League spot via a top-three finish. It would be a similar story in the FA Cup, which only continued following the end of our WSL campaign, as the Reds lost 3-2 to Leicester – the fifth-round contest in May 2021 being Stoney’s final game in charge. As for Burnley, five years on – and still awaiting that push into the Championship, but in a much stronger position than 2021 – they’ll be hoping for more success in another significant day for their women’s side. ●

Hanson’s double took us to a half-dozen in Leyland

BURNLEY: Bracewell (c); Hamer, Bickett, Fleck; Cooper (Shirtcliffe 66), Worthington, Dykes, Greenhalgh (Owen 77), Hope; Priestley, Thomas (Mapp 72) SUBS NOT USED: Gibbins, Brown, Rathburn, Wilson, Tobin, Rawstron BOOKED: Cooper 41 UNITED: Earps (Bentley 70); Batlle, A Turner (Bourne 59), M Turner, Smith (Thorisdottir 59); Zelem (c), Toone (Jones 71), Staniforth; Sigsworth (Press 59), Ross, Hanson SUBS NOT USED: Groenen GOALS: M Turner 11, Toone 16, Staniforth 29, A Turner 44, Hanson 47, 58

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THIRTY AMAZING STORIES, FROM THE CLUB’S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO THE RISE OF UNITED WOMEN On sale now from reachsportshop.com *plus P&P. Offer subject to change.

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YOUTH TEAMS

MUW ACADEMY

U21S FLYING HIGH The second half of ’25/26 has started well for our youngsters, at both club and international level...

TOP OF THE PILE After qualifying for the Professional Game Academy League’s Division One, United’s Under-21s currently lead the way in the table. With two wins from their opening three games ahead of this week’s home match against Bristol City, it’s been a solid start for the young Reds, who also continue to provide support for the first team when required. Layla Drury and Scarlett Hill are the latest Academy talents to have featured in Marc Skinner’s matchday squad, for the League Cup win v Spurs, with forward Drury back on the first-team bench at Arsenal last weekend.

FRIENDLY AGAINST FOREST Across the recent international break, a host of U21s were involved in a senior game at Carrington against Nottingham Forest, with the players aiming to keep fitness levels sharp ahead of the league restart. Despite losing 3-0 to the Tricky Trees, the opportunity to see how a professional matchday transpires was beneficial to the young players selected.

Wales’s senior side for training. Poppy Holt was also involved alongside Hill with Wales’s U19s, with Ellen Marsh and Layla Drury joining the Dragons’ latest U17s camp. For England, Jess Anderson linked up with the Lionesses’s U20s, Evie Mitchell and Lucy Robinson were part of the U17s group, and Chloe was called up by the U16s at St George’s Park. Two players at U16 level, Emily and Alannah, also gained experience with Northern Ireland.

AVENUES TO EXPLORE “Seeing our U16s and U21s rise in confidence and performance has been incredibly rewarding,” says Academy manager Amanda

Goodwin, as she looks back on the progress made throughout 2025. “Their success reflects not only their individual talent but the collective culture we’re building – one where hard work, resilience and individual development is at the heart of everything. These players are not only developing on the pitch but off the pitch too with their resilience and personal growth. Academy football is full-on, as players balance full-time football and a full-time education programme. Everyone’s footballing journey is different and it’s our jobs as staff to help support and unlock each players’ individual potential. ” Goodwin and the rest of the Academy staff will always prioritise such self-development, ensuring the girls plan ahead for the long-term. “Our staff are working with our Academy players on life after football,” she says. “Some players are working with our analyst to help further their skills, while we also have some players who are going through the early stages of the coaching badges.”

Holt (left) and Anderson (right), are two young Reds hoping to follow in the footsteps of Mared Griffiths (centre) in making their first-team debut in 2026

Words Matt Holt

INTERNATIONAL CALL-UPS Eleven players were called up to represent their countries at various levels during the recent international break at the end of 2025. Hill was chosen for Wales’s U19s, while goalkeeper Poppy Lyons-Walker joined up with

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1. KAYLA RENDELL The keeper joined the Reds from Southampton in January. In April 2024, she received her first call-up to the senior England team for the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 qualifiers.

