Ex-England star Stoney is coach of Reds women
UNITED have appointed former England international Casey Stoney as head coach of their new professional women’s team.
United had their application approved to play in the Women’s Super League next season and will enter the second tier of the league next season.
Stoney made 130 appearances for England during her playing career that took in Lincoln, Arsenal and Liverpool, and since retiring earlier this season has been working as part of Phil Neville’s backroom staff for England Women.
The 36-year-old explained her excitement about helping to build a team at ‘the biggest club in the world.’
“I am delighted to have joined Manchester United. This the biggest club in the world,” Stoney said.
“The fact that we are going to have a women’s team and I’m going to be able to introduce that from scratch, to build a team, build a philosophy, with the biggest club in the world, means that, for me, there is no more exciting opportunity.
“My ultimate aim is to grow this team so that every little girl growing up dreams of playing for Manchester United when she’s older, because they’re the most successful team in women’s football.”
Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward added: “Appointing Casey shows the desire we have to succeed and her experience and knowledge of the game, both as a coach and as a player, made her a standout candidate for the role.
“During her successful playing career, spanning over 18 years, she earned over 100 caps for England and is a proven leader as a coach and having captained many of the sides she has played for, she brings a positive and winning mentality which will be a huge benefit to the team. “Casey will build on the success of the Girls’ Regional Talent Club and shares our philosophy of creating a pathway from academy to first team. “I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome her to Manchester United.” United’s former training ground The Cliff will be used as a base for the team and they will face Aston Villa Ladies, Doncaster Rovers Belles, Durham Women, London Bees, Millwall Lionesses, Sheffield FC Ladies, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies, Charlton Athletic Women, as well as Leicester City Women, Lewes Women and Sheffield United Ladies in WSL2 next season. The new WSL season begins on the weekend of September 8 and 9. Casey Stoney