r96 - Comments

Quality work! Nikos Ioannidis was the man with the goals, but looks like Lucas Necul came up with a some big moments to propel you to promotion.

I hope the top-flight serves you better than it did Lawrie Sanchez:

"In the Magic Kingdom that is SuperLeague, even a Magician can only have so many powers".

I appreciate the kind words, I certainly enjoyed the save. Can't wait to get my journeyman going though!

Nunes was class, one of my favourite signings on FM ever to be honest.

Up there with a striker I signed when managing in the Portuguese lower leagues on an old FM (before I even joined Susie): Ronaldo Monteiro. I can't recall exactly what save it was or who I was managing (Pinhalnovense, I think?), but I still remember Mr. Monteiro and his magic boots.

Hopefully I can find another gem or two in my journeyman, which I am excited for!

The business end of the 2026-27 season arrives. Could I lead United to their first-ever WSL title, or would Arsenal claim their fourth triumph in the competition?

A good start, as we won derby day by beating Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium. Gabi Nunes and Hinata Miyazawa got the goals. Elsewhere, Alessia Russo's hat-trick lead Arsenal to a rivalry win of their own at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

A damaging day arrived next time out. The Red Devils fell to a poor 1-0 home loss to admittedly UWCL-chasing London City Lionesses, to make things worse it was former United captain Katie Zelem who struck a decisive early free-kick. To be fair, LCL dominated this match - we didn't turn up. Elsewhere, Arsenal edged out a valuable 1-0 win at home to West Ham United. The Gunners would then play twice before our next match, so would very likely clinch the WSL title from this point on.

Arsenal beat Crystal Palace to head five points clear with two to play; the fixture list was messed up due to their UWCL commitments, so The Gunners wouldn't play at the same time as us at any point; probable bug.

There we have it. Arsenal are WSL champions! The Gunners would also win The Treble after FA Cup and UWCL glory. For United, too many dropped points as Arsenal went perfect to end the season when it mattered. Small margins.

We ended with pride, as we secured back-to-back two-goal victories versus Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur. The goals against Villa came from Melvine Malard and Katie Robinson, with the latter then notching a brace at home to Spurs.

Second place and UWCL qualification. Disappointing given our early 2026 form, but I would've been delighted with that at the season's start - and I still am, to be honest.

…and that's that. I was toying with the idea of squeezing one more campaign in before the full FM26 launch next week, but I could do with a break in truth and many key players are wanting out of the club so I can't be asked to do a big rebuild for just one season. Nonetheless, this has been a fun save all in all. Really cool to be able to manage United's women's team and to learn more than I already did about the WSL et al. I am admittedly eager to get my long-term journeyman save underway on November 4th.

Thanks for reading!

The penultimate update of the season. We were knocked off top spot in the WSL in the preceding February 2027, mainly thanks to a rough 3-2 loss at the Emirates Stadium to title rivals Arsenal. We did have a game in hand and still had more than enough time to make things right. Here's how a busy March period went.

March began brightly, as a Gabi Nunes brace and a Katie Robinson strike sent us on our way to three points at home to Everton; who had equalised for 1-1 through Katja Snoeijs. The only negative from this fixture was a red card for Moeka Minami.

Next came a Manchester derby with City, a team not in the title race picture given they're struggling around mid-table but still an opponent that's one of the best that the WSL has to offer. And so it proved, as they came away from Old Trafford with a 3-2 win. Gabi Nunes hit yet another double, I've lost count at how many of those she has to her name now, but Leicy Santos, Alice Sombath and Elena Linari (91mins, ouch) made sure we left the match with nothing in our pockets.

I did have another crash during this one, at around half-time when we were losing 1-0. Crashes are obviously annoying, but especially on the ‘rematch’ as it's feels cheat-y if we end up winning it - but then we weren't guaranteed to lose on the first attempt either, so it shouldn't really - I'm odd, is what I'm saying. Either way, we lost.

Our next fixture was even more difficult, as we took a trip to Craven Cottage (not entirely sure why Chelsea have moved from Kingsmeadow… redevelopment perhaps?) to face UWCL-chasing and still possible title challengers Chelsea. Millie Bright put The Blues ahead after 21 minutes, prior to Gabi Nunes levelling nine minutes later. Anna Sanberg then gave United a half-time lead. Frustratingly, Sam Kerr popped up for 2-2 on 79 minutes. I do think this is a point gained though, no matter what happens later down the line.

Days after that visit to West London, we were back on home turf to play bottom side Newcastle United. Unlike earlier in the season when The Magpies took a point off of us, we ran out 4-0 winners at Leigh Sports Village. Melvine Malard struck twice, with Gabi Nunes and Jess Park adding gloss. An important return to form?

Wow! We're back on form alright, for now anyway. The Red Devils produced a 7-1 trouncing of mid-table Brighton & Hove Albion to round off March 2027. Katie Robinson hit a brace after 19 minutes, netting either side of a customary Gabi Nunes (33 in 27 now - some player!) goal. Melvine Malard got in on the act on 34 minutes, making it 4-0 at the interval. In the second half, Jess Park, Jayde Riviere and Celin Bizet Dønnum made it Man Utd 7-1 Brighton; Edna Imade had made it 4-1 for Albion.

Wahey, a Manager of the Month award belatedly comes my way. Huzzah!

More importantly, we head into our final four fixtures sitting atop the WSL. Arsenal do, however, now have the game in hand. We also have tricky games with Manchester City (again) and London City Lionesses (4th) in April, with Aston Villa (9th) and Tottenham Hotspur (5th) to conclude the campaign in May.

Arsenal do have the possible distractions of UWCL and FA Cup football, though the toughest their WSL fixtures get is Tottenham and London City. We're gonna need to stay on top form and receive help from elsewhere.

Thanks for reading!

Oh, unlucky! I thought you might have had it after those results when you beat Forest. Top effort nevertheless.

Less said about United, the better.🫣

Best of luck with Alfreton! That's a good idea to start on the Brazilian time period to mix it up.

January 2027 made for a hit-and-miss month, which featured cause for concern but also hope that we'd keep on the right track. So, the question is: would we?

