Summary

  • Hanson opens scoring before Batlle's second in WSL season opener

  • Chaplen hits bar for Reading after break & ball judged not have to crossed line

  • New United boss Marc Skinner wins first competitive game

  • Get involved via #bbcwsl

  1. Postpublished at 19:40 British Summer Time 3 September 2021

    Man Utd v Reading (19:45 BST)

    Here come the teams! Huge roar from the home fans.

  2. Postpublished at 19:39 British Summer Time 3 September 2021

    BBC One

    The BBC's TV coverage of the WSL kicks off tomorrow from Goodison Park.

    Everton take on Manchester City and it's live on BBC One.

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  3. Postpublished at 19:37 British Summer Time 3 September 2021

    Man Utd v Reading (19:45 BST)

    We've got full commentary on BBC Radio Manchester. You can listen at the top of this page. Get it on!

  4. 'Hopefully money filters'published at 19:35 British Summer Time 3 September 2021

    Man Utd v Reading (19:45 BST)

    Anita Asante
    Aston Villa & England defender on BBC Sport

    Hopefully all the money will filter into the infrastructure of the game and will lead to better officiating and accessibility from the grassroots all the way through to the senior level. It means greater exposure and a wider audience. The women’s game is still on a journey. It is not exactly where we want to be but it is on its way.

  5. Postpublished at 19:33 British Summer Time 3 September 2021

    Man Utd v Reading (19:45 BST)

    We're all set to go.

    Warm-ups done, one last sprinkle and the fans are chanting. Almost kick-off!

    .Image source, BBC Sport
  6. Postpublished at 19:32 British Summer Time 3 September 2021

    BBC Football editor Howard Nurse is in the crowd today to soak up the atmosphere.

    Enjoy the game Howard!

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  7. 'We are raring to go'published at 19:29 British Summer Time 3 September 2021

    Man Utd v Reading (19:45 BST)

    Anita Asante
    Aston Villa & England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

    I’m buzzing. I can’t wait to kick off the season and welcome back fans. It has been a long time coming and a long pre-season. But we are raring to go, especially now that we have greater visibility.

    Fans being back will really boost the atmosphere. As fans we really thrive on that interaction with fans. It will give us even more impetus this season.

  8. Postpublished at 19:28 British Summer Time 3 September 2021

    Lindsay Johnson
    Ex-England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

    The build-up these last two or three weeks, on the TV with regard to the new deal we have, on the BBC, on Sky and the radio, it has been non-stop. It is really exciting and what we have strived for, for a long time. You can see it and hear it happening. I work in an all-male school and the boys talk to me about women’s football. It makes me so happy we can have those conversations and women are inspiring all genders in society. This deal is here and what it will do for the game… you have seen these last three seasons the quality of the football. It is brilliant and is only going to improve.

  9. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 19:26 British Summer Time 3 September 2021

    #bbcwsl

    Josh Russell: It’s so good having WSL games on sky and BBC starting tonight! No more streaming online or on the red button. It’s been a long time coming

  10. Who are the WSL's new managers?published at 19:25 British Summer Time 3 September 2021

    Man Utd v Reading (19:45 BST)

    .Image source, Getty Images

    Manchester United filled the void left by former boss Casey Stoney by appointing Marc Skinner from Orlando Pride.

    He spent three years at Birmingham City but Skinner believes he has learned from his coaching spell in America.

    Read more here.

  11. 'Put it into perspective'published at 19:24 British Summer Time 3 September 2021

    Man Utd v Reading (19:45 BST)

    Rachel Brown-Finnis
    Ex-England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

    If you put it into perspective that it is only this decade that the Women’s Super League existed. And it is only three years of fully professional football. The strides that have been made. You’ve seen in major tournaments how anticipation has exploded and commercial strands have taken off. All different facets from the business side to out on the pitch, it has all seen improvements.

  12. Postpublished at 19:22 British Summer Time 3 September 2021

    To my boss: I was obviously on my best behaviour in the pub.

  13. 'It's emotional being back'published at 19:22 British Summer Time 3 September 2021

    Man Utd v Reading (19:45 BST)

    Speaking of fans...

    I found a few Manchester United fans in the pub beforehand and it's safe to say they are excited for their first game back as an unrestricted crowd for over a year.

    Season ticket-holder Andrew O'Niolns told me he would have been here last night if he could.

    "I’m absolutely buzzing. I’ve not been able to focus! I had to be here. It’s really emotional to be honest just being back."

    But how do they think Manchester United will get on? Jonathan Foster says finishing in the top three must be a target but they will "struggle".

    "We need a good cup run, a Wembley moment and a cup final. I want to see a Jackie Groenen goal and Ella Toone continue to go from strength to strength."

    .Image source, BBC Sport
    Image caption,

    Manchester United fans soak up the atmosphere before kick-off

  14. 'Fans very vocal'published at 19:21 British Summer Time 3 September 2021

    Man Utd v Reading (19:45 BST)

    Lindsay Johnson
    Ex-England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

    It is fantastic. The ground is already filling up and the United fans have been very vocal. They are really happy to be back. The pitch looks amazing. Like a carpet. You tell both teams are excited. They can’t wait to get this season under way.

  15. 'This is what we fought for'published at 19:19 British Summer Time 3 September 2021

    Man Utd v Reading (19:45 BST)

    .Image source, Getty Images

    Reading captain Natasha Harding: "If I'd said to you when I started this journey that we would be on a broadcasting network, I'd be like 'nah, can't see it, people don't buy into women's football in this country'.

    "It's incredible. It's a proud moment for me and I probably speak on behalf of all the girls who have been involved from the start.

    "We deserve this. This is something we've worked very, very hard for. This hasn't just happened overnight.

    "This has been hard graft. The girls that have paved the way should be really proud. It's making history. I can't wait. This is the ultimate, this is what we all wanted, this is what we fought for."

  16. 'We want to set standards'published at 19:17 British Summer Time 3 September 2021

    Man Utd v Reading (19:45 BST)

    .Image source, Getty Images

    Manchester United captain Katie Zelem: "No matter who we were going to play, the first game would have been about us setting our standards.

    "We want to be up there in the top three and that's Manchester United's aim, but my aim personally, as well, after last season.

    "We want to set off on the right foot. Previously, Reading has been tough, but it is all about focusing on ourselves."

  17. Team newspublished at 19:16 British Summer Time 3 September 2021

    Man Utd v Reading (19:45 BST)

    Marc Skinner hands debuts to three new signings - defenders Aoife Mannion and Hannah Blundell and midfielder Vilde Boe Risa.

    Manchester United XI: Earps, Batlle, Mannion, Thorisdottir, Blundell, Bøe Risa, Zelem, Staniforth, Hanson, Galton, Toone.

    Subs: Baggaley, Smith, Turner, Groenen, Jones, Ladd, Fuso, Russo, Thomas.

    .Image source, BBC Sport

    There are several new faces in the Reading side too, including Wales international Gemma Evans and defender Faye Bryson.

    Former AC Milan striker Natasha Dowie isn't in the squad.

    Reading XI: Moloney, Bryson, Peplow, Evans, Eikeland, Harding, Harries, Cooper, Chaplen, Rowe, Woodham.

    Subs: Stewart, Rose, Jeon, Roberts, Lister, Wild.

  18. Hello!published at 19:13 British Summer Time 3 September 2021

    The WSL is officially back! And so are fans!

    Manchester United host Reading in the season's opener under new boss Marc Skinner.

    They are aiming for a Champions League spot this season so can they get off to a good start or will Reading ruin the hosts' day?

    .Image source, Getty Images