UWCL 2025: Manchester United on a quest to challenge Europe’s elite

This week, Manchester United will play in the main phase of the UEFA Women’s Champions League for the first time in their storied history.

It has taken them seven years since reforming to reach this point, fighting their way to the European stage from the second tier of English football.

For many of this current crop of players, it is uncharted territory.

Head coach Marc Skinner has urged his side to prove they belong, not just make up the numbers.

“We have to go and really be excited by the opportunity to play against Europe’s best teams,” he said.

“If you want to be there, you’ve got to perform against them. Whoever we get, we will absolutely try and maximise those games.”

With the new format of the competition introduced this year, which sees teams contest a league format by playing against six different competitors, it is the perfect chance to make their mark.

Up against teams like Lyon and Wolfsburg, seasoned winners in the Champions League, United will have to be at the top of their game to withstand the test.

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United’s strong core

Over the years, United’s squad has seen plenty of changes. They’ve bid farewell to a number of high-profile players; namely Jackie Groenen, Mary Earps, and Alessia Russo.

Yet they have still found a way to recruit well while having a limited budget compared to clubs they compete with at the top.

This season in particular the arrivals of Swedish international Fridolina Rolfö and versatile English sensation Jess Park have raised the levels of the side. The former joins with a wealth of experience internationally and domestically, more importantly in this competition with three-time winners FC Barcelona. Park, meanwhile, oozes quality on the ball and is arguably the most technical player in the side.

Up top, Elisabeth Terland and Melvine Malard have developed a key partnership whether it be playing alongside one another or alternating in the number 9 role. Terland has already made her mark in Europe, bagging seven goals as United advance through the second and third rounds of qualifying.

In midfield, as well as the long-standing Ella Toone, the pair of Hinata Miyazawa and Julia Zigiotti Olme have been a revelation for the Reds. Cool, calm and collected, the duo has brought the fight to top teams and anchor one of the strongest midfields in the league.

Phallon Tullis-Joyce between the sticks, captain Maya Le Tissier, and fullbacks Jayde Riviere and Anna Sandberg have all been vital in limiting the side to just three goals conceded across all competitions so far this term. The latter is having a real breakout campaign, with the UWCL presenting another big test on the horizon.

It may not be a squad full of A-list names, but it’s a finely balanced side built on unity and playing to each other’s strengths – that is something which cannot be underestimated in a tournament format like this.

Form heading into the UWCL

Skinner’s side head into the week on the back of a breathless 1-1 draw with Chelsea, though they might have secured all three points had they been more clinical.

While their record against top opposition is mixed, holding the reigning WSL champions marked a sign of their growth.

“We’re building – you can see it, you can sense it,” the Reds manager said at full-time.

“We are disappointed to not win the game; the chances we created, not many teams could create that against Chelsea.

“For us to do that and in the way we did it, was credit to [the players].”

Just as important as form is their mentality – the belief that they can win, regardless of the occasion.

They’ve shown it domestically to become FA Cup winners, now is the time to prove it against Europe’s elite.

“I’m really pleased with how we’ve started the season, we are showing our strengths out on the pitch and our togetherness off it,” captain Le Tissier told the club.

“The games are coming thick and fast now but it is what we have been working towards and now we are ready.

“We believe we can beat anyone and as long as we stick to our game plan and use all our training, I know we will give [teams] a good match.”

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