On 11 September, Manchester United Women’s Hannah Blundell announced her pregnancy, confirming she will miss the entire 2024/25 season. The full-back also triggered a one-year extension to her contract, which was originally set to expire in the summer of 2025.
Speaking to the club’s media channel, Blundell shared her personal news:
“I’ve got some good and bad news,” she said. “The bad news is that I’m out for the season, but the good news is that I’m pregnant!”
She added,
“I’m really happy, my family is really happy. It’s great news for myself and my family, and something I wanted to share with the girls, the club, and the fans – and I’ve finally been able to do that.”
Blundell also expressed her gratitude for the club’s support.
“The staff at the club have been really good. Matt (Johnson, United’s interim head of women’s football) spoke to me and straight away asked how I was doing. Some more positive news is that they’ve triggered my option for next year, so thankfully I don’t have to worry about where I’m going to be.”
Blundell’s Journey: From Chelsea to Manchester United
Before joining Manchester United in 2021, Blundell enjoyed a highly successful career at Chelsea. Coming through the Chelsea academy, she made over 100 appearances for the club between 2013 and 2021, winning multiple domestic titles. Blundell was part of Chelsea’s FA Women’s Super League-winning squads and gained valuable experience playing at the highest levels of English football.
Her versatility and consistency as a full-back made her an asset at Chelsea, and she played a key role in their defensive line-up, contributing to their dominance in women’s football. However, after eight years at the London club, Blundell made the move to Manchester United in search of a new challenge and regular first-team football.
At United, Blundell quickly became a fan favourite, known for her defensive resilience and ability to push forward in attack. In the 2022/23 season, she was integral to Marc Skinner’s side in their journey to the club’s first FA Cup final. Although United narrowly lost to Chelsea, Blundell’s performances throughout the campaign were highly praised. In the 2023/24 season, United once again returned to the FA Cup final – this time against Tottenham Hotspur. Blundell and the team won the first FA Cup in the club’s brief history.
A Summer of PR Challenges:
Blundell’s announcement brings some welcome positive news following a summer of public relations challenges for Manchester United Women.
The club has faced heavy criticism regarding its handling of the women’s team in recent months under the new ownership. As Carrington training ground undergoes renovations, the women’s team will relocate to temporary training facilities on some matchdays, sparking frustration amongst the wider public.
Additionally, several high-profile departures disrupted the squad over the summer, including key players such as Mary Earps, Irene Guerrero, and long-time servant Katie Zelem. Unpopular head coach Marc Skinner also received a contract extension, which was met with resistance from parts of the fanbase. Further exits included the likes of Gemma Evans, Lucia García, and Nikita Parris.
The club’s lack of coverage of pre-season preparations, even on its own platform, has also left fans disillusioned. As a result, ticket sales for the opening Women’s Super League (WSL) fixture against West Ham United at Old Trafford have been slow, with subsequent home fixtures returning to Leigh Sports Village.
Recruitment Brings Renewed Hope:
Despite the challenges, some positive news has emerged on the recruitment front. Off the pitch, Dan Ashworth’s arrival has been the cause of optimism due to his groundwork in the women’s game at previous jobs at the FA and at Newcastle United. The club made several key signings to bolster the squad for the upcoming WSL campaign. New arrivals include Elisabeth Terland, Melvine Malard (on a permanent deal), Dominique Janssen, and Simi Awujo, all of whom add much-needed depth to the team.
In early August, full-back Anna Sandberg joined from BK Häcken in what is believed to be a record-breaking transfer for a Swedish women’s player. At just 21 years old, Sandberg was initially expected to develop into a replacement for Blundell. However with Blundell’s pregnancy, the young Swede will now step into the starting role sooner than anticipated. Sandberg is known for her forward-thinking play and comfort in possession, making her a promising addition to the squad.
The club did not recruit additional left-back options this summer, but Gabby George is nearing a return after suffering an ACL injury in October 2023.
Maternity Support in Women’s Football:
In 2021, FIFA introduced maternity regulations for active players, with improved terms for maternity pay coming into effect this summer. These new regulations ensure that both players and coaches receive 14 weeks of full-paid leave, after which the pay drops to the statutory rate of £173 per week.
The one-year extension in Blundell’s contract is a clear indication of the club’s support during this personal time. This extension allows Blundell to access maternity pay, medical support, and extra resources aligned with health and fitness guidance provided by FIFPro for returning mothers.
Looking Ahead:
While Manchester United Women face criticism for their overall treatment of players, the support shown to Blundell signals a step in the right direction. There is still significant work to be done in terms of valuing and promoting women’s football at the club, but Blundell’s case is a positive building block towards meaningful change.
