Key Highlights
- The first European game for Manchester United’s women at Old Trafford is set to be a historic match.
- This milestone comes as part of the club’s commitment to developing its women’s team and breaking down barriers in women’s football.
- The match against Paris St-Germain represents an opportunity to push forward with the women’s squad and create a future legacy akin to that of Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson.
- Manchester United has shown impressive results in their debut Champions League campaign, but questions about the club’s commitment to the women’s team persist.
The Significance of Old Trafford
Manchester United is gearing up for a historic moment as they host Paris St-Germain in their first-ever European match at Old Trafford. The stadium, built on the legend of the Busby Babes and the Champions League triumphs under Sir Alex Ferguson, symbolizes not just a new chapter but a significant milestone for women’s football within one of the world’s most prestigious clubs.
“Manchester United has an amazing history in European competition,” noted Matt Johnson, the club’s head of women’s football. “For us it is about the future. We must put a new lens on it.” This statement encapsulates the dual objective of honoring the club’s rich legacy while also setting a path forward for the women’s team.
Commitment and Challenges
While Manchester United has taken steps to support its women’s squad, questions about their commitment to women’s football remain. The club was one of the last major Premier League clubs to launch a Women’s Super League team, joining in 2018. Furthermore, issues like the relocation of players during the Carrington refurbishment and the absence of minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe at recent cup finals have raised concerns about the hierarchy’s dedication.
“Manchester United is totally committed to the women’s team,” Johnson emphasized. “This is very much one club. We get access to all the same facilities and all the same staffing resources.” These words reflect a defense of the club, aiming to counteract criticisms that it has been slow to embrace women’s football.
Debut Champions League Campaign
The debut Champions League campaign for Manchester United’s women is off to an impressive start. They have won their first two games and are currently on course to secure a place in the play-off round. A victory against Paris St-Germain would solidify this achievement, potentially setting the stage for encounters with Wolfsburg and Lyon in subsequent matches.
“This is a really good chance to push forward with the women’s team and hopefully create a future that in 40 to 50 years’ time means someone else is saying how they broke down barriers,” Johnson concluded. This vision underscores Manchester United’s aspirations for long-term growth and success within the women’s game.
Expanding Fan Base
Despite these achievements, there are challenges in growing the fan base for women’s football at Old Trafford. The match against Paris St-Germain is expected to draw a maximum of 12,000 fans to Leigh Sports Village, where the Lyon match will be played next month. Johnson believes that expanding the fanbase should be the focus rather than moving games to Old Trafford.
“First of all, the players love Leigh,” he stated. “It is perfect for women’s football and we can generate a really good atmosphere.” This sentiment reflects a commitment to maintaining the current venue while working towards long-term growth in attendance and support for the women’s team.
In conclusion, Manchester United’s upcoming match against Paris St-Germain at Old Trafford marks an important moment not just for the club but for the advancement of women’s football. The success of this campaign will be crucial as the club continues to navigate the complex landscape of women’s sports and strive for greater recognition and support.
