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      Women’s FA Cup clash abandoned as goalkeeper rushed to hospital after medical emergency

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      A WOMEN’S FA Cup tie was abandoned due to a goalkeeper’s medical emergency.Salford’s Grace Pomfret went down off the ball in “very visible distress” at Wythenshawe FC and was rushed to hospital after treatment. The Women’s FA Cup second qualifying round tie was ended early due to a ‘distressing’ medical problem for Salford stopper Grace PomfretCredit: GettyHer club released a statement, explaining it was “too upsetting to continue” the match following the worrying incident in the 34th minute.Salford later said Pomfret was in a “stable condition” in hospital.Fans shared their relief on social media and posted get-well wishes to the stopper, who has been with home-town team Salford since 2020.The club said in a statement: “The game was stopped after goalkeeper Grace Pomfret went down off the ball in very visible distress.READ MORE FOOTBALL”Salford medical staff were quick to respond and call for emergency assistance, and we are thankful to all involved for their hasty and attentive response.”Due to the distressing scenes, it was decided that it was not possible to continue playing the game.”At Salford, we know that ‘The welfare of the people is the highest law’ and as a family of players and staff it was noted the environment was too upsetting to continue.”Grace was in a conscious state and was applauded off the pitch as paramedics took her to hospital, and we all wish her well for a full recovery.”Most read in FootballThe specific problem suffered by Pomfret during the second qualifying round game has not been disclosed.But fans were just encouraged to hear she was “stable”.One posted: “I was at the game and saw her go down, really upset me to see that, hope she makes a speedy recovery god bless Grace and her poor mum x”Another wrote: “Glad she’s doing better, I hope she recovers well .”Many others sent their good wishes.Meanwhile, with Pomfret’s condition rightly the priority, Salford explained that “a further update about the tie will be provided in due course”. More

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      Maya Le Tissier reflects on Manchester United captaincy chat with Sir Alex Ferguson that left her speechless

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      MAYA LE TISSIER joked that Sir Alex Ferguson left her speechless when the pair chatted about her Manchester United captaincy.And the Red Devils ace wants to be a skipper who wears her heart on her sleeve with her team ready to take down their WSL title rivals.Maya Le Tissier will skipper Man United at Old Trafford when they face West Ham in their first WSL game this seasonCredit: GettyThe Red Devils defender (left) intends to continue giving her all in her new roleCredit: GettyTomorrow Le Tissier, 22, will lead her team-mates out as captain for the first time at Old Trafford. Marc Skinner’s side will face West Ham in the opening fixture of the new Women’s Super League season.The 12midday clash comes 19 days after the England defender spoke with Sir Alex about what it means to be a Man United captain. The duo were watching Erik ten Hag’s men’s side take on Liverpool at Old Trafford, a Prem clash that United lost 3-0.Read More Football StoriesLe Tissier recalled: “It was unbelievable. There are not many people who leave me speechless and I didn’t know what to say to him.”It was at half time when they (the men’s team) played Liverpool. “They were losing at that point and I was thinking I don’t know what mood he’s going to be in. “But he was so nice and it was so surreal and he spoke to me about the responsibility of being captain. It was great to meet him.”Most read in FootballSince her July 2022 Manchester move from Brighton, Le Tissier has become a first team regular appearing in every single one of United’s league games in the past two seasons.The defender, whose side finished fifth last term, hopes to bring consistency on the pitch as captain and good vibes off it. She added: “It’s definitely about consistency first of all, and to make myself available for every game. “I think that’s the best thing you can give to your team-mates and to staff.”That’s my job to be there ready and to help the team.”On the pitch I wear my heart on my sleeve. “People know I’m with them, committed to them and will fight for them every single time.”Now there’s a bit more responsibility on the pitch to make things a little bit calmer. “It’s not something that I’ve had to really do, so I’ll make sure that I can really improve that.”Off the pitch, I’m just a sociable person. “I like to chat to anyone to be fair, unless it’s Sir Alex and then I don’t know what to say!”Le Tissier receiving the skipper’s armband this month, coincided with her United and England team-mate Ella Toone, 25, being named vice-captain.The Euros-winning midfielder, who scored in her side’s first-ever FA Cup final win in May, has made more than 150 United appearances .Le Tissier added: “Ella has been in so many finals and delivered in every single big moment.”It’s amazing to be on the same journey with her and to work together.”We’ve made it really clear that it’s not just being captain. “It’s me, her and the rest of the team and the leadership group as well.”It means a lot for me and Toons to be a part of it, especially her being a United fan who is from Manchester.”Since beginning her senior career five years ago at Albion, Le Tissier has emerged as one of the biggest football talents to come from Guernsey.If I can give the next generation a bit more support, I’ll feel like I’ve done my job.Maya Le Tissier Another star from the island who took the sport by storm is Southampton icon Matt Le Tissier, although the pair are not related.Like her namesake the defender, whose football journey began at a boys’ team called St Martins, hopes to be an inspiration for young players back home.Le Tissier said: “It means a lot to me to show them that you can do it, you can get to the top. “That’s not to say that I’m there now, but I’m on my way.”If I can create some here and there and give the next generation a bit more support, I’ll feel like I’ve done my job.””I remember (when I was living in Guernsey) I just wanted go over to the Women’s Super League and play as a pro. “That was the only thing I had in my mind.”When I went to Brighton, I thought (to myself), ‘I’m just going to go all the way now’. Le Tissier, Toone and their team-mates hope to put in a solid challenge for this term’s WSL titleCredit: Getty”I’m in it for the long run so I’m just going to do as best as I can.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And that’s brought me here today as captain”I’m really appreciative of the opportunities that have come my way and I can’t wait to see what else comes.” More

