Manchester United Women v West Ham United Women match programme, WSL, 07.12.25

INSide

YOUR MATCH PROGRAMME

HEAD COACH’S COLUMN

TALK OF THE TERRACE

CAPTAIN’S COLUMN

MARED GRIFFITHS EXCLUSIVE

PLAYER PROFILES

FAN MESSAGES

JAYDE RIVIERE POSTER

UNITED WOMEN SONGBOOK

JANSSEN’S LUCKY SEVEN

THE OPPOSITION

JUNIOR REDS

ADDED-TIME QUIZ

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, Sam Carney, Matt Brown, Ben Ashby

Design Tom Chase Photography Poppy Townson, Ash Donelon, Zohaib Alam, Getty, Alamy Thanks to Ellie Decrop, Paul Davies, John Shiel, Mark Froggatt

SKINNER Marc

REDISCOVERING A WINNING RHYTHM HAS BEEN THE MANAGER’S MANTRA THIS WEEK, AS AN EXCITING PRE-CHRISTMAS PERIOD BEGINS HERE IN LEIGH...

To be together again after the international period is always good. I love the atmosphere when everyone returns – I can never get a word in on the first morning back at Carrington, as the players are all catching up!

But we all know it’s important that we jump back on the same page quickly, as the turnaround from players returning to the first game is speedy. International windows can be disruptive so we need to get back to our rhythm as quickly as possible.

I’m proud of the squad for what they’ve achieved so far this season. Everyone is working hard and giving everything, both on and off the pitch. This is a really important block of games – it is an exciting part of the season and it’s important that all the players play their part. This week, as we’ve been preparing for West Ham, I’ve asked them to be alert, to be

aggressive and to take control of this game. We are going to need focus throughout the whole match. I have a lot of respect for Rehanne. She has put together a top squad and they are always a tough side to come across.

In this block of games, our home support is going to be key. We are always so proud to play at the Progress With Unity Stadium because you fans are always with us. Whether in our high moments when we score goals, or in the tough moments when we need that extra push, you are a key part of our strong home record. Enjoy the game and I look forward to hearing you once again.

picture THE BIG

ELLA FLIES THE FLAG...

It’s been a long 18 days without any United games, but some entertaining international action has helped to fill that gap – not least the sight of Melvine Malard (France) going up against Julia Zigiotti Olme, Anna Sandberg and Fridolina Rolfo (Sweden) in the Nations League (a 2-1 win for the French); plus Hinata Miyazawa (Japan) facing Jayde Riviere and Simi Awujo (Canada) in a friendly (Hini and co winning that one 3-0). But the Reds who enjoyed the biggest victory were all at Wembley, where Ella Toone and Maya Le Tissier started in England’s 8-0 friendly win against China, with Jess Park coming on as a half-time sub. While centre-back Maya would have no doubt enjoyed the clean sheet, it was Toone who made the biggest impression from the United trio: on the night of her 68th cap, the double Euros winner claimed four direct goal involvements: a hat-trick of assists – Beth Mead and Georgia Stanway (both left) being two of the beneficiaries – either side of Ella’s 71st-minute goal for Sarina Wiegman’s side. Great work, Tooney!

Terrace TAlk ofthe

ALL THE PRE-MATCH CHAT AHEAD OF TODAY’S WSL GAME...

We’re back together here in Leigh for the first of five big fixtures before Christmas… It’s hard to believe that it’s December already – only recently did it feel like Marc Skinner’s side were out in Stockholm, kicking off the season at the end of August. We’re now 17 games into our campaign and no.18, today, has the potential to be a real tone-setter for the weeks ahead. Almost a year ago to the day, the Reds returned from last term’s November international break by beating Liverpool 4-0, the start of a season-defining run that would see us win 11 out of 12 outings across all competitions, either side of the year’s turn. Victory today doesn’t guarantee a streak like that will follow this time around, but it would be the ideal way to kick off a busy December which will also see us play Spurs in the WSL and League Cup, around European duels with Lyon and Juventus to end the UWCL league phase.

This season’s November international break means we’ve had a little while since our last game. How long has it been?

The Reds were last in action 17 days ago, when the 5-2 Champions League loss to Wolfsburg brought an end to our perfect run in the competition’s league phase, and a November of highs and lows on the pitch for United. We unfortunately suffered our first defeats in the WSL, against Aston Villa and Manchester City, but worked hard to beat Brighton on the south coast and enjoyed that memorable European triumph over Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford. United will have learned a lot from the spell, and that – along with a notable increase in minutes for many early-season absentees – will hopefully stand us in good stead moving forward.

Fingers crossed we can get back to winning ways in the WSL this afternoon, after back-to-back losses against Villa and City. How is the table looking?

Despite those recent results, United entered the weekend inside the three Champions League positions at the summit, something the Reds are determined to maintain control over heading into the second half of the season. We’re four points back from second-placed Chelsea and seven behind leaders City, who we’ll aim to get closer to over the course of the December games.

How about West Ham – how are they getting on ahead of their visit to Leigh?

