Off the back of a 2-0 victory over fifth-place Everton this weekend, Manchester United have continued to assert their credentials as title-contenders. With a meteorite rise to the top-division and an impressive start to their second WSL season, are Manchester United the force to redefine the WSL elite?
When Casey Stoney was unveiled as Manchester United manager in June 2018, it not only spelled the beginning of a managerial career for the former England international but a statement of intent from the Manchester United hierarchy. Charged with laying the foundations upon which to build a team capable of living up to the lofty expectations, Stoney had an ambition to reinvent a side that could compete at the top-level of women’s football. “My ultimate aim is to grow this team so that every little girl growing up dreams of playing for Manchester United when she’s older, because they’re the most successful team in women’s football,” Stoney revealed following her appointment.
Previously, the WSL had been held in a stranglehold by the triumvirate of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City, with a widening chasm between the top three and the rest of the league. But this looks set to change. After breezing through the FA Championship in their first season and finishing fourth in their debut WSL season, United have all the hallmarks of an exciting outfit. Their initial potential has materialised, with the Manchester side disrupting Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea, by occupying the top spot for much of the 2020/21 campaign. Despite Chelsea recently overtaking them to claim pole position with 32 points from 12 games, Manchester United have continued to apply the pressure in second place, gaining three points at the weekend and equalling Chelsea’s points tally having played an extra game.
Although Everton also deserve a notable mention for having shown glimpses of their potential, particularly with their 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup, it is Manchester United who have maintained the consistency needed to push the WSL elite for the title. Whether we believe United’s success is the result of investment, confidence, or a mixture of the two, one thing is certain: their shrewd recruitment and the philosophy of Stoney has played a fundamental role in their rapid rise to the top of women’s football.
Recruitment
When Stoney was appointed, she was given a blank canvas and the autonomy to sign twenty-one new players to represent the side in their debut FA Championship season. Her decision to partner youth with experience has proved to be a remedy for success. This delicate balance has provided them with the stability and success to recruit further and attract some of England, America, and Europe’s best talent.
When United announced the singing of USWNT star’s Tobin Heath and Christen Press, not only did their shirt sales indicate the level of excitement, but social media’s reaction also highlighted the significance of the signings. Fans of the WSL have become desensitised to seeing world-class player’s join the swelling ranks of the top three teams. Consequently, the recruitment of two, two-time World Cup winners in Heath and Press was a statement of intent from United. With a combined total of 308 international caps, the American duo added an elite finish and winning mentality to a capable team. In addition, the acquisition of England midfielder Lucy Staniforth, Spanish full-back Ona Batlle and more recently, the accomplished Norwegian defender Maria Thorisdόttir from Chelsea in the January transfer window, has added a further dusting of elite players who can compete at the highest level.
Without doubt United’s most influential recruit this season has been the 32-year-old forward Tobin Heath. The American has made eight league appearance, scored four goals, assisted two, and ignited the Manchester rivalry with some heated comments that certainly riled the blue side of Manchester. For many United fans who have relished the rapid rise of their team, Heath has provided them with the confidence to assert themselves as genuine title-contenders.
Stoney’s vision
The United hierarchy’s decision to take a backseat approach and allow Stoney to build a team from her own knowledge of women’s football has certainly paid off. With a wealth of experience at the pinnacle of women’s football, Stoney has a clear understanding of what she wants to create and how to achieve it. Work ethic and fitness have always played a major role in Stoney’s game as a player, and therefore it is of no surprise to see that she has imparted the same philosophy onto her team. This season United have recovered the loose ball 1336 times, more than anyone else in the league. This statistic is borne out of their playing style – relentless pressing and a desire to take the initiative.
Many players have spoken openly about the instrumental role Stoney has played in their careers and the praise of her management is a testament to her ability to extract every ounce of potential from her players. The likes of Leah Galton, who revealed she was close to quitting football before Stoney persuaded her to join United, has developed immensely during her time in Manchester, picking up the Barclays Player of the Month for December 2020 and becoming a pillar of consistency in the team. Clearly, Stoney has built a dressing room full of character, a sprinkling of youth, experience, and now, the elite mentality to compete at the top.
The future of the WSL
Undoubtedly, there is still a disparity in the league between the top clubs and those who lack the funds and investment to compete at the same level. Will this change immediately? No. Time and investment is still needed to reduce the gulf and make the league a truly competitive entity from top to bottom. However, United have demonstrated that through investment, shrewd recruitment, and sensible appointments, the gap between the top three and the rest of the league can be bridged.
The brand of football United are playing and their impressive displays this season has brought a rivalry and competitiveness to the league that has been entertaining viewing. We would be conceding to excitement if we were to immediately compare Manchester United to the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City, whose trophy cabinets alone displays a narrative of continued dominance. Yet, United are an exciting prospect, a team playing without fear, and a welcomed addition to the WSL. There is still considerable distance to go until we can place them in the same category as the top three, but one must marvel at the speed of their rise to the top. To redefine the WSL elite they must win silverware, but they are certainly on the path to obtaining success.
SPORT central 