How to watch United Women at Old Trafford
The Barclays Women’s Super League returns on Saturday 21 September, as Manchester United Women host West Ham at Old Trafford.
Tickets for the campaign curtain-raiser are still available, from £15 per adult and £7.50 for those under the age of 16.
Whether you’re attending the Theatre of Dreams this weekend or not, read on for all the essential info as Marc Skinner’s side look to begin 2024/25 with a bang…
HOW TO WATCH AND FOLLOW
Old Trafford is the best spot to take in our opening fixture, but if you can’t make it on Saturday we are showing the game live for subscribers to MUTV.
Our coverage begins at 11:30 BST, with kick-off against the Hammers scheduled for midday. We’ll also be providing commentary, analysis and reaction in the United App, with highlights to follow across the weekend.
WHAT’S CHANGED OVER THE SUMMER?
The Reds were busy in the transfer market, adding defenders Dominique Janssen (Wolfsburg) and Anna Sandberg (Hacken) to the squad, plus midfielder Simi Awujo (USC Trojans) and forwards Celin Bizet (Tottenham) and Elisabeth Terland (Brighton).
Melvine Malard is back for a second season, having made her loan deal from Lyon permanent, and the France international will be aiming to improve on her tally of seven goals in 2023/24.
Several members of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup-winning squad departed during the close season, including former captain Katie Zelem and long-serving goalkeeper Mary Earps. Gemma Evans, Lucia Garcia and Irene Guerrero have also left for pastures new, while Nikita Parris joined Brighton on deadline day.
OPPOSITION ANALYSIS
The Hammers finished second bottom in 2023/24, nine points clear of Bristol City, and even though they never truly looked at risk of relegation, significant changes have been made to Rehanne Skinner’s squad over the summer.
Australia international goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold heads a list of departures that also includes the experienced Hawa Cissoko and Japanese pair Honoka Hayashi and Risa Shimizu.
Kinga Szemik has arrived to compete with Megan Walsh for the no.1 position, while Camila Saez and Shelina Zadorsky bolster the backline, the latter having rejoined from Tottenham following last season’s loan spell. Manuela Pavi, Seraina Peubel, Oona Siren and Li Mengwen are also new arrivals.
West Ham were reliant on the goals of Riko Ueki and Viviane Asseyi last term, the pair together contributing 12 of the team’s 20 efforts.
TEAM NEWS
Hannah Blundell will not play during the 2024/25 season, after announcing that she is pregnant with her first child.
Evie Rabjohn is also set to miss a significant chunk of the campaign, as she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament in July, but Gabby George and Emma Watson were among the group on the recent trip to Marbella as they seek to make a return from their own long lay-offs.
Kristie Mewis is available for the visitors again, after six months on the sidelines, as is Dagny Brynjarsdottir – the Iceland international was involved in pre-season having given birth to her second son in February.
United defender Blundell announces pregnancy
ArticleEveryone at the club would like to congratulate Hannah and her family, as she shares some happy news.
RIVALS WATCH
Here’s a complete list of this weekend’s fixtures…
FRIDAY 20 SEPTEMBER
Chelsea v Aston Villa (19:00 BST)
SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER
United v West Ham (12:00 BST)
Brighton v Everton (12:30 BST)
SUNDAY 22 SEPTEMBER
Arsenal v Manchester City (12:30 BST)
Tottenham v Crystal Palace (14:00 BST)
Liverpool v Leicester (14:00 BST)