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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 Paul Davies, George McCaffery, Zarah Connolly, 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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THE

head coach EVA OLID

AS UNITED MARK A MILESTONE MATCH, THE BOSS REFLECTS I am well aware of the historic rivalry ON SOME ENCOURAGING between Manchester United and Liverpool, PERFORMANCES, AND and how important these games are to our supporters. United and Liverpool are two THE CHALLENGE OF FACING biggest clubs in world football, LIVERPOOL IN LEIGH TODAY... ofandtheeveryone involved today will

ello and welcome back to the Progress With Unity Stadium for a significant occasion: a meeting with our rivals Liverpool, and Manchester United Women’s 250th game since the team was reformed in 2018. While today’s game will be only my seventh at the club, I’ve followed the journey of United Women closely over the last eight years. Reflecting on that time shows just how far the team has come; everyone is rightly proud of the progress that has been made but we will not stop striving for more.

understand what this fixture means. That passion will drive us on and ensure that the team gives everything to fight together for another three WSL points, after our win over West Ham. I was pleased to see us create so many chances last Sunday; it was really encouraging to see the style of play that we have been focusing on in training start to become clearer on the pitch. As we welcome Gareth Taylor and his Liverpool side to Leigh today, I hope we can continue to see further progress and put in a performance to make you proud. Enjoy the game.

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United and Liverpool are two of the biggest clubs in world football, and everyone involved today will understand what this fixture means

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THE

Match

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

Words Mikey Partington

LAST GAME BEFORE INTERNATIONALS United’s October schedule kicks off with a fixture that needs little introduction. Our local rivals from Merseyside are in town and the aim will be to secure three more points on home soil in our final match before the WSL’s first international break of the season. Before national-team duty takes centre stage, this lunchtime encounter provides another opportunity for the Reds to build on the momentum we’ve generated in recent weeks. Last Sunday’s victory over West Ham here, our first WSL win under Eva Olid, was a joyous occasion and you could sense the energy it gave our players, staff and supporters at the final whistle. We’ve since extended our unbeaten run to four matches in all competitions with a thumping 5-1 win at Durham in the Subway Players Cup in midweek. As our focus returns to league action, we’re determined to keep that sequence going and head into the international break on a high.

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1 Lucy Newell (centre) became our latest debutant on Wednesday night

Swedish duo Beata Olsson and Cornelia Kapocs both scored as Liverpool won the Merseyside derby

OPPONENTS ON THE RISE

Just like United, Liverpool come into this one with growing confidence, fresh from a derby victory over neighbours Everton last weekend. It sets up a fascinating encounter and one with a very different feel to the sides’ last competitive meeting at this ground in February. Our visitors arrived in Leigh bottom of the WSL table with just one win from 13 league matches, but the 10 points they collected from their next five games following a 3-1 defeat here helped steer them clear of relegation. They’ve since enjoyed a solid start to this campaign under head coach Gareth Taylor. Last Sunday’s success at Anfield moved Liverpool onto seven points for the season and, while they’ll be looking to add to that tally this afternoon, Olid’s Reds can draw level with our opponents by claiming all three points.

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THE match

UNITED’S LATEST LANDMARK DAY Landmark moments seem synonymous with this United side, given the history that has continued to be made since our reformation just over eight years ago. Elisabeth Terland’s opener last weekend was our 300th goal scored here in Leigh and, today, another milestone will be reached as this afternoon’s fixture becomes our 250th in all competitions. It’s been quite the journey since the team was reformed ahead of the 2018/19 campaign and, fittingly, this landmark occasion comes against Liverpool, the same opponents we faced in our inaugural fixture back in August 2018. A late winner from Lizzie Arnot ensured a fresh-faced Reds squad claimed the spoils that day in Birkenhead and another victorious performance would be the perfect way to mark today’s milestone. So, for the 250th time... bring on United!

Toone was on target against Liverpool last season – can she match Galton’s WSL record today?

Below: the teamsheet for that historic game no.1 at Prenton Park

RENEWING THE RED RIVALRY “The battle of the Reds... it’s definitely an intense rivalry when I’ve been a part of it,” says Phallon Tullis-Joyce of this fixture in our latest big interview (turn to p12). While the rivalry between the clubs’ respective women’s teams is still relatively young, with today marking only the 14th meeting between the sides in all competitions, every encounter has carried an edge befitting the fixture’s rich history. As our goalkeeper suggests, we can expect another fiercely contested affair this afternoon. It’s been clear on both sides since game no.1 in 2018 just how much it means to come out on top in this fixture, and our Reds were fortunate enough to do so in both of last season’s WSL meetings. Ella Toone was among the scorers in a 2-0 away win last September and another goal today would see our homegrown no.7 draw level with Leah Galton as United’s leading WSL goalscorer, on 35.

