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08/09/2026 23:27

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JERSEY 08/09/2026 22:46

welcome...

it’s matchday!

WHAT’S INSIDE YOUR OFFICIAL PROGRAMME... 04 THE HEAD COACH 06 THE MATCH

08 THE NUMBERS GAME 11

THE NEWS

THE BIG INTERVIEW

THE BIGGER PICTURE

THE RED ARMY

22 THE OPPOSITION 25 THE FOUNDATION

26 THE KIDS’ DUGOUT

29 THE STATISTICS 34 THE QUIZ MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB

MATCH PROGRAMME TEAM Editor Charlie Ghagan Contributors Mikey Partington, Isaac Stacey Stronge, Sean Mullan, Jamie Spencer, Matt Brown Design Tom Chase, Megan Vickers Photography Poppy Townson, Ash Donelon, Zohaib Alam, Getty, Alamy Thanks to Ellie Decrop, Paul Davies, George McCaffery, John Shiel, Mark Froggatt, Gareth Boyes Printed by MuPrint.com © Manchester United 2026

MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN HONOURS BOARD

WOMEN’S FA CUP

WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP

U21 S PGA CUP

2024

2019

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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, John Reece, Robert Nevin Secretary Rebecca Britain Honorary president Martin Edwards

2022

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08/09/2026 22:28

THE

head coach EVA OLID

AHEAD OF HER FIRST HOME GAME IN CHARGE OF THE REDS, THE BOSS WANTS TO SEE 90 MINUTES OF BRAVERY AND BELIEF, BACKED BY YOUR PASSIONATE SUPPORT...

elcome to the Progress With Unity Stadium for our first home game of the season. Since arriving at this club, I’ve really been looking forward to this moment, and seeing thousands of you Reds in the stands pushing the team on. I know how passionate you all are, and it will be a huge privilege to represent you. I cannot wait to help the team make you proud. We have four new signings who are also experiencing your home support for the first time so we are all excited for what we hope will be a special day. As I said when I first arrived at Manchester United, I want the team to

develop a clear attacking mentality. This is a process and every player must have belief on the ball to make things happen. Of course, we were disappointed to begin the season with defeat away to London City Lionesses. We improved later in the game, moving the ball better and taking more control, but ultimately we didn’t have enough possession in the right areas. Today we welcome Sonia Bompastor and her Chelsea side. We know the challenge they will present, and containing Chelsea’s individual quality will require total concentration. When our players walk down that tunnel today, I know every one of them will have the mindset required for a fixture such as this one. We hope that this will be the first of many great days together this season. This is our home, and we know we’ll have incredible support from everyone around the stadium. We must all carry that belief through every minute of the game.

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When our players walk down that tunnel today, I know every one of them will have the mindset required for a fixture such as this one

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THE

Match

A FOUR-POINT PREVIEW OF TODAY’S WSL FIXTURE...

Words Mikey Partington

EVA OLID’S FIRST HOME MATCHDAY This afternoon’s league clash with Chelsea will give our new head coach Eva Olid her first taste of a United matchday here in Leigh. The Catalan took charge in the first week of August after guiding Hearts to a historic Scottish Women’s Premier League title last season, and the appointment of the 40-year-old marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the Reds, with a focus on long-term growth and success. Although we couldn’t begin our WSL campaign with a positive result last Friday, Eva saw signs of improvement in the second half against London City and hopes her charges can build on that progress this afternoon. The challenge is a considerable one against a Chelsea side we have beaten just once previously, but the Reds will be determined to make a strong start to our home campaign, and a winning start in Leigh against the Blues will spark some big celebrations in the stands come full-time.

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1 Eva meets the press pack at Carrington last week

Bernal (centre) is the most recent addition to the United squad

RED RECRUITS ARE ALL READY

It’s an exciting new era for United Women and our squad for this season features four summer arrivals. Spanish defender Andrea Medina faced the Reds three times with Atletico Madrid last season – including playing at this stadium in February – but is on our side now and is already “buzzing” with life in Manchester, as you might have heard her say in a recent interview! Goalkeeper Janina Leitzig adds three-and-a-half years of WSL experience from her time at Leicester, while pacy young forward Monica Jusu Bah is sure to get us off our seats over the next nine months. Mexico captain and versatile defender/midfielder Rebeca Bernal was our latest addition before the WSL transfer window closed earlier this month. Don’t be surprised to see all four in the matchday squad – how many will make their home debut?

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THE match

Villa spoiled the party at Stamford Bridge last weekend

BOTH TEAMS OUT FOR A FIRST WIN The WSL is now the biggest it’s ever been, with the division expanding from 12 to 14 teams ahead of this season. It means we can look forward to two extra home games in the league over the course of 2026/27, with 13 in total to be played here in Leigh and at Old Trafford between now and May. The list of matches we’ll host concludes with a Theatre of Dreams outing against Arsenal to round off the campaign, while it starts here today with another blockbuster encounter. United may not have had as much joy as we would have liked against Chelsea over the years, but this is always a fixture that offers the opportunity to lay down a marker with a win. Today is no different and there is plenty on the line too, with Sonia Bompastor’s side also in search of their first three points of the WSL campaign. The eight-time champions, who had the title taken from them by Manchester City last season, were held to a draw on the opening weekend by Aston Villa and will hope to get back to winning ways on the road today. The Reds, meanwhile, are eager to get off the mark in 2026/27, and the role we can all play from the stands today should not be underestimated.

