Manchester United return to pre-season action this afternoon when Barclays FA Women’s Super League rivals Aston Villa are the visitors to Carrington.
The Red Devils kicked-off their pre-season programme under new boss Marc Skinner with a 2-2 draw with neighbours Liverpool at Carrington last weekend.
Leah Galton and Kirsty Hanson were on target in that match and the pair will both be looking to impress again this afternoon. New signings Sophie Baggaley, Aoife Mannion, Hannah Blundell and Martha Thomas all played 45 minutes against Liverpool and they will be hoping to get more game time this afternoon, as will Vilde Bøe Risa who featured for the first hour.
Manchester United were without Ella Toone and Jackie Groenen following their involvement at the Olympics and the pair are likely to again sit out of this afternoon’s meeting with Aston Villa. Ivana Fuso and Alessia Russo also missed last weekend’s fixture but are thought to be building their fitness.
Aston Villa’s pre-season programme consists of three matches against top flight opponents, those being Manchester United, Everton and Chelsea. This afternoon’s fixture at Carrington will give new Aston Villa boss Carla Ward the opportunity to see her new side in action and run the rule over her summer signings. The Villains have recruited strongly over the summer with up to six new faces in contention to feature against The Red Devils.
This afternoon’s fixture sees two former Birmingham City bosses go head-to-head. Manchester United boss Skinner took charge of the Blues between 2016 and 2019 while Aston Villa boss Ward was with Birmingham City last season.
The pre-season friendly fixture between Manchester United and Aston Villa kicks-off at 4.30pm. The game will not be broadcast live, however, goals will be made available to watch through official club channels afterwards.
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