A milestone night for United Women stars

Thursday 12 December 2024 16:22

Manchester United Women’s 5-3 triumph against Newcastle United in the Women’s League Cup was another milestone evening for the club.

Three wins from three in the group stages of the competition ensure we are in the hat for the quarter-finals for the first time since the 2021/22 season.

As well as a team celebration ahead of next week’s quarter-final draw, a number of individuals were also celebrating important moments with our United family.

90 in 20: United v Newcastle Video

90 in 20: United v Newcastle

90 IN 20 | For a more comprehensive view of the League Cup win, watch extended highlights…

Super Saf

It was a special night for goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel as she made her debut for the Reds. The shot-stopper, who joined United in 2020, had come through the Academy set up before being given a professional contract in January 2023.

After a number of loan spells, Safia has been understudy to Phallon Tullis-Joyce this season and, on Wednesday evening, was between the sticks for this game.

Taking to social media after the game, our no. 39 wrote: “Proud to say I have made my Manchester United debut after a very long and difficult journey behind the scenes. I am forever grateful for my friends and family who have and continue to stick with me. I will keep reaching. Keep growing. Keep becoming.”

First-goal celebrations

Emma Watson and Gabby George were also celebrating at Leigh Sports Village. The pair, who suffered anterior-cruciate ligament injuries last season, both got their names on the scoresheet for the first time.

For the second time in two games, every goal was scored by a different player, with Rachel Williams and Elisabeth Terland also grabbing the opportunity (United’s first was an own goal from Lia Cataldo).

Speaking to MUTV, Watson said: “I am absolutely buzzing to get my first goal. After the year I have had, it shows all the hard work is paying off and it’s what dreams are made of!”

George added: “It was great to get on the scoresheet, especially for Manchester United. I don’t tend to score many goals so, hopefully, that’s the start of a few.

A milestone night for United Women stars