Going into the mid-season break, the Women’s Super League is somewhat dominated by some of the prominent teams in both men’s and women’s football. Chelsea and Arsenal are once again battling it out, almost recreating the scenes of the Barclays Premier League, while the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City also fight in the top tier. However, one of the ‘big five’ teams are missing from the selection – Manchester United.
The Red Devils opted to cut their women’s side from the club in 2005 – following the inauguration of the new ownership under the Glazer family. The decision was cited to allow additional funding for the youth academies – with the directors crediting more potential in the future of the men’s game than the women’s. While a club with the stature of Manchester United do not exactly lack funding, many believed the money may have been put to use to evaporate some of the debts associated with the American owners.
United initially turned their back on the women’s game less than three months before the 2005 European Championships, and restricted coaching to girls up to the age of 16 (now enhanced at 18). However, this occurred at the same time when rival clubs, notably Arsenal and Chelsea, increased their funding and support of their female sides. The women’s game has improved remarkably in recent seasons, and the development of the Women’s Super League has led to a rapid rise in interest, support, and demand, which United are yet to touch upon.
So with this growth in the game, why are Manchester United still without a women’s team? David Moyes pushed for the possibility in his short tenure, but his later sacking was likely to mean all work regarding the proposals had gone amiss. With his own daughter representing the Preston North End women’s team, he was well aware of the benefits from opportunities for girls in sport.
The Under-17 girls, led by the MU Foundation, celebrated success in the North West League this year, losing just one of their 13 games and beating the likes of Everton and Liverpool – who currently don Super League sides. The celebrations come for a third consecutive season, with the Under-17s winning their leagues in both the 2012/13 and 2013/14 campaigns also. Across the three years of action, the Red Devils have fallen to just three defeats, and inevitably have the talent within the club to launch such a side worthy of competition in the FA WSL. The current youngsters would be able to work alongside a more experienced set-up, who could be drafted in effortlessly by the prospect of representing such a prominent club.
MU Foundation
League statistics show some encouraging talents too. Emily Bradshaw found the net a staggering 17 times in as many appearances, while Alethea Paul, Kirsty Hanson and Lucy Ashworth all struck double digits throughout the campaign. The impressive strike force was also backed by a resilient defensive line – who conceded just 18 goals, the lowest in the league.
Bradshaw – who joined the United set-up at the age of 14 after successful trials – spoke exclusively to Read WSL, and expressed her disappointment at seeing her time with the club come to an end. “It is very hard to be leaving United this season, as it is such a good set up,” she said.
“The team enjoyed every minute of being there. A lot of the players have been at United for between three and eight seasons, so we have all found it very emotional. It would be a lot easier if we had the opportunity to progress further with United, but unfortunately we are all too old now and we have all had to move on to different clubs.”
Bradshaw also felt a women’s team is certainly needed at the Theatre of Dreams, notably with the talent on offer throughout the younger players. “I think it is very important to have a women’s team, especially when the younger age groups are doing so well,” she added.
“It is also important for the younger age groups to have the role models on offer at other clubs, and I think this would inspire more young girls to get involved with Manchester United. It is frustrating to see rival clubs with women’s teams, especially when women’s football is growing so much as a whole. There is no reason United shouldn’t have a women’s team!”
With the men’s set-up enjoying a greater season under the guidance of Louis van Gaal, their return to European football, and a greater expectation to battle for the league and domestic competitions, next season should see one of the biggest clubs in the world earn even more money to invest in the set-up. There is also the factor of the £750 million kit-deal Ed Woodward recently put in place with Adidas to consider. Ultimately, there is no excuse that money is the downfall to re-establishing the women’s team at United, and surely women’s football is the way to go in the modern era?
Bradshaw certainly thinks so. And despite having to leave the club she credits so much with her development, the teenager looks back on her time with the Red devils with fond memories.
“I couldn’t be more impressed with my development, I got so much support from all the coaches and my fellow team mates and they still continue to support me wherever I go.
“I never expected to be the top goal scorer of the league for my first season at Under-17’s, as well as scoring the winning goal on Old Trafford against a boys’ team for my last season. It really has been an unbelievable experience and I owe United a massive thank you.
“I just wish I could continue my career with them.”