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      Aggie Beever-Jones backs Bompastor to bring ‘spice’ to title race and Chelsea’s push for WSL crown

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      AGGIE BEEVER-JONES reckons Sonia Bompastor will add “some spice” to the WSL title fight as she eyes a winning start in England’s top tier.Tonight is the start of a new era for the Blues, with their France-born head coach, 44, going into her first Women’s Super League contest.Beever-Jones and her team-mates are targeting a season-opening win against Aston VillaCredit: GettyThe Blues clash with Villa will be Sonia Bompastor’s first competitive match at Chelsea’s helmCredit: GettyA rejuvenated Aston Villa, with new gaffer Robert de Pauw, are first to pit their wits against a team chasing a sixth successive title.A side that now boasts some of the most formidable forwards in Europe, including Beever-Jones, Mayra Ramirez and star striker Sam Kerr.Beever-Jones said: “That’s one of the great things about Chelsea.”Our squad is big and every single player is good enough to start a game and live up to the Chelsea standard.Read More Football Stories “I’ve always seen the competition as a good thing and I’m always learning and watching other people.”From Mayra, to Sam, to me, to Mia (Fishel) to Cat (Macario) – we’re all very different players.”We all kind of have our own uniqueness to us which makes us different.”You can pick up a few things from other players and you want to impress. Most read in Football”Hopefully I’m doing that and making Sonia happy.”Last term saw Kerr sidelined at the halfway stage of the season after sustaining an ACL injury at a Blues training camp in January.The absence of the Australia star prompted the club’s January swoop for Colombia striker Ramirez.And Beever-Jones says she’s ready to cheer Kerr to the rafters should she find the back of the net for the hundredth time for the Blues when fit.Beever-Jones added: “We had a goal competition at the start of last season and then unfortunately Sam’s injury happened.”But after every game I played in she’d come up to me to say ‘congrats’”She’s one of my biggest supporters and when she (comes back and) scores her 100th goal, I’ll probably be running up to her and screaming for her, given how hard she’s worked.”I’ll be delighted as will all the other girls in the team. “For me, the competition within the team is good. You’ve got to play better, but I’m excited for it.”Having been a Champions League winner as a Lyon player and manager, Bompastor is determined to guide Chelsea to European glory for the first time in their existence.And Beever-Jones believes her boss can add “a little spice” to the title-holders’ battle for more silverware.The striker, who scored 11 goals in 17 WSL games last term, added: “Chelsea has been so successful for so many years and Sonia is adding her own uniqueness to our style of play.“It’s just adding her little bit of spice to the Chelsea way.“And when the season starts and we’re in the four competitions again it will be challenging to see how the tactics play out.“But we’re in such safe hands and we’ve got a great team of players.When asked what fans watching can expect from her side, Chelsea chief Bompastor said: “They will see a team that is really competitive.”One that’s enjoying playing together at the highest level.”The most important thing is getting results. Bompastor says winning results are her priorityCredit: Getty”We want to win, to start the league strongly and to be efficient as a team scoring goals whilst being defensively very strong.”I hope we’ll be able to show a good football style, but for me that’s not the priority.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The result is what’s really important. But if we can have both, I will be very happy.”Chelsea’s WSL season-opening game against Aston Villa can be watched live from 7:00pm tonight on BBC 2 More

