Manchester United Women’s Squad Contract Updates and Transfer Strategy

Last week, the Guardian reported that players Toone, Terland, Naalsund, and George will remain with Manchester United for at least another season, following the club’s decision to exercise options in their contracts. Although an official announcement from the club has yet to be made, head coach Marc Skinner confirmed these reports during a press conference on Thursday, ahead of Saturday’s match against Arsenal. “They’re all under contract,” he stated. “Those players are all under contract now for another 18 months.”

This development is significant for Manchester United, particularly with Toone, who has been a pivotal player since joining the club’s academy and being part of the first team since its reformation in 2018. Her departure would have been a considerable setback and unpopular with fans. Similarly, Terland has made her mark since joining in the summer of 2024, scoring 22 goals in 47 appearances, including 10 in 20 this season. Naalsund and George have also provided valuable support as the team navigates the challenge of competing on four fronts, having qualified for the Women’s Champions League for the first time.

The news contributes to the positive atmosphere surrounding United at the beginning of the January transfer window. The Red Devils have recognized the need for greater squad depth to enhance their competitiveness across multiple competitions. They have already signed right-back Hanna Lundkvist, who had an impressive season with the San Diego Wave, and prolific striker Lea Schuller, who scored 103 goals in 180 appearances for Bayern Munich.

Additionally, Japan midfielder Hinata Miyazawa received a contract extension, keeping her at the club until 2029. This series of developments has generated enthusiasm among fans, indicating that United is serious about strengthening their squad for the second half of the season.

Throughout January, United’s primary focus will be to build on the signings of Lundkvist and Schuller. Skinner acknowledged the need for additional depth, stating, “I still think we need a little bit more depth in certain areas.” Concurrently, there is ongoing work to secure longer-term contracts for Toone and other players beyond the current 18 months.

Skinner explained, “The club generally includes options in contract discussions. The reason we do this is to create a window for negotiating potential new contracts.” He assured that discussions are active regarding the extensions for Toone, Terland, Naalsund, and George, all of whom have been exceptional contributors to the team. He confirmed that director of women’s football Matt Johnson and his team are diligently working on this matter.

However, it is noteworthy that only four of the seven players whose contracts are set to expire this summer have secured extensions. Leah Galton, a long-standing team member since its reformation; Rachel Williams, a veteran striker who has made significant contributions; and dynamic full-back Hannah Blundell, who recently returned after maternity leave, are all poised to become free agents this summer.

Questions remain regarding the possibility of exercising options in their contracts in the coming weeks. Are they players that United intends to retain through the end of the season to maintain squad depth, or are they potential candidates for transfer this January? This uncertainty may influence United’s activity in the current winter transfer window.