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THE

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

250

TODAY IS A LANDMARK GAME – THE 250th IN OUR HISTORY The Reds’ full record reads P249 W156 D37 L56 F583 A235 – a win percentage of 62.7%. Liverpool are 10th on the list of our most-faced opponents (today being game no.14). Chelsea, Everton and Man City top that list (all 21 games).

1 300

ELISABETH TERLAND’S GOAL V WEST HAM WAS OUR 300th HERE IN LEIGH

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That’s across 110 fixtures here – an impressive average of 2.73 per game at our regular home stadium. (At Old Trafford, we average 2.18 goals per game across 11 fixtures; at Ewen Fields we average 3 goals – but that’s from just one game!)

CURRENT LIVERPOOL BOSS GARETH TAYLOR LOST ONLY ONE OF HIS FIRST EIGHT WSL GAMES AGAINST UNITED (W4 D3)... ... but Taylor has since lost each of his last three (one as Manchester City head coach; and two with Liverpool)

31 UNITED ARE UNBEATEN IN OUR LAST 31 WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE GAMES WHEN SCORING FIRST (W27 D4) This dates back to a 1-2 home defeat to today’s opponents Liverpool in December 2023

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ROAD TO BRAZIL Many Reds are chasing World Cup qualification over next two weeks Eleven of our players are set to be involved in a series of crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying games over the course of this month’s international break. Those called up by nations featuring in round one of the UEFA play-offs could represent their countries in a two-legged tie across 9/13 October, for the right to advance to the next stage, where victory could then secure a place at next year’s tournament in Brazil. Maya Le Tissier and Jess Park have been picked by England, with the 2023 World Cup runners-up to play home and away against Greece. Lithuania, meanwhile, provide the opposition for a Sweden squad that includes Monica Jusu Bah, Hanna Lundkvist, Anna Sandberg and Julia Zigiotti. We also have three representatives in the Wales group hoping to overcome Albania over 180 minutes, with Scarlett Hill, Mared Griffiths and Safia

Middleton-Patel – on loan at Watford – flying the flag. Dominique Janssen is to join up with a Netherlands contingent that will meet Hungary, while Elisabeth Terland has been chosen by Norway as they meet Romania. Current champions Spain have already qualified for the 2027 finals but have two friendlies against the United States in preparation, which Andrea Medina has been selected for. Hinata Miyazawa’s Japan have booked their ticket too but will continue to fine-tune things when facing Haiti and Germany in this break. Simi Awujo and Canada will have the opportunity to qualify when they compete at the CONCACAF W Championship later this year and will gear up for that tournament by meeting Denmark twice. Not all squads had been announced by the time this programme went to print – see ManUtd.com for more.

GRIFFITHS’S FRESH MOVE Mared Griffiths was named the first ‘Subway Players Cup Fresh Move of the Round’ winner for her hat-trick in our opening game of the competition, our 10-1 win against Sheffield United here in Leigh. The accolade will highlight a standout contribution from a player in each match-round of this season’s tournament, and Griffiths was chosen as the inaugural recipient of the prize by former WSL midfielder Laura Coombs. Well played, Mared!

Mared with her Players Cup prize

Having won the U20 World Cup in 2022, Medina could be set for a first senior cap

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the news

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Big interview

PHALLON TULLIS-JOYCE

THE

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Interview Mikey Partington

KEEPER PHALLON TULLIS-JOYCE LOOKS AHEAD WITH OPTIMISM TO HER FOURTH TERM AT UNITED, WHILE DISCUSSING MANCHESTER, MENTORSHIP, COMMUNITY WORK AND OUR NEW HEAD COACH...

FACTFILE FULL NAME Phallon Abaigeal Tullis-Joyce DATE OF BIRTH 19 October 1996 PLACE OF BIRTH Long Island, New York POSITION Goalkeeper COLLEGE CAREER Miami Hurricanes SENIOR CAREER 2019-21 Stade de Reims 47 appearances 2021-23 Seattle Reign 41 appearances 2023- Manchester United 76 appearances INTERNATIONAL CAREER 2025- USA, 7 caps

You’ve embraced everything about United, including the city and local region – we’d call you an adopted Mancunian. How important has it been for you to make this place your home? I appreciate that, if anybody considers me an adopted Mancunian. I appreciate the grit, the hard work, the values of the people here in Manchester. Ever since I came here, I recognised we just had a different fanbase. Like they come to all of our home games, all of our away games, and that’s why you try to stay after [the game] and respect them. Hopefully they feel all the love that we as players have for them and the support they show us. So coming here, Mancunians made it very easy for me to love them. The city itself, I’ve been finding its little nature pockets. There’s a lot once you look closer. That’s been the special part about Manchester, that sometimes you can get wrapped up in an industrial city, but then you start finding all the perks of the people around and all the great spots for wildlife. We know you like your wildlife spots! Is there anything else that’s still on the to-do list to see?