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      De Pauw targets top six finish as Aston Villa prepare for season opener against Chelsea

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      ROBERT DE PAUW jokes of enjoying being part of “a bald Dutch coaches union” working at the highest levels of football.After a pre-season that saw Aston Villa beat Manchester City, fans of his side may have high hopes for their team in the WSL this term.Aston Villa visit Chelsea for their first WSL game this term under head coach Robert de PauwCredit: RexVilla are hoping to improve on their seventh place finish in the league last termCredit: GettyTonight Villa embark on a new journey under their Netherlands-born manager four months after the departure of former boss Carla Ward.One that will see them attempt to reproduce the form that led to their top four challenge before claiming fifth spot a year ago.Like Chelsea chief Sonia Bompastor, De Pauw will be overseeing his first WSL game since taking charge of Villa in June.And the coach who led FC Twente to a top-flight title win in the Netherlands’ top-flight two years ago, is content to be part of an influential contingent of Dutch coaches making their mark here.Read More Football StoriesThe Villa chief said: “I made a joke already in an interview with Sky that I was a member of the Bald Dutch Coaches Union, because there are so many here.”We have Arjan Veurink (England Women’s assistant) who was my boss at the KNVB (the Royal Dutch Football Association.”Sarina (Wiegman) I know also from that period. “Arne Slot looks like me. I only said hi to him once, but it’s funny. Most read in Football”I saw some interviews of him, and it’s like the same processes that I have now, getting settled in, getting used to the environment, missing your family.”Erik ten Hag is also here, so yeah, we’re quite a large group now.”Before finishing seventh in the league last term, Aston Villa ended the season before in fifth place. It was highest ever finish in the WSL since their promotion to the top tier in 2020.Their pre-season this summer produced some positive outcomes with the team unbeaten in five friendlies.A September 1 trip to Charlton resulted in a 2-2 draw with the promotion chasing Women’s Championship side.A game that saw some experimentation with Villa’s attack. Katie Robinson, Kirsty Hanson, Ebony Salmon started alongside Adriana Leon, before the second-half introduction of Kenza Dali, Jordan Nobbs and skipper Rachel Daly.Other results included 1-0 wins against Liverpool and Spanish side Real Betis in August with forwards Leon and Salmon netting the winners in those games.And a 3-1 warm-up defeat of Everton this month was followed claimed a 2-1 friendly victory against Manchester City with Lucy Staniforth netting following a Paula Tomas assist. Along with Robinson, who joined Villa as a free agent in July, Spain left-back Tomas is among eight new summer signings with De Pauw strengthening his attacking, midfield and goalkeeper options.Their new arrivals include Gabi Nunes, who like Tomas, joined the club from Spanish side Levante.The Brazil forward, who helped her national side to win silver at the Paris Olympics, netted 11 goals in 28 top-flight appearances in Spain last season.On how much the Villans now resemble a Robert de Pauw team, the Villa boss said: “We had a really good game against Everton. “The things we’re trying to implement were there so clearly. It was a big relief for me.”They’re understanding what we’re trying to do, and it’s coming across.”And of course, it will not be perfect, but there were really the things that I would like to see.”Following their promising resutls De Pauw is targeting a top-six finish in his first term at the helm.He said: “Top six is what we have projected.”If you look at the past season we were seventh and we want to do better than that. The season before we were fifth.”It will not be easy, there is no guarantee but that is the challenge you want to face.”Following her Villa arrival Robinson has high hopes for her future under de Pauw and what the team can achieve with their boss.The Villans chief believes Robinson’s ambition matches those of the club and believes she can be a “difference maker for his side”.Robinson, who left Albion in June after a four-year spell, said: “I had some really good conversations with the club and with Robert.”I’m really excited to see what we can achieve. “Robert has a great attitude and a big winning mentality and that’s really important to me.De Pauw’s side will host Tottenham at Villa Park on September 29 in their first WSL home game this termCredit: Getty”Hopefully where he can implement me in the squad can really bring the best out of me as a player.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I want to contribute to the team as much as possible with goals and assists, I know I’ve got that in me.”Ultimately, I want to develop as a player and this is best club for me to do that.” More