After a tough start to the campaign, the Hammers went into the recent international window 11th in the 12-team division, but arrive in the North West on the back of their first league win of the season, last time out in the WSL. In manager Rehanne Skinner’s words, her side got their reward for “perseverance and work on the training pitch” with a 3-1 victory at home to Everton, which we should expect will give them a boost as they look to win on a trip to United for the first time this afternoon (all six previous clashes have been won by the Reds). Shekiera Martinez – who netted the third against the Toffees – had the most WSL goals of any player in 2025 before this weekend (12) and is one to watch out for.

On the United side of things, can we expect any of our recent absentees back to take on Martinez and co?

startingthistime lastyear,aseasondefiningrunwould seeuswin11outof 12outingsacross allcompetitions

It’s difficult to say with these pages going to print before Skinner’s pre-match media duties, but what we do know is that Celin Bizet Donnum and Millie Turner have been sidelined with injuries of late, as has Phallon Tullis-Joyce. A small eye-socket fracture kept the latter out of our last three games before the international break, but there was hope that the goalkeeper could return soon after it, all being well. Whether a comeback is possible or not today, here’s to a speedy recovery for Phallon, and our other absentees. Those not featuring today will, like the rest of us, be cheering on the Reds from the stands in the hope of three early-December points. C’mon, United! ●

SPURS UP IN LEAGUE CUP

Last-eight clash in Leigh against the north Londoners this month

United’s 2025/26 Subway Women’s League Cup campaign will start with a quarter-final tie at home to Tottenham Hotspur.

Our meeting with Spurs is set to take place over the weekend of Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 December, with exact details for the single-legged fixture still to be confirmed as this programme went to print.

The winner will travel to whoever comes out on top in the last-eight battle between Crystal Palace and Arsenal in the semi-finals, which were plotted out at the same time as the quarter-final draw. Liverpool v Chelsea and West Ham v Manchester City are the other quarter-final ties.

United received a bye through to this stage of the competition, like Arsenal and tournament holders Chelsea, due to our participation in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League.

That meant skipping through the group stage, which concluded in November and saw the other five clubs progress to this upcoming first knockout round as group winners.

Spurs topped Group E with eight points from three matches, after victories over Birmingham and Bristol City followed a draw with Aston Villa, from which they picked up an extra point by winning the subsequent shoot-out.

The cup clash will see United host the Londoners on back-to-back weekends before the winter break, as we’re due to face former Reds coach Martin Ho’s side in a WSL game here in Leigh next Sunday (14 December).

Scan the code below for the latest ticket availability for that fixture, Wednesday’s Champions League contest with Lyon and the League Cup tie – all to be played here in Leigh before the mid-season winter break arrives later this month.

February when

GEYSE’S TITLE

Congratulations to United forward Geyse, who has been celebrating winning a top-flight title in the United States, with loan club Gotham FC.

The New York-based side defeated Washington Spirit 1-0 in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Championship last month, securing the trophy for the second time in three years. Geyse was an unused substitute in the final but concludes the NWSL season with two winner’s medals, having also lifted the CONCACAF W Champions Cup in May.

Maya THE CAPTAIN

BUCKLE UP FOR A BIG DECEMBER, SAYS THE CAPTAIN, WHO KNOWS THE IMPORTANCE OF STARTING IT WITH A WIN AGAINST THE HAMMERS...

With us having two away fixtures before the international break, it’s been a while since we’ve played at home – and even longer since we’ve been in Leigh due to the Old Trafford game – so it’s good to be back here.

The break has seen quite a few of us away with our national teams, and I was proud to make my first Wembley start for England, but now I’m as eager as everyone at United to get going with a big December.

Naturally we were all disappointed with our last two results, away to City and

Wolfsburg, but we know what a great opportunity we have to get back on track in the weeks ahead, with five games in three competitions in the run-up to Christmas.

We want to be in a strong position heading into 2026, with hopefully three cup competitions to compete in if we can progress in both the Champo and the League Cup this month, but today we’ll only be thinking about the league.

West Ham are a team that had a tough start to the season, but they found some form heading into the break, while I do remember the frustrating 0-0 draw when we last played them, at their place back in April.

So we know we’ll need to be at our best to get the win today, but we’ll always back ourselves at home. To be able to play four of our five December games right here in Leigh is something that gives us extra belief, with the support of you brilliant fans behind us.

FROM HER TWO-GOAL REDS DEBUT AT WOLVES IN FEBRUARY, TO A TIDY FINISH FOR WALES IN OCTOBER,

IT’S BEEN A YEAR OF IMPRESSIVE DEVELOPMENT

FOR TEENAGE MIDFIELDER MARED GRIFFITHS. NO WONDER SHE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT 2026 BRINGS...

Interview Mikey Partington

Mared, it’s our first time sitting down with you since you signed your pro contract over the summer. How have the last few months been? It’s been an exciting time for me, especially after signing my first professional contract. I feel really settled in, I’ve got a good group of people and players around me, and I’m striving now to keep learning.

You’ve been in Manchester now for over a year with us. We know before you came up here to the North West that you were studying business at college – are those studies all done now? Yeah, they’re done – thank God [laughs]! I’ve got through my education and got my qualifications and I’m here now. That’s all that matters.

It’s been going pretty well for you on the football side of things since coming up from Wales, but how are you finding living in Manchester?

