Man Utd: Three things United must do to secure Champions League spot in 2023

There’s no getting away from the fact that Manchester United look like a different animal in the Women’s Super League (WSL) this season. Seven wins in nine games has placed Skinner’s side in third position, just two points behind Arsenal and three ahead of rivals Manchester City.

And while a title push is most definitely on the cards, it is no secret that qualification for Champions League football for the first time in United’s history would signal clear progress as the club look to transistion into one of the powerhouses of women’s football over the next few years.

With twists and turns undoubtedly set to come, we look at three key things the club must look to do if they are to ensure their solid start to 2022/2023 is not wasted in the new year.

Continue to get big results against the teams in and around them

It took longer than Man Utd fans wanted, but Marc Skinner’s side have finally started putting together a run of results against their nearest rivals.

Alessia Russo’s injury time winner against Arsenal inflicted the Gunners first defeat in 14 in the WSL and it was backed up by a solid point against Man City at the Etihad a few weeks later. While a 3-1 defeat to champions Chelsea was hard to take, United were more than in the game for the majority of the clash and appear to be making some real progress against their nearest rivals.

If United are to secure Champions League football for the first time, it is imperitive that they continue to churn out big results in big games.

With the likes of Ella Toone, Alessia Russo and Ona Batlle at the top of their game, the team now has genuine world class footballers who have proven they can do it on the big stage and - should they pick up results against Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea in the second half of the season - United will almost certainly secure that top three spot (and maybe more?).

Convince Alessio Russo and Ona Batlle to stay - at least until the summer

While all United fans want the duo to sign an extension in the new year, it is important they manage to convince both of them to remain in Manchester until at least the end of the current campaign.

With both Russo and Batlle out of contract in May, the club will hope they can tie them down to new deals in 2023 sooner rather than later. If they can fend off interest from the likes of Lyon and Barcelona this January, it will mean they can retain two of their best players for the this season, which improves their chances of Champions League qualification and keeping the duo beyond the end of the season.

Alongside Toone and Leah Galton, they’e been the clubs stand out performers but will want to play at the highest level as they approach their 24th birthday. If Man Utd can convince them to stay until the summer, they might just be able to offer them that chance next season.

Bring in solid cover at full back

While both Batlle and Hannah Blundell have had outstanding seasons so far, United are just one big injury away from looking significantly weaker in the full back areas. United are well stocked in most positions across the pitch but lack genuine cover in the full back slots.

When Spanish right back Batlle missed a portion of games with concussion, it was evident that Skinner’s side were weaker on the right hand side. Should Blundell or Batlle be forced out for a significant period of time, it would force the head coach into a reshuffle which would ultimately force players to play out of position and weaken the starting XI.

There have been strong links to BK Hacken defender Hannah Wijk who could provide dependable cover and it would make sense. United simply can not afford to take the risk of not signing adequate cover.