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      Jonas Eidevall backs Arsenal to do the business in Champions League qualifier battle with BK Hacken

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      JONAS EIDEVALL hopes Arsenal can bask in the pressure of battling to keep their Women’s Champions League dream alive.And the Gunners gaffer was tight-lipped on whether Rosa Kafaji and Stina Blackstenius will face their old club BK Hacken tonight.Rosa Kafaji could be line to start for Arsenal against BK Hacken in the first leg of their Champions League second round qualifierCredit: EPAThe Gunners are hoping for a repeat of the ruthless efficiency that saw them beat Rangers in the first roundCredit: APTomorrow in Sweden Arsenal play the first of three high stakes games in nine days. These include a WSL season-opener against Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday.First priority is collecting a victory in the first leg of the Champions League qualifier second-round and avoiding the shock exit they suffered in this round last year.Eidevall said: “Of course, everyone feels a little bit of pressure and for me that’s not a negative thing, it’s positive and a necessity for high performance.Read More Football Stories “This is really business time for us where we put everyone’s competence into the hot seat.”We have prepped for this period because we knew this was going to be busy. “It’s exciting to be here and close to going into the group stage of the Champions League.”It’s exciting to go to the Emirates to play Manchester City this weekend, but we need to keep our focus on the day-by-day activity. Most read in Football”We’re really hungry and I expect Hacken to be too.”Tomorrow’s 6:00pm duel at the Bravina Arena in Gothenburg could see Sweden duo Kafaji and Blackstenius return to haunt their former side.Should Kafaji feature, it would be her first appearance for against her old club since sealing a permanent move to Eidevall’s side for a reported fee between £200,000 and £250,000.The Sweden-born head coach added: “There is always some emotion and all of us who are from Sweden think it’s nice to come here and to be able show the team this country.”And it’s a little bit special for Stina and Rosa having played for Hacken before. “There’s a lot of ingredients for an exciting game between two teams who like to be in possession.”Elsewhere Arsenal’s WSL rivals Man City will be looking to get their push for a Champions League group stage place off to flier.They face visit Paris FC who finished third in France’s top-flight last term and are due to play Guincamp in their Division One Feminine opener.And the match could see ex-Gunners ace Vivianne Miedema make her first appearance for the Cityzens in Europe since joining club as a free agent inLast season the French side pulled off two major Champions Leagues shocks – knocking Arsenal and two-time contest winners Wolfsburg out of the tournamentYesterday Man City boss Gareth Taylor said: “They’re a dangerous opponent and will not make it easy. Vivianne Miedema could be in line to feature for Man City when they play Paris FC in the Champions League second qualifiersCredit: Getty”They’re a tough opponent for us but actually the signs from our team in pre-season has been really good.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Regardless of who we drew, this is a really tough stage of the competition.”I’ve said previously, that in this round, you will probably face tougher games than you would in the group stages in the league format.” More

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      Barcelona turn down world-record bid from Arsenal to sign England star Keira Walsh before summer transfer deadline

