Anna Sandberg

Read Anna Sandberg's interview in full

Friday 30 August 2024 16:00

Anna Sandberg says it's a 'dream come true' to join a big club like Manchester United Women.

The 21-year-old full-back, who has represented Sweden at the World Cup and BK Hacken in the UEFA Women's Champions League, signed for the Reds at the beginning of August.

As part of her media duties, Anna recently sat down with Helen Rowe-Willcocks to discuss the move, her proudest footballing moments so far and how she's settling in to a new city and country.

You can read the full transcript of the interview below...

Anna Sandberg | A Dream Come True Video

Anna Sandberg | A Dream Come True

It's time to sit back, relax and watch Anna Sandberg's first interview as a United Women player...

Welcome to Manchester United…
“Thank you very much.”

How does it feel to be a Manchester United player?
“It feels amazing. It's a dream come true playing for a big club like this. So I'm very, very happy for this opportunity.”

How have you found the first few weeks of getting to know everybody in the first training sessions?
“Yeah, I mean there's been a lot going on these weeks, meeting a lot of new people and settling in. And it's been good so far. I mean, the girls and the staff and everything around here is amazing. So I'm taking it day by day, but it's been really good so far.”

So you've had a massive change not just moving clubs but also moving countries. How has that been for you?
“Yeah, it's of course something new for me. It's my first time moving abroad from Sweden. So I feel like it's a lot of new things to learn and to explore, but I'm really, really excited for it, to see what I can do in Manchester. I mean, it's a lovely, lovely city, so I look forward to it.”

What made you choose Manchester United?
“I was talking to Marc the coach and I got a really good feeling, good conversation with him and everything felt good, so I went for it.”

How would you describe your style of play?
“Oh, I would say I'm playing as a full-back, but I'm a pretty attacking full-back. I like to come around on the side and come to crosses and goalscoring opportunities. So even though I'm a full-back, I like to be a very attacking player.”

You've had experience in the Champions League with BK Hacken. Obviously that's something as Manchester United that we're hoping to achieve again. I'm sure you'll be wanting to push for that as well?
“Of course, I mean, as you said, I played in the Champions League now for Hacken and we reached the quarter-finals. We did amazing and it was a very nice adventure and I really want to do that again. Of course with Manchester United it would be really big. So of course that's something I'm going to push for this season to make sure we get there.”

Internationally, you made your first-team debut for Sweden last year. How proud was that moment?
“It was so big for me. I mean, it's a dream I've had since I was a child starting playing football. And I mean, representing Sweden is something very big and something I'm very proud of. So yeah, I look back at that moment with a big smile on my face.”

What would you say your proudest moment so far is in your career?
“I think definitely representing Sweden in the World Cup. We got a bronze medal and that whole journey was just so big for me. Probably the best thing I've done in my life so far.”

We've seen on social media that you've been enjoying getting to know all the girls. You've been doing barbecues and all sorts. How have you found it, getting to know everybody?
“I mean, it's very nice, very fun. It's a fun time now and getting to know new people. We've had some barbecues and stuff going on so far. Very good. I really like the girls and I'm looking forward to getting to know them even better.”

Have you had a chance to explore bits of Manchester?
“Yeah I have, I've had my mum over here and a friend. So we've been walking around in the city exploring some shopping and good restaurants. My mum loved this place, so I'm sure she will come often.”

Our first game of the season against West Ham is going to be at Old Trafford. How excited are you for that game?
“So excited. I know Old Trafford very well. It's a very nice stadium and to play there in front of our fans, I'm looking forward to it so much.”

We have a very loud and very proud fanbase. Are you excited to get to know them and get to meet them and experience that?
“Of course. I'm so excited. I mean, the fans are something that's very important for every club and especially Manchester United. I'm very excited for that and hopefully we can bring them some good football this season.”

Have you got a message you'd like to give to the fans?
“I want to see you guys at every home game. Cheer for us and make sure we get those three points every game.”

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