Press: I still have so much to learn

Thursday 24 September 2020 16:00

Manchester United Women’s signing Christen Press is keen to embrace the new challenges that playing and living in England will present.

The US international signed from Utah Royals earlier this month and could make her debut in 10 days’ time, against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Despite being one of the most experienced members of the United squad, the 31-year-old believes she still has plenty to learn and has high hopes for the Reds in 2020/21.

“Football is the ultimate teacher, and every single time I step out onto the field I feel like a rookie,” Christen said in an exclusive interview with MUTV. 

“I fell like I have so much to learn, that perfection is impossible and all I can see ahead of me is how much I can improve, and how much I can grow. I really embrace that challenge.”
Press: I want to take my career to the next level Video

Press: I want to take my career to the next level

Christen Press has revealed her excitement at joining the Reds and what she hopes to achieve in 2020/21...

While our new recruit has experience playing in Europe, Christen feels the WSL will offer a very unique test of her skills.

“It’s going to be a huge challenge,” she said. “It always is when you’re changing culture. It’s not just the lifestyle culture, it’s the football culture, it’s the approach in training.

“There will be a thousand little things that a fan might not hear about - whether it’s a different way that England approaches footwork, and you have to retrain everything that you’re doing to fit in and to be a good member of the team.

“I embrace the challenge and I try to think of all the challenges that are going to come with this. I think the biggest one is that the team have great ambition to qualify for the Champions League, so we need to be in the top three.

“I think that’s where our minds are at, and competing against the top teams in this league is going to be tough. It’s been hard to break into that and that’s really where my mind goes when I think about this season and our goals.

“It’s such a great opportunity to be playing at such a consistent and high-level environment for the next season. It’s everything I could have asked for,” she added.

“I think, in the end, I want to compete for titles, and that’s what we’re going to do. The team and Casey [Stoney], what they’ve put together is really strong. Even though it’s a young club, the goals and the ambitions of the team, the club and the coach are at the highest level. That’s what I look for.”


Christen has played under numerous coaches during her career, but reserved some high praise for United head coach Casey Stoney.

"I have never played for a team that spoke so highly of a manager,” she said. “I’ve only been here for a few weeks and I’m so excited to play for her for that reason.

“I think it’s really hard as manager to get your staff and your players to both respect you and to like you, and she’s done that. It’s clear already, in the first few days, that she’s set a culture of discipline, respect and excellence, and I think I have a lot to learn from her.”

As one of the elder members in the team, Press is also looking forward to sharing her experiences with the Reds’ youthful squad.

“I think it’s always great to play with young players,” the forward explained. “I think there’s a different attitude, a little bit of an energy and a hunger that is refreshing and good.

“I never really look at myself as an older player, but with every year that passes, more and more other people do! When I think about young attacking players coming up, I do think that there is a lot to learn and to share and I’ll really embrace that part of the role.

“The opportunity to play for such a massive club that are going to be fighting for titles this year is a dream come true. I feel like this is a fresh opportunity to take my career to the next level and I’m so grateful for that.”

Get ready for next season. Our 2020/21 home and away kits are available now from United Direct.

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