FAMILIAR FACES BACK IN LEIGH One player who knows all about the influence the United faithful can have here in Leigh is Melvine Malard, whose energy, passion and quality meant she became a favourite among those of us who cheered her on from the stands over the last three seasons. The French forward completed a transfer from United to Chelsea this summer and it just so happens she could make her domestic debut for the Blues this afternoon. Our former no.9 missed last Saturday’s clash with Aston Villa due to a knock picked up in training, but Bompastor told reporters afterwards she hopes Malard will be available to face her old side. There’s a chance she won’t be the only familiar face representing the Londoners either, with Lauren James – a Red between 2018 and 2021, before her move to the capital – likely to be one to watch out for, after she opened her WSL account for the season with Chelsea’s goal against Villa.

Malard’s commitment in a United shirt made her a popular figure with our fans

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THE

NUMBERS GAME SOME FASCINATING FIGURES TO PONDER AHEAD OF KICK-OFF...

6 8 90+

UNITED ARE UNBEATEN IN OUR OPENING HOME GAME IN EACH OF THE LAST SIX WSL SEASONS Won four, drawn two – a run that started with a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in 2020/21

EACH OF UNITED’S LAST THREE WSL GOALS HAVE COME IN THE 90th MINUTE OR LATER

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No side has ever had a longer successive run of WSL goals exclusively scored in the 90th minute or later (Arsenal (3) in Oct 2023; Brighton (3) in Mar 2024)

ANDREA MEDINA ECORDED THE MOST R TACKLES (8) OF ANY PLAYER ACROSS THE OPENING WSL MATCHDAY And the new signing also recorded the joint-most interceptions (4)

45 LAST SEASON IN THE SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP, EVA OLID LED HER HEARTS TEAM TO THE MOST HOME GOALS (45) As well as the second most home points (31 – W10 D1 L3), behind only Rangers (34 points)

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07.09.26 22:47 16:36 08/09/2026

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08/09/2026 22:47

the news

JPL JOY FOR UNDER-16S Drury and Newell in La Manga with United, ahead of joining up with England’s U20s

UNITED PAIR AT U20 WORLD CUP

Congratulations to our girls’ U16s, who were crowned champions of the Junior Premier League’s peer-to-peer tournament. Our young Reds secured the title with a 1-0 victory against Sunderland, thanks to Maddie’s winning goal. Niamh claimed Player of the Tournament in recognition of her outstanding performances. It’s a second trophy of the season already for our U16s, who were crowned champions at the long-respected SuperCup NI tournament in July. Our U16s have made a brilliant start to 2026/27

Drury and Newell help Lionesses get the group stage under way in Poland Led by head coach Lydia Bedford, England are one of 24 teams competing for the trophy, with the final to be played on 27 September. This is the 12th edition of the biennial competition, with the Young Lionesses aiming to beat their highest finish of third place in 2018. Drury, 17, signed her first professional contract with United over the summer. Newell, 19, signed her first professional contract with the Reds in October 2024 and, like Drury, was involved throughout United’s pre-season programme. Lucy spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace, helping the Eagles earn promotion.

BRUNO’S A PARK FAN Bruno Fernandes paid a glowing tribute to Jess Park after United’s no.8s were named in respective PFA Teams of the Year. The creative duo attended an exclusive ceremony in Manchester city centre to collect awards that were voted for by their peers across the Premier League and WSL. “Since she came [to United], she’s been unbelievable for the team, amazing,” said Fernandes. “She had a great season for us and I hope that she can keeping growing, and getting better and better.”

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Having been named in England’s FIFA U20 World Cup squad, young Reds Layla Drury and Lucy Newell were both involved in the Young Lionesses’ opening two games, a 1-1 draw against Canada, followed by a 5-1 win against Tanzania, both in Bielsko-Biala, Poland. Forward Drury entered the action in both games as a second-half substitute, with defender Newell also introduced late on against the Canadians, before playing the full 90 minutes in the dominant victory against Tanzania. England’s final Group B tie took place after this programme went to print, against Brazil on Friday.

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Big interview

MAYA LE TISSIER

THE

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Interview Isaac Stacey Stronge

AS A NEW ERA TAKES SHAPE AFTER A SUMMER OF CHANGE, SKIPPER MAYA LE TISSIER LOOKS AHEAD WITH CONFIDENCE AND OPTIMISM – WHILE SHE HOPES FOR A ‘PERFECT SUNDAY’ FOR EVERY RED!