Ew. Bad start! Liverpool, down in mid-table, secured a special WSL win at Anfield against their club rivals. Gabi Nunes gave us a 43rd minute advantage, but that was neutralised minutes later by Mina Tanaka. Twenty minutes into the second half, another Japanese international in Fūka Nagano gave The Reds the winner. Not a good day at the office.

Well that's a terrific response to that prior defeat, at least. Leicester City were sent packing from Leigh Sports Village with a 5-1 loss, as Hinata Miyazawa - the WSL loves Japan, clearly - initiated the scoring in minute 4. Gabi Nunes doubled our lead on 26 minutes, which would be the first of a treble for the Brazilian. Before Nunes got on her way to that hat-trick, Noémie Mouchon and Tamira Livingston got on the scoresheet for either side.

Ffs. Now that… that could be a costly, costly defeat. Arsenal came from 2-0 down at the Emirates Stadium to seal a huge 3-2 win, as Mariona Caldentey and former red Alessia Russo (2) netted goals. Gabi Nunes and Hinata Miyazawa had given us a well deserved half-time lead, but it was one we failed to hang on to. Vibes of that UWCL final defeat to Chelsea last campaign: what could have been…

We've been knocked off top spot, as you'd expect given we lost two out of three February fixtures, by Arsenal, though The Gunners have played one game more than us. It's still in our hands, but we really need to sort ourselves out. We've not been the same team whatsoever since New Year's Day, ever since I mentioned in a post on here that I was finding the game too easy. A jinx for the ages, perhaps.

March is busy and busy is good, as it gives us plenty of opportunity to fix things. Everton, Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion are home games that simply must be won, though we have a tricky double-header amid those aforementioned fixtures versus Manchester City and Chelsea; only Chelsea is away, which - on paper - is a plus. 9 to go.

A bit of housekeeping to end on. Maite Oroz did indeed arrive on loan on deadline day from Tottenham Hotspur, while the great Jayde Riviere will be “considering her options” for June 2028's end of contract. We're set to lose some big players in that year, admittedly I most likely will not be playing the save by that point due to the full FM release and thus my journeyman but still not a good thing, of course.

Thanks for reading!

Thanks pal! It is indeed, fingers crossed we can keep the form up. The biggest compliment to pay Gabi Nunes is that we don't even remember our former forward's name now.😁

New Year, New United? I hope not! The Red Devils had an excellent end to 2026, heading into this here 2027 sitting atop the WSL table by six points. Can we maintain (or extend) that advantage?

First up, though, were two big cup ties. Manchester City visited Leigh Sports Village in the FA Cup fourth round and ultimately went back home with cup progression, frustratingly. For the first time this season, United didn't turn up with their usual standard. With that said, we were actually seconds away from going through via Gabi Nunes' 80th minute go-ahead goal. However, Vivianne Miedema hit a 90+2 leveller to send the game to extra time, where The Cityzens took control through a double from Bunny Shaw. There'll no FA Cup glory this year.

Then came a WSL Cup quarter-final with Chelsea, which replaced an originally planned WSL Manchester derby; which has been moved to April. As you can see in the screenshot above, Chelsea condemned United to a second successive cup exit. Unlike the 4-0 victory over The Blues last month, in this encounter it was Chelsea who merited the win. Lauren James and Maika Hamano took it in turns to assist each other for a half-time lead. Gabi Nunes pulled one back for us on 71 minutes and we actually had the chance to equalise around twelve minutes later, but it wasn't to be as ex-Chelsea player (inside job?) Nathalie Björn missed a penalty.

I had another crash immediately following this game, but thankfully the game autosaved before closing so no harm done.

A first WSL match since November took place on 24 January 2027, where thankfully our cup disasters didn't follow us into league action. Tottenham Hotspur were beaten thanks to goals from Gabi Nunes, Ella Toone, Melvine Malard and Katie Robinson, which makes it sound more simple that it in fact was. Spurs put up a good fight with Martha Thomas (ex-red) and Matilda Vinberg equalisers. We weren't all that convincing throughout, but at least we got the job done.

Dropped points did occur next time out, as promoted Crystal Palace held us to a goalless draw at Leigh Sports Village. Our cause was blunted by a 10th-minute red card to Ella Toone, as we failed to find the breakthrough across the rest of the ninety minutes. That's draws with both promoted sides (also Newcastle United) now, which makes for odd reading given how great we've been in the WSL so far this campaign.

January's final match saw us return to our normal self for the first time this month, as West Ham United were defeated 4-0 in Dagenham. Gabi Nunes struck a brace, while Maya Le Tissier (penalty) and Celin Bizet Dønnum also netted; those last two players, who were stars last season, have found game time hard to come by due to the form of others, though as of right now are both back in the startling eleven.

A somewhat concerning month, but one we've hopefully come out of on the right path. United stay top of the table, albeit with a cutdown lead of four points to Arsenal; who we visit next month. Liverpool (A) and Leicester City (H) make for bottom half oppo to go alongside that match at the Emirates Stadium in February. We have exited both cup competitions annoyingly, but it at least means we can do the cliché thing of fully focusing on the WSL - where we remain unbeaten, by the way. Twelve to play!

Before I go, there were tidbits to share from January. I said I wasn't going to sign anyone but I did snap up Louna Ribadeira on loan from Chelsea, she is a forward to replace the departed Geyse as Gabi Nunes' back-up. We are also in loan discussions with Spanish midfielder Maite Oroz (Tottenham Hotspur), who'd replace squad player Julia Zigiotti Olme; who is in talks with Juventus for a permanent move, having put in a transfer request due to likely work permit issues in regards to her contract situation. Away from that, Maya Le Tissier is considering her options when her deal ends in June 2028.

Thanks for reading!

Great intro! This'll be an interesting story, no doubt.

