Manchester United Women begin their 2026/27 Women’s Super League campaign at London City Lionesses on Friday evening.
The fixture marks coach Eva Olid’s first competitive game and the opening match of the league’s biggest-ever campaign, following its expansion from 12 to 14 teams.
New signings Andrea Medina, Monica Jusu Bah and Rebeca Bernal could make their competitive debuts in the fixture.
United failed to win any of their pre-season games, but Olid is unbothered. She believes they ‘have that confidence’ heading into their league opener.
United are the only team to have won their opening fixture in each of the last five seasons, scoring 15 goals and conceding once. They will be aiming to extend that streak at London City.
The Red Devils won 5-1 on their first and only visit to the CopperJax Community Stadium last season, increasing optimism ahead of the fixture.
That said, they will face a much-changed side with the hosts signing several players this summer, including two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and former United goalkeeper Mary Earps.
Olid is not fazed by the prospect of her side facing players such as Putellas. She believes they have the ‘individual quality too’, and that the focus should be on ‘how we are going to hurt them to win the match’.
Simi Awujo and Fridolina Rolfo are unlikely to feature, as they were not involved in any pre-season friendlies. Celin Bizet Donuum is also ruled out.
Youngster Layla Drury will also not be involved, having been named in the England squad for the FIFA Under-20s Women’s World Cup.
Kosovare Asllani and Malou Market are doubts for the visitors, while Corinne Henson remains sidelined due to a long-term injury.
The match will be live on Sky channels in the UK. Fans can also follow the game on Man United.com and the United app.