We spoke to you in pre-season and you mentioned that she’s football obsessed... Yeah, I’ll never forget the first meeting I had with her, it was straight to the tactics board! [Laughs] She knows football so well. She has so much

FACTFILE FULL NAME Maya Le Tissier DATE OF BIRTH 18 April 2002 POSITION Defender PLACE OF BIRTH Guernsey YOUTH CAREER St. Martins A.C. (boys), Brighton & Hove Albion SENIOR CAREER 2018-22 Brighton & Hove Albion 75 games, 2 goals 2022- Manchester United 137 games, 13 goals INTERNATIONAL CAREER England: 14 caps, 0 goals HONOURS Women’s FA Cup winner 2024; UEFA Women’s Championship 2025; Women’s Finalissima 2023; Arnold Clark Cup 2023; United Women’s Players’ Player of the Year 2023/24

Out in La Manga with ‘Tez’, where pre-season preparation was the focus

knowledge and confidence, and obviously we all back her and want to play for her, so we’ll play well too. That definitely helps with the game plan, and I think we just need to be confident as players to do that [carry out the game plan] and I think everything will be really good. New players have come in too this summer. Was the trip to La Manga a good chance to get to know those early signings a bit better? The new signings have just come in and you’d think they’d been there for so long. We say that about quite a few players that come in and it’s a credit to the group – the togetherness and the culture that Marc set for us. He played a big part in that and keeping us together. So I think they’ve fitted in really well. Like I get on so well with Medi [Andrea Medina} and the rest of the girls. It’s been really positive. And aside from the United pre-season trip, did you get back to Guernsey over the break? Yeah, I was back home for a couple of weeks, which was so nice. It’s just so nice to be on your own schedule, meeting your mates and your family and stuff, so that was good. I went to Greece and Mauritius too, so I travelled around a bit. It was all really good.

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Eva’s been here for just over a month now. How have you enjoyed working under her so far? I’ve really enjoyed it. She’s definitely making me think about football differently, which has been positive. We’ve only had a few games so far with her, but I’ve definitely seen a progression in what we’re trying to do. Sometimes it takes a while for it to come out, but I think it’s definitely positive going forward. She’s taken charge of everyone and I think everyone’s really enjoyed it.

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Leading out the Reds last weekend, ahead of a frustrating 90 minutes in Bromley for Maya and the visiting Reds

And we saw you went to Wimbledon as well – are you a big tennis fan? I’ve always watched Wimbledon, but I’ve never really followed any of the players, but now I do! I loved it. I took my mum, which was really nice. She was really good at tennis back in her day. Well, to be fair, she says that she can still beat me now, but I’m not sure about that! I just love watching all sports, like live sports – any football, anything!

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Would you say you’ve got a second sport? Yeah, padel! I play it and I’m obsessed. I play with Tez [Elizabeth Terland], and recently I played with Jani [Janina Leitzig] and Medi as well, but Tez is my main partner, and I’d say we’re pretty good. Honestly, like I’m obsessed! Like, if I had to play a sport other than football professionally, that would be it! I’m not good enough, though. But it’s a really good game. Let’s get back to the football. Obviously the London City game wasn’t the result we wanted. How do you reflect on that game now we’re a few days down the line? Yeah, it definitely wasn’t what we wanted, to be honest. We needed to be way more confident on the ball. As I said, sometimes it’s difficult to do that, but we need to be able to do that. And to create more chances. We need to get closer together on the ball,

being captain was difficult at the start. I was young... it was the off-pitch things that I needed to develop and to defend set-pieces better as well. It was obviously a tough first game, away, but we’re looking forward to the game on Sunday. Did Eva say anything in the dressing room after the London City game? What was her message? She just said that you guys need to be confident, like you’re very good players, but you have to be confident on the ball. She wants players that can play on the ball and that’s our responsibility. So that’s definitely on us as players, to do what we had worked on in pre-season, but now we have a good opportunity on Sunday to put that right. We saw a bit of Monica Jusu Bah in the London City game – she looked pretty quick…

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THE Big Interview Yeah, she’s rapid! She’s so fast, so fast. That adds a different dimension to our game, having someone that fast. Like, not many people are going to want to come up against her with that speed she has. And she’s so funny as well! She’s just come in with a bang – like she’s a great person, with great energy and a great personality, so it’s been really good. And obviously she’s another Swede in the squad… Scandi FC! I’ve seen Tez [Terland] speak to the Swedes like with their own language [Norwegian and Swedish share a similar vocabulary]. So us English players are going to need to learn it now! I love the Scandinavians, which is good because there’s so many of them in the team now! Is your role as captain any different, welcoming the new signings? Do you have an extra role there? Yeah, I need to make sure they have everything they need or they know that they can always speak to me if they have any questions. I always like to make them feel welcome. But honestly, these girls that have come in, they’ve just come straight in with a bang. That makes my job easier! All of their personalities have been amazing. Janni, Moni [Jusu Bah], Medi, and Rebe [Bernal] – obviously, she came in late, but she’s been a great addition too, she’s very calm.

Jusu Bah’s pace can be a major asset, says the captain

You’re still quite young for a captain, but do you feel natural in the role now you’ve been doing it for a couple of years? Yeah, I think I’ve definitely developed, in a good way. I remember when Marc asked me for the first time, I obviously said yes, but it was difficult at the start. I was very young, I was 22. But I’ve always been a leader anyway on the pitch, like I always play and train the same way, so it was more the off-pitch things that I needed to develop and he really helped me with that, and that definitely made me a better captain, for sure. Obviously Tooney [Ella Toone]’s the vice-captain as well, so she’s been great too. We’re a good team. A number of Academy youngsters have stepped up to the first-team squad this summer, including Layla Drury, who last season became our youngest-ever goalscorer. We know she’s currently away with England U20s, but how has she been getting on? Great. When she first came in last year, I was struggling to take the ball off her. Like, she’s just so unorthodox... I’d practised one-v-ones with her and she’d be just gone! Like she’s so fast. She’s been great and she works really hard as well, which I think for me, like I was always like that when I was young and I

It’s hard not to bump into a Scandinavian on the training ground these days!

