Galton: Man Utd's new depth will keep WSL rivals guessing

Leah Galton believes Manchester United's new signings will make them a nightmare to play against.

The Red Devils were busy in the summer transfer window after finishing second in the Women's Super League last term, bringing in the likes of Hinata Miyazawa, Geyse, Gabby George, Irene Guerrero, Gemma Evans and Evie Rabjohn.

And Galton, 29, thinks opponents will have to play a guessing game due to the "exciting" depth of Marc Skinner's squad.

Speaking exclusively to LiveScore ahead of United's opener against Aston Villa on Sunday, she said: "I'm so excited to play with the new signings because they give us something we didn't have previously.

"That's key, as this could be the most competitive WSL campaign yet. Villa, for example, were great last term and they've recruited well.

"Fresh faces in the squad gives you a new outlook and brings something else exciting for me.

"I've been working down the left with Gabby a lot since she's come in and that's been really enjoyable.

"And the new additions mean teams might not know how United are going to line up, who's going to play and who's going to play where. 

"Also the more competition for me, the better, because I know I have to fight to keep my place in the team."

Squad goals

Building relationships with the fresh faces is high on Galton's agenda, although the talented winger is happy she can rely on deep-rooted connections already within the squad.

She said: "We've got a core group of girls who know how each other plays from last year and over the past five years.

"I understand their strengths. Obviously this season it's about building more relationships but it's good to know we have so many strong connections already there to rely on.

"And the new signings have come in and done an amazing job of getting to know us — they've brought with them so many additional qualities.

"By the time we're all fully connected, United are going to be a really, really good team."

Something about Ella and Mary

The chemistry between Galton and England star Ella Toone could prove key for United in the early weeks of the WSL campaign, with the former assisting the latter in the recent 3-1 pre-season victory over Liverpool. 

Like her team-mate, Toone joined United in 2018 for their inaugural season in the Women's Championship.

Galton said: "Me and Ella have a really good relationship, especially on the field.

"We've played together for so long and know how the other plays and what they need in that exact moment. 

"That deep-rooted connection, we're going to try and spread to the rest of the team."

United were also able to keep hold of Mary Earps — another Lionesses ace whose importance is abundantly clear to Galton — despite firm interest from Arsenal. 

She added: "Mary is so vital to the squad. Obviously she brings quality on the pitch but also communication-wise, she is brilliant.

"It's so important to have a goalkeeper who talks to you from the back and she's probably one of the best in the game at that.

"She's also just a really nice person and a great character.

"And I know for a fact that if an opponent goes through, I'm not turning my head away because Mary's probably going to save the shot!"