2. ANNA SANDBERG The 22-year-old full-back has been one of our star performers so far this season, with the Swede’s crossing being as impressive as her defending.

5. HANNA LUNDKVIST December saw the 23-year-old become the fourth Swede within our current squad. She previously played for AIK, Hammarby, Atletico Madrid and San Diego.

9. MELVINE MALARD The French forward has scored more goals than any Red in the WSL this season (five), providing a constant threat from either a central or wide attacking role.

SQUAD SNAPSHOTs ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THOSE IN RED

3. GABBY GEORGE The full-back has showcased her versatility lately, stepping into central defence, and the former Everton player recently extended her contract by a further year.

7. ELLA TOONE Our record appearance maker and goalscorer missed last weekend’s trip to Arsenal with a minor hip injury – one which is likely to see her miss today also.

10. ELISABETH TERLAND Teri leads the way with goals this term, already in double figures. She’s aiming to beat her haul of 12 from last term, and would match her career-best season with 15.

4. MAYA LE TISSIER Our penalty-taking centre-back and club captain has started every Reds fixture dating back to December 2022, recently reaching 100 consecutive starts.

8. JESS PARK The Reds’ new no.8 has made a superb start to life with the Reds – only Malard has scored more than her four in the WSL for the Reds so far this season.

11. LEAH GALTON After overcoming an injury at the start of the season, Galton has returned to the treatment room with a back issue, meaning she missed the WSL trip to Arsenal.

Also on the Reds’ roster: 25. EVIE RABJOHN (DF); 34. EMMA WATSON (MF); 36. MARED GRIFFITHS (MF); 41. TAMIRA LIVINGSTON (MF);

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F);

P L AY E R P R O F I L E S

12. FRIDOLINA ROLFO The Swedish winger, who can also play at left-back, has Bayern, Wolfsburg and Barcelona on her footballing CV, and she hungry for more success since joining United.

15. CELIN BIZET DONNUM The Norwegian, who joined United from Spurs in 2024, recently announced she’s expecting a baby, meaning she’ll be watching from the sidelines for the months ahead.

18. JULIA ZIGIOTTI OLME The Swede has had a strong first six months at United alongside Miyazawa in midfield. The signing of Schuller sees her reunited with a former Bayern team-mate.

24. LEA SCHULLER The German international – with a superb record of 54 goals from 82 caps – joined the Reds on 29 December. The 28-year-old made her debut as a sub against Arsenal.

13. SIMI AWUJO The midfielder was born in Atlanta, Georgia but has 28 caps for Canada – one more than her tally for United apearances. She joined the Reds in August 2024.

16. LISA NAALSUND Celin’s compatriot recently surpassed 300 senior club games, 58 of which have come for United. She recently had her one-year contract extension triggered.

20. HINATA MIYAZAWA The midfielder has been a constant presence in the team this term, with her fine form seeing her rewarded with a new long-term deal, until 2029.

39. SAFIA MIDDLETONPATEL The young Welsh international goalkeeper – capped seven times for her country – made her WSL and UWCL debuts this season, after her first-team bow in ‘24/25.

14. JAYDE RIVIERE Simi’s fellow Canadian made her 65th United apperance last weekend, but it was a difficult day for the pacy full-back as she was sent off following two bookings.

17. DOMINIQUE JANSSEN The versatile midfielder has been a regular in defence this season, but she stepped up to fire home a brilliant free-kick v West Ham recently – her third Reds goal.

21. MILLIE TURNER The centre-back, who has 178 appearances for United and two caps for England, will be eyeing her return to action having recovered from a knee injury.

91. PHALLON TULLISJOYCE The former Reims and OL Reign goalkeeper was voted our star player against Arsenal last Saturday, earning 43 per cent of the fan vote on the United app.

