Blundell: Our togetherness helps us

The Reds have just four games remaining in the Women’s Super League and currently sit three points ahead of second-placed Manchester City.

Last week, Marc Skinner’s side became just the third team in WSL history to complete the league double over Arsenal with a hard-fought 1-0 win. 

We were pushed to the final whistle in that clash, and Blundell believes the fact the Reds have got each other’s backs helps us navigate such tough games.

“I think the togetherness we’ve got as a group carries us through the tough times in games or the season,” she said.

“We’ve got to carry on doing what we’re doing because it’s working at the moment. 

“We just need to make sure we push each other across the line.”

Our no.6 joined us in 2021, after 11 years with our FA Cup final opponents, Chelsea. 

“I’ve learned more than I can push myself out of my comfort zone,” Blundell said, discussing her move to M16. 

“I was really comfortable where I was at Chelsea and felt like I needed a change. I put myself in a position to really push myself out of my comfort zone and push myself in any way I can, whether that’s in life or in general. 

“It’s something I’m so happy I did.”

In what is now her second season with the Reds, Blundell revealed that this season she has been focusing on solidifying the defensive element of her game – something the Reds are reaping the rewards of, having kept 12 clean sheets in 18 league games.

“I've probably had more one-to-one coaching during my time here,” she said. “Just the small details, especially for me in my defensive work. 

“He [Skinner] really gets into the detail. I’ve never had that before and I’m happy to say that my defending has got a lot better this season. 

“It’s something I pride myself on now and that’s because of Marc and the coaches working on that one or two per cent that help your game, the little details matter.”

In such a short space of time at the club, there are plenty of fond memories in a red shirt for the 28-year-old, but one sticks out the most: her first time at Old Trafford, when United faced Everton in 2022.

“It was such an incredible day and somewhere I’d never played before,” she said. “So just being there, being in the changing room, just the whole day, and of course, winning as well. 

“It’s a memory I’ll cherish forever.”