November 10 – United States star and World-Cup winner Megan Rapinoe has criticised the lack of investment in women’s football, singling out Manchester United who she said were “disgraceful” for taking so long to form a professional women’s team.
The English giants had been the subject of prolonged criticism after the club disbanded the women’s team in 2005 before reviving the side in 2018 when they were granted a license to play in the second-tier Championship.
“Women’s football in England is the same as in America. It’s so far behind because of what we’ve had to overcome in the lack of investment,” Rapinoe told the BBC.
“It’s 2020. How long has the Premier League been around? And we’re only just seeing a club like Manchester United put effort and pounds towards a women’s team? Frankly, it’s disgraceful.”
In their first season, the team, with a series of high profile signings, won promotion to the Women’s Super League (WSL). This season, they top the table after six games following a 1-0 win over Arsenal at the weekend.
Rapinoe became the face of American women’s football after the 2019 Women’s World Cup which the US won. She won the Ballon D’Or that year in recognition of her achievements. This year she has opted out of the National Women’s Soccer League competitions. Recently, she released a memoir ‘One Life’.
“I’ve had a few teammates go abroad and play, while I’m training and trying to keep fit in the hopes that eventually we’ll be out of this hellscape,” said Rapinoe. “I want to keep playing. I’m definitely not anywhere near retirement – I absolutely want to play at the Olympics.”
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1714885728labto1714885728ofdlr1714885728owedi1714885728sni@o1714885728fni1714885728