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THE Big Interview

Chatting to fans post-match following our last WSL game in Leigh, in May

Only five players have lined up for United Women more times than our consistent captain

really appreciate that when young players come up and really want to work. I think she’s got a very bright future ahead of her, definitely.

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And then there’s Lucy, Mared, Scarlett, Jess and Jessica – how good is it to have those around the squad, having moved up from the Academy? Yeah, it’s good. Obviously, they’ve changed the strategy at the club and that gives more opportunities towards the younger players. And I feel like they’ve settled in nicely now and yeah, they’re great to have around the team as well. They are really nice people too, so that’s good. And just looking ahead to Chelsea, how much are you looking forward to being back at Leigh in front of the fans? Yeah, it’ll be class. The first game back at Leigh is always a good one, and obviously the fans have been waiting for a while now. The summer’s been so long and hopefully we can put on a better performance than the other day. It’ll be really good, like especially for the big games like Chelsea it’s always bouncing in the stands, so we’re all looking forward to it.

The first game back at Leigh is always a good one, and for the big games it’s always bouncing After London City and Chelsea, we have Arsenal – that’s a challenging start. Do you think it’s good to jump straight back in with those tough tests or would you rather have them more spaced out? I mean, you’re going to play these teams anyway, so you might as well just play them. It’s good playing against really good teams. It really tests you. The whole league now is so competitive now, though. it’s definitely changed a lot, even from two years ago. It’ll be a busy Sunday for Reds – you’re kicking off at 12pm, and then the men’s derby is at 4.30pm… Yeah, I’m going to the derby straight after too! I think there’s quite a few of us as well, to be fair. We’ll jump in the car and get there – it should be good! If we both win, it’ll be a perfect Sunday! We’ll end by asking you what your ambitions are for the season, for yourself and for the team... To just keep developing, to always be open to the challenges and play the way we want to play, and to really get into that and play well. We’ve got a great group that can do that, and we want to do that. So, I’m excited for when it all comes together.

•

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08/09/2026 22:46

THE

BIGger PICTURE 13.09.20

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THE BIG PICTURE

E While the scoreline – Birmingham City 2 United 5 – is a memorable one, if you’re struggling to properly recall the only other time the Reds have played on today’s date, 13 September, we forgive you. After all, it came right at the start of the behind-closed-doors season of 2020/21, with fans only able to watch this WSL clash via the FA Player app. Six years seems a long time ago now. The game at Damson Park saw Alessia Russo make her United debut as a half-time substitute, the forward having completed quarantine after signing earlier that week. While Russo didn’t get on the scoresheet, her good friend Ella Toone did (pictured), making it 3-2 to the visitors soon after the restart by guiding home a cross from Kirsty Hanson, who would complete the victory with two further goals. Aside from the date, are there any other links to today’s game? Well, this victory in the West Midlands came on the back of our season opener against, yes, Chelsea – a 1-1 draw that ranks among our better results against the Londoners. And then there’s Birmingham’s teenage keeper (pictured), who now plays for another side known as the Blues...

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A FIVE-STAR FLASHBACK

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participants supported

community projects

08/09/2026 22:46

IN THE

STANDs ← Happy birthday to Martyn & Bri, love from Joe, Wendy, Dawn and the gang.

↑ Mia and Heidi are massive fans of Celin and Maya!

← Kathryn and Jane – daughter and mum – never miss a match.

↓ Wishing a massive welcome to twins Alexandra and Samantha Murray, here from the Isle of Man!

↑ Sam and her son Arthur are looking forward to returning to Leigh for their fourth season.

↑ Scarlett is looking forward to the season – you can see her favourite player on her shirt.

← Happy 14th birthday to Talia for today.

··

Happy 13th birthday to Lily Coleman and Jessie Brown from Preston. ‘Wishing my daughter Ellie Bancroft a happy 14th birthday – lots of love from Mum, Dad, Matt, Ryan and Nathan.’

↑ In memory of John Mallon, here today in spirit – a proud MUW season ticketer since 2018. Forever Red.

SEND YOUR PHOTOS & MESSAGES TO: MUWOMENFAMILY@MANUTD.CO.UK

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Your Text Messages

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07/09/2026 09:10

THE opposition

CHELSEA

Words Jamie Spencer

The Blues made a fast start in their WSL opener, but they couldn’t secure all three points at Stamford Bridge

Last weekend, Chelsea began a WSL season without the champions’ tag for the first time since 2019/20. Rather than making a statement of renewed intent, however, the Blues were left frustrated as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge. The famous stadium in west London has become a more permanent home to Sonia Bompastor’s team after the decision was made in April to relocate all WSL matches from Kingsmeadow. Domestic cup fixtures and Champions League games up to the knockout phase will remain elsewhere, at AFC Wimbledon’s Cherry Red Records Stadium. The Blues dominated against Villa, taking an early lead through a thumping Lauren James strike. Chelsea eventually peppered 35 shots (nine on target) at the Villa goal by the end of the game. But a Veerle Buurman own goal 11 minutes from time meant the points were shared. “It’s crazy we didn’t

win,” said Bompastor. It was a happier start in the Champions League, however, albeit via an unfamiliar route in qualifying. Chelsea made light work of Real Sociedad in the third round, winning 6-2 on aggregate to reach the six-game league phase, which starts later this month. In terms of personnel, big names have moved on. Sam Kerr called time on her Chelsea career in May, while Niamh Charles joined Manchester City and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd moved to OL Lyonnes. The Blues brought in five new faces, though, including Melvine Malard, who scored twice on her Chelsea bow against Real Sociedad but was missing against Villa due to a training knock. Katie McCabe (left) was one of the more surprising WSL transfers of the summer, the left-sided player recruited after 11 years with Arsenal. Nelly Las, Giulia Dragoni and Manaka Matsukubo have also arrived, and await their debuts for Bompastor’s side.

