Man Utd should have women's team, says sports minister

The average attendance for the first round of WSL 1 games this season was 78% higher than the average for the first half of last season

Manchester United should "rectify" their lack of a women's team, says Sports Minister Tracey Crouch.

United's Premier League rivals Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal are represented in the Women's Super League.

United run junior female sides but disbanded their senior team in 2005.

"It is incredibly disappointing that one of the biggest clubs in the world doesn't have a ladies' football team," said Crouch.

"They have an excellent centre for girls but they don't translate that into a ladies' football team.

"At a time when there is phenomenal interest in women's football, it is right that they should try and rectify that as soon as possible."

WSL crowds have risen sharply following England's third-place finish at this summer's World Cup in Canada.

England and Chelsea striker Eniola Aluko said after the World Cup month that the absence of a United women's team is "puzzling".

United said they have no plans to re-introduce a women's team but the situation remains under review.