Life is completely different from before. I used to live on a farm, so I’ve gone from a farm and agricultural

FULL NAME Mared Alaw Griffiths

DATE OF BIRTH 3 March 2007

PLACE OF BIRTH

Trawsfynydd, Wales

POSITION Midfield

YOUTH CAREER

FAW North Academy, Manchester United

SENIOR CAREER

2025- Manchester United 1 game, 2 goals

INTERNATIONAL CAREER Wales 3 games, 1 goal

life to a city and shopping every time I get free time! So, it’s different but I’m enjoying it.

We were speaking before we started recording about your family – they aren’t up here with you, but you are staying with a host family... I’ve been with my host family for a year and a bit now; I’m enjoying it. I’m learning different environments, being in someone else’s house, but my family will always support me from home and they’ll always try their best to be there to come to games and support.

Before we talk a bit more about football, we’re keen to learn more about you off the pitch. How would you describe yourself as a person? I think I’m a very calm person, I just take everything as it comes. I like to be independent, I like to do stuff by myself, but also, I like company. I like being around people, communicating, getting to know people and putting myself out there. And if I can go back home for a day and spend time with family, I’ll do that, because I think that’s very important.

You had your first-team debut against Wolves back in February, a game in which you scored twice. When you look back on that now, how much motivation does it give you to keep striving towards more involvement? That was an incredible moment for me and my family. Being able to get that opportunity and to be trusted to be put on the pitch [meant a lot]. Even though we were winning 4-0 [when I came on as a sub], I still had to have the trust of the staff to put me out there to see what I could do, and I think that was the stepping stone for me. I’ve gone out there and, maybe they weren’t the two best goals, but a goal is a goal! I’m striving every day now, trying to be the best I can be, and here is the best place I can be to do that because I’ve got the best people around me with the players, especially in training. I’m just trying to keep knocking doors down and trying to get to that different level.

How much are you enjoying the process of playing an Under-21s game one day, then training with the first team another day – having that mix of experiences?

I do enjoy it. Sometimes it can be a bit like: ‘Where am I going to be?!’ [laughs] But I just have to be patient at the end of the day. I’m a young player, I have to accept everything isn’t maybe as everyone wants it to be, but I have to keep on working hard. The dedication there has to continue.

Your recent first goal for Wales, against Australia, wasn’t bad, was it! Talk us through it…

That was another opportunity I had with Wales, a first start and first goal. Again, I was just putting myself out there and the opportunity came for me to shoot. I knew if I missed then I miss, but if I’m not going to shoot then I’m not going to score! So, that was a good opening goal of my career with Wales and my family was down in Cardiff, so it was a surreal moment for me.

No, there was too much noise in the stadium! But I did get ahead of the ball, and I don’t know how I got back around it. I just looked at the keeper and saw her off the line, so I thought I’ll try it and that’s it.

What does it mean to you to represent Wales? You obviously won your first senior cap this year also... Representing Wales is something really big for me and my family. I’ve always dreamed of playing for Wales and now, at 18, being able to do that is something really amazing. I’m so privileged to step on the pitch with that badge on my chest. It gives me goosebumps when I do that.

I’vealways dreamedof playingfor Walesandnow ...Itgivesme goosebumps

It was a fine finish, the way you came around the ball. Jess Fishlock – playing her 166th and final game for Wales – was running into the box and asking for the pass, did you hear her shout?!

It sounds like it’s been quite the learning experience already for you. You mentioned Jess Fishlock before – we loved the press conference you did when you said you wanted to learn from her because she’s getting old! Now she’s has retired from international football, what did you learn from her?

I’ve been round the team now for a year, so I’ve had that year to get to know all the players and staff, and especially Jess Fishlock. Just to talk to her off the pitch and learn some stuff, she gives me tips and I take them on board. They take part in my game sometimes.

Season 2024/25

1,324 signed and charitable items distributed

517k+ total free-of-charge attendances at sessions and events 41% female participation

£2.3m raised by fans and fundraising

41,289

125 unique participants projects

mufoundation.org/ourimpact

But, as well, you’re never going to be like someone else, you are your own unique player. So, I’m going to keep on striving with what I think I’m good at and just continue to develop and take her tips on board.

Is there like a ‘Jess Fishlock’ here at United for you, someone you look up to and enjoy learning from?

To be honest, it’s the whole team. Everyone’s got different aspects to their game and it’s just learning and seeing different stuff every day, and maybe you can pick some stuff from there and bring it to your game. I think that’s what is most important, just seeing it as a whole and as a collective rather than just a specific person.

Talk to us about your season so far – how have you found it now that we’re approaching the halfway mark?

I’ve found it very exciting. It’s my first season being with the first team; I haven’t played yet but I don’t expect anything more. I need to keep on pushing; I need to keep on improving and getting myself ready to play with and against women. I’ve loved the training sessions, I enjoy being around the team and playing with the U21s, to get that game time and game fitness back in. I’ve enjoyed it all so far.

You said to us in the summer that you feel the support of the club and the staff. What’s been the message from Marc Skinner as to where he sees your development going?

The staff keep on saying: ‘Keep on striving, keep on working hard, pushing, pushing, pushing.’ That’s what I’m doing. As a team, we’ve got some goals. I have to remember that sometimes you have to adapt to the team, the collective and the gameplan. I just have to continue working hard and show that work ethic and determination to keep on learning.

