Manchester United’s main goal this season is to be in the top three in the WSL and qualify for the Champions League.
However, when the Reds Lionesses were welcomed to Old Trafford a few weeks ago, new signing Nikita Parris made it clear that the team had also set their sights on trophies this year.
Marc Skinner’s team could be ready for a number of reasons, firstly they have had a very promising transfer window.
United made seven signings and lost no first-team players in the window, going strong at each field position.
Maya Le Tissier, 20, could be a real asset at the back alongside French international Aïssatou Tounkara.
Meanwhile, Nikita Parris has proven her skills on an international stage in recent years and that European winner’s medal speaks for itself. Her experiences at Champions League side Arsenal will surely boost the team.
Lucía García has already made an impact in the preseason and fans are hoping she will continue to do so in the upcoming season.
It might seem like United now have a slew of strikers with the addition of experienced England international Rachel Williams and Canada’s Adriana Leon, but part of closing the gap to the top three is also about improving goal difference.
Being able to rotate forwards and bring fresh legs into the attack could be vital this season.
United have a host of international talent, obviously Earps, Russo, Toone and Parris have all returned champions and hopefully that winning mentality carries over to their club game. They have also maintained that form heading into recent World Cup qualifiers, so it looks promising that these players will shine for the Reds upon their return.
Earlier in the week, Canada played Australia and they were down 1-0. However, the Canadians were the eventual winners, as León orchestrated his comeback, scoring two goals.
Martha Thomas scored in Scotland’s 6-0 win over the Faroe Islands and will be a key player heading into the World Cup play-offs.
Meanwhile, Jackie Groenen, who has been one of United’s most consistent playmakers in midfield, is instrumental in the Dutch side, often playing the full ninety minutes as he does with the Reds.
However, with her desperation to leave United, we may see her a lot less this season.
Similarly, Ona Batlle has been linked with a move away, so we may not see the best of the Spaniard this season either.
However, looking at the clubs surrounding United, are they still a threat?
Chelsea still look strong and with the likes of Harder and Kerr fit, they look unbeatable.
Arsenal too, under Vivenne Miedema, will prove to be tough opposition, but the Reds have triumphed over them before.
Manchester City, although they have recruited in some areas, appear to be a weakened team heading into the opening weekend of the season and it could be United’s chance to sneak into those top three places.
Ellen White retired after the European Championship, Keira Walsh left for Barcelona, Georgia Stanway is now at Bayern Munich, and Caroline Weir and Lucy Bronze have also left.
Everyone at Manchester United seems to be clear about the task at hand. They are focused and excited to start their campaign which will kick off on Saturday 10th September when they take on Tottenham.
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