Greenwood: An honour to captain United Women

The club’s first professional women’s team was established earlier this summer and Greenwood was among the marquee names recruited, as part of a youthful and talented squad for 2018/19. 

Alex had previously played for Liverpool Ladies and, coincidentally, the 24-year-old’s first competitive match as United skipper resulted in a 1-0 win over her former club at Prenton Park. 

“It is an honour to captain this team and I am so proud,” Greenwood told us during a recent interview. “What a talented team I captain! When Casey told me I got quite emotional about it but I am so ready for this challenge. Dropping down a league, people might think it is going backwards but it is nothing but forwards for me to lead Manchester United to what could be greatness.”

Explaining her choice to drop down a division to join United, Alex said: “There were a few factors behind the decision but for me the biggest one was Casey. She has unbelievable experience in the Women's game. I played with her at club and country level. The amount I learned from her during that time was unbelievable and for her to be my manager now is very exciting. The other factor is the club itself. It has a massive history and if we can be a part of that then it is very exciting.

“To other people it is like I am stepping back, however I know the conversations I've had within the club and with Casey. The ambitions of this club are extraordinary. That made up the reasons to leave the WSL for the Championship. Without doubt, it was the most perfect decision I could have made.”

GREENWOOD ON GREENWOOD

Asked to describe herself as a player and captain, Alex told us: “At 24 I have had some fantastic experience - winning bronze at the World Cup in 2015 and going to the semi-final of the European Championship was also a fantastic experience. Now, I want to lead this United team in the right way.

“I will be an honest captain, I give honest feedback and I expect it back. I am a young but mature player. I have a lot of experience, I am honest, I work hard and I back myself with my technical ability. I am confident in myself and I know what I can bring to the game.”

So what are her ambitions? “I have many personal goals,” Greenwood said. “I want to achieve things I haven't done yet. I am going to put the armband on and that's another goal. For the team, it is ultimately to go back to the WSL1 and then we will take it from there. It’s going to be exciting.”

Tickets are available to watch United Women’s first ever home match on Saturday at 12:00 BST, against Reading at Leigh Sports Village.