This season, albeit a still young one, has exceeded all my expectations thus far. Would November (and December, just one game so an added bonus) see a continuation or a relapse back to our previous ways? Let's see…

I'm just as surprised as you! I did mention that Chelsea were leaking goals to begin the season, but I simply did not expect to come away from our match-up with a thumping 4-0 home victory. Jess Park took up the mantle of scoring a brace from Gabi Nunes, who actually failed to get on the scoresheet at Old Trafford. Thankfully, her teammates did so instead, with Jayde Riviere and Geyse adding to Park's double. We've well beat Arsenal, now we've battered The Blues. What in the hotfix has happened?😁

I actually had a crash during this fixture, at half time when it was goalless; despite an extremely dominant first half. In fairness to SI, I think it was my PC's fault; I've been having a couple of (hopefully) minor PC issues in recent months and it seemed to be a similar crash to what I've seen before, it's been fine since playing FM26 though so maybe was FM's fault? shrugs

Quite the drop back down to reality, as promoted Newcastle United do what the supposedly great Chelsea couldn't - stop us winning! All the noteworthy action in this fixture at the Gateshead International Stadium occurred within the opening three minutes, with Jess Park's opener being followed two minutes later by a Beth Lumsden equaliser.

What are they feeding those Geordies? They held us, but October league leaders Brighton & Hove Albion matched Chelsea in providing little threat to The Red Devils. Melvine Malard opened the scoring inside the opening minute (like Park at Newcastle, and in the next game* - possible bug tbf), prior to Gabi Nunes returning to her brace-scoring ways. Jess Park made it 0-4 on 56 minutes, with Kiko Seike getting one back for the hosts (who had dropped to fourth by kick-off here) on 75 minutes.

This was a freak match, in more ways than one. Firstly, the obvious. *Secondly, I had a similar crash (again, most likely my PC but inconclusive). Thirdly, I'm fairly certain (I turned away after the 3-3 goal) the match engine didn't even show me the Gabi Nunes winner; which came seconds after a painful late home leveller. Very odd!

Anyway, let's dissect this one. Nunes put us ahead on 19 minutes, which preceded high-flying (third at kick-off irc) London City Lionesses scoring twice in three minutes through (ex-red) Nikita Parris and Grace Geyoro. Nunes equalised on 60 minutes for her usual double, thirty minutes before Katie Robinson seemingly notched the winner. Not quite, as Sanni Franssi made it 3-3 on 90+1. As noted, Nunes got the actual clincher to seal her hat-trick moments later.

Then came Aston Villa at Leigh Sports Village for November's fifth and final WSL encounter. An evidently low-scoring affair, Katie Robinson popped up against her former club with a pleasing winner on 82 minutes. Robinson is the summer signing that I dubbed as somewhat of a punt, who was snapped up to be back-up to Celin Bizet Dønnum. In actuality, the Englishwoman immediately displaced the Norwegian (due to a pre-season injury to the latter) and hasn't looked back since with 2 goals and 7 assists; almost matching her tally from the loan at Everton last season, with an improved average rating of 7.64 too.

The final two matches of this update came in the WSL Cup, as we concluded our group stage endeavours in that competition. In this one, fellow WSL team Everton were dispatched 2-0 at Goodison Park. Katie Robinson and Jess Park netted twice inside the opening seven minutes, which ended up being all she wrote.

WSL2's Hull City were December's only scheduled opponent, as our WSL Cup group stage campaign came to a close. Gabi Nunes scored on 12 minutes, with Melvine Malard adding a second on 21 minutes. Emily Pitman got a goal back for Hull on 68 minutes, but Malard almost immediately restored our two-goal advantage on 72 minutes. 17 minutes later, Jess Park made it four. The latter has had a terrific season so far, 11 goals in 14 games in all competitions. It has felt like if Nunes doesn't get ya, Park (albeit in central midfield) will instead. It was never in doubt, but that's the quarter-finals booked.

How does one get a Manager of the Month award around here? Asking for a friend. Second place in September, October and November, would you believe.

At the turn of the year, everyone across the board and fanbase are “ecstatic”. I ought to think so!

Brb, just gonna rename the story #DieWölfinnen. Only kidding. I appreciate the interest Mr. Meyer, but it's a devil's life for me.

There has been some early January transfer business. Geyse kicked up a fuss about not getting chances over countrywoman Gabi Nunes (read the room, mate), so we mutually (well, somewhat mutually - she weren't happy that I sped up her planned departure on a free later down the line) agreed to sell and London City Lionesses instantly came in with an acceptable bid, so Geyse's exit was sealed within hours of her initial complaint. Elsewhere, summer arrival Maisie Symonds is in talks with Atlético Madrid for a loan, having failed to get game time ahead of Lisa Naalsund (as expected).

I don't plan on any incomings next month, only if we have to sell will we sign anyone. Julia Zigiotti Olme has returned from a loan at Seattle Reign, so she'll likely take Symonds' spot on the bench if the latter goes to Liga F.

Honestly, I'm extremely surprised at how, well, easy this season has been. I'm not counting my chickens before they hatch, of course, but this season has felt incredibly different to last campaign so far. All of a sudden, we appear to be the best team in the country. I haven't even changed tactic, it's the exact same to the one I used in 2025-26 - the only difference is the personnel. I do wonder if the hotfixes have anything to do with it, but then again the remarkable form began before I updated the game. Who knows, I guess I shouldn't be questioning anything as the game will soon bite me back hard at some point, no doubt.

2027 is around the corner. The year will begin with a double-header at home to derby rivals Manchester City, firstly in the FA Cup fourth round (tough draw!) and then in the WSL. After City, we'll play Tottenham Hotspur (A), Crystal Palace (H) and West Ham United (A).

Thanks for reading!

Appreciate you reading! It's been a great start. I thought I'd be annoyed at losing Terland, but Nunes has been a huge upgrade - I obviously thought she'd be a good replacement, but even I wasn't expecting such prowess from the Brazilian.

Off a blistering start to open the season, United went into October on a mighty high. Would it remain come the end of the month?

Our group stage opener in the WSL Cup started the month, as Liverpool came to Leigh Sports Village for the second time in less than a week; after that WSL thrashing last time out. This League Cup encounter was a much closer affair, which would end up being decided on penalties. Before that, Jess Park put us 1-0 ahead on 29 minutes, prior to Grace Fisk equalising on 58 minutes. In the 81st minute, Liverpool took a surprise lead through Veronika Andrukhiv. That only lasted four minutes though, as Gabi Nunes netted her seventh goal in four appearances to send the match to spot-kicks; where Liverpool's Kirsty MacLean missed their decisive eighth penalty.

