Maria Thorisdottir.

Thorisdottir: I’m here to lift trophies

Friday 22 January 2021 12:00

New Manchester United Women’s signing Maria Thorisdottir says she can’t wait to get started with the Reds, following her transfer from Chelsea.

The Norwegian was confirmed as Casey Stoney’s latest recruit on Friday morning and Maria says she is delighted to join the club.

“Now I’m just very excited and extremely proud of being part of such a big club as United,” Maria told club media, during her first official interview. 

“This is something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time now, so I’m very happy to be here.
Thorisdottir: I'm proud to be part of this club Video

Thorisdottir: I'm proud to be part of this club

In her first interview with club media, Maria explains how she's fulfilling a childhood dream by joining United...

“I’ve been welcomed in well,” she continued. “The girls have been taking good care of me and the staff and everyone. I think this can be very good.

“I’ve met them all, but I didn’t know anyone, so it’s going to be good getting to know all of them.”

Of course, Maria is the latest in a long line of Norwegians who have represented the Reds and is the second player from her homeland to join our Women’s team, after former goalkeeper Aurora Mikalsen.

Thorisdottir explained that by following in the footsteps of so many Norway greats, she is fulfilling a childhood dream.

“It is a huge club and if you’d have [told] me when I was a little girl, ‘in the future you’ll play for United’, I would never believe it. It is big, and I’m really proud of actually being a part of it.

“Manchester United, back in Norway, is massive. There are so many fans and I think also having a female player sign for United is huge. For young girls back in Norway it is big. They can see that it is a chance for them as well.”
As well as the lure of joining such a huge club, Maria revealed manager Casey Stoney also played an important role in her decision to move to United.

The defender has played in England since 2017 and has witnessed United’s development in that period, something she has been mightily impressed with.

“I heard a lot of good things about Casey and I think that it’s a big positive she’s been a player herself. She knows how it is and I’m really looking forward to getting to know her and also work under her. 

“I had a really good conversation with her and I think that had a big part of my decision [to join]. What she’s done with this team just in a short space of time is impressive. They’ve only been in the league [the WSL] for two years and it’s impressive what she’s done and the rest of her staff members. I think it can be really good.

“I’m really impressed with how far they’ve come already and it’s a young group of players, so I think the future is bright and to be a part of that, I can’t wait.”
During her time at Chelsea, Maria won two league titles as well as the FA Cup and League Cup. The 27-year-old also played in the Champions League, something she’s keen to replicate at United.

“I played in the Champions League a few times now and that is the biggest competition you can be a part of,” she explained. 

“That is something I really want United to be a part of. I hope this year [will be] a chance to be [in the] top three and play Champions League next year.

“I like to win, so of course I’ve signed here to hopefully lift trophies in both league, cups and the Champions League, to qualify there. I have big ambitions.”

Finally, Maria had a message for the United supporters who, sadly, she won’t get to see in person in the immediate future.

“I can’t wait to meet them all. Unfortunately because of COVID you can’t see them, but you can see them on social media, but I’m looking forward to meeting them in the future.”

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