47. JESSICA ANDERSON (MF); 48. SIENNA WAREING (MF); 52. SCARLETT HILL (DF); 55. LUCY NEWELL(DF); 57. LAYLA DRURY (FW)

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THE OPPOSITION

T O D A Y ’ S

V I S I T O R S

BURNLEY

Words Jamie Spencer; Photos Kevin Hayden/Burnley FC

The goals (and clean sheets) have arrived at a remarkable rate for the promotion-chasing Clarets so far this season

For Burnley Women, ambitions are high in ’25/26. Priming for a promotion push into WSL2, last summer saw the transition to a full-time, professional model. Recruitment efforts have continued to target players from the top two divisions, and among 2025’s new signings were defender Jasmine Matthews, who played over 120 top-flight games for Liverpool and Bristol City, Belgium international forward Yana Daniels, and experienced midfielder Abbey-Leigh Stringer. The result has been a near-flawless campaign to date, with Burnley unbeaten in the Women’s National League (WNL), as well as in two cups. Naturally there’s much excitement surrounding today’s tie, with the club’s head of women’s football, Lola Ogunbote, telling us: “It’s a chance to showcase and express ourselves.”

recent FORM Under interim manager Lou Roberts (below), Burnley booked their fourth-round place last month with a 7-0 win over fourth tier Peterborough. That took them to 23 goals – striker Claudia Walker has five of them – and none conceded in the FA Cup this season, after earlier-round victories over Blackburn (12-0) and Norwich (4-0). In the WNL Northern Premier Division, it’s 10 wins and two draws from 12 games. Just two points separate the Clarets and leaders Wolves in the battle for the one automatic promotion place into WSL2 and a tantalising top-of-the-table clash is still to come after icy weather saw the recent scheduled meeting at Burnley’s County Ground postponed. Last weekend, Burnley also progressed to the Women’s National League Cup semis, beating Middlesbrough 3-0.

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THE OPPOSITION

ABOUT OUR OPPONENTS...

WHO TO LOOK OUT FOR... After leaving Liverpool, centre-back Jasmine Matthews was willing to drop down two divisions to join Burnley in August, describing herself as “blown away” when she saw the facilities for the first time and was told of what the club wants to achieve. Having played in the inaugural WSL season back in 2011, the 32-year-old’s wealth of experience is what she hopes will help “push Burnley to where they belong.” Elsewhere, 20-year-old attacker Charlie Chadwick (below) is in red-hot form, finding the net six times in their last five games across all competitions – including a brace against Boro. The former Liverpool youngster spent the second half of last season gaining first-team experience at fellow tier-three side Halifax but has hit her stride since returning to Lancashire. L A S T FA C U P L I N E - U P

v PETERBOROUGH UNITED (HOME), 14.12.25

Formed: 1995 Nickname: The Clarets Best achievements: Women’s National League Northern Premier Division runners-up, 2023/24; Lancashire FA Women’s Senior Cup winners 2022/23, 2023/24, 2024/25. Last season: Women’s National League Northern Premier Division 4th place, FA Cup third round, Women’s National League Cup quarter-finals, top scorer (all comps): Laura Elford, 26. Record v United: P1 W0 D0 L1 F0 A6

Who are the Leaders? Lou Roberts took charge of the Clarets in August last year, appointed interim boss for the second time, and she’s since delivered excellent results. The ex-Stoke midfielder began her coaching career with the Potters in 2020, before becoming Burnley assistant boss in 2023. This season, she was named Manager of the Month for November across the WNL’s regionalised Premier Divisions. ‘Control the controllables,’ is her coaching mantra. On the pitch, club captain Tilly Wilkes was previously in the same age group as Ella Toone at United’s Centre of Excellence, later spending five years at universities in America before joining Burnley in 2023. The left-back was voted last season’s Burnley Players’ Player of the Year, although she’s mainly been leading behind the scenes in 2025/26, with Yana Daniels often wearing the armband.

LEVELL RICHARDS

MATTHEWS

SIDDALL

PAUL CHANDARANA

DOCHERTY

DANIELS

RAVENING

CHADWICK

WALKER SUBS USED: BRADLEY, HARTLEY, MAXWELL, LAWLEY, McDANIEL

Matthews is just one of the Clarets to have top-flight experience

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K I D S ’ PA G E S

FACT S & FUNN IES FROM FRED THE RED!