I’veloved thetraining sessions,Ienjoy beingaroundthe teamandplaying withtheU21s

As well as everything we’ve already mentioned, you were part of our squad at the FA Cup final. Looking forward now, you speak about learning there, what do you want to achieve in the next 12 months, as we move towards 2026?

I’ve had unbelievable memories in the last year. I just want them to continue more than anything. Being able to learn and continue enjoying what I’m doing, I think that’s most important. If you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, then why do you do it? I really enjoy what I do and I just want to continue to develop and to make my family, friends and everyone that’s watching and supporting me proud. ●

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 Swedish full-back has been a regular this season, missing just one of our 17 games to date, with her accurate crossing making her a danger in attacking areas.

6. HANNAH BLUNDELL

The first Red in the professional era to return to play after giving birth, the flying full-back could be the next to reach 100 United appearances – she’s now on 93.

SQUAD SN APSHOTs

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THOSE IN RED

3. GABBY GEORGE

Our Manchester-born full-back has showcased her versatility in recent weeks, stepping into central defence for the UWCL win against PSG at Old Trafford.

7. ELLA TOONE

Our record appearance maker and scorer has had so much success with the Reds since 2018. She also tops the overall WSL chart for assists this season (five).

4. MAYA LE TISSIER

Our girl from Guernsey, who has 10 caps for England, has started every game this season – just as she has for every Reds fixture dating back to December 2022.

8. JESS PARK

United’s new no.8 has made a superb start to life with the Reds since her cross-Manchester move, being named WSL Player of the Month for October.

9. MELVINE MALARD 10. ELISABETH TERLAND

The French forward scored our fifth goal against the Hammers when we beat them 5-0 in Leigh in November 2023 – her fourth of 20 goals since joining United.

11. LEAH GALTON

Teri leads the way with goals this term, with only one more needed to reach double figures. Her first campaign of ’24/25 with the Reds saw her net 12 – a squad high. The 31-year-old brings pace and power to the left of our attack, as she demonstrated when scoring against West Ham when we beat them at Old Trafford last season. Also on the Reds’ roster for the 2025/26 season: 36. MARED GRIFFITHS (MF); 41.

ROLFO

The former Barça winger has been showing her attacking prowess in the Champions League in recent weeks, with three goals – a fine volley and two brilliant headers.

Now into her second season as a Red, the Norwegian offers versatility in attacking positions, and she’ll be keen to get back on the pitch following a back injury.

JULIA ZIGIOTTI OLME

The 27-year-old is another who’s taken no time to settle in, with her tireless midfield work making a real difference since signing in July. She has 50 caps for Sweden.

It was March 2024 when we last scored away from home against West Ham (our ’24/25 away game finishing 0-0) and it was Rach who got our goal in a 1-1 draw.

AWUJO

It was good to see the Canadian make a swift return to action after a nasty clash of heads in the Manchester derby. The midfielder has played 22 times for the Reds.

Celin’s compatriot recently surpassed 300 senior club games in her career. The most recent of her six goals in 54 United games came at Brighton last month.

HINATA MIYAZAWA

Hini – who won the Golden Boot at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup by scoring five goals – has been a regular this term, with her quick feet making the Reds tick.

The young Wales international has started our last three games between the sticks, covering for the absent Tullis-Joyce, to add to her one appearance last season.

Simi’s fellow Canadian loves nothing more than racing down the right. She scored her first goal for the Reds in September’s 5-1 win at London City Lionesses.

The versatile midfielder has been a regular in defence this season, where she often played prior to joining the Reds. Dom recently won her 130th Netherlands cap.

The ever-dependable centre-back has been the ultimate team player since her 2018 debut. A recent knee injury is likely to keep her out until the end of the year.

Having sustained a knock in our last home league outing, against Aston Villa, our American keeper has been out of action – her first minutes missed this season.

Stands IN THE

↑ Belated 15th birthday wishes to Sienna, a big fan of Safia.

↑ Lucy will be 15 on 8 December, and she’s pictured with 12-year-old Sophie. Happy birthday, Lucy!

↓ Paisley travels from Barnsley to cheer on the Reds!

It’s

&

← Steven Smith sent us this great pic.

↑ Happy 12th birthday Eleanor, from Mum,

● Happy birthday to Jane, a United fan since 1966. Her favourite player is Hinata. Love from Kathryn.

● Happy 13th birthday Jess – lots of love, Mum and Dad.

● Dolcie Lynch is celebrating her 10th birthday here!

Enjoy the game!

● Happy 50th, Richard Smith – love Ryan, Lily and Lucy.

● Sal says: ‘Birthday shoutout to my wonderful husband Michael Wilson. He and my daughter are there, rain or shine!’

● A very happy birthday to Amira Williams.

GETTING A SEAT ON THE TRAIN HOME

ABSOLUTE LIMBS IN THE STANDS FOR A 90th MINUTE EQUALISER

Choose to experience every moment.

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SENSE OF COMMUNITY

Trio of Reds make the short trip to Atherton to join in with Foundation PE session – where they meet many excited United Women supporters!

You could feel the excitement on a chilly afternoon at Meadowbank Primary, a Foundation partner school just a few miles away from Leigh, ahead of a very special visit.

The location of the school in proximity to the home of the Reds has seen a big surge of support from the pupils, meaning the arrival of Anna Sandberg, Rachel Williams and Safia Middleton-Patel was greeted with real excitement!