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How do you look back on what you’ve achieved so far at United, Phallon, and what’s your mindset coming into your fourth season at the club? It’s been special to see the journey of all the players. I think that’s been really the most special part, the amount of players I’ve met along the way. I’ve met so many incredible people and staff members too. What we achieved in making it to Champions League, playing at the Allianz against Bayern Munich, is something I’ll never forget in my career. I’m being afforded experiences that will really hold true and stick close to my chest for the rest of my playing career. I’m really grateful for my time here and ready to keep going, honestly. Ramp it up!

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Commanding her penalty area at the Emirates, Phallon thwarts a Gunners attack

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There’s still plenty! There’s a sand lizard that keeps escaping me... each warm summer it only lasts like a month here [in parts of Lancashire and Merseyside], so I’m still trying to find them! But anything that comes my way, I’m really grateful for it. I just love watching squirrels and robins and stuff, so all the normal things really catch my eye too. We love that you’ve been involved with the club’s Foundation as well. You were even named the WSL’s Champion of Change at the end of last season, recognising your work for the environment and in the local community... That was special for me. That was one I probably went home and called my mom about too, because she’s the one that has instilled that value system in me. As a professional athlete, you’re afforded so much. I’ve always been brought up to give back as much as I’ve been given. All the credit goes to the students too, like our Eco Reds [the Foundation’s environmental and sustainability programme for students] – they’re so eager to learn, so they made it easy for me too. I’m really happy that they allowed me to come into their classrooms, and have them make clay cuttlefish! I was really proud of that award. And you managed to get to Chester Zoo as well, which looked like a really fun day out...

it’s been funny to have American and German-style goalkeeping together. it spices it up for us! Yeah, I know! I got to feed a Komodo dragon – that has to be something I use for my ‘two truths and a lie’! All the kids had their foreheads pressed against the glass, watching and learning from the zoo staff, so it was nice to let them have that hands-on experience, to see things from all other parts of the world too. I hope it makes them want to go out and explore a little bit more of this planet. Obviously we’ve had some change here over the summer, with Eva Olid coming in as head coach. How have you found working with her so far? Eva’s come in very strong! I just want to say thank you to Marc [Skinner] for having brought me in here too. I have the utmost respect for him and the time we spent together. And then Eva came in and I’ve just

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THE Big Interview been trying to be a sponge, to absorb her style of play and absorb what she wants from her goalkeepers. Of course she wants a shot-stopper, she wants the person coming out for crosses, she wants that dominant presence. At the same time, she wants another equally dominant presence with the ball at your feet, giving that communication to the defenders and trying to find a free player. One of the key phrases I like that Eva says is that “football is simple. I just want you to do what’s simple.” She gives us the repetitions in training so that it’s going to be easier for us to see in games. It’s just going to take time. So, I think she gives you that confidence that what we’re doing in training sessions will translate. You know, we had a hard start to the season, but I think we’ll start seeing things turn around. There are some great pictures of Eva and you stood on the turf at Carrington [below] – it looks like you are discussing a tactical drill and is an insight to what’s been happening at training. How key do you feel the last few weeks have been in putting a foundation in for the team to build from? It’s been extremely important. I think it’s a testament to her because her attention to detail is supreme. I think we learned too that we’re a very hardworking

Komodo dragons: unlike a sand lizard, not seen in the wild in these parts!

team and we have that identity, so it’s about pairing those things together – the finesse and the absolute grit. So, I think that’s what we’ve been finding out, finding that balance of who we are and where we’re going to go. Janina Leitzig has joined the club and we know she appreciated you reaching out to her when she arrived, and making her feel welcome. How have you found working with Janina so far? It’s been super great to have Jani in. It’s very funny to have American and German-style goalkeeping together – that really spices it up for us! I get to see new techniques from her and her different view on things, and anytime we’re in a training session, we’ll chat a bit about what we thought of it, and what we might have done differently. It’s cool to have another goalkeeper in the mix. And a big shout-out to Saf [Middleton-Patel] and Kayla [Rendell] on their loans, I’m hoping they’ll do well. Janina’s got so much WSL experience from her time at Leicester. And it’s interesting that you’re able to bounce things off each other and learn... I think we definitely push each other. I know on her first day when she came in, we were like these two

Talking tactics with the boss down at Carrington

Full focus for Phallon on matchday

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THE Big Interview

Her clean sheet against today’s opponents in November 2023 was a big moment for our American stopper

Stepping out in Leigh, where she’s always afforded a warm welcome

giants walking... everyone seems so small compared to us! So, it’s quite the power move of me, her and Joe [Potts, goalkeeping coach] walking through the building! [laughs]. So I think that’s fun! We boost each other’s confidence, and she’s a very professional goalkeeper.