CRUITS! E R W E N THESE STATEMENTS EACH APPLY TO ONE OF OUR NEW SIGNINGS, BUT WHICH – HANNA LUNDKVIST OR LEA SCHULLER? 1. “I WAS A TEAM-MATE OF EX-RED ADRIANA LEON AT MY PREVIOUS CLUB” 2. “I STARTED THE EURO 2022 FINAL AGAINST ENGLAND” 3. “I’VE WON A LEAGUE TITLE IN EACH OF THE PAST THREE SEASONS” 4. “I SCORED ON MY PROFESSIONAL DEBUT”

CUP RUNS

THERE’S A MISSING TEAM FROM EACH OF OUR PAST THREE FA CUP SEASONS – CAN YOU REMEMBER WHO THE REDS PLAYED?

2023: S UNDERLAND, DURHAM, LEWES, B _ _ _ _ _ _ _, CHELSEA 2024: N EWCASTLE, SOUTHAMPTON, BRIGHTON, CHELSEA, T _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 38

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2025: W EST BROM, W _ _ _ _ _ , SUNDERLAND, MAN CITY, CHELSEA 14/01/2026 21:33

K I D S ’ PA G E S

RECORD BREAKERS ‘18/19: 29 ‘19/20: 21 ‘20/21: 27 ‘21/22: 30

DID YOU KNOW, WE’VE ALREADY PLAYED 23 GAMES THIS SEASON – AND ARE GUARANTEED AT LEAST ANOTHER 14, WHICH WILL MAKE IT OUR HIGHEST TALLY IN A SINGLE CAMPAIGN?

‘22/23: 31 ‘23/24: 33 ‘24/25: 31 ‘25/26: 37* *MINIMUM!

TOONE’S CUP CRACKERS ELLA IS OUR RECORD FA CUP SCORER WITH NINE GOALS – HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVES!

17.02.2019

UNITED 3 LONDON BEES 0 FIRST CUP GOAL! (PICTURED) 18.04.2021

BURNLEY 0 UNITED 6

ONE AGAINST TODAY’S OPPONENTS! 12.05.2024

UNITED 4 TOTTENHAM 0 THE OPENER IN THE FINAL!

11.01.2025

UNITED 7 WEST BROM 0

RETURNING TO ACTION WITH A GOAL! Answers – New recruits: 1. Hanna Lundkvist; 2. Lea Schuller; 3. Lea Schuller; 4. Hanna Lundkvist; Cup runs: 2023: Brighton; 2024: Tottenham; 2025: Wolves

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A P P E A R A N C E & W S L S TA T I S T I C S

STATS

AT T H E B A C K WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE TABLE, 2025/26

UNITED APPEARANCES & GOALS, 2025/26 PLAYER

WSL APP GLS

FA CUP APP GLS

LEAGUE CUP APP GLS

UWCL APP GLS

TOTAL APP GLS

Simi Awujo

0(4)

0(1)

3(2)

3(7)

Keira Barry

0(1)

Celin Bizet Donnum 3(2)

2(1)

5(3)

Hannah Blundell

0(3)

1(3)

Leah Galton

1(3)

0(5)

1(8)

Gabby George

1(5)

3(4)

4(9)

Dominique Janssen 11(1)

8(1)

20(2)

Maya Le Tissier

Team

Pts

Hanna Lundkvist

0(1)

Manchester City

Melvine Malard

9(3)

0(1)

9(1)

18(5)

Chelsea

Safia Middleton-Patel

Arsenal

Hinata Miyazawa

Tottenham

Lisa Naalsund

2(6)

0(1)

4(5)

6(12)

UNITED

Jess Park

10(2)

5(2)

16(4)

Aston Villa

-3

Jayde Riviere

London City

-7

Fridolina Rolfo

6(5)

5(2)

12(7)

Brighton

Anna Sandberg

10(1)

21(1)

Leicester

-14

Lea Schuller

0(1)

10 Everton

-10

Elisabeth Terland

10(2)

7(1)

18(3)

11 West Ham

-20

Ella Toone

7(3)

19(3)

12 Liverpool

-13

Phallon Tullis-Joyce

Millie Turner

1(1)

0(2)

1(3)

Rachel Williams

0(6)

1(4)

1(10)

Julia Zigiotti Olme 10(2)

7(3)

18(5)

WSL TOP SCORERS, 2025/26 Khadija Shaw (Manchester City)

Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa)

Vivianne Miedema (Manchester City)

Stina Blackstenius (Arsenal)