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THE opposition

the Young talent

recent LINE-UP

aston villa

(HOME, WSL), 05.09.26

HAMPTON

BRONZE

BUURMAN

McCABE

WALSH

CARPENTER

NUSKEN

JAMES

KAPTEIN

BEEVER-JONES

THOMPSON

Substitutes used

There are already signs that Veerle Buurman, last season’s WSL Rising Star award winner, is emerging as Chelsea’s next defensive leader. The 20-year-old Netherlands international was often called upon when more experienced team-mates were unavailable during 2025/26, occasionally filling in at left-back as well as in her preferred central role. Buurman got the nod ahead of experienced pair Naomi Girma and Kadeisha Buchanan for last weekend’s opener against Aston Villa, a reflection of the trust already being placed in her by head coach Bompastor. The own goal that handed Villa an equaliser came from an unfortunate rebound that left the defender with little chance to react. Defensively assured and comfortable in possession, Buurman’s ability to progress the ball upfield is one of her standout strengths, whether through incisive passing or purposeful carries from the back.

BALTIMORE (FOR KAPTEIN)

Following Millie Bright’s retirement, Erin Cuthbert is Chelsea’s new captain. The tenacious Scotland international is already a nine-year veteran of the Blues, having made her debut in 2017, and reached 300 appearances for the club in May. “Erin cares about the people around her and I think that’s what makes her such a natural leader,” said Sonia Bompastor. It was Lucy Bronze who led Chelsea out against Aston Villa last weekend, however, with Cuthbert sidelined by the knee injury she suffered while representing Scotland in June. As for Bompastor, the 46-year-old is now into her third season in charge after succeeding club legend Emma Hayes. Her record of 62 wins from 80 matches speaks for itself, although even that pales beside the success she enjoyed with former club OL Bompastor Lyonnes, where she and Cuthbert won 100 of her 118 games at the helm.

About THE opponents... Formed: 1992 Nickname: The Blues Major honours: WSL winners 2015, 2017 (Spring Series), 2017/18, 2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24, 2024/25; FA Cup winners 2015, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025; League Cup winners 2020, 2021, 2025, 2026 Last season: WSL 3rd place, FA Cup semi-final, League Cup winners, UWCL quarter-final, top scorer (all comps): Sam Kerr (17) Record v United: P20 W17 D2 L1 F44 A12

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captain and head coach

Buurman was also shortlisted for the 2026 PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year award

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09/09/2026 07:17

THE

Over 1,500 youngsters enjoyed the local holiday camps

SUMMER TO REMEMBER! Words Matthew Brown

HUNDREDS OF YOUNGSTERS ENJOYED FOOTBALL, ADVENTURE AND FRIENDSHIP IN JULY AND AUGUST Manchester United Foundation’s summer delivery included over 150 unique sessions and events throughout July and August, keeping participants active and engaged during the holidays. Engaging 692 participants and amassing over 3,800 attendances, the summer activity saw trips to Texas, and closer to home in the Lake District, as well as a series of holiday camps and football tournaments. Working with Salford and Trafford Councils, the Foundation delivered three holiday camps, as part of the

government-funded Holiday Activities and Food programme. Located in Salford, Stretford and Partington, all three camps saw 127 participants attend, with over 1,500 attendances overall, and 1,840 free lunches provided over the course of four weeks. Youngsters at the Partington camp even received a surprise visit from Reds defender Diogo Dalot on the final week of summer. Willow, 9, who attended the Partington sessions, said: “I like coming to camp because you do lots of exercise and get fitter and

healthier. I want to thank all my coaches for helping me, I think I understand more about football now, but also, I’ve developed as a person and become more open, confident and independent.” Six participants from the Foundation’s inclusive projects joined up with young people from Newcastle United Foundation as the English representatives for the Genuine Cup, held in Houston, USA. They enjoyed cultural activities in the Texan city and competed on the pitch against other young people from around the world, while they even got to play in the 47,000-capacity Rice University Stadium. “I had the best week of my life in Houston – the team became one big family and that was special,” said Will, 19, who has attended the Foundation’s Ability Counts disability football sessions for nine years. “All corners of the globe came together and got along so well. I’m glad I spoke to so many people from a variety of backgrounds.” Meanwhile, Joab, one of the youngsters who enjoyed water sports and adventure-based activities on the Lake District trip, said: “It’s been a really good experience and I’ve enjoyed the different activities, spending time with everyone and trying things I wouldn’t normally get the chance to do. It’s been great being together, making new memories and having fun.”

MUW 26/27

FOUNDATION

For more, visit mufoundation.org

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PUZZ LES AND LAUG HS WITH FRED THE RED…

RED & BLUE!

