Manchester United begin their 2025/26 WSL campaign on Sunday lunchtime when they welcome Leicester City to Leigh Sports Village.

It sees the return to domestic league action after already completing two knockout rounds in their pursuit of Champions League qualification.

After finishing third place in the league last season, Marc Skinner will be hoping the strength that he has added to the squad over the summer will bring them closer to challenging Chelsea for the title, who have been the dominant force in the WSL for the past six years.

Team News

Marc Skinner discussed Manchester United’s injuries and provided an update on the expected return dates for several players. Jess Park is eligible to make her debut in red after her deadline day move from Manchester rivals City. “Frida (Rolfo) and Rach (Williams) are back in training and are likely to be available for either Brann on Thursday or, more likely, London City Lionesses next Sunday. Gabby (George) is about a week away from returning with Leah (Galton), possibly a couple of weeks away, whilst Simi (Awujo) is a little bit further away, probably two or three weeks. Despite the absence of key players, the Manchester United boss isn’t concerned, stating, “They are nothing major. Just hangovers from the end of last season and the Euros, so we should be all right in the next two or three weeks.”

Leicester will be hoping international clearance arrives in time for Moroccan forward Rosella Ayane.  Olivia McLoughlin arrives from Rangers, whilst Cecily Wellesley-Smith joined from Arsenal on loan. Jutta Rantala has returned to training, but this Sunday`s fixture is expected to be too soon for her to play a part in, whilst Missy Goodwin is another absentee from the East Midlands club’s squad.

Skinner on Leicester

With Leicester being a bit unknown at the moment, the United boss is looking forward to the challenge on Sunday.  A team without a permanent manager, it is clear that he doesn’t know quite what to expect from them in the opening game of the season, but Skinner is preparing his side to adapt. “We have no idea how the players coming in will be able to play, so for us, we need to prepare for the adaptations and be ready for whatever is thrown at us. It’s good preparation for the Champions League as well because teams can adapt and change on you there, so we have got to be ready, especially in front of our own fans.”

Grace Clinton’s departure

Despite Skinner’s comments last season saying that he was an admirer of Clinton and was someone he wanted to see at the club for years to come, the relationship between player and club broke down, with the England international stating that the future of Manchester United and herself aren’t on the same page. “From our perspective, we want to thank Grace for her contributions, but as managers, we see things differently. What is clear to us after learning from past mistakes is that if people don’t want to be here, then we have to find the best solution for Manchester United. Grace`s departure was attributed to her desire to grow.  It’s disappointing for the fans, but we have to move forward with the players that want to be a 100% part of Manchester United, and that wasn’t the case with Grace.”

The arrival of Jess Park

Skinner spoke very highly of Park in his pre-match press conference, explaining that her ability to play in the number 10 role as well as on the wing is what enticed him to bring her to the club. He believes she is a bright young talent who has more to give. “From our perception, we have a fantastic player in Jess, who I am really looking forward to working with. Her focus is in the 10 central pockets, but I also look at her versatility and quality. It’s not just where she can play, it’s how she invades the space. What I love most about her is that she picks the ball up and makes things happen. She can score. She can create.

But what I think we can get more out of her is her finishing product instead of passing the ball forward.” Skinner expressed his love for her mental attitude, which comes across as slightly rebellious, but it’s all about wanting to win. He has a good record of nurturing young talent and wants to make sure he does the same with Jess.

Transfer business

The United boss expressed satisfaction with the squad’s experience and depth but acknowledged the need for winter window reinforcements. He emphasized the club’s strategic approach to transfers, given the market’s rapid changes. Skinner also addressed the challenges of competing financially with clubs like London City. “The players we have brought in have been incredible in adding experience to a really young group. A Barcelona player. A Bayern Munich player and now a Manchester City player, so in terms of international quality, they have won around 30 titles between them. Depth is something we will be looking to address in the winter window to especially with the possibility of competing in Europe, which could mean two games a week.”

Aspirations and goals for the season

When asked about the team’s aspiration for the upcoming season, it was clear that Skinner`s passion is to win and be as competitive in all competitions with the hope of bringing trophies. “My goals are always to win. Everyone tells us we can’t, and I’ve had that from day one, yet we still seem to find a way. I want to win with this group and take our fans into Europe to compete in all the trophies. I have a defiant attitude that makes my team ready to perform and prepared for success.”

Where to watch

Sky Sports Premier League are showing the midday kick off live from Leigh Sports Village on Sunday after with live radio commentary also available via the Manchester United app.