Alessia Russo (Arsenal)

Beata Olsson (Liverpool)

Melvine Malard (United)

Aoba Fujino (Manchester City)

Jess Park (United)

Cathinka Tandberg (Tottenham)

Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea)

Beth England (Tottenham)

Kiko Seike (Brighton)

Ornella Vignola (Everton)

Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea)

UEFA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TABLE, 2025/26

ROLFO’S HALF DOZEN

Our most recent goal, in the 86th minute v Spurs in the League Cup, was scored by Fridolina Rolfo – the in-form Swede’s sixth goal for the Reds since her August arrival. That number matches her tally for all of last season with Barcelona (from 38 apps), while the 32-year-old’s career best term in front of goal is 13 (with both Linkoping in 2016 and Barça in 2021/22). Can she reach that figure this season?

ALL-TIME RECORDS: GAMES

ALL-TIME RECORDS: GOALS

Team

Pts

Barcelona

Apps

Goals

OL Lyonnes

Ella Toone

210

Ella Toone

Chelsea

Millie Turner

178

Leah Galton

Bayern Munich

Leah Galton

171

Katie Zelem

Arsenal

Katie Zelem

161

Lauren James

UNITED

-2

Mary Earps

125

Alessia Russo

Real Madrid

Maya Le Tissier

118

Jessica Sigsworth

Juventus

Hayley Ladd

110

Nikita Parris

Wolfsburg

Hannah Blundell

Elisabeth Terland

10 Paris FC

-3

Kirsty Hanson

Rachel Williams

11 Atletico Madrid

Rachel Williams

Melvine Malard

12 OH Leuven

-5

Melvine Malard

Lucia Garcia

13 Valerenga

-5

Ona Batlle

Mollie Green

14 Roma

-10

Hinata Miyazawa

Kirsty Hanson

15 Twente

-6

Amy Turner

Hayley Ladd

16 Benfica

-7

Jess Sigsworth

Maya Le Tissier

17 Paris Saint-Germain

-8

Jayde Riviere

Millie Turner

18 St Polten

-25

Lucia Garcia

Lizzie Arnot

41 App Stats.indd 1

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OT H E R F I X T U R E S

A D O B E W O M E N ’ S FA C U P

pREVIeW

Words Sam Carney

WE LOOK AT THE GAMES BEING PLAYED ELSEWHERE IN THE FOURTH ROUND... United v Burnley is just one of 16 FA Cup ties scheduled for this week, as the top-flight sides enter the competition at the fourth-round stage. Marc Skinner’s side are aiming to reach the FA Cup final for a fourth consecutive season – a feat only previously managed by Southampton, Doncaster Belles and Arsenal during the tournament’s 55-year history. Holders Chelsea have dominated in recent years, lifting the trophy four times since 2021 – with United the only team to defeat them in the FA Cup during that time, in 2024’s semi-final here in Leigh. The Blues’ title defence started yesterday, as they hosted second-tier Crystal Palace at Kingsmeadow. Palace, who were relegated from the WSL last term, added former Reds midfielder Hayley Ladd to their squad during the January window, while fellow midfielder Emma Watson has been recalled by United. As for fellow heavyweights Manchester City, they travel to National League side Bournemouth in one of eight games slated for the 1pm Sunday kick-off time. Andree Jeglertz’s Blues will be attempting to extend a 15-game domestic winning run that’s seen them move six points clear at the top of the WSL and reach the League Cup semi-finals. At least two WSL sides are guaranteed to exit the FA Cup this afternoon, as Tottenham Hotspur host Leicester City and Aston Villa travel to Arsenal. Spurs, who the Reds eliminated from League Cup contention prior to Christmas, moved fourth in the top-flight with a 1-0 win over the Foxes last weekend, as former Lilywhites’ stalwart Ashleigh Neville put through her own net on her Leicester debut. Last weekend also saw Arsenal share the points with United, of course, after a goalless encounter at the Emirates and the Gunners will be hoping to get the better of Villa at 2pm today, following a 1-1 league draw between the teams back in September. Here are the other fixtures to look out for in the fourth round (each tie played today unless stated):

