Manchester United Women: What to expect

Manchester United Women released their squad list on Friday, and it certainly looked like Casey Stoney had been working hard.

The young squad with a mix of backgrounds will be expected to come together over the next two months before the beginning of the FA Women's Championship in August.

But realistically, what can we expect from this completely new Manchester United side?

Here's what we know so far, and our predictions for the coming season.

Backroom staff

Casey Stoney - Head Coach

Stoney was announced as head coach shortly after the club's announcement that they would be creating a women's side. A tactically clever move, as Stoney has been a big name in the women's game for the last decade.

The former England and Liverpool defender and captain earned 130 caps for the Lionesses, as well as winning 12 major trophies.

After her retirement as a player earlier this year, she was announced as support for England's new women's manager Phil Neville, which has seen her play a pivotal role in the shaping of the World Cup qualifiying team.

She will bring a wealth of experience to the position, as well as inside knowledge of the women's elite game.

Willie Kirk - Assistant Coach

Kirk has a wealth of experience working at an elite level in both England and Scotland.

He was the head coach at WSL side Bristol City, where he led the team to promotion during the 2016 season.

Kirk's cotract at Bristol was set to expire this year, and despite being offered a new contract, he chose to join the Man Utd team - a sign that the club has vision.

Ian Willcock - Goalkeeping Coach

Willcock has less experience in the women's game, but still has a lot of knowledge to help his new players grow.

He worked as a coach educator, running workshops for the FA around the country, and help positions at Bolton Wanderer's, Bury, Barnsley, Rochdale and Leeds United.

Elle Turner - Performance Analyst

Turner is a PhD Performance Coach student.

She previously held the position of Sports Scientist for Manchester City FC, and will be looking to use her knowledge in the women's game.

Squad

It's all well and good having a strong backroom team, but who have Manchester United signed on, and what can we expect from the 21 woman squad?

Before the release of their signings to the press, Stoney said: "We've gone young, we've gone exciting, we've gone entertaining.' 

July 13, 2018

Goalkeepers: Siobhan Chamberlain, Emily Ramsey, Fran Bentley

Defenders: Martha Harris, Alex Greenwood, Amy Turner, Naomi Hartley, Lucy Roberts, Kirsty Smith

Midfielders: Aimee Palmer, Mollie Green, Katie Zelem, Charlie Devlin, Lauren James, Lizzie Arnot, Millie Turner

Forwards: Ella Toone, Jess Sigsworth, Leah Galton, Kirsty Hanson, Ebony Salmon

Who are the players to watch?

Alex Greenwood is arguably the star of the squad alongside Lionesses' goalkeeper Chamberlain. Greenwood has had a strong season at Liverpool, and is a versatile defender.

Don't be suprised if you see her bombing up the left wing and whipping in crosses, because she has that ability. 

With a lot of experience playing in the WSL and in high pressure England matches, Greenwood will bring a mature head to the young squad.

Another one to watch is Katie Zelem, a graduate of Man Utd girls' academy and youth international player. Zelem spent time at Liverpool before moving to Juventus.

In her first season in Italy (and in Juventus' first season in the league) they won the Serie A.

West Ham United Ladies' head coach Matt Beard likened Zelem to Frank Lampard.

Where will the season take Manchester United Women?

It would be tough to go into the FA Women's Championship and win it, but not impossible, as shown by Juventus in the Serie A.

It's a very young team, and it could take a while for the team to gel together and find their rhythm.

With the shake-up in the league structure, and the high player turnover because of it, Manchester Women have a good chance of finishing in the top half of the table this season.

With Casey and Kirk at the helm, it's tough to imagine that they won't be successful in their first season.

However, it will be all to play for when the season kicks off in August!