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Let’s talk about the Liverpool game. While the two clubs are big rivals in a traditional sense, it feels like the rivalry is still growing in the women’s game. Can you still feel that history between the clubs when we battle with Liverpool? Oh, absolutely. Battle of the Reds! I feel like that’s definitely an intense rivalry when I’ve been a part of it. It’s always been a big game, so I’m looking forward to it. We met them in pre-season [Liverpool winning 2-1], so we’ve got to get them back this time! We always think back to your first season here when you played against Liverpool in the League Cup and you made an amazing save. It felt like one of your first big moments here at United. How do you look back on that game, that season, given everything you’ve achieved since? That was a very big time of learning for me. And it’s

it’s still a big time of learning for me. I’ve always loved school and taking in as much as i can funny that, after four seasons now, it’s still a big time of learning for me. It’s good though. I’ve always loved school, I’ve always loved being a learner and taking in as much as I can. So I think back to then, I was learning from Mary Earps and how to handle what it meant to be a goalkeeper for Manchester United. I appreciated all that time as her understudy. This latest meeting with Liverpool will be our final game before the international break, which we expect, hopefully, you’ll be involved in with the USA. It’s a big season in the international game, with the World Cup next summer. How important could the USA’s two friendlies against Spain be in helping to prepare the team? Yeah, I hope I get called in. Every time I’m added to camp, it’s a huge honour. And yeah, we’ve got Spain twice. I think that’ll be a big step for us, especially going into the qualifiers. But all of us around in the locker room [at United], whenever it’s international break the locker room is empty because we have so many star-quality players. So I think it is a big year for everyone. And I think that only helps us along the way, too, in season for United. Everyone always works hard, but we’ve got that bit of extra edge.

•

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THE

BIGger PICTURE 07.10.20

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THE BIG PICTURE

If ever a picture encapsulates Covid-era football, it’s this one, taken at Prenton Park six years ago next week. With United facing today’s opponents Liverpool in the League Cup group stage, it shows Casey Stoney’s Reds emerging separately to the hosts, to maintain their ‘bio-secure bubble’, while the empty stands and closed programme booth add to the sense of isolation that gripped much of the UK – and wider world – in late 2020. To make things even stranger, this game kicked off at 2pm on a Wednesday. At least the football itself still felt relatively normal. This was before the stricter measures were introduced in January 2021, when close-contact goal celebrations were discouraged, meaning there were hugs and high-fives for Abbie McManus after she headed in her first United goal to put us ahead after 28 minutes. Unfortunately for Stoney’s side, Liverpool – then in the second tier – responded well to claim a 3-1 victory, with Rachel Furness (2) and Rinsola Babajide on target. It was the Merseysiders’ first win over United, but thankfully, six years on, the Reds of Manchester hold a clear advantage in this fixture, with nine victories to Liverpool’s four (fun fact: the Merseysiders are the only team we’ve faced more than five times without ever drawing). Can you name the 10 players visible in this starting-XI photo? For the record, the one Red out of shot, behind our goalscorer at the back, is Hayley Ladd.

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STRANGE OLD DAYS

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participants supported

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IN THE

STANDs ← Garry Carless is here with his son Joe. It’s Garry’s birthday tomorrow. All the very best!

↑ Happy 7th birthday to Grace Hodgkinson!

← Here’s Harper walking out with Hanna! From a very proud Grandma, Grandad and Auntie Sarah.

↓ Happy 24th birthday to Daisy – enjoy your day tomorrow, love Dad.

↑ Happy eighth birthday to season ticket holder Romayah. We hope you have a top day!

↑ Happy 12th birthday to Charley, love from Mum and Dad.

Your Text Messages

··

Happy belated 15th birthday, Annie Shingler! Her no.1 player is Jess Park. Wishing Reece a very happy 18th birthday for 28 September. With love from Mum, Libby and all your football friends!

↑ A warm welcome to 15-year-old Molly, who is one of Phallon’s many fans! Enjoy the game.

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

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← Wishing season ticket holder Lydia Godfrey a happy 14th birthday for tomorrow. Love Mum, Dad and Fraser.

