Manchester United Women return to Barclays Women’s Super League action on Saturday, travelling to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal. Following a three-week winter break, the Reds are keen to resume their league campaign, having last played in a League Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
The two sides are separated by just a single point, with Arsenal in third and Manchester United fourth, making this clash pivotal in the race for European qualification. The match also marks a personal milestone for Marc Skinner, who will take charge of his 100th WSL game. As the teams kick off the second half of the season, the encounter promises to be a key test against the European champions on their home turf.
Both sides are in strong form and poised to build momentum as the season intensifies.
Arsenal and Manchester United: Form and Momentum
Arsenal arrive at the Emirates on a run of six consecutive victories, having defeated Crystal Palace, OH Leuven, Everton, FC Twente, Liverpool, and Real Madrid. Their only setback since November was a defeat to Bayern Munich, demonstrating their consistency across domestic and European competitions.
Manchester United have also shown encouraging signs in recent weeks. Their last WSL fixture ended in a 3-3 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, before progressing in Europe with a 1-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League and a 2-1 League Cup victory over Spurs, secured by Fridolina Rolfö’s 86th-minute strike. In Europe, United are currently sixth in their group, narrowly trailing Arsenal on goal difference, and will face Atletico Madrid in the knockout play-offs.
This fixture also acts as a prelude to a League Cup clash on 21 January, giving both teams additional incentive to assert dominance early in 2026. Former United striker Alessia Russo remains a danger for the Gunners, having already scored five goals across all competitions this season.
Arsenal Team News
Head coach Renée Slegers confirmed that Chloe Kelly remains unavailable, while Daphne van Domselaar is nearing a return but will not feature this weekend. Kyra Cooney-Cross has travelled back to Australia to be with her family following her mother’s cancer diagnosis, with no immediate timeline for her return.
Manchester United Team News
United will be without Ella Toone, Gabby George, and Leah Galton due to injury. Toone is sidelined with a bone stress response in her hip, George continues her recovery from a calf issue, and Galton is out with a back problem.
On the positive side, Millie Turner and Jayde Riviere are fit and available, while Hanna Lundkvist and Lea Schuller could make their debuts following their winter transfers.
In other squad updates, defender Hannah Blundell has joined Everton on loan until the end of the season. The 31-year-old has made 84 appearances for United since joining from Chelsea in 2021 and will gain valuable playing time at Goodison Park, where Everton recently defeated Chelsea 1-0.
Additionally, Marc Skinner confirmed that the one-year options for Gabby George, Lisa Naalsund, Elisabeth Terland, and Ella Toone have been exercised, keeping them contracted until the end of next season and securing their futures amid ongoing discussions about potential extensions.
Key Players to Watch
Alessia Russo (Arsenal) – The former United striker remains a constant threat with her finishing and intelligence in attack.
Fridolina Rolfö (Manchester United) – Directly involved in the most goals for United this season, the forward is pivotal both as a starter and as a substitute.
What the Managers Say
Renée Slegers on Manchester United
Slegers highlighted the challenge posed by Manchester United, praising their intensity and adaptability. “We expect them to be aggressive and to apply themselves fully. They pride themselves on their defensive strength and their intensity, and their squad has added new qualities this season,” she said.
She added, “We need to be prepared for different scenarios because personnel choices may influence how they play. In the WSL, you never know exactly how teams will approach the game. Last year at the Emirates, we won 4-3, but they came back with goals. It’s something we expect again concentration is needed from start to finish.”
Marc Skinner on Arsenal
Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner emphasised the importance of seizing decisive moments. “These games always come down to who can take the big moments. Last season, they went ahead, we responded, and it ended 4-3,” he explained.
He continued, “We’re both coming off a Christmas break, so all teams are at different stages. Our focus is on playing to our strengths while recognising that magic moments can come from either side.” Skinner also highlighted the impact of new arrivals, noting that Hanna Lundkvist and Lea Schuller are in contention to feature and could add depth and quality to the squad immediately.
Key Stats
The history between these sides has delivered memorable matches. Arsenal secured a dramatic 4-3 victory at the Emirates last season, while United also lost 3-1 in 2023/24. United forward Fridolina Rolfö has been directly involved in more goals than any other player this season, highlighting her influence on the team’s attacking play.
Arsenal remain a formidable home side, having gone unbeaten in 11 home WSL matches in 2025, scoring 36 goals and losing only once in their last 26 league fixtures. Former United striker Alessia Russo adds a familiar threat to the Gunners’ frontline.
Potential Lineups
Arsenal: Borbe; Fox, Wubben-Moy, Catley, Hinds; Little, Caldentey; Mead, Maanum, Smith; Russo
Manchester United: Tullis-Joyce; Sandberg, George, Le Tissier, Janssen; Park, Miyazawa, Naalsund; Rolfö, Terland, Malard
How to Watch
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK with kick-off scheduled for 12.30 BST
