Phallon celebrates first USA call-up

The call-up is just reward for an excellent start to the season for Phallon, who has kept five clean sheets in seven Women's Super League games in 2024/25.

Only Nikita Parris and Alessia Russo have found a way past the American in the top-flight this season, in the draws against Brighton and Arsenal, and United are still unbeaten ahead of Sunday's mouthwatering meeting with champions and league leaders Chelsea.

The international break follows on from that encounter and, excitingly, our keeper will have a maiden opportunity to work with Emma Hayes and the national team, who are currently ranked no.1 in the world by FIFA.

The 28-year-old, who played for Miami Hurricanes, Reims and OL Reign before joining the Reds in the summer of 2023, could come up against several United team-mates during the pause in domestic action.

America's first port of call is Wembley Stadium, where the four-time Women's World Cup winners will face European title holders England in a friendly on Saturday 30 November.

Hayes will then take her side to The Hague, where they'll play the Netherlands on Tuesday 3 December.

The former Chelsea manager has enjoyed an impressive start to life in her new job, winning 12 of 13 games, a run which includes a gold-medal success at the Paris Olympic Games.

“I’m incredibly grateful for my family, my friends and the people here at Manchester United who have been nothing but welcoming to me,” said Phallon.

“All the work I’ve put in with Wilko [Ian Willcock] and Saf [Safia Middleton-Patel] this year, I’m just super, super grateful for this opportunity, this is amazing.

“I found out via email and then I double-checked with Wilko if it was real. He said yeah, and it was a cute moment.

“I waited for social media for my mom to find out, so I can’t wait to see her reaction.”

We'll bring you further news on international call-ups for United Women when they are announced later in the week.