Hayley
Ladd

Ladd began her career at centre-back but in recent years has thrived in a holding-midfield role, where her defensive instincts help snuff out opposition attacks. Far from just being a stopper, the Welsh international also has an excellent range of passing and is adept at driving from deep with the ball, while opening up spaces for her team-mates. In signing for the Reds in 2019, Hayley said: “I’ll probably be playing more in midfield, but I would say I am a versatile player, so I can play in a number of positions and I’m happy to play wherever the team needs me to play.” Ladd has a wealth of experience, having previously represented Bristol City, Coventry City, Birmingham City and Finnish outfit Kokkola Futis, as well as coming through the youth system at Arsenal. After spending five years plying her trade in England’s top tier, the midfielder was a welcome addition to the United squad ahead of our first Women's Super League campaign in 2019/20. It was certainly an impressive season on the pitch, as Ladd appeared in every game and won the club's Player of the Year award for her efforts. Having opened her scoring account against Leicester with a sublime long-range strike in the Continental Cup in November 2019, she then got her maiden WSL strike for United against Reading just over a year later. In February 2021, she signed a contract extension with the club until the end of the 2022/23 season, with an option of a further year. Hayley has gained over 75 caps for Wales since making her international debut against New Zealand in Switzerland in June 2011.