Manchester United season preview: A new look and fresh optimism

Our Manchester United writer Conner Roberts on a busy transfer window and high expectations.

This is undoubtedly a crucial season for Marc Skinner as he enters his fourth season at Manchester United with only a year left on his contract. The feeling is more optimistic amongst the majority of the fan base as we draw closer to the start of the WSL than it was at the start of the transfer window. The team are now FA Cup champions bringing with it the taste for more silverware but also added pressure to deliver with new expectations. 

What happened last season?

It was a season of firsts for Manchester United. First Uefa Women’s Champions League action, first major trophy, first win over Chelsea. However, these achievements were overshadowed by many firsts for the wrong reasons, biggest ever defeat, first defeat at Old Trafford and the lowest finish in the WSL, so can it be looked back on as a successful season? 

Manchester United’s 2023-24 campaign can be described as an emotional rollercoaster. This was best illustrated by the final week with the incredible highs of an FA Cup win to the humiliating lows of a 6-0 defeat at Old Trafford on the final day. It was announced the day before the defeat that Marc Skinner had signed a one-year contract extension with the option of a further year, which wasn’t a universally popular decision amongst the fan base. However, with a new ownership structure in place, this decision maintains stability in the back room staff and moves any long-term decision to further down the line.

Sum up the summer transfer window…..

During the transfer window, holes that were left by the big name departures of Katie Zelem, Lucia Garcia & Nikita Parris have been filled by quality additions. Simi Awujo has come into midfield and Elisabeth Terland, Celin Bizet, and the permanent signing of Melvine Malard, have all boosted the forward line. Anna Sandberg has come in to add another option in the left-back role, more so needed now with the news that Hannah Blundell will miss the season with her pregnancy. Sandberg is someone who is lightning quick down the line, offering United that attacking outlet as well as the defensive side of the game. Dominique Janssen could prove to be one of the most important signings this window with her versatility and experience. Questions have been asked where she will play for United next season with defensive midfield and centre back being the most likely options. Her long range passing ability in those quarterback type areas with the pace in attack that United have will certainly be something to keep an eye on as United try to break teams down. 

Who should fans keep an eye on this season?

Elisabeth Terland is one of the key players to watch for Manchester United this season. She scored 13 WSL goals last season for Brighton in a side that only created 25 big chances compared with United’s 49. With the added service Terland will get this season and a new style United are looking to implement it should get even more out of her.

A player not grabbing the headlines just yet but certainly one to watch out for is the young Scotland international Emma Watson. She was due to kickstart her United career last season but suffered an ACL injury while on international duty. She is a versatile attacking midfielder who has also played in the front three off the right side. Her pace and trickery is just what United will need in games where it’s tough to break down the opposition. 

The game you’ve marked in your calendar….

The first fixtures to always look out for are the derby games. United’s last home game of the WSL campaign will be against Manchester City, capping off a tricky run of games which sees United play all of last season’s top three in the final weeks of the campaign. United looked off the pace and out fought in these derbies last season, so to show progression in this game is always a good benchmark, especially with City’s 2nd place finish last season. 

Prediction….

I think United will finish 3rd this season. The players that have been brought in have already made a big impact in pre-season and the confidence seems to be back amongst the players. Most of the players have had that FA Cup winning experience now and have all since spoken about wanting more. The added experience of someone like Dominique Janssen who knows what it takes to win the WSL will be very beneficial for the younger players coming into the team this season. 

Conner is a passionate Manchester United fan who dedicates his free time
to reporting on the women's team. He owns the platform AllForUnitedWFC which is covers the women’s team and offers fans a voice for all opinions and analysis.