JACKIE GROENEN UNITED / CHELSEA

HANNAH BLUNDELL UNITED / CHELSEA

C: 23% M: 100% Y: 100% K: 19%

C: 20% M: 93% Y: 85.5% K: 10%

THIS QUINTET LINED UP FOR BOTH UNITED AND CHELSEA – BUT WHICH OF THE TWO CLUBS DID THEY MAKE MOST APPEARANCES FOR?

RACHEL WILLIAMS UNITED / CHELSEA

C: 25% M: 83% Y: 70% K: 13.5%

C: 0% M: 100% Y: 100% K: 5%

C: 0% M: 86.5% Y: 74% K: 0% C: 0% M: 66% Y: 42% K: 0%

ALESSIA RUSSO UNITED / CHELSEA

MARIA THORISDOTTIR UNITED / CHELSEA

WHO AM I?

IDENTIFY THE EX-RED FROM OUR FIVE CLUES 1. I scored United’s first-ever goal v Chelsea, in September 2020 2. I also started against Chelsea in two FA Cup finals 3. I used to play in the United States, for a team called ’Sky Blue FC’ 4. I made 172 appearances for the Reds, before leaving this year 5. My name isn’t ‘Angela Holt’, but my name is hidden within that! 26

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THE Kids’ dugout

BIG-MATCH BRAINTEASER!

CAN YOU COMPLETE OUR BUMPER CROSSWORD?

1 2 3 5

7 8 9 10 11

3. Nationality of our new goalkeeper Janina Leitzig 5. T he Women’s League Cup has been renamed the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Cup 7. T he assistant ref carries one, but the main ref doesn’t... what is it?! 8. Complete the chant: ‘Take me home, United…’ 11. N ame of the Reds’ training ground 12. N umber of teams in this season’s WSL

DOWN

1. Colour of United’s 2026/27 away kit 2. You line one up when defending a free-kick 4. First name of United’s top scorer last season in all competitions 6. First name of the stadium where Chelsea Women now play their WSL home games 9. Swede who wears no.5 for the Reds 10. If you do this in your own box, you’ll concede a penalty!

ANSWERS - Red & Blue: 1. Groenen – United (60-31), 2. Blundell – Chelsea (161-95), 3. Williams – United (90-12), 4. Russo – United (59-1), 5. Thorisdottir – Chelsea (47-45); Who am I?: Leah Galton; Crossword: Across – 3. German, 5. Players, 7. Flag, 8. Road, 11. Carrington, 12. Fourteen; Down – 1. Blue, 2. Wall, 4. Elisabeth, 6. Stamford, 9. Lundkvist, 10. Handball

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MUW 26/27

ACROSS

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AD jess US 6.indd 1

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THE

STATISTICS OTHER WSL FIXTURES

WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE TABLE, 2025/26 Team

Pts

Liverpool

Man City

Spurs

London City

Arsenal

Crystal Palace

Aston Villa

Chelsea

UNITED

-1

10 Brighton

-1

11 Everton

-1

12 Birmingham

-2

13 West Ham

-2

14 Charlton

-4

YESTERDAY (SAT 12 SEP) West Ham v London City (12.45pm) TODAY (SUN 13 SEP) Birmingham v Brighton (2pm) Everton v Charlton (2pm) Liverpool v Spurs (2pm) Arsenal v Crystal Palace (2.45pm) Aston Villa (right) v Man City (6.30pm)

WSL TOP SCORERS, 2025/26 (Assists in brackets, clubs shown are those from last season)

Khadija Shaw (Manchester City)

21 (4)

Alessia Russo (Arsenal)

13 (6)

Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa)

12 (1)

Vivianne Miedema (Manchester City)

10 (5)

Stina Blackstenius (Arsenal)

10 (3)

Kerolin (Manchester City)

9 (5)

Olivia Holdt (Tottenham Hotspur)

8 (3)

Kiko Seike (Brighton & Hove Albion)

8 (2)

Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea)

7 (3)

Sam Kerr (Chelsea)

7 (2)

Bethany England (Tottenham Hotspur)

7 (1)

Jess Park (United)

6 (5)

Frida Maanum (Arsenal)

6 (4)

Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses)

6 (4)

Melvine Malard (United)

6 (3)

Elisabeth Terland (below) (United)

6 (2)

Cathinka Tandberg (Tottenham Hotspur)

6 (2)

Beata Olsson (Liverpool)

6 (2)

Five further WSL fixtures are taking place this afternoon, including a meeting between two sides who enjoyed winning starts to the new season, Liverpool and Spurs, at 2pm. Grace Fisk scored twice as the Merseysiders won 4-0 at newly promoted Charlton, while Spurs had ex-Red Kirsty Hanson to thank for their 3-1 home victory over West Ham, with the Scottish winger (below) also netting a brace. Also kicking off at 2pm, Birmingham and Brighton meet at St Andrew’s. Both sides suffered defeats last weekend, although they faced tough opening-day tests against Manchester City and Arsenal respectively. Everton v Charlton completes the 2pm programme, with Arsenal v Crystal Palace getting under way at the Gunners’ Emirates Stadium at 2.45pm. Then, tonight, Aston Villa host Manchester City at Villa Park. The Villans’ 1-1 draw away to Chelsea last weekend will give Natalia Arroyo’s side belief that they can cause another upset, this time against the reigning WSL champions.

