Manchester United manager Casey Stoney has opted to recall goalkeeper Fran Bentley early from her season-long loan spell at Blackburn Rovers according to reports on the FA Women’s Championship club’s official website.
The 19-year-old stopper joined Rovers in early September but she has seen her progress at The Sir Tom Finney Stadium halted by both injury and the exceptional form of fellow goalkeeper Alex Brooks.
Bentley made four appearances for Gemma Donnelly’s side in the early weeks of the season before picking up an injury which sidelined her for a few weeks. Upon her return to fitness, Bentley was unable to reclaim her place due to the outstanding form of fellow keeper Brooks. The former Birmingham City keeper hasn’t conceded a goal for more than 450 minutes of FA Women’s Championship football as Rovers have climbed the table at a rapid pace.
Manchester United goalkeeper Bentley has been an unused substitute for Rovers in their last three matches as the club have collected five points and three consecutive clean sheets.
Upon her return to her parent club, Bentley has been thrown straight into Manchester United’s matchday squad to face Reading at The Madejski Stadium this afternoon. Manager Stoney has named the youngster amongst the substitutes in Berkshire.