The trio had come down to learn more about the Foundation’s work with local primary-schoolaged children and, of course, to take part in some fun activities with the starstruck pupils.

“I think it’s really important to show the community that we’re here,” Safia commented after the event. “We’ve all had fun joining in and obviously it’s even more enjoyable when you beat Anna in a game of dodgeball!”

Anna took exception to this, but clearly enjoyed the event just as much as her Reds team-mate.

“Absolutely, no way, I won!” the Swedish defender fired back. “I love supporting the Foundation and the work they do and it’s always enjoyable to meet the kids. I can only imagine how I would have felt when I was younger if this happened in my school.”

The visit began with a quick tour from deputy head Gillian Davies, where the Reds learned more about the school’s activities with the Foundation, before the highly competitive games of dodgeball and benchball began!

“One of the reasons we wanted to become part of the Foundation was for them to help us raise the popularity of girls’ football and just girls playing sport in general,” Gillian told us. “For the players to come here today has been

absolutely amazing. We’re so close to Leigh, so have a big support here for the women’s team, and it’s been amazing to see the kids’ reaction, how much it means to them and how much it’s clearly inspired them.”

“It was amazing!” participant Summer enthused. “The [United] players were telling us how we had to beat the player on the other team – we all had so much fun.”

Visit mufoundation.org for more

SONGS OF PRAISE

SEEING AS IT’S THE TIME OF YEAR TO CONGREGATE AND SPREAD CHEER WITH UPLIFTING HYMNS, LET’S OPEN UP THE LATEST VERSION OF THE MUWSC

SONGBOOK...

Words Charlie Ghagan

When it comes to terrace tunes, does anyone do it better than Manchester United? Call us biased, but we think not. And that’s an assertion that applies equally to United Women as it does to our men – whose fans were garnering praise as far back as the 1920s for how they’d hone unique, catchy chants for individual players. ‘Give it to Joe!’ they’d sing from the standing terraces of Old Trafford, in support of Joe Spence. Unsurprisingly, United’s star winger felt appreciated, and would battle even harder out on the mud-heaped pitches of the time. In turn, the fans would sing his name even louder. Terrace chants can also serve the purpose of winding up opposition fans, of course, while many are simply in support of the team more generally –now we’re in December, watching our men’s team means adapted renditions of Jingle Bells and the The Twelve Days of Christmas. Eric Cantona insists on it. When United Women was formed as a professional set-up in 2018, even our embryonic fanbase was quick to realise the important of terrace chants within the Reds’ fan culture. So what did the ‘Barmy Army’ – the group that would become Manchester United Women’s Supporters’ Club – do? They came up with decent ditties for all the 2018/19 squad members, and put it in a songbook (well, an A4 sheet of paper) to hand out to United fans at the game.

“It was in January of 2019 when we decided to run our first away supporters’ coach trip, to Charlton,” Marc Henry of MUWSC recalls as we chat on the phone on the morning of the recent Wolfsburg game. “On the way down we started talking about songs and how to create atmosphere at the game, and someone said: ‘Why don’t we put all our songs in a booklet and hand it out?’ So at the back end of that season we started to do that. The only downside was that when we got

into Leigh – and we were in West Stand then – we couldn’t hand the songbook out to other parts of the ground so we had to work out a way to do that.”

A far simpler approach than flying A4 paper aeroplanes across the pitch was soon found – to post the songbook online at muwsc.co.uk, with the club actively supporting and promoting this. What’s more, having it as a digital publication has meant it can be regularly updated without having to order a reprint every time we sign a player, or someone moves on.

If you’ve taken a look at the songbook in recent months, you might have noticed it’s had a redesign, using the same bold, distinctive typefaces used across the club in ’25/26, including in this match programme.

Upon perusing the pages through it, one new(ish) chant soon catches our eye, and ear... ‘We’ve got Dominique...’ You probably know the one – a tweaked version of the Ruben Amorim chant (based on Bonnie Tyler’s It’s a Heartache) that’s been stuck in our collective heads throughout all of 2025.

“Dom’s version of that song started at Wolves away last season [in February],” reveals Marc. “At half-time I was talking to some friends who were there and I said, ‘I love that new Amorim chant’. I found a YouTube video of it and played it, and within 15 minutes of the second half they were like, ‘oh, we can use that for Dominique and Andy [Slater, Barmy Article fanzine editor] has come up with the words. And that was it.”

As Dom herself tells us in p33 of this programme, she loved the chant so much she felt compelled to ask

the fans about it following our FA Cup semi-final win at City in April – a game in which the song echoed around Joie Stadium for much of the second half.

But what is it that makes Dom’s chant so good? “It’s one of those songs that picks up momentum, meaning you can sing it for ages and ages, with more and more people joining in,” says Marc. “It’s definitely my favourite chant right now, and most people enjoy singing it, although I do know a few who hate it!”

As Dom also revealed during our recent interview, the chant that lives rent-free in her brain is an ‘OG’ (Original Galton) one, that’s been with us since the start: ‘Wooooaaahhh, she never gives the ball away!’

“Coming up with the Leah chant was so easy,” says Marc. “I can’t even remember where we were or who can take the credit but we were on the way to a game and on the radio was September by Earth, Wind & Fire. Suddenly the words started to flow and that was it.”