Palace – complete with new signing Hayley Ladd – faced Chelsea in the Cup yesterday

manchester city will be attempting to extend their long domestic winning run when they visit national league side bournemouth West Bromwich Albion v Everton (Thursday) Newcastle United v West Ham United (Friday) Sunderland v London City Lionesses (Saturday) Brighton & Hove Albion v Nottingham Forest Chatham Town v York City Ipswich Town v Sheffield United London Bees v Liverpool Oxford United v Middlesbrough Southampton v Bristol City Charlton Athletic v Swindon Town Hull City v Birmingham City

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M A T C H - B Y- M A T C H S TA T I S T I C S

FIXTURES + RESULTS

AUG UWCL Wed 27 PSV (N) 11am 4-0 370 Tullis-Joyce Riviere Le Tissier Janssen Sandberg Zigiotti Miyazawa UWCL Sat 30 Hammarby (N) 6pm 1-0 5,546 Tullis-Joyce Riviere Le Tissier Janssen Sandberg Zigiotti Miyazawa

SEP

WSL UWCL WSL UWCL WSL WSL

Sun 7 Thu 11 Sun 14 Thu 18 Sun 21 Sun 28

Leicester (H) 12pm Brann (A) 6pm London City (A) 12pm Brann (H) 7pm Arsenal (H) 2.50pm Liverpool (A) 12pm

4-0 0-1 5-1 3-0 0-0 2-0

4,325 16,019 2,800 2,972 8,665 3,022

Tullis-Joyce Tullis-Joyce Tullis-Joyce Tullis-Joyce Tullis-Joyce Tullis-Joyce

Riviere Riviere Riviere 1 Riviere Bizet Riviere

Le Tissier Janssen Le Tissier Janssen Le Tissier 1 • Turner Le Tissier Janssen Le Tissier Janssen Le Tissier Janssen

Sandberg Sandberg Sandberg Sandberg Sandberg Rolfo

Zigiotti Naalsund Zigiotti Zigiotti Zigiotti Zigiotti

Miyazawa Miyazawa Miyazawa Miyazawa Miyazawa Miyazawa 1

WSL UWCL WSL UWCL

Fri 3 Wed 8 Sun 12 Thu 16

Chelsea (H) 7.30pm 1-1 Valerenga (H) 8pm 1-0 Everton (A) 12pm 4-1+ Atletico Madrid (A) 5.45pm 1-0

5,105 2,204 18,154 1,651

Tullis-Joyce Tullis-Joyce Tullis-Joyce Tullis-Joyce

Riviere Riviere Riviere Riviere

Le Tissier Janssen Le Tissier 1 • Janssen Le Tissier Janssen Le Tissier Janssen

Sandberg 1 Sandberg Sandberg Sandberg

Miyazawa Zigiotti Miyazawa Zigiotti

Park Miyazawa Malard 1 Miyazawa

WSL WSL UWCL WSL UWCL

Sun 2 Sat 8 Wed 12 Sat 15 Wed 19

Brighton (A) 12pm Aston Villa (H) 12pm Paris St-Germain (H) 8pm Man City (A) 1.30pm Wolfsburg (A) 5.45pm

3-2 0-1 2-1 0-3 2-5

3,363 3,434 14,667 17,520 3,817

Tullis-Joyce Riviere Tullis-Joyce Riviere Middleton-Patel Riviere Middleton-Patel Riviere Middleton-Patel Riviere

Le Tissier Le Tissier Le Tissier Le Tissier Le Tissier

Janssen Janssen George Janssen Janssen

Sandberg George Sandberg Sandberg Sandberg

Miyazawa Miyazawa Miyazawa Zigiotti Zigiotti

Park 1 Park Park Miyazawa Miyazawa

WSL UWCL WSL UWCL LC (QF)

Sun 7 Wed 10 Sun 14 Wed 17 Sun 21

West Ham (H) 12pm Lyon (H) 8pm Tottenham (H) 2.30pm Juventus (A) 8pm Tottenham (H) 1pm