Back in the WSL after the international break, we dropped our first points of the season as Leicester City held United to a 2-2 draw at the King Power Stadium. Gabi Nunes would incredibly net her fourth brace from four league matches, but Leicester goals from Jutta Rantala and Shannon O'Brien meant the points were shared. The Foxes only had two shots on target all game, so this result stung a bit.

What a win that is! In what was the month's standout fixture, Arsenal came to Leigh Sports Village with 600 supporters in tow. There was a mad three-minute spell from the 16th minute, as Victoria Pelova netted a brace across minutes 16 + 18, either side of a Jess Park leveller in minute 17. Park would match Pelova's tally on 31 minutes, tying up the scoreline for a second time. The longer the game went on, the stronger we became and it was The Red Devils who'd end up as victors. Fridolina Rolfö's penalty on 69mins would put us ahead for the first time in the match, prior to new signing Moeka Minami making sure of the points on 74mins. Outstanding!

Elisabeth Terland, fwiw, came off the bench in this match. She seems to be a sub player for The Gunners, as of now anyway; two goals in five apps, but just one start.

Almost more impressively and importantly, we didn't immediately undo our superb work against Arsenal as we followed that with a professional away win at Everton. Gabi Nunes may have went scoreless at LSV last time out, but the Brazilian was the difference at Goodison Park here. We probably should've been more clinical given we had twelve shots on target to Everton's one, but the result never truly felt in any real danger.

We have actually dropped to second place, but that's only because current leaders Brighton & Hove Albion have played a match extra. We could stay off top, however, as we do have the acid test of Chelsea to begin November; The Blues, unlike this time last season, have already drawn, lost and conceded twelve times in the WSL from six matches. So you're telling me there's a chance? etc.

That aforementioned game with Chelsea is at home. After that? Newcastle United (promoted from WSL2 alongside Crystal Palace; in what is an expanded division this year), table toppers Brighton & Hove Albion, London City Lionesses (all A), Aston Villa (H) and, in the WSL Cup, Everton (A). A busy month, first time we've made more than six competitive games in a month I do believe.

Thanks for reading!

Ouch! At least you have something to work on, I guess.

Great first season you had, couldn't ask for much more at all. Who knocked you out of the Champions League?

Best of luck for 2026/27!

Shame about the cup outcomes, but at least the league form is going well. A big final ten to play!

Also… “Ruben Amorim's Leeds" ?! 😯 I didn't have him down as a traitor.

Great to see you back as well! I've always got time to follow another jouneyman…

That's cool, I've heard Leigh Sports Village is a tricky one to get to so no mean feat. I'm hopeful for this new season.

What year is it?! Quite the start to season two indeed, certainly better than expected. Fingers crossed we can go on to fight for a UWCL place, if all else fails.

September 2026 has arrived, which means the 2026-27 WSL campaign can finally get underway. Here's how United got on against West Ham United (H), Crystal Palace (A) and rivals Liverpool (H).

A great start. West Ham United gave us a decent test at Leigh Sports Village, but to be truthful the scoreline flattered them; they had only two shots on target for the majority of the ninety minutes. Hinata Miyazawa had an unexpectedly goal laiden pre-season and continued that into competitive action by notching our first competitive strike. Four minutes later, Gabi Nunes did likewise to Miyazawa in netting after a promising friendly period - so on 7mins, it was 2-0. Seraina Piubel pulled one back for WHU two minutes later, by the 23rd minute they were level through Manuela Pavi. Delightfully, Nunes struck what turned out to be the winner three minutes before half-time.

More good news followed, as Maya Le Tissier announced herself as willing to let bygones be bygones by agreeing to stay put - excellent!

Matchday 2 of the WSL saw us head to Gander Green Lane to play newly-promoted Crystal Palace. We spanked 'em, for lack of more respectful wording. Elisabeth Terland replacement Gabi Nunes continues to shine as she scored another brace, with Melvine Malard doing likewise. Jess Park also netted.

In a reverse of post-MD1, Maya Le Tissier gave a negative after MD2: injured for 7-10 weeks with a "partially torn thigh". Boo! Luckily, we do have the new arrivals who I have absolute faith in.

"You are my Nunes, 
My Gabi Nunes,
You make me happy, 
When skies are grey,
Oh Lizzy Terland, 
Was f*cking fleeing,
So please don't take, 
My Nunes away..."

What an impact from the Brazilian! Three games, three doubles. Sure these are opponents we want and should be beating, but you simply can't ask for much more than that. Terland who?

This was a wonderful performance at Leigh Sports Village versus rivals Liverpool, who struggled last campaign and look to be doing so again this year. Melvine Malard carries on her top form with a goal too, with Fridolina Rolfö and Jess Park also scoring. Cornelia Kapocs got LFC on the scoresheet, which was actually for 1-1 at the time.

Some real ‘good news, bad news’ after these matches, huh? After MD3, Melvine Malard announced that she will be considering her options ahead of her contract expiry in June.

Look at that fixture list across pre-season and September, I've never seen so much green. I'm not getting ahead of myself or anything, but… we're gonna win the quadruple (we physically cannot win a quadruple, but we're gonna bloody win one at this rate). 😁

We are top of the league, say we are top of the league! I don't expect it to last, especially in this vein of form, but hey, it looks good doesn't it?

Coming up in October: Liverpool in the WSL Cup group stage starter, with Leicester City (A), Arsenal (H) and Everton (A) to come in the WSL. Arsenal could be a title decider.🤪

Thanks for reading!

(now updating to the newly released beta hotfix; let's hope it don't mess with the save!)

Thank you! I hope so, but Chelsea especially will take some beating - as we found out last season, the bruise of which still remains.😁

After a disappointing-turned-positive-turned-painful 2025-26, I headed into 2026-27 hoping to take The Red Devils one step further, pretty much, across the board. Any possible trophies and final tables are a long way off however, so first: pre-season and the transfer window (which has been very busy!).