Jayde’schanttooktoo longtogettothepunchy bit,soweknewweneeded anotheroneforher

As well as having that vital momentum-building melody, not to mention lyrics that scan perfectly, the beauty of the Galton chant is how quickly the crowd can get caught up in it – a key factor when considering whether a chant is going to be a hit or a miss.

“Jayde’s song was ‘Rollin’ on a Riviere’ [from Proud Mary] and it’s a good one but it just takes too long to get to the punchy bit, so we knew we needed another one for Jayde,” says Marc. “Someone came up with one to the tune of Livin’ on a Prayer, which gets there quicker, so we’re starting to get that one out more.”

Jayde’s latest is definitely a good ’un in our book. But what if you’re reading this and have a top chant of your own? After all, it takes some front to stand up solo in South Stand and start bellowing out a tune, praying (with every last fibre of your body) that at least one other fan joins in as you repeat it over and over.

“If you’ve got a song, send it to us – contact us on our website or socials, and we’ll see if we can get it going,” says Marc, who with the backing of his fellow MUWSC members in North Stand are well versed in helping to establish new songs, with the hope that they will eventually spread across that terrace and to other parts of the stadium when we’re at home.

“Sometimes they do get going, and sometimes unfortunately they don’t,” Marc adds. “As I say, the songs that do well are ones that the crowd can pick up relatively easily and don’t have too many words. Melvine Malard’s is the perfect example. We’ve seen Melvine singing along to her own chant when warming up, which is always a good sign that it’s appreciated by the players!”

To check out the songbook, or to make contact with MUWSC, head to muwsc.co.uk or simply scan the code here...

From

in the

TOP OF THE CHANTS

Andy Slater– Barmy Article fanzine editor and a key creator of our chants –picks his three faves...

3 Celin Bizet (To the tune of When Johnny Goes Marching Home)

Andy says: “I like the humour of this – first that her name sounds French but isn’t, and also that ‘we thought she was just Grace’s mate, but actually she’s pretty great.’ It has an extra edge to it now!”

2 Dom Janssen (To the tune of It’s a Heartache)

Andy says: “Often women’s chants will be a men’s chant with the name changed, but that isn’t the case here. It can also keep going for 20 minutes solid. And I like that we’ve changed the words to ‘she took us to the Champions League’. It’s evolved.”

1

Leah Galton (To the tune of September)

Andy says: “The one I wish I wrote. Not just because it’s so catchy and easy to join in with, but because it doesn’t have a men’s counterpart, at least as far as I’m aware. It stands on its own.”

Interview Charlie Ghagan

LUCKY

SeVEN

HERE A RED RANDOMLY PICKS SEVEN BOXES, EACH CONTAINING AN OFFBEAT POSER. TODAY, IT’S DOMINIQUE JANSSEN!

Q: What’s your earliest football memory?

“I remember when my mum made it happen that I could play football with the boys – I was five or six years old and it was not normal for that to happen, so I know my mum fought for me to play. We were on a pitch at my childhood club [in the province of Limburg, in south-eastern Netherlands] and I remember just running around with the ball. It was a Netherlands under-7s session, and I started with the ‘F9’ starter team – the best players were in the ‘F1’ team. I was only of two players, along with one other boy, who would go from F9 to F1 because I was pretty talented, but I’ll always remember starting there with the F9s – it’s where I started by football career, basically.”

Q: What’s the last thing you bought that you were really excited about?

“Ooh, I can answer this one. I got myself a water cooker [a variable temperature kettle] – it has different temperatures to cook the water, which I’m really excited about. If I want to make my matcha, I’ll put it on 75 degrees, but if I make [regular] tea, it’s 95 or 100 degrees. So every morning when I make my matcha, I’m really excited that I don’t have to fully boil my water – I can just set it to 75 degrees as that’s the best temperature for matcha. I am really excited by it!”

A cup of matcha: best at 75 degrees

Q: What posters did you have on your bedroom wall as a kid?

“In the Netherlands we had this football magazine and in the centre of it there was a poster – just like you have here in the matchday programme – of all the players from the national [Dutch men’s] team. I tried to save them all, but I had so many that I’d sometimes rearrange them and change them. There was Ruud van Nistelrooy, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Mark van Bommel, Wesley Sneijder, Nigel de Jong, Jaap Stam, Edwin van der Sar... it’s really nice to think about it now.”

Q: What’s the proudest moment of your life away from football?

“I’m a five-time auntie, for my brother and sister. I remember the first time I heard my

It’s so nice that the fans put in the effort to have a chant for me... it’s not something you can expect when you join a club

sister was pregnant, it was so beautiful it made my cry. The youngest of them has just turned three, and the oldest is seven. I’m godmother to the oldest – she’s started playing football and wearing a United jersey so that’s very nice too. Last season some came over to watch me in the FA Cup final. To have family there, it was awesome. We lost but they came running to me after the game, and I forgot about the result after that.”

Q: What’s the best fan chant you’ve heard about you or any team-mate?