MUW 26/27

(Stats up to 11 Sep – West Ham v London City on 12 Sep not included)

LATEST INFO FROM ACROSS THE WSL AND THE REDS SQUAD

429 3 29 wsl stats.indd 1

09/09/2026 07:07

WH EN TH EI R WEDDI G LI WH ENNTH EIST R WEDDI N G LI ST I S DOU B LE-SI DED... I S DOU B LE-SI DED...

B E A S T E P A H E A D W I T H B A R C L AY S P R E M I E R

best B E A S T E with P A Hour EAD W I savings T H B A Rrates C L AY S P R E M I E R *

with our best savings rates*

Barclays Premier

*Eligibility criteria apply. T&Cs apply. Barclays offers banking and credit products to its clients through Barclays Bank UK PLC. Barclays Bank UK PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Registered in England. Registered No. 9740322. *EligibilityRegistered criteria apply. apply. Office:T&Cs 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP.

Barclays offers banking and credit products to its clients through Barclays Bank UK PLC. Barclays Bank UK PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Registered in England. Registered No. 9740322. GCS-BWSL programme ads_A5.indd 1 25/08/2026 18:23 RegisteredWF3118203 Office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP. AD wedding.indd 1

09/09/2026 07:19

APPEARANCES + GOALS THE PLAYER STATS

A NUMERICAL LOOK AT THE SQUAD, PLUS THE ALL-TIME INDIVIDUAL RECORDS...

UNITED APPEARANCES & GOALS, 2026/27 FA CUP APP GLS

LEAGUE CUP APP GLS

APP

TOTAL GLS

Simi Awujo

0(1)

Dominique Janssen

Monica Jusu Bah

0(1)

Maya Le Tissier

Hanna Lundkvist

0(1)

Andrea Medina

Hinata Miyazawa

Jess Park

Jayde Riviere

Anna Sandberg

Lea Schuller

0(1)

Elisabeth Terland

Ella Toone

Phallon Tullis-Joyce

Julia Zigiotti

ALL-TIME RECORDS: GAMES

UNITED CAREER APPEARANCES & GOALS WSL APP GLS

FA CUP APP GLS

LEAGUE CUP APP GLS

UWCL APP GLS

TOTAL APP GLS

Apps

Ella Toone

214

Jessica Anderson

0(1)

0(2)

Millie Turner

189

Simi Awujo

6(18)

1(2)

4(3)

4(5)

15(28)

Leah Galton

172

Celin Bizet Donnum

20(7)

3(1)

1(2)

2(1)

26(11)

Katie Zelem

161

Layla Drury

0(5)

0(2)

0(7)

Maya Le Tissier

137

Mared Griffiths

0(1)

Mary Earps

125

Dominique Janssen

35(5)

4(2)

4(3)

10(1)

53(11)

Hayley Ladd

110

Monica Jusu Bah

0(1)

Hannah Blundell

Maya Le Tissier

13(2)

135(2)

Melvine Malard

Hanna Lundkvist

5(7)

1(1)

11(8)

Kirsty Hanson

Andrea Medina

Rachel Williams

Safia Middl’n-Patel

Hinata Miyazawa

40(12)

6(2)

7(1)

14(2)

67(17)

Jess Park

20(3)

9(2)

34(5)

PLAYER

ALL-TIME RECORDS: GOALS

Jayde Riviere

48(6)

5(1)

13(1)

71(8)

Fridolina Rolfo

11(8)

1(1)

7(2)

19(11)

Goals

Anna Sandberg

18(14)

1(5)

35(19)

Ella Toone

Lea Schuller

6(6)

1(1)

0(2)

2(1)

9(10)

Leah Galton

Jess Simpson

0(1)

Katie Zelem

Elisabeth Terland

32(7)

4(2)

3(3)

8(1)

47(13)

Lauren James

Ella Toone

137(17) 48

17(4)

10(17)

9(3)

173(41) 64

Elisabeth Terland

Phallon Tullis-Joyce

Alessia Russo

Emma Watson

0(1)

2(1)

Jessica Sigsworth

Ellen Wangerheim

3(5)

1(1)

7(7)

Nikita Parris

Julia Zigiotti

18(3)

11(3)

34(6)

Melvine Malard

Rachel Williams

Lucia Garcia

MUW 26/27

PLAYER WSL APP GLS

What do Lizzie Arnot, Lauren James, Leah Galton, Kirsty Hanson, Maya Le Tissier, Lucia Garcia, Geyse, Elisabeth Terland and Simi Awujo have in common? They are the nine different Reds to have scored United’s first goal of the season across our nine campaigns to date. Awujo’s late strike against London City was her first WSL goal for the Reds, and her third overall.