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      BARCELONA rejected a world-record bid from Arsenal to sign Keira Walsh a day before the WSL summer transfer deadline on Friday. Reports claim the Gunners tabled a megabucks offer for the England star on September 12 – believed to be around £930,000 according to BBC Sport. Arsenal are claimed to have had a late summer transfer bid for Keira Walsh’s services knocked back by BarcelonaCredit: GettyBarcelona Women’s boss Pere Romeu described Walsh as “super professional” says his side will be counting on her this seasonCredit: ReutersArsenal’s reported bid for Walsh follows the Gunners signing ex-Barcelona forward Mariona Caldentey in JulyCredit: GettyHowever Spanish paper Sport claims the Catalan giants rebuffed the bid from the North London side, with Chelsea also rumoured to be keen on the player. This is despite Walsh, 27, who has helped her team win seven trophies including two Champions League titles, entering the final year of her current contract. Earlier this summer it was reported the Lioness, who in September 2022 sealed a then world record-breaking £400,000 Barcelona transfer, was attracting interest from Arsenal. The midfielder, who joined the team from Manchester City after helping England win the Women’s Euros, has emerged as an influential figure for the Catalan outfit.Read More Football StoriesShe has shone in midfield alongside Spain stars Patri Guijarro and Aitana Bonmati with the trio helping their side win four major trophies last term. The club see the Rochdale-born midfielder, who started in Barcelona’s first two league matches this season, as a key player within their squad Yesterday boss Pere Romeu confirmed the club had no intention of parting ways with the player who helped her side win a ninth top-flight title last seasonHe told reporters: “There’s no case for Keira leaving. Most read in Football”She’s been with us throughout pre-season and is a key player for us.”She totally gets our style of play, is super professional, and has shown an amazing attitude and commitment from day one. “We’re definitely counting on her this season,” It is claimed Walsh does not intend to renew her contract which is set to expire in June next year. Since her move to Barcelona, who this April signed a two-year partnership with Spanish airline Vueling, the England midfielder has played in 49 games in Spain’s top-flight. On the domestic front Walsh has lifted two Liga F trophies, two Spanish Women’s Super Cups, and a Copa de la Reina.And she appeared in their five pre-season matches including their 2-0 Joan Gamper Trophy win against AC Milan last month.Had Arsenal succeeded in their efforts to sign Walsh, the move would have made her the second player to join the club from Barcelona this summer.In July World Cup-winning Spain forward Mariona Caldentey sealed a permanent switch the Gunners following a 10-year spell with the Catalan side.María Pérez is among the senior players to have left Barcelona this summer with the Spain midfielder joining London City LionessesThis summer’s transfer window has also seen the club bid farewell to Spain international María Pérez.READ MORE SUN STORIESEarlier today the defensive midfielder, 22, was announced as the newest signing of London City Lionesses whose squad includes Sweden stars Kosovare Asllani and Sofia Jakobsson. The Women’s Championship side, owned by American businesswoman Michelle Kang, are chasing WSL promotion this term. More

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      ‘I’m not at the start of my career. I have to make smart moves to accomplish my dreams’, says Lucy Bronze

