Blundell already feeling United

The full-back arrived at United in July, having spent her entire professional career to that point with the Blues, and is settling in nicely in new surroundings.

Blundell had the opportunity to get to know her new team-mates over the course of pre-season and is now looking forward to kicking off the new campaign alongside them, with Reading our first opponents in the 2021/22 Women's Super League, on Friday evening.

Speaking in an exclusive interview that appears in the official matchday programme for the visit of the Royals to Leigh Sports Village on 3 September, the defender gave an insight into the camaraderie among the group going into the new term. 

“Since I’ve come in, it does feel like such a together group,” she said.

“That’s massive and key in achieving things, having a group that’s together and honest with each other. That’s the only way you’re going to be able to push each other really.

"It’s a young squad here and I guess still a little bit inexperienced – it’s only been together for three years. Just how far they’ve come within those three years is incredible and I know that from looking from afar.”

Going on to discuss what could lie ahead of her and her new team, Hannah said: “It has been very inspiring looking at how far they’ve come and now I’m obviously a part of it and I want us to push on to that Champions League spot, to challenge for trophies, to win trophies.

"We’ve now got that balance of experience; we need to bring that all together and achieve Champions League and trophies along the way.”

The Sussex-born player, capped three times by England, also revealed how she has been adapting to her new home in the north west.

“I’m still stepping out of my comfort zone, it’s the most north I’ve lived ever! I’m getting to grips with that, but it’s been great," our new no.6 admitted.

"I haven’t really experienced the cold weather yet, but it’s been really good so far. I need to explore the area a bit more, head into Manchester and do all of that, but I’m enjoying it so far. It’s been a nice change.”

Tickets are on sale now for Friday night’s opening WSL fixture, under the lights at Leigh Sports Village (19:45 BST kick-off) – priced at just £6 (£3 concessions). Visit ManUtd.com/womenstickets to secure individual tickets, or get a Season Ticket for just £39 (£20 concessions)!

You can read the full interview with Hannah Blundell, plus plenty more, in Friday’s 40-page match programme, available at the ground, and with a free A2 fixtures poster.