Zelem: We'll be giving everything
Katie Zelem has assured supporters that she and her Manchester United Women team-mates will be doing all they can to return to winning ways in the WSL this evening, as our Reds stars look forward to a second Old Trafford outing of the season.
Zelem and co will welcome West Ham United to M16 (kick-off 17:30 GMT) – the same side that our women’s team faced in their first match at the Theatre of Dreams, when we ran out 2-0 winners over the Hammers back in March 2021, albeit in front of an empty stadium due to the Covid-19 restrictions at that time.
The team have since played in front of fans twice at our famous home, maintaining a 100 per cent record along the way, most recently earning a convincing 5-0 win over Aston Villa back in December.
United will be looking for a similar result this time around, and a win would take us back to the summit of the WSL – with leaders Chelsea currently ahead of the second-placed Reds by two points, but not in action until tomorrow, when they travel to Manchester City, who are third.
Our last WSL encounter was indeed against the Blues, with Chelsea narrowly edging past us via a 1-0 triumph just under a fortnight ago, and skipper Zelem says the Reds are keen to put that defeat behind us with a victory this evening, during what promises to be another special occasion.
“We’re all looking forward to playing at Old Trafford again, and it feels like we’ve come full circle, playing West Ham again – although it’ll be in very different circumstances to last time, with no fans here in 2021,” Zelem writes in her Captain’s Column, inside today’s official matchday programme.
“We’ve matured greatly as a group since then, and having played – and won – twice more at Old Trafford since that game, we feel we’re starting to make it our fortress. We’re excited for the atmosphere, the pitch – everything is here for us to put in another winning display.
“The Chelsea result wasn’t what we wanted, but I thought we gave a good account of ourselves – you could see that from the stats – but we were unable to create enough clear-cut chances, and Sam Kerr’s goal made the difference.
“Believe us when we say we’ll be giving everything today to get back to winning ways in the league.”
Marc Skinner’s side have become accustomed to success this term, with 11 wins from 15 WSL encounters, and a best-ever run in the FA Cup – with our quarter-final win over Lewes last weekend earning United Women a home tie against Brighton & Hove Albion in the last four.
It's an exciting time with plenty to play for, and Zelem insists the Reds must maintain focus to build on the foundations that have been laid for a positive end to the 2022/23 season.
“The weeks ahead are clearly going to be massive and we all want to achieve the same things – fans, players and staff," the skipper continues, in her programme notes.
“We know we have to put in the performances on the pitch, but if you could all see the hard work that goes in on a day-to-day basis from the players and staff, we’re certain you’d be proud of everything we’re trying to achieve at Manchester United.”
You can read Katie Zelem's full Captain's Column in today's official matchday programme, with the digital version available here, while the collector's edition will be on sale for £2 around Old Trafford.
SUPPORT UNITED WOMEN AT OLD TRAFFORD
There’s still time to secure your seat to support United Women in today’s vital WSL match against West Ham United (kick-off 17:30 GMT).
Tickets are priced at just £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. To book your seats and support our push for the WSL title in person, head to manutd.com/tickets.