Ona Batlle joins Manchester United Women as Martin Ho becomes Casey Stoney's assistant boss
- Published
Martin Ho worked for Liverpool and Everton before joining the Manchester United staff
Women's Super League side Manchester United have signed Spain defender Ona Batlle on a two-year contract.
The 21-year-old, who also has a further 12-month option on her deal, joins as a free agent after leaving Levante.
"Ona is an exciting young full-back with fantastic pace and a real attacking mindset," United manager Casey Stoney said.
Earlier, Stoney promoted Martin Ho to assistant coach to replace the experienced Glen Harris.
The retirement of former Doncaster Belles and Lincoln Ladies boss Harris prompted Casey Stoney to search for a new number two.
Ho joins the first-team staff at United having previously worked with their under-21 WSL Academy.
"I have seen first-hand the qualities that he possesses as a coach," ex-England captain Stoney said of Ho.
"He is a great leader and understands the values and culture of this club which is so important."
Ho previously worked as an assistant coach at Everton Women and was under-21s head coach at Liverpool.
He moves up to replace the vastly experienced Harris, who took the job at United soon after the club was reformed as a second-tier side in 2018 following a 13-year absence from the senior women's game.
"I cannot express enough gratitude to Glen for his efforts," Stoney said. "He came in 18 months ago and seamlessly slotted into the club at a time when we were still a new squad finding our way.
"He played a big part along with the rest of my staff team in helping us achieve promotion to the WSL and I will be forever grateful for the way he worked so positively with everyone."