Manchester United Women enter the 2025/26 season with aspirations of building upon their successes from the previous year and making a significant impact in both domestic and European competitions. After a "somewhat successful 2024/25 campaign", Marc Skinner's side will aim to maintain momentum and strive for further achievements.
2024/25 Season Recap
Manchester United demonstrated improvement in the Women's Super League (WSL) during the 2024/25 season, securing a spot in the Champions League qualifiers and displacing rivals Manchester City from the top three. This marked a two-position improvement compared to their 2023/24 season, which was their lowest ever standing since their promotion in 2019. Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce earned praise and shared the Golden Glove award with Chelsea's Hannah Hampton. A strong defense, which conceded only 16 goals in 22 matches, contributed to their top-three finish. However, inconsistent league performances, including draws against Aston Villa, West Ham, and Brighton, along with a loss to Liverpool, highlighted areas for improvement. The team reached their third consecutive FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium but lost 3-0 to Chelsea.
Elisabeth Terland's impressive work rate in her first season resulted in 10 goals and five assists, earning her the highest combined goals and assists in the WSL for the 2024/25 season.
Champions League Qualification
Manchester United commenced their 2025/26 season with UEFA Women's Champions League qualifiers, achieving 4-0 and 1-0 victories over PSV Eindhoven and Hammarby, respectively. This success guaranteed them European football in either the Champions League or Europa Cup. As it stands, they have secured a place in the third qualifying round against SK Brann.
Expectations for the Season
The team aims to make their mark in European football after being eliminated in Round 2 of the Group Stages in the 2023/24 competition. They also seek to continue their FA Cup success and improve upon their quarter-final exit in the prior League Cup campaign. Maintaining a top-three position in the WSL remains a key objective, although competition from Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea will pose a challenge.
Transfers
To bolster their squad, Manchester United have signed Swedish internationals Fridolina Rolfö from Barcelona and Julia Zigiotti Olme from Bayern Munich. Rolfö, a versatile player with experience in both defense and attack, brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality, having won multiple Champions League titles with Barcelona. Zigiotti Olme, a playmaking midfielder, adds depth and quality to the midfield.
Players to Watch
Challenges and Concerns
Despite the team's potential, some concerns linger. According to The Guardian, the squad appears to lack depth, and the club's spending power is less than their rivals. Some fans have expressed dissatisfaction with Marc Skinner's tactical approach. There are also concerns about the team being overlooked, fueled by an incident where players had to pay for their own flights home from a Champions League qualifier.
Predictions
While some predict a tough season for United in the league, they are expected to compete at a high level in European football and potentially go far in the cup competitions. Maintaining their top three position in the WSL would be an excellent result. However, some predict that they will finish fourth in the WSL.