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THE opposition

LIVERPOOL

Words Jamie Spencer

Liverpool finally broke Everton’s ‘Anfield hoodoo’ at the sixth attempt last time out in the league

A lot has changed for Liverpool in a year. The Merseysiders began last season with six straight WSL defeats and took only four points from their first 12 league games, a run that stretched into January. Fast forward to late September, and last weekend’s convincing 2-0 derby victory over Everton means Gareth Taylor’s side already have seven points on the board, just four matches into 2026/27. A flurry of form in the second half of last season meant the threat of relegation was considerably diminished by late March, but the transformation has still been remarkable. Liverpool enjoyed an encouraging pre-season, winning all five summer friendlies – including one against United – and that form was carried into the competitive campaign. Their WSL opener saw them beat newly promoted Charlton 4-0, while Taylor’s side were frustrated that a dominant display against Tottenham the following week only ended in a 1-1 draw. An in-form Spurs are otherwise yet to drop

points outside those 90 minutes in St Helens. Away at Manchester City a fortnight ago, Liverpool led the champions 2-1 after a goal and assist from new recruit Vivien Endemann, and then looked likely to claim a hard-fought point, before two very late goals saw City win 4-2. “Playing that way, we believe we’ll win a lot of games this season,” said Taylor, who loved how his charges “attacked” the game. Of the fresh arrivals, Endemann, a statement signing from Wolfsburg, Natalia Ramos and former City goalkeeper Khiara Keating have all settled in quickly, with the trio all starting against Everton at Anfield last time out in the WSL. Early and late goals did the job, with Beata Olsson opening her account for the season in the fourth minute. They could have had plenty more, with Fuka Nagano (left) impressing in midfield, before Olsson’s fellow Swede Cornelia Kapocs wrapped things up with four minutes to go, putting an end to a run of five straight home derby losses to their local rivals in the WSL.

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THE opposition

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everton

(HOME, WSL), 27.09.26

KEATING

KERR

ENDEMANN

CLARK

FISK

NAGANO

MACLEAN

RAMOS

BERNABE

Natalia Ramos’s maiden Liverpool strike, against Sunderland in the Players Cup, showcased her close control as she beat three defenders before finding the corner. Four days later in the Merseyside derby, the summer signing from Tenerife was equally impressive – “she could have had four goals” according to Taylor. While Ramos didn’t score, her pinpoint delivery from a corner did set up Beata Olsson’s opener in the 2-0 win, providing more evidence of the dual threat the 27-year-old offers, after she accrued 10 goals and five assists from midfield in Spain’s Liga F last season.

KAPOCS

OLSSON

Substitutes used HOBINGER, BERGSTROM, TRUEMAN

The captain and head coach

Taylor has made steady progress at Liverpool since his appointment in August last year

Central midfielder Ramos has made an excellent start since arriving from Tenerife

About THE opponents... Formed: 1989 (as Newton Ladies) Nickname: The Reds Major honours: WSL winners 2013, 2014 Last season: WSL 11th place; FA Cup semi-finals; League Cup quarter-finals top scorer (all comps): Beata Olsson (11) Record v United: P13 W4 D0 L9 F10 A25

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Captain Grace Fisk was the unlikely goalscoring hero in her team’s season-opener against Charlton, finding the net twice. One was from close range after a corner routine, the other a screamer from 20 yards out. Her professionalism and empathy were key qualities that stood out to manager Gareth Taylor when the centre-back was chosen to lead the team at the start of last season. As for Taylor, the ex-Wales international forward is into his second season as boss. Across five years as Manchester City Women head coach, he won both domestic cups once each.

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THE

Toone, Zigiotti and Schuller were among the Reds to join the students for the session

LEADING THE WAY Words Matthew Brown

UNITED PLAYERS SUPPORT ASPIRING LEADERS AS YOUNGSTERS WORK TOWARDS A QUALIFICATION

Pupils from Manchester United Foundation’s partner high schools have earned a leadership qualification thanks to their work alongside the United Women squad on an exciting afternoon at Carrington. A group of more than 20 participants, from the Foundation’s network of schools across Greater Manchester, were taking part

in a leadership course and had been tasked with planning and delivering their own physical activity sessions to a number of members of the Reds’ first-team squad. The activity was taking place to launch the Foundation’s Premier League and Professional Players’ Fund project for the 2026/27 season. The young people involved the Reds in their planned activities to

support these sessions, as well as gaining valuable insight from the players about their own experiences of developing leadership skills and becoming professional athletes, with some particularly high-octane games of dodgeball also on the agenda! Toone said: “It’s been nice to see the young people starting out their leadership journeys and us play a part in it. They have put on a great session for us. “It’s really important work and that’s what’s so good about Manchester United Foundation; going out to local young people in schools and giving girls and boys opportunities in whatever they want to do in life.” Fellow Red Lea Schuller added: “It’s important to take responsibility not only in football, but in life. I think the young people have done that really well here, to tell others what they have to do and implement their training.” Meeting Toone was a particular highlight for Kayla, from Kingsway Park High School. “Ella is an inspiration for me. If you want to lead a team, having these role models gives you ideas on how to help and give advice,” she said. “It’s helping me communicate and be a better listener with the people around me.” This project was made possible by the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association Players’ Fund.

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FOUNDATION

For more, visit mufoundation.org

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PUZZ LES AND LAUG HS WITH FRED THE RED…

REDS CONNECTIONS A FIVE-A-SIDE TEAM OF PLAYERS WHO’VE REPRESENTED BOTH UNITED AND LIVERPOOL – CAN YOU THINK OF ANY OTHERS?