Long read (apologies!) ahead! Firstly, there were three major depatures which basically shaped how our transfer window would pan out:

Elisabeth Terland is no longer a United player. ICYMI: Last season, the forward handed in a transfer request after I triggered her contract extension. After no offers, Terland took back her request but wanted to go at the end of 2026-27. As such, I was planning on keeping our 31-goal striker until then. However, Arsenal came in during the off-season with a bid. Given the aforementioned, I decided to suggest terms of £1.9m (all but 100k upfront), which is a huge fee in the women's game; the £1m barrier was only broken this summer in real life. Arsenal accepted, thus the Norwegian was gone! A shame, but too good to turn down… and I had a replacement lined up, more on that shortly.

The other two departures were defensive midfielder Dominique Janssen and centre-back Millie Turner. Janssen was someone I wanted to keep, though she was mostly kept out of the team last season by a solid Lisa Naalsund and had started complaining. As such, when Arsenal placed a bid of around £550k (iirc, around that mark anyway) I decided to negotiate for £700k - to which they said “yes please!". Turner leaving to Chelsea, meanwhile, only tells half of the story. She was purely a fringe player, despite actually starting last season as a starting centre-back - but got injured and subsequently replaced by Gabby George. Chelsea only went for Turner after I knocked back bids for Le Tissier, interestingly.

Also this summer, we were not only raided above but attempts were made for three other key players. Maya Le Tissier (capt), Ella Toone and Celin Bizet Dønnum were close to departing, but we've thankfully managed to keep hold of those crucial players. Toone and Bizet Dønnum were pacified after I agreed to let them leave if we got suitable offers (thankfully, we didn't), but the Le Tissier case wasn't quite as passive. A bid from Chelsea (them or Arsenal also went for Toone or Bizet; I can't remember who for who exactly as it was a bit manic across the course of a week or so) came in for our captain. Instantly rejected, which upset Le Tissier - so I put my foot down. She remains unhappy, but stays.

Now, the incomings:

Enter… Gabi Nunes. The 29-year-old Brazilian comes in to replace the great Elisabeth Terland. The eagle-eyed amongst you will know that Nunes scored home and away against us last campaign, which was on the way to 20 WSL goals (all comps: 27). To compare, Terland - although she got 31 in all comps - ‘only’ notched 12 in the league. I'm extremely happy with the arrival (for £700k) of Nunes, hopefully she can continue that form she had with Aston Villa; who placed fifth last year.

Maisie Symonds, a defensive midfielder, was next through the door. This was a direct response to losing Dominique Janssen. We lost the latter for £700k and signed the former for, well, £700k. Good business, eh! The plan for the former Brighton & Hove Albion player is to adopt Janssen's spot in the squad, which is as back-up to Lisa Naalsund.

Signing #3 was Katie Robinson, a (now) 24-year-old right winger from Aston Villa. I wanted a right winger to serve as back-up (with Jess Park, who can play elsewhere) for Celin Bizet Dønnum - and this was even before the latter almost left. Robinson actually spent last season on loan to fellow WSL side Everton, picking up two goals and a fairly impressive nine assists (avg. rating: 7.12) for the mid-table club. I needed a bench RW, she deserves an opportunity at a bigger club - bit of a punt, but one I'm happy to take.

Moeka Minami from Brighton & Hove Albion was next in. She is a 27-year-old Japanese international centre-back, who made 19 WSL appearances with a rating of 6.7 last season. I wanted a new CB to partner Maya Le Tissier even coming into this summer, but it was made a top priority due to Gabby George picking up a dreaded ACL injury (out until well into 2027); those injuries are sadly common place in the women's game, though this is the first for me in this save; aside from a youth player out on loan.

Millie Turner had also departed a week or two prior, so we had just Le Tissier and (the injured) George left in the ranks. So I snapped up Minami and another centre-back, but who? Chris Kamara?

I don't know Jeff, has there? Nathalie Björn (29) became our fifth summer recruit in mid-August. She is predominantly a right-back, but is more than capable of playing centrally; which is where I plan to utilise the Swedish international. Björn was unattached after departing Chelsea at the end of 2025-26; in that campaign, she had featured 41 times in all competitions. Quite a nice pick-up. My current plan is to play her alongside Le Tissier, but Minami has every chance to play instead.

Our final new signing came on deadline day: Esme Morgan. I decided to sign this defender from Chelsea (2025-26: 16 apps, all as sub) for back-up for current right-back Jayde Riviere (who is class by the way, I failed to give flowers but she got over 13 assists last season). Morgan can also play across the backline, which is valuable in case of injuries/suspensions.

Also on deadline day, I made a somewhat audacious late loan move for the great Zambian striker (60 in 65 internationally!) Barbra Banda, who is transfer-listed by Orlando Pride. I had a loan bid accepted (after much back-and-forth on terms with the NWSL team) but the player rejected; she was interested, but I assume the sticking point was wages as the board would only let me offer 90% of her (~£7k p/w) wages. Pride originally wanted 100%, I got them down a bit but evidently Banda wasn't cool with it. Possibly done me a favour, as Gabi Nunes looks a better fit and had already been promised being top dog.

Now. After all that, here's how pre-season went down ON the pitch.

Our preparations began with a 3-0 friendly win at Wheatley Park against club rivals Leeds United. The non-leaguers were no match, as we won thanks to goals from Melvine Malard, Ella Toone and, on (unofficial) debut, Gabi Nunes.

Another three-goal road exhibition triumph arrived a week later, as WSL2 team Durham were dispatched at Maiden Castle. Fridolina Rolfö netted a penalty for the third, which came after goals for new signings Katie Robinson and, again, Gabi Nunes.

Is the record broken? 0-3 happened again in friendly number three, as we took on Tampa Bay Sun (USL Super League) on our US tour. Gabi Nunes made it three goals in three games, with Jayde Riviere and Katie Robinson (two in two) also getting on the scoresheet.

Hurrah, a different scoreline. A week after we went Stateside, we headed off to France to play Fleury of the Arkema Première Ligue. No goal for Nunes on French soil, but Katie Robinson did net again. Hinata Miyazawa notched a brace, with Geyse also popping up with a goal. The latter remains our back-up striker on paper, but in reality the likes of Ella Toone and Melvine Malard would likely be ahead of the Brazilian in the pecking order. Monique Ngock and Mille Gejl got the home team's goals, so you could say this friendly game had a, erm, flurry of goals… sorry.

