Michael Carrick’s Manchester United squad is taking advantage of their lighter schedule this week, as they did not qualify for European competitions this season.
Under Ruben Amorim, the senior men’s team failed to keep their Europa League position or move up to the Champions League, and they are out of both domestic cups.
On the other hand, Marc Skinner’s women’s team is performing well in their first UEFA Women’s Champions League season.
Securing a place in the prestigious tournament for the first time, the United Women’s team finished the league stage with four wins and two losses.
After defeating Valerenga, Atletico Madrid, PSG, and Juventus, Manchester United advanced to the knockout stage, where they faced Atletico Madrid again.
In this rematch, the Red Devils enhanced their 1-0 group stage win, achieving a 3-0 victory away and a 2-0 win at home, totaling 5-0.
This evening’s match at the Progress with Unity Stadium featured goals from Julia Zigiotti Olme and Jess Park, securing progression to the next round.
Olme opened the scoring in the 28th minute, connecting with Lisa Naalsund, who created space for her to score past Madrid keeper Lola Gallardo.
In the 41st minute, Park added a second goal with a remarkable shot from the edge of the box during a corner routine, making it 2-0.
Next, Skinner’s team will face Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals, a team they have not yet met in this competition.
Their only defeats have come against Wolfsburg and Olympique Lyonnais, losing 5-2 and 3-0 respectively, both of whom also reached the quarter-finals.
Manchester United’s women’s team is one of three English teams advancing to the next stage, alongside Chelsea and Arsenal.