Williams: It’s really special to be here

Sunday 04 December 2022 07:00

Manchester United Women forward Rachel Williams says she’s enjoying every minute of being a Red after a “special” day at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Reds overcame Aston Villa 5-0 in the WSL to pick up an important three points in front of more than 30,000 fans at the Theatre of Dreams. 

Williams was brought off the bench in the second half and was able to cap off the afternoon with the game’s fifth goal - her first for the club since joining in the summer. 

Rachel reflected on the day as a whole after the final whistle when speaking to MUTV’s Liam Bradford, who started by asking the forward about her first Reds strike.
A Rachel Williams interview that'll make you smile Video

A Rachel Williams interview that'll make you smile

You are bound to be grinning from ear to ear after watching this brilliant post-match interview with Rachel Williams...

“No [I won’t get many easier goals],” Rachel explained. “I think that was actually probably the easiest I’ve scored over time.

“I’d been watching Ona [Batlle] all game getting up that wing getting crosses in and when I came on, I thought if she’s going, we all go [forward].

“Then yeah, when it fell to me, I was waiting for a whistle, I was waiting for the offside and then I was like OK, I’m just going to tap this in, get my first goal. I really enjoyed it.”
The 34-year-old began her journey in senior football not far shy of two decades ago and therefore has had a first-hand view at the continuing growth of the women’s game while she has been on her own playing journey. 

Getting to make her first appearance at Old Trafford yesterday – and mark it with a goal – was therefore a very special feeling.

“Especially for me coming through, I’ve seen a lot of change in the women’s game so to go from playing on that local field with just parents and a dog watching to being at Old Trafford, that little girl growing up never thought I’d see the day.

“So, it’s really special to be here, to get on today and then actually to get a goal.”

United Women 5 Aston Villa 0

 Article

Read the story of an afternoon to remember for Marc Skinner's Reds at Old Trafford.

Answering the final question of her post-match interview, Williams went on to tell of a brilliant encounter that she had with a supporter ahead of Saturday’s game.

“I was at the shop last night (Friday) and some lady was shouting ‘Rachel! Rachel!’ and I turned round and thought I don’t know anyone around here and this woman was like 'beat the Villa tomorrow, good luck!’ I was like 'oh, nice one!'

“That is a woman who was probably in my position when she was little so for me to now be that player and people recognise you, I never thought it was going to happen. 

“I’m just enjoying every minute of it, and I will continue to do that until the day I retire – which is hopefully not any time soon and I’ll continue going as long as I can!” 

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