Six goals across two teams in the prior pre-season encounter, six goals all to us in this penultimate friendly. Gabi Nunes solidified her fantastic pre-season form on arrival with a hat-trick in the Netherlands versus Twente, with Melvine Malard, Fridolina Rolfö and Hinata Miyazawa also converting past the Dutch outfit.

Last, but not least. Swedish team Rosengård made a trip over to Manchester to be our opposition for our home finale to pre-season, which we came through with a convincing 4-0 victory. Gabi Nunes scored a brace to take her exhibition tally to eight, with Jess Park and Melvine Malard adding to the scoreline. This last match was intended to be against Liga F giants Barcelona, but that was cancelled due to a fixture clash on their part.

A perfect pre-season in terms of results, but to be fair we were expected to beat all of those opponents; I did expect more from Rosengård, mind. 

The season proper is on the horizon and we have a kind fixture to start with, based on last season anyway. West Ham United (H), promoted (with Newcastle United) Crystal Palace (A) and Liverpool H) are to be faced in September. We'll also play Liverpool to open October in the WSL Cup, which we enter at the group stage due to no European football.

Thank you for reading this overlong post. Back to basics next month, with only September's action to summarize. Not sure how this season is going to pan out, but… Come on, Yanited!

I grew up with Bolton in the PL, proper Barclays as they say; I'd be happy to see them return. Best of luck with the save!

Not sure what is worse: Tomiyasu's debut, or Man Utd appointing Ange for a relegation battle.🙃

Neither can I! This United save is (despite the gloomy ending to season one) enjoyable and one I hope to do a couple of seasons in, but I'm still antsy to get a journeyman underway.

…and yes, very tough! Chelsea knocked us out of all three cup competitions, we took the lead in all five meetings except the dead-rubber. In fairness, they are the best WSL team in real life and our top earner is on 4.7k p/w… they have seven to ten players earning more than that!

Here it is, the conclusion to 2025-26. The Red Devils headed into the final two months of the season with matches across the WSL (x3), the FA Cup (QF) and the UEFA Women's Champions League (QF). Five matches were scheduled, would there be any extra?

Two more games were added to the schedule after April's opener. Celin Bizet Dønnum opened the scoring on 5 minutes, with Ella Toone joining the winger on the scoresheet on 19 minutes. Toone also scored our fourth of the game in minute 89, thirteen minutes after Geyse netted her first goal of the campaign. The Brazilian forward spent the first half of the season out on loan in the United States' NWSL with Gotham, returning in January after 11 goals in 28 games; she has mostly made sub appearances since being reintegrated.

After the simpler than expected 6-1 on aggregate win, we were given a semi-final double-header with Arsenal. Barcelona were the only non-WSL team left, as they were given two legs with Chelsea.

In the FA Cup quarter-final, United secured a second semi-final place in the space of a couple of days. An own-goal from Georgia Brougham got us on our way, with Ella Toone quickly adding a second. Jess Park made it 3-0 on 66 minutes, sending us into a semi with Chelsea; in the other, Arsenal would play Aston Villa.

In April's first WSL - effectively our least meaningful competition left - encounter, we had a chance to close the gap on top five outfit Brighton & Hove Albion but unfortunately could only muster a 1-1 draw. Fridolina Rolfö converted a penalty with nine minutes left, following on from Fran Kirby's opener after nine minutes.

On 25 April 2026, we met Arsenal in the first leg of our UEFA Women's Champions League semi-final - and what a result! A brilliant performance saw us claim a deserved 3-1 triumph. Ella Toone, Melvine Malard and Celin Bizet Dønnum put us unexpectedly 3-0 ahead after 49 minutes. Victoria Pelova would score on 72 minutes for The Gunners, which kept their hopes of a final narrowly alive.

Tottenham Hotspur were our penultimate opponents of the Women's Super League campaign. We came away from the BetWright Stadium with a 1-0 win, thanks to a rare goal from Japanese international midfielder Hinata Miyazawa late in the first half.

Off to the final we go! The return leg saw us claim another impressive victory against Arsenal. Melvine Malard and Elisabeth Terland netted goals, with Olivia Smith adding a goal in vain for the home side in-between. 5-2 on aggregate - wow, I did not see that coming! Although… United winning at the Emirates to knock Arsenal out of the Champions League semi-finals does sound familar…

Chelsea await in the final, which means we play Chelsea three times in a row to conclude 2025-26 across an FA Cup semi-final, on the WSL last day and now in the UWCL final.

I didn't realise I was playing Baseball Manager 2026.🤪

Game 1 of the World Series against Chelsea saw the FA Cup semi-final. Yet again, just like earlier season in the league and WSL Cup, we ran them close, but in the end The Blues simply had too much for us. Hinata Miyazawa popped up with another goal on 15 minutes, allowing us to lead until the 71st minute when former player Lauren James levelled the scoreline. The tie went to extra time, which Chelsea came through victorious thanks to a Catarina Macario brace; which was followed by a Maya Le Tissier red card.

Damaging…

Game 2 against Chelsea was the dead-rubber meeting, well the dead-rubber meeting for us. Chelsea were locked in a title battle with Manchester City, who actually headed into the final day atop the WSL table. As the screenshot shows, Chelsea ran through us with ease to secure a 3-0 victory. Maika Hamano, Lauren James and Wieke Kaptein all scoring. No goal for our bogey player Catarina Macario, shockingly.

Was it enough for Chelsea?

No! Manchester City are WSL champions for the first time since 2016! Chelsea's run of six titles on the bounce is over. At least we stopped CFC winning the title, shame it had to go to City mind you.

Next up… the big one!

Yeahhhh, that's gonna take some getting over.

