Man Utd Making Up For Disappointing Summer Transfer Window With January Aggression That Can Lift Season To New Heights

Manchester United Women entered the 2025/26 season under heavy scrutiny. After making just three summer signings and losing two first-team players, questions were raised about how the club planned to compete on multiple fronts — especially with Champions League football added to the calendar for the first time.

Yet, against the odds, the Red Devils have stayed afloat. Now, with a sharp change in approach, United appear determined to rewrite the narrative through an aggressive and timely January transfer window.

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A Long-Overdue Shift In Strategy

United wasted no time once the winter window opened. On December 27, they announced the signing of Hanna Lundkvist, setting the tone for what followed. The momentum continued swiftly:

• Hinata Miyazawa committed her future to the club with a new contract running until 2029

• Lea Schüller, one of Europe’s most prolific forwards, arrived from Bayern Munich after scoring 103 goals in 180 appearances

This flurry of activity sent a clear message: Manchester United Women are no longer content with simply surviving — they intend to compete seriously.

The Cost Of A Thin Summer Window

The criticism of United’s summer recruitment was loud and, in many cases, justified. Despite winning the 2024 FA Cup and qualifying for the Women’s Champions League proper for the first time, the squad entered the season short on depth.

That lack of reinforcement was painfully obvious:

• United used fewer players in the UWCL group stage than all but one team

• In a Champions League qualifier against Hammarby, Marc Skinner named only two senior outfield players on the bench

• A WSL matchday squad of just five substitutes against Liverpool sparked widespread backlash

Former Aston Villa boss Carla Ward summed it up bluntly on Sky Sports:

“I think Manchester United have let the women’s team down this year.”

Injuries Exposed The Gaps

As expected at elite level, injuries arrived — and United felt them harder than most. Key players including Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Gabby George, Fridolina Rolfö, Leah Galton, Jayde Riviere, Millie Turner, Celin Bizet, and Simi Awujo all missed time.

For a squad already stretched thin, the absences could have derailed the season completely.

Thriving Against The Odds

Instead, United responded with resilience.

• Ninth points off the WSL title pace, but within touching distance of the top three

• Through the Champions League league phase and facing Atletico Madrid — a side they’ve already beaten — in the knockouts

• Into the League Cup semi-finals and still alive in the FA Cup

This is a season that could easily have collapsed. Instead, it remains very much alive.

Smart Recruitment, Real Impact

It’s important not to overlook the quality of the players United did bring in. While much of the conversation has focused on what was missing, the summer signings have delivered:

• Fridolina Rolfö has scored crucial goals

• Jess Park has flourished in a wide role that suits her attacking instincts

• Julia Zigiotti Olme has been a model of consistency in midfield

Add January reinforcements like Schüller to that core, and United suddenly look far more dangerous.

January Aggression Could Change Everything

The urgency shown this winter suggests lessons have finally been learned. Squad depth, experience, and quality are no longer afterthoughts — they are priorities.

If Manchester United Women maintain this momentum off the pitch, the second half of the season could deliver:

• A top-three WSL finish

• A deep Champions League run

• Another serious domestic cup challenge

From criticism to cautious optimism, United’s January aggression may yet turn a shaky campaign into a defining one.

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