“I remember one time I had to go to the United fans after the game – it was City away [in the FA Cup] last season. I knew the fans had a chant for me but I didn’t know specifically what they were singing, so they explained the song and the words they’d been singing. [To the tune of ‘It’s a Heartache’: We’ve got Dominique, she’s fortifying LSV; she’ll take us to the Champions League; that’s where we belong!]. It was so nice that they’d put in the effort to have a chant for me. Obviously it’s not something you can expect when you join a new club, so I was very pleased. But the one that gets stuck is my head? It’s the Leah one [‘Wooooaaahhh we got Leah Galton...’] – that’s the best one!”

Q: Who in your life keeps you grounded?

“Generally, I’d say my family. At the end of the day we are footballers but still human beings – being a footballer is my job but as well as doing that, I’m also a person who has to do groceries and cook my own food and stuff! So I’m very thankful for my family for being super normal and keeping me grounded.”

Q: What superpower would you want for a day?

“Ooh, it would be one of two – one, to be invisible, and move around anywhere. The other is to fly, to go in the air and fly wherever you want to fly, and see life from a different perspective. If I had to chose one, it would be to fly. Yesterday I went to the Peak District. I enjoy being in nature to switch off from the busy world, and to see that while flying over it would be so beautiful.”

WEST HAM UNITED

Cast your mind back almost seven years ago and the Reds were League Cup underdogs the first time we encountered West Ham. It was a quarter-final in our maiden 2018/19 campaign, when the Hammers were a top-flight side – one with future Red Jane Ross leading the line as their top scorer that season. But a 17th-minute Kate Longhurst own goal and one from Jess Sigsworth in the second half sealed our 2-0 win to progress. The sadly departed Matt Beard, West Ham boss that night, insisted that the Reds were already a “WSL team” in all but name. The Hammers took revenge when the teams did meet as league equals 11 months later, claiming a 3-2 victory after two late Katharina Baunach free-kicks, which remains their only win in this fixture to date in a dozen encounters. They’ll be hoping meeting no.13 doesn’t prove unlucky for them once again...

RECENT FORM

After starting with seven successive WSL defeats, it felt like West Ham turned a vital corner in November. September saw demoralising defeats to Arsenal (1-5), Brighton (1-4) and Chelsea (0-4), after which the margin of defeat at least shrank to 0-1 scorelines against London City Lionesses and Manchester City. It was a particularly dogged effort against the latter, with Rehanne Skinner’s side only denied an equaliser by the width of the crossbar. “A positive boost” is how defender Amber Tysiak (below) described that display, and they followed it up with a first point of the season, at home to Leicester, with only a late concession denying the Irons a 1-0 win. That elusive victory would soon come, however, as the Londoners beat Everton (3-1) last time out in the WSL, after which the boss commended how well her squad had “stuck together” through that challenging spell.

WHO TO LOOK OUT FOR...

Formed: 1991

Nickname: The Hammers, The Irons Best achievements: Women’s FA Cup runners-up, 2018/19; WSL 6th place (2021/22) Last season: WSL 9th place; FA Cup fourth round; League Cup semi-finals; top scorer (all comps): Viviane Asseyi (13) Record v United: P12 W1 D3 L8 F7 A29

Even with West Ham’s struggles in the league this season, Anouk Denton has caught the eye of England boss Sarina Wiegman. The 22-year-old defender, who has flipped between right-back and left-back, was called into the senior Lionesses squad for the first time in October as an injury replacement. Denton didn’t get on the pitch but must have impressed in training because she kept that place when November’s selection was made. Further up the pitch, ex-Germany youth international Shekiera Martinez (below) has scored 12 WSL goals in only 21 appearances since making her debut for West Ham in January and – impressively – she was named the WSL’s Player of the Month for March and April last season. Both of the 24-year-old’s WSL goals this season have contributed to the four points claimed against Leicester and Everton.

LAST WSL LINE-UP

the leaders

No relation to our Marc, Rehanne Skinner is into her third season in charge at West Ham. Previously, Tottenham enjoyed their best-ever WSL finish (fifth) under her leadership in 2021/22, while she’s got a reputation for polishing emerging talent, having coached junior national teams for both England and Wales. Leading the way on the pitch is Katrina Gorry, who was named captain in September 2024 and who proudly wore the armband for the first time at Old Trafford in last season’s opener. After heading back to her native Australia in the summer, the Brisbane-born midfielder – who won her 100th Matildas cap against England in the 2023 World Cup – said returning to West Ham was like coming “home” due to the support she’s had since arriving at the London club. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt this sort of love from a football team,” admitted the 33-year-old, affectionately known as ‘Mini’ on account of her 5ft 1in height.

ALL MIXED UP

MIDDLETON-PATEL MADE

FIRST APPEARANCE OF THE SEASON AGAINST PSG, BUT CAN YOU NAME HER FOUR COMPATRIOTS WHO’VE TURN OUT FOR UNITED?

ASSISTER SISTERS!

OPPONENT: LEICESTER SCORE: 4-0 SCORER: MELVINE MALARD

CAN YOU RECALL WHO PROVIDED THE ASSIST FOR EACH OF THESE MEMORABLE UNITED GOALS THIS SEASON?

