WHEN it comes to goal of the season contenders Katie Zelem’s jaw-dropping, corner-kick efforts will no doubt be up there this term.
The Manchester United skipper may be hoping for more of the same when the Red Devils’ WSL stars play in front of fans for the first time at Old Trafford.
Katie Zelem is set to captain Manchester United during their first game in front of fans at Old Trafford Credit: ©MI News & Sport Ltd Around 25,000 are expected at today’s highly anticipated game with United facing Everton as they continue their quest to play in Europe.
A fourth Zelem corner strike, following stunners netted against Manchester City and Leicester, would make the day of their supporters should their side defeat the Toffees.
Zelem, who is 26 and a lifelong fan of the club, has enjoyed seeing her game evolve during Marc Skinner’s first season in charge.
The midfield ace said: “I’m not sure the (goals from) corners are something that Mark has influenced but I’m sure he will stake his claim!
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Watch Marcelo’s son Enzo, 12, nail Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘siu’ celebration “I’ve really enjoyed playing under him. He has embedded a lot of freedom within the team.
“You can see we’re playing more of a possession style football.
“Our interchanges in positions are free and that’s allowed me to express myself a little bit more.”
The atmosphere at Old Trafford this afternoon will be in stark contrast to the empty stands United performed in front of when they played there last March.
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The Covid pandemic denied fans the chance to be present when Katie, who is the daughter of ex-Macclesfield Town keeper Alan Zelem, helped her team beat West Ham 2-0.
Zelem, who has made 67 Red Devils appearances, added: “A huge part of football are the fans. I’ve been a fan myself and I’m a player.
“When you see both sides, you realise how important they are.
“The game last year was very different. You could almost see it as a dress rehearsal.
“It’s going to be huge playing there with hopefully 20,000 plus fans. It will be a whole new experience.”
United’s match at The Theatre of Dreams has been preceded by a big promotional build-up led by the club.
United’s last match at Old Trafford was played behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic Credit: PA Huge billboards of Zelem and other Red Devils stars adorn the walls outside the ground.
A slogan on one of the adverts reads ‘This is Power’.
And Zelem’s hopes the match and United’s emergence as a force in the women’s game, draws bigger crowds to their Leigh Sports Village home.
Zelem added: “Occasions like this are amazing but on the flip side, we really enjoy playing at Leigh.
“It’s important to develop an identity and at the minute that is Leigh.
“For us, it’s vital people come there and recognise it as our home ground.
“We want teams to fear playing us there and to make it our little fortress.”
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Ex-Arsenal goalkeeper comes out of retirement aged 40 to play in SEVENTH TIER United will have four games left to play this term after their duel with Everton before what will be a huge summer for the Lionesses.
With the Euros taking place on home soil this July, Zelem also has her eye on a spot in Sarina Wiegman’s squad.
The midfielder, who counts England legend, Fara Williams, as one of the best footballers she has ever played alongside, made her senior international debut last November.
Zelem was part of the team that knocked 20 goals past Latvia during a World Cup qualifier.
Zelem hopes to claim a spot in the England squad ahead of the Women’s Euros Credit: PA And the former Juventus ace, who began her senior career at Liverpool in 2013, is eager to make more appearances her country.
Zelem said: “I’m keeping my fingers crossed, really.
“We’ve got five games left – not just me, but also the rest of the girls in this team – to hopefully stake a claim in the squad.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