2-1 0-3 3-3 1-0 2-1

2,705 2,318 3,148 6,641 2,027

Tullis-Joyce Tullis-Joyce Tullis-Joyce Tullis-Joyce Tullis-Joyce

Riviere Riviere Riviere Janssen Blundell

Le Tissier Le Tissier Le Tissier Le Tissier Le Tissier

Janssen 1 George Janssen George Janssen

Sandberg Sandberg Sandberg Sandberg Sandberg

Miyazawa Awujo Miyazawa Naalsund Zigiotti

Zigiotti Miyazawa Zigiotti Miyazawa Miyazawa

WSL FA (R4) LC (SF) WSL

Sat 10 Sun 18 Wed 21 Sun 25

Arsenal (A) 12.30pm Burnley (H) 1pm Arsenal (A) 7pm Aston Villa (A) 11.55am

0-0

37,627

Tullis-Joyce

Riviere

Le Tissier

Janssen

Sandberg

Miyazawa

Zigiotti

WSL WSL UWCL WSL UWCL FA

Sun 1 Sat 7 Thu 12 Sun 15 Thu 19 Sun 22

Liverpool (H) 11.55am Leicester (A) 12pm Atletico Madrid (A) 8pm London City (H) 12pm Atletico Madrid (H) 8pm Fifth round

WSL LC WSL UWCL WSL

Sun 15 14/15 Sat 21 24/25 Sun 29

West Ham (A) 12pm Final Everton (H) 12.30pm Quarter-final 1st leg Man City (H) 1pm

UWCL FA UWCL WSL

1/2 Sun 5 Sat 25 Sun 26

Quarter-final 2nd leg Quarter-final Semi-final 1st leg Tottenham (A) 2pm

UWCL WSL FA WSL UWCL FA

Sat 2 Sun 3 Sun 10 16/17 22/23/24 Sun 31

Semi-final 2nd leg Brighton (H) 1pm Semi-final Chelsea (A) TBC Final Final

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

M AY

KEY: WSL – Women’s Super League 44

44_45 Fixtures.indd 1

LC – Women’s League Cup FA – Women’s FA Cup Scorers Bold + own goal Yellow/red card Subs used: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th • Penalty ↑/↓ won/lost on penalties United score listed first and kick-off is UK time. All fixtures subject to change – TV picks confirmed until 15 February

14/01/2026 21:32

M A T C H - B Y- M A T C H S TA T I S T I C S

FOLLOW UNITED:

Facebook: manutdwomen

YouTube: /ManUtd

Match programme contact: MUWomenfamily@manutd.co.uk

Instagram: @manutdwomen

For ticket information visit: ManUtd.com/Tickets

SUBS USED

Toone Naalsund Bizet 1 Bizet Toone Malard

X: @manutdwomen

REFEREE

COMP

Terland 3 Terland 1

Turner Naalsund

Malard –

Barry –

– –

Vanja Jankovic Michaela Pachtova

Bizet Park Park 1 Toone Park Park

Toone 1 Toone Toone Malard Toone Toone 1

Malard 2 Malard Bizet Terland 3 Rolfo Malard

Terland 1 Terland Malard 2 Park Malard Terland

Park Bizet Janssen Rolfo Naalsund Bizet

Naalsund Turner Rolfo George Terland George

Turner Zigiotti Terland Naalsund George Naalsund

– – Naalsund Williams Williams Williams

– – George – – –

Grace Lowe Michalina Diakow Emily Heaslip Marta Huerta de Aza Kirsty Dowle Megan Wilson