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      LUCY BRONZE is desperate to fulfil a dream that has so far eluded her during a trophy-laden 17-year playing career.Lifting the Champions League trophy with an English club is a milestone the Chelsea star, 32, is yet achieve.Lucy Bronze believes Chelsea are in a stronger position to win the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe England full-back has won the competition five times with Lyon and BarcelonaCredit: GettyBronze helped her former club Barca win their third Champions League title when they beat Lyon 2-0 in May this yearCredit: GettyBut it’s something she hopes to do with the Blues determined to end their trophyless run in the tournament.Adding Europe’s biggest club prize to their collection of 16 trophies – including seven WSL titles – is a top priority in a new era for the Blues under Sonia Bompastor.The France-born head coach, 44, has won the contest as a midfielder and a manager during a playing and coaching career spanning 17 years with Lyon.And Bronze is no stranger to winning the tournament having done so three times with the French side, and twice with Barcelona.Read More Football StoriesThe right-back, who joined Chelsea on a two-year deal in July after two years in Spain, said: “Those moments: Champions League finals, World Cup finals, European finals, they don’t come along that often.“They’re the best feelings that you have as an athlete.”Going for those every year is something that really motivates me but I’m motivated by the fact that I absolutely love what I do.”I’m not at the start of my career so I had to make smart moves to try to accomplish these dreams that I have.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Winning the Champions League with an English team has always been my dream.”Coming to Chelsea, I wanted to win the Champions League with an English team and they are the best team to do that with.Angry Chelsea fan slams Todd Boehly’s transfer policy and claims no Blues supporters are happy with his running of the ‘unrecognisable’ club”I won the tournament for the first time at Lyon, but nothing would ever be as good as doing it with an English team.”That’s something that I felt playing for England as well, winning a tournament with England means more to me than anything else.”Bronze’s hunger to help Chelsea become the first English side since Arsenal to win Europe’s elite club competition is an ambition shared by her boss.It has been 17 years since a team from these shores has triumphed in the contest.Within that time clubs from France and Germany have been the most dominant sides prior to Barcelona’s emergence as champions on three occasions since 2021.Bompastor’s former club Lyon are the contest’s current record winners. Since 2011 they have lifted the trophy eight times, with Bronze featuring in their wins in 2018, 2019 and 2020.In her first Blues press conference last month Bompastor made it clear that Champions League glory with Chelsea was among her targets.  And she believes a triumph in Europe would take her team 2to the next level”.Bompastor, whose side will host Aston Villa on September 20, said: “They have had a lot of success in past seasons thanks to Emma (Hayes).”My job is to work really hard to build on that legacy and try to bring the club to the next level.”Being able to win the Champions League will be a big challenge because there are a lot of really competitive clubs in Europe.”I think we have all the talent in the squad to go to the final and have a chance to win it.”In Bronze’s mind Chelsea emerging as victors in the tournament is just a matter of the team adding a “small bit” to their big pushes in Europe.Adding that small bit at the end, it’s the biggest push, but the smallest little bit is needed to try to win the trophy.Lucy Bronze Past forays have seen them notch up firsts including beating two-time contest winners Wolfsburg for the first time in the tournament in 2021.They did so on the way to reaching the contest’s decider for the first time, where they were defeated by Barcelona. But Bronze, whose chat with Bompastor after this year’s final in June paved the way for move to London, believes her gaffer’s experience will be key to the Blues’ aim to join the list of tournament’s winners.  The Northumberland-born defender, who helped Barcelona beat Lyon in this year’s final added: “Chelsea have been to the final. “They’ve beaten the top teams. They are already in a lot better position. “Adding that small bit at the end, it’s the biggest push, but the smallest little bit is needed to try to win the trophy.”Sonia’s been very experienced in the Champions League and that makes a huge difference.”Since her senior club football debut for Sunderland at 16 in 2007, Bronze has played for the Black Cats, Everton, Liverpool, Lyon and for Manchester City in two separate stints.During her playing career in England, the Lioness has won seven major domestic trophies including three WSL titles. The full-back was also an influential figure in England’s run to the last Women’s Euros and World Cup finals, helping her team become European Champions for the first time in 2022.Next summer Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses will attempt to make history with their hope of becoming the first England team to win back-to-back Euros.Since the Lionesses’ tournament win two years ago, Bronze made 69 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions during her two-year spell there.But while the Catalan giants offered her a contract extension, reports claim the full-back was not a guaranteed to be a starter next season.On whether competing for an England spot for next year’s Euros influenced to her decision to leave the club, Bronze said: “I knew that as a Barcelona player I didn’t think I could keep going at that level.”Playing that amount of games every year, and all the travel they go through.”So coming back to England there are less games, maybe they are a bit more intense each, but I have more time to recover which I think is more important to me.”The (Women’s Super) league is special because the rivalries are getting stronger each year. “They are the games you look forward to no matter what league you play in.Bronze is set to make her first appearance in the WSL as a Chelsea player when they host Aston Villa on September 20Credit: Getty”To come back and to play in these rivalries, and to witness other ones like City and United, that’s what the supporters like to see.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It brings the drama to the game so I am looking forward to that. “The Chelsea-Arsenal game is the one I’m looking forward the most.” More

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      Marc Skinner says league title is the target for Manchester United Women and dismisses criticism of training facilities