We put in a sensational first half performance to astonishingly lead 2-0 at the interval, as Jess Park and Ella Toone bagged goals; the latter playing upfront (of our usual 4-3-3 DM Wide) for the first time this season due to Elisabeth Terland's injury - tactical masterclass imho.😏

I don't know what Sonia Bompastor said to her players at half-time, but Chelsea came out for the second half a completely different side. That woman Catarina Macario (7 goals + 1 assist against Utd this season!!) scored twice in fourteen minutes, either side of a Millie Bright goal; with Sandy Baltimore making it 4-2 on 73mins. Sad times.

A real painful way to end the season. Chelsea just have that extra little something special. We finish the WSL in a disappointing (if promising) sixth place, while there were semi-final exits in the FA Cup and WSL Cup to go with that aforementioned UWCL final loss.

We move on. Let's see what happens in 2026-27. Thanks for reading!

March brings with it four matches. We meet West Ham United, Everton and Manchester City in the WSL, whilst also resuming our (albeit unlikely) quest for UWCL success. Here's how The Red Devils got on:

A trip to the Chigwell Construction Stadium was first on the March agenda. We came away with a comfortable three-goal victory, with Melvine Malard's near instant goal inside the 1st minute preceding goals from Celin Bizet Dønnum (13mins) and Ella Toone (70mins).

We returned to Leigh Sports Village a week later, taking on Everton in the WSL. As you can see, it was another simple victory. Ella Toone opened the scoring in minute 5, with Elisabeth Terland making it two on 27 minutes. Yūka Momiki got Everton a perfect second half start, but we were never worried thanks to an immediate response from Celin Bizet Dønnum to make it 3-1. Late on, the returning (from injury) Leah Galton made sure of the win.

Eintracht Frankfurt of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga (catchy!) were up next in the first leg of a UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-final tie. Celin Bizet Dønnum continued her fine goalscoring form as she netted a priceless double at Stadion am Brentanobad (no bad indeed), which makes it an impressive 12 goals in 19 starts for the Norwegian (our favourite nation, evidently) now - the right winger has turned into such an important player. Nicole Anyomi did get one back for Frankfurt, so it's still all to play for in the second leg next month.

March concluded a Manchester derby with title-chasing City at Old Trafford. Alex Greenwood, who captained United back in their WSL2 days, scored an early penalty to give the visitors a precious early lead. Pleasantly, we hit back with twenty-one minutes left on the clock through Elisabeth Terland, who makes it 30 goals (all comps) for the season. Those are damaging points dropped for City, who are chasing a Chelsea team that actually has lost now - twice, in fact. Two points seperate them with three to play.

Our league position doesn't suggest it, but we are in excellent form. Three wins and one draw this month and we've only tasted defeat twice (and those were narrowly to Chelsea and Arsenal) in sixteen matches in all competitions; since December. As noted in a past post, we aren't moving up the table as the WSL is top-heavy - e.g. fourteen points is the gap between sixth and eighth. Our early season poor form has been very costly in regards to getting European football.

I'll recap both April and May in one post next time, given there's only five games scheduled across the two months. Of course, UWCL and FA Cup quarter-final advancement would see extra games added. I'm hopefully of semi-finals in both, especially in the latter as we meet WSL2 strugglers Nottingham Forest next. Thanks for reading!

Thanks! That is the overall goal of the save. I'd say United's ‘correct’ place in the pecking order would be fourth with a view to breaking the trifecta of Chelsea, Arsenal and Man City, at least in real life. I'm hopeful of finding a replacement for Terland, though replacing 30 goals in all competitons is never going to be easy.

Appreciated! It certainly does, I'd have fancied us to have been in the race for third if we didn't start the season as poorly as we did. Now we're more clinical, we look like beating anyone that isn't the aforementioned top three - and even putting up a challenge to Chelsea/Arsenal/City as well.

After a mixed January, The Red Devils headed into February with five fixtures spread across the WSL, the FA Cup and the WSL Cup. Bar a meeting with an outstanding Chelsea team, I requested four wins from the other four games that were against struggling WSL teams. Would I get my wish?

That made for the perfect start! A convincing 4-0 success over rivals Liverpool, as four players got themselves on the scoresheet. Melvine Malard did so first, almost immediately followed by Elisabeth Terland. In the second half, Celin Bizet Dønnum and an own-goal from Sophie Román Haug (who netted positively in the reverse fixture back in September) added the gloss.

Then came the intimidating meeting with WSL leaders (and still unbeaten) Chelsea at Kingsmeadow in the WSL Cup semi-final. As you could see, though, we gave them one helluva scare. Melvine Malard put us ahead, albeit with a Catarina Macario equaliser following nine minutes after. Later on, in the 79th minute, Malard added her and our second to make it 2-1. Unfortunately, United would then concede twice in the subsequent three minutes to Macario and former red Lauren James. Just like in October, we were edged out of a five-goal thriller to the would-be champs.

Next came our second WSL match of the month, as we headed off to the King Power Stadium to face Leicester City. The players delivered a fantastic 4-1 victory, with Elisabeth Terland hitting a brace to go with Maya Le Tissier and Tamira Livingston goals. Missy Goodwin got a consolation for the outclassed Foxes.

A week later would see a rematch with London City Lionesses, who shocked us back in September by winning 2-0. Thankfully, we did not lose again to the promoted club. Ella Toone opened the scoring on 9 minutes, with Elisabeth Terland going on to hit yet another double across the rest of the ninety minutes. Amends made.

What an FA Cup fifth round walloping we inflicted on fellow WSL team Tottenham Hotspur at Leyton Orient's BetWright Stadium. The Lilywhites did add two late goals to make the scoreline slightly more respectable, but United's superb first half performance did all the damage. Elisabeth Terland and Gabby George scored within the first ten minutes, prior to a Melvine Malard strike and a Terland second occurring before the interval for 4-0. After the break, Terland completed her hat-trick on 51 minutes, before youngster Tamira Livingston struck her third senior goal.

A great February on the pitch! Four wins from five! Just what we desired. Admittedly, it doesn't change our WSL table picture too much. We remain in a disappointing sixth place, though the gap to fourth is only five points; seven points to the final UWCL spot in third. I don't expect much to change as the WSL is quite top-heavy with the top half teams winning most times, but we'll see what happens. We're playing well and the board/fans are happy, so the building blocks are (currently) in place.