COACH

C: 23% M: 100% Y: 100% K: 19% C: 20% M: 93% Y: 85.5% K: 10%

SIOBHAN CHAMBERLAIN (LIVERPOOL 2015-18; UNITED 2018-20)

CASEY STONEY (PLAYED FOR LIVERPOOL, COACHED UNITED!)

KATIE ZELEM (LIVERPOOL 2013-17; UNITED 2018-24)

C: 25% M: 83%

Y: 70% DF K: 13.5%

AMY JAMES-TURNER C: 0% M: 100% (LIVERPOOL 2017-18; 100% UNITED Y: 2018-21) K: 5% C: 0% M: 86.5% Y: 74% K: 0%

MARTHA THOMAS MD

LUCY STANIFORTH

(UNITED 2021-23; LIVERPOOL 2026)

(LIVERPOOL 2014-15; UNITED 2020-23)

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

COUNTRY CLUB CAN YOU NAME THE PLAYERS FROM THESE COUNTRIES WHO HAVE MADE THE MOST UNITED APPEARANCES? 26

26-27 Liverpool kids.indd 1

Canada England Netherlands Norway Scotland USA Wales 30/09/2026 16:40

THE Kids’ dugout

MUFC CROSSWORD! FILL IN THE BL ANKS AND! COMPLETE THE PUZZLE

2 3 4 6

ACROSS

DOWN

3. How many teams were promoted to the WSL for this season? (5 letters) 5. The town where we play our home games (5) 7. Liverpool’s (very!) local rivals (7) 8. What is raised to signal offside? (4)

1. The star performer after the full-time whistle is the Player of the _ _ _ _ _ (5) 2. What does the L in WSL stand for? (6) 4. Eva Olid’s former side (the plural of what beats in your chest!) (6) 6. The national team of our first WSL goalscorer this season (6)

ANSWERS: Country club: Canada – Jayde Riviere; England – Ella Toone; Netherlands – Dominique Janssen; Norway – Lisa Naalsund; Scotland – Kirsty Hanson; USA – Phallon Tullis-Joyce; Wales – Hayley Ladd. United crossword: Across: 3. Three; 5. Leigh; 7. Everton; 8. Flag; Down: 1. Match; 2. League; 4. Hearts; 6. Canada.

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30/09/2026 16:40

OUR GAME OUR WAY WSLFOOTBALL.COM @BARCLAYSWSL

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30/09/2026 16:19

THE

STATISTICS

TABLES AND FIXTURES, PLUS THE LATEST PLAYER STATS OTHER WSL FIXTURES – MATCHWEEK FIVE

WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE TABLE, 2026/27 Team

Pts

Man City

Spurs

Chelsea

London City

Brighton v Charlton (2pm)

Liverpool

Everton v Birmingham (2pm)

TOMORROW (SUN 4 OCT) Aston Villa v Crystal Palace (2pm)

Everton

-1

Spurs v London City (right) (2pm)

Arsenal

West Ham v Chelsea (2pm)

Crystal Palace

-6

Man City v Arsenal (4.30pm)

UNITED

-5

10 West Ham

-3

11 Brighton

-3

12 Birmingham

-4

13 Aston Villa

-7

14 Charlton

-9

WSL TOP SCORERS, 2026/27 (Assists in brackets)

Team

PW/L

Pts

UNITED

Aston Villa

Crystal Palace 2 Liverpool 2

Victoria Pelova (Tottenham Hotspur)

4(1)

London City

Khadija Shaw (Manchester City)

4(1)

West Ham

1/0

Oceane Hurtre (Birmingham City)

4(1)

Tottenham

0/1

Olivia Holdt (Tottenham Hotspur)

3(0)

Brighton

Viviane Asseyi (West Ham United)

3(0)

Everton

Vivien Endemann (Liverpool)

2(2)

10 Bristol City

Lauren Hemp (Manchester City)

2(1)

11 Burnley

Cornelia Kapocs (Liverpool)

2(1)

12 Wolves

Isobel Goodwin (London City)

2(0)

13 Ipswich

-1

Lauren James (Chelsea)

2(0)

14 Watford

-1

Mary Fowler (Manchester City)

2(0)

15 Sunderland

-2

Kirsty Hanson (Tottenham Hotspur)

2(0)

16 Newcastle

-2

L Lloyd-Smith (Crystal Palace)

2(0)

-2

Danielle van de Donk (London City Lionesses)

2(0)

17 Southampton 1 18 Leicester 1

-2

Grace Fisk (Liverpool)

2(0)

Oceane Hurtre has started the season well for Birmingham

19 Nott’m Forest 1 20 Birmingham 2

-2

-3

21 Durham

-4

22 Charlton

-7

23 Sheff United

-9

League phase games split into Northern and Southern groups, with all teams ranked in a combined league table. Each team plays six games within their region – three home and three away. Teams will be ranked by points (3 points for a win, 0 points for a loss). If a match is level after 90 minutes, it will be decided by a penalty shoot-out – the shoot-out winner receives two points, while the other team receives one point (PW/L above references penalty shoot-outs won/lost). The top eight teams in the combined league table advance to the knockout phase.

