McManus: I'm over the moon to be a Red
Abbie McManus has expressed her sheer delight in signing for Manchester United Women and is relishing the opportunity to work with Casey Stoney.
The 26-year-old – who was part of Phil Neville’s England squad which reached the Women’s World Cup semi-finals this summer – grew up supporting United but spent 12 years at rivals Manchester City over two spells, prior to completing her move to the Reds.
“It’s unbelievable for me and especially for my family, who are all big Manchester United fans,” she said in her first interview with club media. “I’m really happy to become a Red.”
Like Stoney was in her playing days, McManus is a defender and she cannot wait to tap into Casey’s wealth of knowledge to help her improve.
“I’m over the moon [to work with Casey],” Abbie said. “I was a little bit heartbroken when she left the England set-up because obviously she was a coach there before she became the manager [at United].
“I had her for like two weeks and then she left, and I was thinking ‘oh no, I’ve got Phil [Neville] now’ – just kidding! [laughs]. But yeah, obviously I’m delighted. She’s obviously been a key player in her career and she’s become a manager. I can’t wait to squeeze every little bit out of her to hopefully become the player she was.”
After gaining promotion from the FA Women’s Championship in our inaugural campaign, Stoney’s Reds will compete in the Women’s Super League for the first time in 2019/20. Our first top-flight match will be an historic occasion when we face our cross-city rivals in the first Manchester derby, at the Etihad Stadium on 7 September.
It will be particularly special for Abbie, as a Mancunian and a former City player, and she’s thrilled to be on the right side of the divide from her point of view.
“I’m over the moon to play in a derby and I’m over the moon about the fact I’m in the right colour, which is red, so bring the derby on!”
The Prestwich-born player went on: “Obviously we [at Manchester City] could have drawn United in the FA Cup [last season] and I was dying to play Man United. Obviously, who doesn’t want to play in a Manchester derby? Especially being from Manchester myself.
“It’s something that I’ve dreamt of as a kid and I’m just so over the moon that I’m now in red and the first derby is going to be in a red shirt.”
DON’T MISS ANY OF THE ACTION
In 2019/20, the Reds will face top-flight teams with some of the best players in the country, and they need your support. Tickets are available to purchase for the full season, so you can ensure you don’t miss a second of United action from the WSL. The club is also selling tickets for the opening away match against Manchester City. Please call 0161 868 8000. Up to three free Under-16 tickets can be secured with the purchase of an adult ticket, which is priced at £7.