Ladd 100: How Hayley became United Women's sixth centurion
Manchester United Women midfielder Hayley Ladd became the sixth player to reach 100 appearances for the club last Saturday, when she came off the bench in our WSL clash with Arsenal.
Despite the result at the Emirates Stadium, it was still a notable day for Ladd who followed Katie Zelem, Ella Toone, Leah Galton, Mary Earps, and Millie Turner into our 100 club.
Hayley has played a vital role in the side since our promotion to the top flight in 2019, serving primarily as a midfield anchor to help us create a solid defensive unit. She equally has an eye for goal and has netted three times across all competitions so far this term.
To commemorate this significant achievement, we're taking a look back on the moments that have shaped her United career so far...
LADD’S DEBUT
The Wales international joined United at the start of our first season in the Women’s Super League back in 2019. Ladd came through Arsenal’s youth system and brought a wealth of experience having previously played for Bristol City, Coventry City, Birmingham City and Finnish outfit Kokkola Futis.
She made her debut on 7 September 2019 in the first-ever women's Manchester derby, at the Etihad Stadium where the Reds were narrowly beaten 1-0 in our first WSL test. Although Ladd began her career as a centre-back, she took to United’s midfield like a duck to water, winning the Player of the Year award after appearing in every game of her first season with the Reds.
FIRST GOAL
Ladd scored her first goal for United against Leicester City in the Continental Cup in November 2019. She unleashed a rocket strike as the Reds dismantled the Foxes 11-1. Just over a year later, she opened her WSL scoring account as she headed in the winner against Reading in December 2020.
Our no.12 has been known to score a screamer, with a handful of memorable strikes across her time at the club so far. Fans will fondly remember her effort in the Manchester derby at Leigh Sports Village towards the end of last term, which we went on to win 2-1 as we secured our spot in the UEFA Women's Champions League for the very first time.
Ladd has been an integral part of the Wales team since 2011 when she made her debut as an 87th-minute substitute in a 2-0 friendly defeat against New Zealand.
Hayley scored her first international goal in a friendly victory over Portugal in June 2017. Later that year, she scored her first strike in a competitive game for Wales, with a free-kick during a World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan.
She has now been capped 88 times, with many of her appearances coming as part of the defensive unit.
Zelem 150: Katie's road to a landmark game
ArticleWe recap the skipper's career so far, following her 150th appearance for United Women.
LADD’S MILESTONE: 100 APPS IN NUMBERS
Total appearances: 100
By competition
WSL: 75
Conti Cup: 17
FA Cup: 8
Total goals: 12
By competition
WSL: 9
Conti Cup: 2
FA Cup: 1
Congratulations on your achievement, Hayley!