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Match-by-match statistics

FIXTURES + RESULTS COMP

DATE

OPPOSITION

WSL WSL PC WSL PC WSL

Sun 4 Sun 18 Wed 21 Sun 25 Wed 28 Sat 31

Liverpool (H) 1pm Charlton (A) 2pm Liverpool (A) 7pm Man City (H) 1pm Burnley (H) 7pm Everton (A) 12.30pm

WSL WSL PC WSL

Sat 7 Sun 15 Wed 18 Sun 22

Aston Villa (A) 12.30pm Crystal Palace (H) 1pm Everton (H) 7pm Birmingham (A) 2pm

WSL PC WSL

Sun 13 Wed 16 Sat 20

Brighton (H) 1pm Newcastle (A) 7pm Spurs (H) 1pm

WSL FA WSL WSL WSL

Sun 10 16-17 Wed 20 Sun 24 Sun 31

Crystal Palace (A) 2pm Fourth round West Ham (A) 7pm Everton (H) 1pm London City (H) 1pm

WSL WSL FA

Sun 7 Sun 14 20-21

Spurs (A) 2pm Man City (A) 2.30pm Fifth round

WSL WSL FA WSL

Sun 14 Wed 17 20-21 Sun 28

Charlton (H) 1pm Liverpool (A) 7pm Quarter-finals Aston Villa (H) 1pm

WSL FA

Sun 4 10-11

Chelsea (A) 2pm Semi-finals

WSL WSL FA WSL

Sun 2 Sun 9 16-17 22/23

Birmingham (H) 1pm Arsenal (H) 1pm Final Brighton (A) TBC

SCORE

ATT

LINE-UP

SEP WSL Fri 4 London City (A) 7pm 1-2 5,402 Tullis-Joyce Riviere Le Tissier Janssen Medina Miyazawa Zigiotti WSL Sun 13 Chelsea (H) 12pm WSL Sat 19 Arsenal (A) 5.30pm PC Wed 23 Sheffield United (H) 7pm WSL Sun 27 West Ham (H) 1pm PC Wed 30 Durham (A) 7pm

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR M AY

KEY: WSL – Women’s Super League 32

PC – Subway Players 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 end of September

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FOLLOW UNITED!

Facebook: manutdwomen

X: @manutdwomen

Match programme contact: MUWomenfamily@manutd.co.uk

YouTube: /ManUtd

Instagram: @manutdwomen

For ticket information visit: ManUtd.com/Tickets

SUBS USED

Park Toone Sandberg

Terland

Jusu Bah

REFEREE Awujo 1

Schuller

Lundkvist

–

Emily Heaslip

MUW 26/27

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

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THE

QUIZ

CAN YOU SCORE FULL MARKS IN OUR TEST?

A LOOK BACK TO OUR 2020/21 SEASON OPENER, AT HOME AGAINST TODAY’S OPPONENTS CHELSEA, WITH A QUESTION ON EACH OF UNITED’S STARTING XI

Against which North-West side did Mary Earps keep her first clean sheet for United – in a 2-0 home win in September 2019?

In which year did Kirsty Smith represent Scotland in their first Women’s World Cup?

Millie Turner played every minute of United’s first 43 games before that run finally came to an end against Brighton – in which competition?

Ella Toone leads the way for WSL appearance among current members of the United squad, but after her and Maya Le Tissier, who is next on the list from the current group of Reds?

Abbie McManus was the second player the Reds agreed to sign after our 2019 promotion to the WSL, following which midfielder?

In 2022, full-back Ona Batlle switched from 17 to which new squad number? Name the ‘City’ club for whom Hayley Ladd made her WSL debut in 2015.

34 The quiz.indd 1

Jane Ross scored United’s final goal under Casey Stoney in an FA Cup tie against which team?

Kirsty Hanson got United’s first goal of the 2021/22 season in a 2-0 home triumph over which side? (Clue: it was the night when fans returned to Leigh for the first time following Covid). Answers: 1. Liverpool; 2. 2019; 3. League Cup; 4. Jackie Groenen; 5. 2; 6. Bristol City; 7. Five; 8. Reading; 9. Jayde Riviere; 10. Hannah Blundell; 11. Leicester City

MUW 26/27

Katie Zelem was one of how many players to reach double figures for goals in the Reds’ debut campaign of 2018/19?

Leah Galton netted against Chelsea in our 2020/21 opener against the Blues – a game that saw which future Red on the visitors’ bench?

08/09/2026 15:26

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2026 27

MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN Anna Sandberg

2 4 Hanna Lundkvist 5 Andrea Medina 6 Ella Toone 7 Jess Park 8 Elisabeth Terland 10 Celin Bizet Donnum 11 Fridolina Rolfo 12 Simi Awujo 13 Jayde Riviere 14 Julia Zigiotti 15 Rebeca Bernal 16 Dominique Janssen 17 Ellen Wangerheim 19 Hinata Miyazawa 20 Emma Watson 21 Scarlett Hill 22 Monica Jusu Bah 23 Lea Schuller 24 Janina Leitzig (GK) 25 Jess Simpson 26 Layla Drury 27 Mared Griffiths 36 Jessica Anderson 47 Lucy Newell 55 Phallon Tullis-Joyce (GK) 91 Maya Le Tissier

CHELSEA WOMEN 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 29 32 33 38 42

Livia Peng (GK) Ellie Carpenter Naomi Girma Veerle Buurman Sjoeke Nusken Mayra Ramirez Erin Cuthbert Melvine Malard Lauren James Sandy Baltimore Alyssa Thompson Nathalie Bjorn Katie McCabe Giulia Dragoni Nelly Las Wieke Kaptein Keira Walsh Lucy Bronze Maika Hamano Hannah Hampton (GK) Lola Brown Kadeisha Buchanan Manaka Matsukubo Lexi Potter Aggie Beever-Jones Becky Spencer (GK) Chloe Sarwie

Referee Grace Lowe Assistants Jon Ashworth-Sears, Nicoleta Bria Fourth official Edward Duckworth

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