In March, there are four matches to fulfill. West Ham United (A) and Everton (H) make for kind on paper league matches, as similarly does our UWCL quarter-final, first leg with Eintracht Frankfurt - not that I'm expecting an easy tie with the Germans. The month concludes with a Manchester derby at home to title-chasing City.

There has been a further development with star forward Elisabeth Terland. After no offers in the January window, she has formally withdrawn her transfer request but plans to depart in mid-2027 following the expiration of her contract. I'm content with that, as we get to keep the Norwegian around; albeit in the short-term only. A look at Terland's profile just shows how vital the player has been for United. 28 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions, that's pure class. She hasn't downed tools despite the off-field troubles, so you've gotta admire that.

Bring on March. Thanks for reading!

Merci, Dan! That's one of the reasons I decided to do a women's save, naturally my eyes always glow for a shiny new addition - it was either this or a visit to Egypt, UAE or Lithuania, but there's a decent chance I'll get to check those new leagues out in my planned journeyman.

UWCL is indeed looking good, tough times could be on the horizon in the knockouts with the likes of Chelsea and Barcelona but we'll give it our best shot (hopefully).

(An in-game) Happy New Year! 2026 is here and we're hoping for a more prosperous second part of the season. With the WSL, the FA Cup, the WSL Cup and the UWCL, there's plenty to play for between now and the campaign's end.

January 2026 kicked off with a spirited but ultimately expected defeat at the Emirates Stadium to Arsenal - Olivia Smith and Katie McCabe with the decisive Gunner goals. Maya Le Tissier did convert a late spot-kick for some minor hope, which evidently came to nothing.

A week later, we got our Women's FA Cup run underway with a trip to third tier outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers. It was a contest for around 20 minutes, given The Red Devils were three goals to the good by that point thanks to Ella Toone, Celin Bizet Dønnum and Maya Le Tissier. By half-time, it was 5-0 at the Castlecroft Stadium as Bizet Dønnum added a second alongside an Elisabeth Terland conversion. Just one goal arrived in the second half, though it was a standout one as it confirmed a hat-trick for right winger Bizet Dønnum. Into the fifth round, where we'll meet fellow WSL team Tottenham Hotspur.

After that, in midweek, we also got going in the WSL Cup (aka League Cup). Birmingham City of WSL2 were our opposition in the quarter-finals, which we came through with a 3-0 victory. Fridolina Rolfö netted on 22 minutes, prior to a brace arriving for Leah Galton. Galton had only recently returned from a serious injury that saw her unavailable since the 2024-25 FA Cup final. This was her first start back so it was nice to see her net a double. However, regretfully she had to come off late on in the match due to a fresh injury (returns in around five weeks). Rotten luck for the left winger!

The WSL returned to end January, as we headed to Villa Park to play Aston Villa. Gabi Nunes netted against us for the second time this season to give her club a 1-0 advantage on 19 minutes. They held onto that lead until minute 77, when Ella Toone grabbed us an equaliser. Yet again we were the better team but had to settle for less.

There's the January recap. Good cup progressions on two fronts, but just one point from a possible six in the WSL.

Here's what February has to offer. Liverpool (H), Leicester City (A) and London City Lionesses (H) in the league, with Chelsea in a WSL Cup semi-final and Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup fifth round. We will very likely lose to Chelsea as they are flying and still unbeaten (drawing just thrice) in all competitions, but those four other opponents make up the WSL's bottom four - United have to be aiming for four wins from these next five.

An update on the Elisabeth Terland transfer request situation. No suitable offers have arrived and I doubt any club will offer the desired amount of money, so I'm expecting the Norwegian to stay put - never say never, though.

I had a look for a potential replacement and set aside Hoffenheim's German forward Selina Cerci, who has been in strong goalscoring form for club and country in recent times. We had a bid accepted, however I simply couldn't sanction such a move due to relatively astronomical wage demands (current wage: 1k p/w, requested wage: ~5k p/w - that's not even counting numerous expensive bonuses/clauses. our wages are mostly around 2k p/w). Cerci's current contract does expiry at the season's end, so we may revisit a move in the near future.

Up next: February 2026. Thanks for reading!

2025 comes to a close with four December matches. November went very nicely, so we were hoping to continue that fine form into the year's finale. Could we manage to do so?

Well, not initially. West Ham United gained a valuable three points at Leigh Sports Village thanks to a late-ish Katrina Gorry goal. I'm going to sound like a broken record here, but it's yet another example of us being not clinical enough and our oppo being just that. 20/4 on shots, 7/3 on target, 1.79/0.60 on xG. Frustrating!

Then came our penultimate UWCL league phase match, as we made the trip to Germany to face Wolfsburg. Elisabeth Terland grabbed both goals for The Red Devils in a 2-1 win; which came either side of a Vivien Endemann equaliser. This didn't quite secure our spot in the quarter-finals, but it's a great step closer to hopefully doing so.

Elisabeth Terland, where would we be without you? The Norwegian international forward scored a hat-trick in a WSL triumph at home to Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs had levelled things, but United proved too strong for the North London outfit. Terland is our star player, if she doesn't score then we struggle for goals. It would be a shame to lose her…

The aforementioned Terland popped up again days later, coming off the substitute's bench to secure a 1-1 draw at home to Juventus in the final UWCL league phase match. I rested players as our quarter-final spot was very likely to happen. It was still a risk though, especially when Juve took a 48th-minute lead through Cristiana Girelli. Terland saved the day and we clinched our QF berth.

Oh no! Disastrous news as free-scoring Elisabeth Terland hands in a transfer request. Her contract was running out in around six months so I triggered her extension, but the forward was not too happy with that! I tried turning her around via a conversation, but evidently it didn't work out positively. Hopefully no-one comes in for the Norwegian. Melvine Malard, no contract length issues yet, is attracting interest from Arsenal too. We might be cooked.

We continue to slowly move up the WSL table, heading into 2026 sat sixth; the gap to fourth has extended to six points, though. In the UWCL, the quarters await - Roma or Eintracht Frankfurt will be our opposition, which is a good draw on paper (but football is, of course, not played on paper!).