Man Utd to play WSL match at Old Trafford in December


Manchester United will play their WSL home game against Aston Villa on 4 December at Old Trafford, making it the third time the team has played at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’.

United first played at Old Trafford in March 2021, but no fans were allowed in because of Covid-19 restrictions at the time. A second game was then played exactly one year later that was attended by more than 20,000 people.

The popularity of Euro 2022 has highlighted the ongoing appetite for women’s football in England – total attendance for the tournament surpassed 570,000, with more than 23million watching the final on TV and online – and several clubs have sought to capitalise.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City have already announced games at Stamford Bridge, the Emirates Stadium and Etihad Stadium for the forthcoming campaign, while United will open the 2022/23 season with a trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

United themselves have already experienced a surge in interest, having opened an additional stand at usual home Leigh Sports Village for the first home game of the season.

“We cannot wait to perform in front of our amazing fans, as we once again grace the hallowed Old Trafford turf,” United boss Marc Skinner said.

“As a club we are dedicated to playing our part in the continued growth of the women’s game and a packed Old Trafford will be another great milestone for this fantastic football club – and a wonderful occasion for us all to share.”

United football director John Murtough added, “This will be a fantastic occasion for the players, fans and football club, as we build on the success of the Everton Women fixture at Old Trafford last season and the excitement generated by the Lionesses victorious UEFA Women’s European Championship campaign this summer.”

Ticket prices will remain the same as normal, with adults costing £6 and juniors or seniors at £3.

The game is currently scheduled for a 12pm kick-off on 4 December, although it will remain subject to change per broadcasting timetabling. It will also not clash with any Premier League football as it falls during the 2022 men’s World Cup. Two last-16 knockout ties will be played that day, one of which could involve England, but both are likely to be evening kick-offs.

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