Man United Women sign defender Aoife Mannion from Man City

Manchester United Women have announced the signing of Aoife Mannion on a two-year contract on the same day Abbie McManus left the club at the end of her deal.

Mannion, a 25-year-old centre-back, joins United after spending two seasons with Manchester City, and has also previously played for Birmingham City. She has represented England at various youth levels and received her first senior call-up in 2019.

Mannion said: “It’s a new chapter for me in my career and I’m just looking forward to working as hard as I can for this club. European football is obviously a big ambition here and would be the next step for the club, so to break into the Champions League with this team would be amazing. I’ve also heard lots about the fans and how passionate they are, and I can’t wait to hear them all in the stadium next season.”

John Murtough, United’s football director, added: “Aoife is a high-quality and versatile defender who will give us some great options in our back line as we continue to strengthen the squad this summer. She brings key Champions League experience to this group, having been involved in the competition with both Birmingham and Manchester City over the years.”

McManus, meanwhile, has left the club following the expiry of her contract. The 28-year-old joined from Manchester City in 2019 and went on to make 25 appearances for the club, scoring twice.

McManus spent the second half of last season on loan with Tottenham, playing 10 games. She has 18 senior England caps, including three as part of the squad that came fourth at the 2019 World Cup in France.