Is United's lack of rotation a problem?
Another narrow clean sheet win highlighted the need for fresh energy as well as the club's proximity to second in the WSL table.
Manchester United Women ended 2024 the way they started, with a win and a clean sheet.
A single goal from Grace Clinton — her fourth in the WSL so far — was enough for United to get the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace. It was also Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s ninth clean sheet in 12 matches (in all competitions), capping off a very successful first half of the season for both players.
After Manchester City’s surprise slip away to Everton, United will end the year in fourth place but only 1 point off second. You would think the mood around the fanbase would be more filled with positivity and optimism. But for many, this isn’t the case after a performance lacking energy and clear-cut chances against Palace.
Lack of changes
A criticism that has been thrown at Marc Skinner throughout his time at United has been how he utilises the squad of players at his disposal, particularly in games where it looks like something different is needed to improve the performance.
Against Palace, Skinner made three changes with Celin Bizet on for Geyse (60th min), Anna Sandberg on for Gabby George (72nd min), and Hayley Ladd on for Hinata Miyazawa (87th min).
Speaking to fans after the game many were confused as to why the likes of Melvine Malard, Rachel Williams, Simi Awujo, and Emma Watson all remained on the bench.
For United, it looked like the game needed energy injected into it. They created just two big chances in the game and just three shots on target [per FotMob].
Watson had put in a player of the match performance just four days earlier vs. Newcastle and would have been the ideal player in the midfield to add that tenacity and attacking edge to United’s game that was clearly missing throughout the game.
Hayley Ladd
A player who has seen little to no action in the WSL this season is Hayley Ladd. She has only played 11 minutes in the league this season, despite starting each of the three league cup matches.
This is a huge drop from previous seasons where Ladd was a mainstay in that United midfield. In the 2022-2023 season Ladd played 1699 minutes in the WSL, even if Ladd played every single minute in the league from now until the end of the season she would still be 600 short of that total.
Ladd was a key part of that midfield which saw United’s highest WSL finish to date so to see the minutes completely fall away is a confusing one for a lot of fans. The argument could be made that United currently sit 1 point off second place without Ladd featuring this season so United can’t be missing her on the pitch too much. The big question is, could United be playing better with her in that midfield? I personally think so.
A potential move in January could be on the cards for Ladd, with her speaking in recent interviews how she considered a move away from United in the summer but in the end decided to stay at the club. With Wales recent qualification for the euros next summer she will need minutes to make sure she is ready for the tournament so with her currently not seen as an viable option for Skinner in the league this season a move away would make sense.
Rotation
The same questions remain from previous seasons amongst fans with Skinner and the lack of rotation and minutes for key players from previous seasons. United have made one of the fewest changes to the starting 11 this season in the WSL with only West Ham & Aston Villa making fewer.
While consistency is absolutely the key and building a solid squad foundation has proven an important formula to winning teams throughout the years - players who make up the rest of the squad still have to feel valued and utilised.
With some players not seeing consistent minutes this season, the same questions are arising as we have seen with past players such as Vilde Bøe-Risa, Irene Guerrero, Aïssatou Tounkara to name a few. In performances this season and last where United have looked tired or lacking that cutting edge, the bench becomes an important asset where match winners are found.
Reasons to be cheerful
For all the questions that are put towards him, Skinner can point at the WSL table with positivity. Only one defeat so far this season and a league-best three goals conceded in the WSL is a good start to the season on paper.
There are players growing in confidence each week and performing better each time they step out onto the pitch like Jayde Riviere & Geyse, who were both stand out performers to most fans against Crystal Palace.
In a season where everything around United’s Women’s team seems to be under a microscope by fans and the media, questions around individual players and rotation are bound to be asked. But heading into the winter break, are United currently sitting where this squad is capable of right now or can more be done to get more out of the wider squad of players?
 | A guest post by
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Why change a winning line-up??
Rotation for rotation sake doesn't help anyone, least of all the team.