MUW 26/27

WSL PLAYERS CUP LEAGUE PHASE, 2026/27

429 3 29 wsl stats.indd 1

01/10/2026 08:04

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 PLAYER LEAGUE APP GLS

FA CUP APP GLS

LEAGUE CUP APP GLS

APP

Jess Anderson 0

0(1)

Simi Awujo

1(3)

3(3)

Rebeca Bernal 0(3)

2(3)

Layla Drury 0

0(1)

Mared Griffiths 0(1)

2(1)

Scarlett Hill 0

0(2)

Dominique Janssen

Monica Jusu Bah 1(2)

3(2)

Maya Le Tissier

Janina Leitzig 0

Hanna Lundkvist

3(1)

5(1)

Andrea Medina 4

Hinata Miyazawa

Lucy Newell 0

0(1)

Jess Park

0(1)

4(1)

Jayde Riviere

Anna Sandberg

3(1)

Lea Schuller

0(4)

2(4)

Jess Simpson 0

Elisabeth Terland

0(2)

4(2)

Ella Toone

Ellen Wangerheim 0

1(1)

Julia Zigiotti

0(1)

4(1)

Phallon Tullis-Joyce

PLAYER

UNITED CAREER APPEARANCES & GOALS

TOTAL GLS

LEAGUE APP GLS

FA CUP APP GLS

LEAGUE CUP APP GLS

UWCL APP GLS

TOTAL APP GLS

Jessica Anderson

0(1)

0(3)

Simi Awujo

7(20)

1(2)

6(3)

4(5)

18(30)

Rebeca Bernal

0(3)

2(3)

Celin Bizet Donnum

20(7)

3(1)

1(2)

2(1)

26(11)

Layla Drury

0(5)

0(2)

0(1)

0(8)

Mared Griffiths

0(1)

2(2)

Scarlett Hill

0(2)

Dominique Janssen

38(5)

4(2)

6(3)

10(1)

58(11)

Monica Jusu Bah

1(2)

3(2)

Maya Le Tissier

15(2)

140(2)

Janina Leitzig

Hanna Lundkvist

8(7)

3(1)

16(8)

Andrea Medina

Lucy Newell

0(1)

Safia Middl’n-Patel

Hinata Miyazawa

43(12)

6(2)

7(1)

14(2)

70(17)

Jess Park

23(3)

3(1)

9(2)

37(6)

Monica Jusu Bah’s left-footed finish to put United 3-1 up at Durham in midweek saw the Swede become our 12th scorer of the season – an impressive tally after just six games. The pacy forward also became the 59th player to score for the club (excluding own goals), with Monica one of 13 Reds to have netted exactly once. The others? Drury, George, Harris, Mannion, Medina, Palmer, Riviere, Sandberg, Simpson, Smith, Thorisdottir and Watson. Seven of that group, including Monica, are part of the current squad, so hopefully they can add to their tallies very soon.

ALL-TIME RECORDS: GAMES

Apps

Ella Toone

217

Millie Turner

189

Leah Galton

172

Katie Zelem

161

Maya Le Tissier

142

Mary Earps

125

Hayley Ladd

110

Hannah Blundell

Melvine Malard

Kirsty Hanson

Rachel Williams

ALL-TIME RECORDS: GOALS

Goals

Jayde Riviere

48(6)

5(1)

13(1)

71(8)

Ella Toone

Fridolina Rolfo

11(8)

1(1)

7(2)

19(11)

Leah Galton

Anna Sandberg

20(15)

1(5)

37(20)

Katie Zelem

Lea Schuller

6(9)

1(1)

2(2)

2(1)

11(13)

Elisabeth Terland

Jess Simpson

2(1)

Lauren James

Elisabeth Terland

35(7)

4(2)

3(5)

8(1)

50(15)

Alessia Russo

Ella Toone

139(17) 48

17(4)

11(17)

9(3)

176(41) 65

Jessica Sigsworth

Phallon Tullis-Joyce

Nikita Parris

Emma Watson

0(1)

2(1)

Melvine Malard

Ellen Wangerheim

3(5)

1(1)

3(1)

1(1)

8(8)

Rachel Williams

Julia Zigiotti

21(3)

3(1)

11(3)

37(7)

