Manchester United Women's Team Set to Make Waves in the Champions League ###

Manchester United's women's team is set to make history as they prepare to face Europe's top clubs in the Women's Champions League. The Red Devils have overcome four qualifying rounds, culminating in an impressive 3-1 aggregate victory over Brann, thanks to Elisabeth Terland's hat-trick performance in the final leg.

 A New Chapter Begins

The journey to the Champions League represents a significant milestone for Manchester United, who only reformed their women's team in 2018. Last season, the club finished third in the Women's Super League (WSL), securing a spot in the Champions League qualifying stage. However, they were eliminated in 2023 by Paris St-Germain. This season, despite facing relatively easier opposition in the qualifying rounds—PSV, Hammarby, and Brann—they still had to come from behind to secure their place in the main draw.

Manchester United's manager, Marc Skinner, is determined to ensure the team's presence in the competition is more than just symbolic. "We are history makers, and that's really important to stress," said Skinner. "We can't just go in [the draw] and make up the numbers. We have to be really excited by the opportunity of playing against Europe's best teams."

Skinner's ambitions are clear: "If you want to be there, you have to perform against the best. Whatever the draw is, I hope that the teams who get us think they didn't want to play Manchester United."

 Challenges Ahead

Joining the WSL champions Chelsea and European winners Arsenal in the main draw, Manchester United faces a new level of competition. Skinner acknowledges the challenges ahead, including testing the team's depth, managing long-distance travel, and adapting to higher-quality opposition. "We won't be seeded," he remarked, "so if you're the team playing against us, hopefully you think 'hmm, that's tricky for us.'"

Skinner credits his experience managing in the United States and the additions of Swedish players Fridolina Rolfo and Julia Zigiotti as key assets. Rolfo, who joined from Barcelona this summer, has won two European titles and played in three Champions League finals, bringing valuable experience to the team. However, Skinner insists that further reinforcements will be necessary in the January transfer window. "We need a bigger squad. There is no doubt about that," he said. "I'm going to stress—in the winter window, we need to strengthen the squad."

 Terland's Impressive Performance

Elisabeth Terland has emerged as a key figure for Manchester United in their Champions League journey. Her hat-trick against Brann showcased her exceptional finishing abilities, earning her praise from Skinner. "She's one of the best finishers I've ever worked with," he said. Terland's performance, which included scoring with both feet and a header, demonstrated her versatility and intelligence in the box.

Skinner highlighted Terland's ability to overcome psychological challenges, noting her resilience after facing criticism from Brann fans during the first leg. "She was fired up," Skinner said. "She maybe got a little bit of winding up. Tonight she answered that—I'm really proud of her. To take those goals shows the quality of the player she is."

 Looking Ahead

Manchester United's progress in the Champions League is part of a broader narrative of growth and development for the club. Despite the challenges ahead, Skinner and his team are confident in their ability to compete. With the addition of experienced players and a strong performance in the qualifying rounds, the club is poised to make its mark in the competition.

As the team prepares for the main draw on Friday, Skinner remains focused on building a squad capable of competing at the highest level. "It's a totally different challenge, but one we're looking forward to," he said. "We have the players who have that experience, as we added that. We need a bigger squad, there is no doubt about that. But I can't do anything about it now. The players are embracing it."

Manchester United's journey in the Women's Champions League promises to be an exciting chapter in the club's history, as they aim to establish themselves among Europe's elite. With the support of their manager and the talent of players like Elisabeth Terland, the Red Devils hope to make a lasting impact on the European stage.