Manchester United’s women’s team have reached the main group stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League for the first time – and manager Marc Skinner says this is just the beginning.
United beat Norwegian side Brann 3–1 on aggregate after winning the second leg on Thursday night. Star striker Elisabeth Terland scored a brilliant hat-trick to send them through.
But with stronger teams to come, Skinner says his players must be ready for tougher challenges, longer trips, and more pressure.
“We’ve made history, and that’s important,” said Skinner. “But we’re not just here to take part – we want to compete against the best in Europe. I hope when teams see our name in the draw, they say, ‘We didn’t want to get Manchester United.’”
United Face New Challenges in Europe
United only brought back their women’s team in 2018 and have already come a long way. They finished third in the Women’s Super League last season, which gave them a chance to qualify for the Champions League.
This year, they had to get through four qualifying matches, beating PSV, Hammarby, and finally Brann. It wasn’t easy – they lost the first leg 1–0 in Norway, but came back strongly in the second leg at Leigh Sports Village.
Now they will join WSL champions Chelsea and European winners Arsenal in the group stage draw.
Manager Marc Skinner says it was “now or never” to reach this stage. “We had the quality, and I want us to experience what it’s like to play the best teams in Europe.”
United have started the season well, winning both of their opening WSL matches and getting through a busy schedule in Europe.
Big-Name Signings and the Need for More Players
United brought in two experienced Swedish players this summer – Fridolina Rolfö and Julia Zigiotti. Rolfö, who joined from Barcelona, has won the Champions League twice and played in three finals.
Skinner says this experience will help the team cope with the demands of Europe, but admits the squad still needs more depth.
“We need a bigger squad, there’s no doubt,” he said. “We’ve done well so far, but in the winter transfer window we have to bring in more players if we want to go far in this competition.”
Terland Shines With Hat-Trick
Elisabeth Terland was the star of the night in the second leg, scoring all three goals – one with each foot and a header – a perfect hat-trick.
“She’s one of the best finishers I’ve ever worked with,” said Skinner. “She’s clever, quick, and always thinking in the box.”
Terland used to play for Brann and faced some criticism from their fans in the first leg. But she gave the perfect response in the second match by scoring all the goals.
“She maybe got wound up a bit in Norway, but tonight she showed her quality,” said Skinner. “She responded in the best way – by letting her football do the talking. She has a bright future and I see lots more goals coming from her.”