Zigiotti Park Naalsund Toone

Toone Toone Toone Malard

Rolfo Malard Rolfo Terland

Terland Terland Terland Rolfo 1

Malard Rolfo Park 2 George

Bizet Naalsund George Naalsund

Williams George Zigiotti Galton

– Awujo Williams Williams

– – Galton –

Abigail Byrne Ewa Augustyn Stacey Fullicks Eleni Antoniou

Zigiotti Naalsund Zigiotti Park Awujo

Toone Toone Awujo Toone Toone

Malard Rolfo Rolfo 1 Galton Rolfo 1

Terland 1 Terland Malard 1 Terland Malard 1

Rolfo Sandberg Toone Malard Galton

Awujo Galton Galton Rolfo Park

Blundell Malard Terland Blundell Williams

George Zigiotti Williams Williams George

Naalsund 1 Williams – Awujo Naalsund

Stacey Pearson Abigail Byrne Katalin Kulcsar Grace Lowe Miriama Bockova

Park Naalsund Park Park 1 Park 1

Toone Malard Toone 1 Malard Toone

Malard Williams Malard Terland Rolfo 1

Terland 1 Rolfo Terland Rolfo Terland

Blundell Toone Rolfo 2 Toone Malard

Awujo Park Galton Zigiotti Naalsund

Rolfo Zigiotti – Galton Awujo

– Janssen – Awujo –

– Galton – – –

Melissa Burgin Ionela Alina Pesu Emily Heaslip Marta Huerta de Aza Phoebe Cross

Malard

Park

Rolfo

Terland

Awujo

Schuller

Lundkvist

Naalsund

–

Abigail Byrne

VISIT: MANUTD.COM/FIXTURES FOR THE LATEST FIXTURES INFORMATION

44_45 Fixtures.indd 2

14/01/2026 21:32

DATE

QUESTION TIME

ADDED-TIME QUIZ FIRST ONE OF 2026 - CAN YOU START WITH FULL MARKS?

United’s first FA Cup win in Leigh came against Durham, but in which year?

6 1

United’s 6-0 win at Burnley in 2021 was our penultimate FA Cup game under Casey Stoney – who were the Reds’ opponents for the final such outing?

That wait was partially due to the club’s first-ever ‘home’ Cup game, in 2019, being moved to Hyde FC, against which opponents?

Who netted United’s first FA Cup goal of 2024/25, opening the scoring in the 7-0 win over West Brom?

Which side have United beaten most often in FA Cup meetings, winning three out of three so far?

Who are the only team the Reds have met on multiple occasions in this competition, but never in a league fixture?

46 Quiz Burnley.indd 1

How many goals did the Reds net in the competition en route to a runners-up finish last season: 14, 16 or 18?

Which Somerset side were the first FA Cup opponents of Marc Skinner’s reign at United? How many of the Reds’ seven third-round ties so far have ended in defeat?

Answers: 1. Leicester City; 2. Lucy Staniforth; 3. Brighton; 4. Sunderland; 5. 2023; 6. London Bees; 7. Melvine Malard; 8. 18; 9. Bridgwater United; 10. One.

Which former Reds midfielder scored her first goal for the club in that win over the Clarets?

14/01/2026 21:32

MAN UTD

25/26 THIRD JERSEY

XX_AD1 copy 1.indd 1

02/09/2025 08:23

MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN Head coach Marc Skinner

BURNLEY WOMEN Interim manager Lou Roberts

Kayla Rendell (GK)

Eva Spencer (GK)

Anna Sandberg

Charley Docherty

Gabby George

Emma Siddall

Maya Le Tissier

Brenna McPartlan

Hanna Lundkvist

Jasmine Matthews

Ella Toone

Heidi

Jess Park

Emma Doyle

Melvine Malard

Claudia Walker

Elisabeth Terland 10

10 Millie Ravening

Leah Galton 11

11 Danielle Maxwell

Fridolina Rolfo 12

12 Maddie Robinson

Simi Awujo 13

13 Jade Richards

Jayde Riviere 14

15 Helen Seed

Celin Bizet Donnum 15 Lisa Naalsund 16

16 Deirdre Bradley 17 Millie Chandarana

Dominique Janssen 17

18 Louise McDaniel

Julia Zigiotti Olme 18

19 Charlie Chadwick

Hinata Miyazawa 20

20 Yana Daniels

Millie Turner 21

21 Brooke Cairns

Lea Schuller 24

22 Alethea Paul

Evie Rabjohn 25

23 Naomi Hartley

Emma Watson 34

24 Tilly Wilkes

Mared Griffiths 36

25 Aimee Kelly

Safia Middleton-Patel (GK) 39

27 Naoisha McAloon (GK)

Tamira Livingston 41

28 Kirstie Levell (GK)

Jessica Anderson 47

30 Abbey-Leigh Stringer

Sienna Wareing 48 Scarlett Hill 52 Lucy Newell 55 Layla Drury 57 Phallon Tullis-Joyce (GK) 91

48 Back cover Burnley.indd 1

Referee Alice Parker Assistants Leoni Harland, Luke Bowles Fourth official Abby Dearden

14/01/2026 21:31