Manchester United Women have tied down the future of one of their key academy starlets.
Youth talent
Just like the male team, United Women have always prioritised the progress of their academy stars in the first team.
England’s Euro star Ella Toone famously came through the academy and veteran defender Millie Turner as well.
Former captain Katie Zelem is also a product of the club’s famed youth system.
Who is Mared Griffiths?
Welsh talent Mared Griffiths will hope to be the next United starlet to transition from the youth team to first team regular.
The 18 year old was named in a senior matchday squad for the first time in December and was an unused substitute in a League Cup match against Newcastle United.
She would later make her debut for the first team against Wolverhampton Wanderers in a 6-0 FA Cup victory, scoring twice.
New deal
The club’s official website reports that “Mared Griffiths has signed her first professional contract with Manchester United Women. The deal runs until 2027 with the option of an additional year. The midfielder joined the Reds last summer from the FAW North Academy, initially representing our Under-21s side.”
Commenting on the deal she said, “yeah, I’m well impressed with myself and the family and so grateful for this opportunity from the club.”
She also added, “you can’t just settle down with just playing for the 21s. I think every player has to set high standards for themselves and you have to back yourself to be able to do it one day.”
What dreams are made of ❤️
We’re delighted to announce that #MUAcademy graduate, Mared Griffiths, has signed her first professional contract at the club 🏴✍️
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) July 14, 2025
Speaking to the club’s site, she opened up on the importance of her debut and how trusted she felt by the coach Marc Skinner and her teammates.
Griffiths also mentioned that she feels that even at such a young age, she is sure United are the right club to help her develop in the future.
A special day for all ❤️
Mared Griffiths recalls her Reds debut after signing her first pro contract with United 💬
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) July 14, 2025
Griffiths will hope to cement her place as a regular in the first team squad as United will aim to complete qualification for the Champions League and push Chelsea all the way in the league in the 2025/2026 season.
Featured image Naomi Baker via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