Lucia Garcia

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MUW 26/27

UNITED APPEARANCES & GOALS, 2026/27

THE PLAYER STATS

4313

01/10/2026 07:52

Match-by-match statistics

FIXTURES + RESULTS COMP

DATE

OPPOSITION

WSL WSL PC WSL PC WSL

Sat 3 Sun 18 Wed 21 Sun 25 Wed 28 Sat 31

Liverpool (H) 1.30pm Charlton (A) 2pm Liverpool (A) 7pm Man City (H) 6pm Burnley (H) 7pm Everton (A) 12.45pm

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 Sat 15 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 0-5 4,327 Tullis-Joyce Lundkvist Le Tissier Janssen Medina Miyazawa Zigiotti WSL Sat 19 Arsenal (A) 5.30pm 1-1 29,853 Tullis-Joyce Lundkvist Le Tissier Janssen Sandberg Miyazawa Zigiotti 1 PC Wed 23 Sheffield United (H) 7pm 10-1 1,615 Leitzig Lundkvist Le Tissier 1 • Janssen Simpson 1 Bernal 2 Awujo WSL Sun 27 West Ham (H) 1pm 2-1 2,959 Tullis-Joyce Lundkvist Le Tissier Janssen Sandberg Miyazawa Zigiotti PC Wed 30 Durham (A) 7pm 5-1 1,944 Leitzig Lundkvist Le Tissier Janssen 1 Simpson Bernal 1 Awujo

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 1 November.

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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 Park Toone Jusu Bah Park Awujo Medina Jusu Bah Toone 1 Griffiths 3 Park Toone Medina 1 Jusu Bah 1 Wangerheim Griffiths 1

Terland Terland Terland Schuller 2 Terland 1 Schuller

Jusu Bah Sandberg Bernal Hill Awujo Hill

REFEREE Awujo 1 Awujo Schuller Wangerheim Bernal Terland 1

Schuller Bernal Griffiths Zigiotti Schuller Newell

Lundkvist Schuller – Terland Jusu Bah Drury

– – – Park – Anderson

Emily Heaslip Grace Lowe Abigail Byrne Megan Wilson Callum Jones Amy Fearn

MUW 26/27

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

32-33 season stats (up to WH).indd 2

01/10/2026 07:38

THE

QUIZ

CAN YOU SCORE FULL MARKS IN OUR TEST?

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON THE UNITED WOMEN SIDE THAT STARTED IN A 6-0 WIN OVER LIVERPOOL IN OUR OPENING GAME OF 2023, PLAYED HERE IN LEIGH...

Mary Earps was one of two goalkeepers who joined United in the summer of 2019, alongside which Norwegian stopper?

Ona Batlle is one of how many Spanish players to make an appearance for the Reds?

Against which side did Maya Le Tissier score twice on her United debut, in 2022?

Nikita Parris was United’s top scorer in 2023/24 with how many goals: 16, 18 or 20?

Fill in the missing word: Millie Turner’s first Reds goal was scored against London ______.

What is the colour of the home shirt of the two sides Hannah Blundell has played for other than United?

Hayley Ladd scored in the aforementioned 6-0 win over Liverpool, but how many United players were on target that day in January 2023?

Alessia Russo was the Reds’ first Players’ Player of the Year in 2021/22, but who was our Player of the Year that season?

34 The quiz.indd 1

Lucia Garcia left United to play football in which Latin American country?

In which year did Ella Toone score for England as they won the European Championship final?

Answers: 1. Aurora Mikalsen; 2. Four; 3. Reading; 4. Bees; 5. Blue; 6. Five – one was an own goal by Liverpool; 7. Lizzie Arnot; 8. Mexico; 9. 2022; 10. 16; 11. Ella Toone.

MUW 26/27

Going by surname, Katie Zelem would appear last alphabetically in a list of all-time Reds scorers, but who would be first?

30/09/2026 17:00

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08/09/2026 22:46

2026 27

MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN

LIVERPOOL WOMEN

Anna Sandberg 2 Maya Le Tissier 4

1 Rachael Laws (GK) 2 Lucy Parry 4 Grace Fisk 6 Natalia Ramos 7 Cornelia Kapocs 8 Fuka Nagano 9 Vivien Endemann 10 Sophie Roman Haug 11 Beata Olsson 12 Khiara Keating (GK) 13 Mia Enderby 14 Marie Hobinger 16 Lily Woodham 17 Jenna Clark 18 Ceri Holland 19 Kirsty Maclean 21 Anna Josendal 22 Faye Kirby (GK) 23 Sara Agrez 24 Sam Kerr 25 Alice Bergstrom 26 Mao Itamura 27 Aurelie Csillag 28 Mari Ward 29 Alejandra Bernabe 36 Zara Shaw 48 Izzie Breen

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

Referee Phoebe Cross Assistants Matthew Joyce, Lorraine Catchpole Fourth official Declan Brown

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