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      MARC SKINNER hit back at critics calling on Manchester United “to do better” and insists his side’s aim is to win the league.And he dismissed controversy surrounding his women’s squad’s move into temporary buildings at Carrington.Marc Skinner says Man United are doing well “fantastically well” with their renovation of the club’s Carrington training complexCredit: GettySkinner says Man United are aiming to challenge for the title this season following their FA Cup win and fifth place finish last termCredit: GettyThe Red Devils will face West Ham at home in their opening game of the new WSL season which commences on September 20Credit: GettyTwo days ago Skinner, 41, shared his thoughts on Man United’s efforts last term and their pre-season preparations ahead of the Friday September 20th start of the new WSL season.His side are due to face West Ham at home in their first game of the 2024-24 Women’s Super League campaign.The Red Devils boss also reflected on the reaction to United’s women’s side’s move out of their £10m facility and into portable buildings.The temporary move in June was so their Premier League counterparts could use their site with United’s Carrington training complex undergoing a £50million renovation.Read More Football StoriesSkinner said: “You reported on it and it didn’t sound great. But it couldn’t be further from the truth.”Everyone in our club has moved. They have all moved to incorporate the growth of Carrington.”It wasn’t ready for Manchester United Women four years ago. “The club did fantastically well to spend on the new facility to get new pitches. You have to know that because it’s a historical thing.”Most read in FootballThis summer saw United’s WSL stars temporarily use England’s St George’s Park pitches for training in pre-season.This week the Red Devils’ WSL aces returned to Carrington. According to the club players will have access to refurbished dedicated women’s pitches and use of a gym previously used by the men’s side.Skinner adds: “We went to St George’s Park which was a brilliant experience as we got to gel together.”But our training pitches that we will have every day are better than St George’s Park.”Ours are newer. You would eat your breakfast off our pitches – they are incredible.”We are training in a facility that has been built on site for our players. “From my perspective, everything is growing from there.”We played Blackburn in a pre-season friendly and in the car park, Bruno Fernandes walks past.”They trained right in front of us while we ate so we got to see them as well.”He came back, asked if we had a game then he came to watch the second half after he had showered and got changed.”He spoke to all the players. We have a better relationship now because we’re all crossing over.”United’s return to training at Carrington, following a pre-season camp in Marbella, Spain, comes just over a week before their first game of the new season.Making a negative story probably feels good for everyone outside (Manchester United). We want to do better. We want to win the league.Marc Skinner Last term while they won the Women’s FA Cup for first time, they endured a difficult end to their league campaign. The team finished fifth for the first time in the top-flight after a 6-0 loss to Chelsea. This summer saw Mary Earps’ leave the club following her contract expiring with the England goalkeeper, 31, joining Paris Saint-Germain in July.And former skipper Katie Zelem, 28, left in June before joining Angel City as a free agent in August. However United have since reinforced their attacking, defensive and midfield ranks. Their summer signings include ex-Arsenal and Wolfsburg centre-back Dominique Janssen and Norway striker Elisabeth Terland who joined from Brighton. The Red Devils have also been boosted by Lioness Grace Clinton’s return following a standout spell on loan at Tottenham last term. This month the club signed Celin Bizet with the Norway forward joining from Tottenham on a three-year deal. Meanwhile full-back Gabby George has returned to fitness following her recovery from a knee ligament rupture sustained last October. And Skinner hopes George’s and Clinton’s return and his new signings can help Man United produce the form that saw them finish two points behind champions Chelsea last year. He said: “Making a negative story probably feels good for everyone outside. “They say ‘Manchester United needs to do better’.”We want to do better, we do. We want to win the league, that’s our aim.”We want to win trophies. We want to try to get into the Champions League but it’s not a given.”Following Zelem’s departure Skinner has handed the captain’s armband to Maya Le Tissier. And her United and England team-mate Ella Toone, 25, has become the team’s new vice-skipper.Since her move from Brighton, Le Tissier has played 44 top-flight games for Man United – featuring in all their WSL matches in the past two years.Alongside Toone the defender, 22, has evolved into a senior figure in the side, with both players impressing in their team’s FA Cup final defeat of Tottenham in May.Skinner added: “When I look at the two captains, Maya literally breathes football.”She embodies this unforgiving, relentless nature I want in my time.”She wants to win at all costs and is all in. She plays every minute for us.Maya Le Tissier and Ella Toone have been appointed as skipper and vice-captain of Man United’s women’s teamCredit: Getty”I wanted Tooney in there alongside her. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I felt if there is any girl or any boy that looks at Manchester United, then who better to represent it than a famous number seven that has grown up a Manchester United fan all her life.”I want this spirit so people believe in the people there and can grow with this team.” More