1 2 4 3

OPPONENT: LIVERPOOL SCORE: 4-0 SCORER: ELLA TOONE

OPPONENT: LONDON CITY LIONESSES SCORE: 2-0 SCORER: JAYDE RIVIERE

OPPONENT: BRIGHTON SCORE: 3-1 SCORER: LISA NAALSUND

REDS CROSSWORD

MANCHESTER UNITED

STATS

AT THE BACK

WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE TABLE, 2025/26

UNITED APPEARANCES & GOALS, 2025/26

WSL TOP SCORERS, 2025/26

WSL TOP ASSISTS, 2025/26

Malard and Toone lead the way for the Reds in terms of WSL goals and assists

LEAH’S LEAGUE NUMBERS

While Ella Toone comfortably tops our all-time goalscorers list, did you know that Leah Galton leads the way when it comes to WSL goals for the Reds? Leah has 35 –two more than Toone – although Galton is still awaiting a first goal of the current campaign. Leah is also on the cusp of a league century: she has 98 starts in the WSL for United.

WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

pREVIeW

ONE GAME YESTERDAY, FIVE MORE THIS AFTERNOON -- HERE’S THE LOWDOWN...

The Barclays Women’s Super League returns this weekend following the final international break of 2025, with the first of two full December matchweeks on the slate ahead of a near month-long winter hiatus either side of Christmas.

As United kick off against West Ham at 12pm today, we might find ourselves below Arsenal, with the Gunners having already hosted Liverpool at Emirates Stadium in the only Saturday fixture on the schedule.

Renee Slegers’ side were held by Tottenham last time out and need to start kicking on if they are to reduce the eight-point gap to leaders Manchester City. Goals for Beth Mead and Alessia Russo in England’s 8-0 thrashing of China will certainly have boosted the pair’s confidence in front of goal before an important few weeks for the north London club, both at home and in Europe. Liverpool, who drew 1-1 with Chelsea last month, are the only WSL side without a victory so far but they do have a game in hand, to be played against Aston Villa next Thursday. The Villans visit Spurs before that in one of the four 12pm Sunday starts today. Villa’s two victories this term have come on the road, including their surprise success at Leigh in November, while Spurs’ progress has stalled a touch despite a promising start to the campaign under Martin Ho.

JocelynPrecheur’s LONDONCITYLionesses havebeenperfect athomesincewebeat them5-1inSeptember

Manchester City, the other top-flight side United lost to last month, have won eight straight games and will fancy their chances of a ninth at struggling Leicester City at 12pm – our crosstown rivals boast a 100 per cent record against the Foxes in the WSL. London City Lionesses, who had 14 players called up for the recent internationals, entertain Brighton at 12pm. Jocelyn Precheur’s Lionesses have been perfect at home since we beat them 5-1 in September, while Brighton’s difficulties on the road – a solitary point from four outings – have been well documented. Chelsea v Everton at Kingsmeadow (2.30pm) brings the weekend to a close. The Londoners set a new WSL record of 34 unbeaten matches three weeks ago but will have been disappointed with their draw at Liverpool last time out.

ADDED-TIME QUIZ

GO FOR A BIG FINISH WITH 10/10 IN OUR TEST - GOOD LUCK!

1 Who scored a debut goal in last season’s home game against West Ham?

2 Safia Middleton-Patel’s run in the first team follows her debut against which North East side in the League Cup in 2024/25?

3 The Hammers were the first and fourth visitors to Old Trafford – which pair of clubs did the Reds face at the Theatre of Dreams between those two fixtures?

4 Of the players to turn out for both clubs, who has made the most appearances for United?

5 Who has scored the most all-time goals for the Reds without ever netting in the WSL?

6 Name the last goalkeeper to make a competitive appearance for United who didn’t have a double-barrelled surname.

7 Who is the only player to finish as United’s top scorer, either sole or joint, in two separate seasons?

8 How many of Maya Le Tissier’s 112 Reds appearances so far have been as a substitute: zero, one or two?

9 Which other London club will be our first WSL opponents of 2026?

10 Which future Red and Scotland international started for West Ham in the first WSL meeting between the sides, in December 2019?

25/26 THIRD JERSEY

MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN

Head coach Marc Skinner

Kayla Rendell (GK)

Anna Sandberg

Gabby George

Maya Le Tissier

Hannah Blundell

Ella Toone

Jess Park

Melvine Malard

Elisabeth Terland

Leah Galton

Fridolina Rolfo

Simi Awujo

Jayde Riviere

Celin Bizet Donnum

Lisa Naalsund

Dominique Janssen

Julia Zigiotti Olme

Hinata Miyazawa

Millie Turner

Rachel Williams

Mared Griffiths

Safia Middleton-Patel (GK)

Tamira Livingston

Jessica Anderson

Sienna Wareing

Scarlett Hill

Phallon Tullis-Joyce (GK)

WEST HAM UNITED WOMEN

Head coach Rehanne Skinner

Kinga Szemik (GK)

Yu Endo

Oona Siren

Amber Tysiak

Ines Belloumou

Riko Ueki

Manuela Pavi

Eva Nystrom

Shelina Zadorsky

Anna Csiki

Anouk Denton

Shekiera Martinez

Viviane Asseyi

Sarah Brasero-Carreira

Katrina Gorry

Ffion Morgan

Megan Walsh (GK)

Leila Wandeler

Verena Hanshaw

Katie O’Hanlon (GK)

Halle Houssein

Emily Taylor-Brown

Selin Cemal

Seraina Piubel

Referee Melissa Burgin Assistants Nicoleta Bria, David Middleton Fourth official Lucy May