Manchester United slammed for ‘disgraceful’ women’s team delay
Megan Rapinoe has taken Manchester United to task for their delay in establishing a professional women’s team.
Casey Stoney’s Manchester United side currently sit top of the WSL after making an unbeaten start to the season, beating former champions Arsenal to open up a one-point lead at the summit.
The team was only founded in 2018, at which time Manchester United were one of few Premier League teams without an equivalent women’s side.
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After winning the FA Women’s Championship in their first season, Manchester United came fourth in a curtailed opening campaign in the top flight and have only kicked on since.
But reigning Ballon d’Or Feminin champion and United States stalwart Rapinoe finds the delay in forming the team “disgraceful” and indicative of England’s wider “lack of investment” in that side of the sport.
“I think women’s football in England is the same as in America – it is so far behind because of what we’ve had to overcome in the lack of investment,” she told the BBC.
“It’s 2020. How long has the Premier League been around? And we’re only just seeing a club like Manchester United put effort and pounds towards a women’s team? Frankly, it’s disgraceful.
“I’ve had a few team-mates go abroad and play, while I’m training and trying to keep fit in the hopes that eventually we’ll be out of this hellscape.
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“I want to keep playing. I’m definitely not anywhere near retirement – I absolutely want to play at the Olympics.
“After the Olympics I’ll have to take a longer look at the next three years. We’re a year closer to the next World Cup and it’s pretty enticing. We’ll leave that one out in the open…”