A look back at United Women's trip to Malta

As well as training, the Reds took on PSV in a record-breaking friendly, went sight-seeing and got to spend some quality time bonding.

It was a week of all weather conditions but it didn’t stop the players from enjoying the time away.

Marc Skinner’s side also visited Malta last year, and the side will be hoping that once again it can provide a boost for the second half of the season. 

Now back in Manchester, and looking to kick on for the remainder of 2023/24, look back at what our players and staff got up to during the winter training camp...

WARM WEATHER TRAINING

The title is slightly deceiving as the weather was sadly not warm but after a few weeks off it was great to have all the players back ready to prepare for the second half of the season. The training facilities at Ta’Qali Training Ground meant our injured players, apart from Hinata Miyazawa, who is recovering in Japan, could also continue their rehabilitation with the squad. Despite the rain sometimes being worse than Carrington, it was certainly great to see everyone buckling down and training together.

FRIENDLY VS PSV

On the Friday evening, the squad got to play our first game of 2024 in a friendly against PSV. Skinner said before the match that he was going to use it as a chance for all players to get some time in their legs.

It was fabulous to see Irene Guerrero on the pitch, as she comes back from injury. As well as squad members getting their chance, the five academy players who travelled to Malta also made an impression on the fans watching.

The Tony Bezzina Stadium saw over 1,400 fans watch the match, with many Maltese Manchester United fans also joined by travelling supporters. The attendance was a record for a women’s game in Malta, so it was great to see the Reds get a late 2-1 win thanks to Nikita Parris, who had joined the squad late after illness.

Read all about the match here.

TIME WITH SUPPORTERS

One of the most important aspects of the camp was the players and staff getting to spend time with our fans. Competition winner Darren Prince was joined by members of our Women’s Supporters Club, who got to experience the island as well being in and around the squad travelling to the country. Players Leah Galton, Rachel Williams, Jess Simpson and Safia Middleton-Patel took time out to chat to the fans and present them with signed shirts.

As well as our competition winners, players also had the opportunity to visit the supporters club in Malta. The Maltese Supporters Club celebrated its 65th year this January and players and coaching staff got to meet representatives as well as see their impressive collection in the museum.

EXPLORING THE ISLAND

Thanks to Visit Malta, our players were able to see some of the sights the island has to offer. Players visited Valletta and Mdina as well as enjoying Fairyland and other fun places. Whether it was Katie Zelem getting her Italian and Spanish mixed up, Gemma Evans worrying about a Nun or Marc Skinner not being able to win at darts, there were many stories which you’ll be able to witness for yourselves soon...

Phallon Tullis-Joyce even had the chance to go scuba diving, so make sure you look out for the video in the coming weeks!