Man Utd Women 2023/24 mid-season review: Standout performer, best signing & more

It has not been a convincing start to the new season for Manchester United. In ten WSL games so far, they have dropped 12 points compared to a total of ten in all of last season.

It is not a calamity yet, but it is far from the emphatic start Marc Skinner's side would have wanted going into what could have been their WSL title-winning campaign after coming so close last season - just two points behind Chelsea in the end. But it seems that their title charge may be over already.

United entered the winter break in fourth, seven points behind leaders Chelsea and with a four-point deficit also to make up on Arsenal and Manchester City. United have been scoring goals but leaking more asily than before, dropping critical points as a direct result.

Background

Last season was moving all in United's favour. With the English game thriving off the back of Euro 2022, Skinner made some crucial signings. The likes of Maya Le Tissier, Nikita Parris and Rachel Williams joined an already stacked side comprised of Mary Earps, Ella Toone and Alessia Russo.

A place in Europe had long eluded United. Bu while they have been in the conversation in previous seasons, with ample opportunity to claim a place in the WSL top three, small margins proved the difference, keeping the coveted Champions League agonisingly inches out of reach.

Skinner's approach proved advantageous for United, still only four year old when last season began. Leveraging their top-tier talent, they competed strongly against main rivals Arsenal and City, earning ten points from games against them, who finished nine points behind. Nevertheless, they fell just short against eventual champions Chelsea, experiencing their only two league defeats against them.

United at last earned a Champions League berth with a WSL game to spare and also reached the FA Cup final for the first time. Although they narrowly lost 1-0 to Chelsea, it showcased the team's determination, demonstrating their ability to compete with the top English sides. Despite a brief European campaign this season ending in the second qualifying round against Paris Saint-Germain, United's strong performance was a learning experience, fuelling their pursuit of the WSL title.

United have faced challenges, failing to replicate last season's victories against previously conquered teams. The departure of 24 players in total, including critical losses like Ona Batlle and Russo, has created significant gaps that Skinner's newest additions haven't fully plugged. Injuries have also hit hard, emphasising the need for a successful January transfer window to revive their top three push.

Highlight

United did not have a victory over Arsenal or Manchester City to show as a testament to their level this season but a 4-0 win over Tottenham was a critical result for the Red Devils in the circumstances.

Spurs had been developing a new identity under Robert Vilahamn and travelling there would be no easy feat yet, especially only a couple of weeks after a disappointing setback in the first ever Manchester derby at Old Trafford. Yet four goals from as many scorers became a comfortable win.

The visitors had ten shots with five on target in the capital. Full-back Hannah Blundell opened the scoring, before Ella Toone, Melvine Malard and Hayley Ladd added the gloss in the second half. Dominating in possession, attack and defence, it was United at their best so far this campaign.

Lowlight

The first Manchester derby at Old Trafford was playing in front of a club record 43,615 fans, yet it turned into a nightmare for United who crumbled to a 3-1 drubbing against their local rivals.

Although the hosts initially took the lead through Katie Zelem, the remainder of the afternoon was dominated by the Blues, with Jill Roord, Lauren Hemp, and Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw shining for City

United's defeat stemmed from their own mistakes and they struggled to recover or capitalise on opportunities, despite City later facing a numerical disadvantage after Laia Aleixandri's dismissal.

Although not their poorest performance, it was an example of Skinner and his team succumbing to the pressure of trying to match or even surpass last year's successful campaign.

Standout performer

Nikita Parris, who joined from Arsenal in the summer of 2022, had limited appearances in United's starting XI last season. At the beginning of the current campaign, there were also uncertainties about her role under Skinner following new arrivals. However, after getting a chance to display her skills, Parris, a fan favourite, made a compelling case that prompted the boss to revise his plans.

With four league goals, Parris is tied for United's WSL top scorer with Melvine Malard, ranking ninth overall alongside Sam Kerr, former Red Alessia Russo, and last season's Golden Boot winner Rachel Day. Overall, she has eight in all competitions. Her clinical finishing, pace, and experience have been instrumental in leading the attack, transforming her from a benchwarmer to a regular starter.

Rebounding after the setback of being dropped from the England squad following Euro 2022 and then missing out on a World Cup call up, Parris is making a strong case to spearhead United's top-three push. Her performance aims to revive her chances of donning the England shirt again, something she hasn't done since scoring in successive Lionesses games in September 2022.

Best signing

United's hefty departures list created substantial voids on the field. While they secured notable signings like Brazil international Geyse, World Cup Golden Boot winner Hinata Miyazawa, and Everton's premier defender Gabby George, the last-minute acquisition of French star Melvine Malard on loan from has proven crucial to United's attack, contributing four WSL goals already.

At 23, Malard boasts considerable experience, having won the Champions League with Lyon four times. While it took some time for the forward to adjust to the WSL after some minor fitness issues,, she quickly earned praise by scoring against Arsenal in October and netting United's first-ever European goal at home against Paris Saint-Germain.

Russo managed five goals in her first ten games last season. Following her departure to Arsenal in the summer, Malard has admirably filled those shoes, scoring just one league goal less than her predecessor in the same number of appearances.

With 12 games remaining and the potential for United to secure Malard on a permanent deal, the promising goalscorer has limitless opportunities ahead.

Best goal

Ella Toone's strike against Brighton not only levelled the score-line in that but stood out as the best with her pinpoint accuracy, clinical turn, and superb finish.

Remarkably, the 24-year-old had gone almost a year without a league goal before this strike. Her previous came on 19 November 2022 in the famous 3-2 win over Arsenal, although she did also showcase her scoring prowess for England in the World Cup semi-final.

Predicted finish

United's title hopes seem a bit too distant, trailing Chelsea seven points already. The points dropped in draws and unnecessary defeats to Liverpool and City appear to have already shaped United's fate. It is not all over for Skinner though. With only four points separating City, United and Arsenal, the chance to finish in third or even second once again, is well within their grasp.

United's primary concern lies in goals conceded. Despite a strong scoring record of 25 goals, the team has already let in 11 in the league, a notable increase compared to just six at the same stage of last season. Despite having England's number one goalkeeper, their leaky defence now means they require more than a one or two-goal advantage to secure the wins they were previously getting.

Strengthening in defence, where injuries also haven't helped, is vital for United. The recent warm weather training camp in Malta is expected to have addressed the team's disjointed appearance in the first half of the season, ideally propelling them to a top-three finish.

Calls for Skinner's exit are growing among sections of the fanbase. Overall, the noise, player disconnect, and a sluggish start to the season might leave United with not enough time to correct those early mistakes, potentially relegating them back outside the top three once more.

Prediction: 4th

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