Official: United Women cut short another loan spell as awarding-winning academy graduate returns to club

Manchester United have recalled yet another of their young stars from loan this January. Young stars being recalled The month began with the recall of the duo Keira Barry and Evie Rabjohn from Sunderland Women. United then brought back Emma Watson from her temporary spell at Crystal Palace. Marc Skinner’s side have also been busy with outgoings, sending Hannah Blundell on loan to Everton and sealing a permanent switch away for Brazilian Geyse, who moved to Club América in Mexico. The Red Devils have now made another decision regarding the future of one of their academy products. Lucy Newell recalled The 2024 academy player of the year was sent on loan to Birmingham City in the summer to gain first-team experience that she would not be guaranteed at United. However, after failing to secure the minutes she would have wanted, the club’s official website reports that, “young Manchester United Women defender Lucy Newell has been recalled from her loan spell with Birmingham City.” The 19-year-old made four appearances for the Blues, who sit second in the Championship. Newell also spent part of last season out on loan at Blackburn Rovers and will now return to the Progress with Unity Stadium. ℹ️ Young defender Lucy Newell has been recalled from her loan spell at Birmingham City. pic.twitter.com/mI4g6lsOh1 — Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) January 14, 2026 Birmingham’s official website also added, “everyone at the Club would like to thank Lucy for her efforts and wishes her well for the future.” Future The club will now have to decide whether Newell will stay with the first team or seek another move away, either temporarily or permanently. United will be in action once again this Sunday afternoon when they take on Burnley Women in the FA Cup. Lucy Newell stats vs Tottenham in League Cup StatValue Goals0 Assists0 Defensive contributions6 Tackles (won)1 (1) Interceptions1 Clearances2 Blocked shots2 Recoveries10 Ground duels (won)6 (3) Aerial duels (won)4 (3) Dribbled past1 Source: Sofascore Featured image Joosep Martinson via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Latest Top Stories… Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.