Manchester United sit top of the Women’s Super League, albeit two games in. A 3-1 aggregate win over the Norwegian side Brann on Thursday ensured they escaped the Champions League qualifying stage for the first time. The new signing Jess Park has hit the ground running. Elisabeth Terland has scored two hat-tricks.
This should be fuelling positivity and hope, but not even the impressive start can cut through the cloud of disillusionment and frustration felt by fans and those watching the club from further afield. Why does this growing apathy exist? Why, even if United beat the European champions, Arsenal, at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday, will it not go away?
In part, because of a feeling of missed opportunity. United have, arguably, overachieved, regularly challenging at the top of the WSL and reaching three FA Cup finals in the past three years, winning the competition in 2024. They are operating on a much smaller budget than Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City and their potential is being harmed by an ownership that appears not to care.
Read Suzanne Wrack’s full preview of Manchester United v Arsenal via the link below
For the showpiece fixture in the WSL this afternoon between Manchester United and Arsenal, the excellent Emillia Hawkins will be bringing you full live coverage, we shall where you can find that blog as soon as it goes live.
