Win at Arsenal was a brilliant advert for WSL
Over 1,500 delirious Manchester United Women fans cheered on the Reds' famous win at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, and diehard supporter Deb Henry says the result against Arsenal could not have come at a better time for Marc Skinner's team.
The victory put us level on points with the Gunners, and we're just three points behind Women's Super League leaders Chelsea, with a game in hand.
But more than that, the 3-2 success in north London is an important psychological milestone, with the Reds coming from behind to defeat one of the WSL's 'big three'.
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“I think we had this block against the traditional top three,” says Henry, who is part of the Manchester United Women Supporters' Club and also sits on the club's Fans' Forum.
“Obviously we have our aspirations to break into that. We came in off the back of the Chelsea game, where silly errors cost us [in a 3-1 loss].
“I think what pleased us all was that the team just carried on fighting. They didn't drop their heads. The belief that we'd questioned was there for all to see.
“After the Chelsea result, you could almost understand it if our players had thought [at 2-1 down], 'history's repeating, we've been in a good position but we've not capitalised on it and now we're getting done over by one of the big teams.'
“But actually, [they showed] that commitment and that fight and spirit to say 'no, we're going to impose ourselves on that match...' All credit to them. For them as individuals, I'm glad that they got what they deserved.
“When you win a game like that, against a team like Arsenal, it's always going to mean a lot.”
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Henry says that the win kicks off a run of 'season-defining games' in great style, and gives us huge confidence for the upcoming meeting with Aston Villa at Old Trafford on 3 December and a derby against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
“To lose the first of those season-defining games would have put massive pressure on the next one,” she explains.
“But the players now know what they're capable of. They don't need to show fear, to hold fear, or give teams too much respect.”
The evening at the Emirates was also a hugely memorable night for our supporters, as Arsenal provided a designated away end following a push on social media from Gunners legend Ian Wright.
“Being all together and being in that [away end] section... so many people have commented it was amazing," said Henry, who felt the current break in men's club football boosted the attendance.
“Because of the World Cup, we had a lot of people on the bus who had never been to a women's game. And as an advert for women's football, it was absolutely brilliant.
“Those of us at the back [of the away end], 30 minutes after the final whistle, we weren't moving. We were singing and enjoying every minute!”
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TICKETS FOR OLD TRAFFORD
United Women's next game in a gripping WSL season will be a top-five clash with Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday 3 December, kicking off at 12:30 GMT.
If you want to experience what could be an unforgettable afternoon at the Theatre of Dreams, secure your seats now by booking online.
Tickets are priced from only £3 for under-16s and over-65s or £6 for adults.
United Women's next game in a gripping WSL season will be a top-five clash with Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday 3 December, kicking off at 12:30 GMT.
If you want to experience what could be an unforgettable afternoon at the Theatre of Dreams, secure your seats now by booking online.
Tickets are priced from only £3 for under-16s and over-65s or £6 for adults.
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