Dengan 20 gol yang tercipta dalam empat pertandingan, serta drama di menit-menit akhir pada kedua laga tersebut, tak berlebihan jika dikatakan bahwa semifinal Liga Champions Wanita 2025-26 benar-benar memuaskan. Dari keempat pertandingan itu, Lyon—yang telah delapan kali menjuarai kompetisi ini—dan Barcelona—yang tiga kali menjadi juara—berhasil lolos ke final yang sangat dinanti-nantikan di Oslo pada 23 Mei, yang akan diwarnai oleh begitu banyak kisah menarik.
Upaya Arsenal mempertahankan gelar Liga Champions Wanita berakhir di Lyon pada Sabtu lalu, saat juara delapan kali itu membalas dendam kepada The Gunners setelah kalah dari mereka di babak yang sama musim lalu. Didorong oleh kembalinya Selma Bacha dan Melchie Dumornay, OL langsung memimpin 2-0 di babak pertama dan meskipun Alessia Russo berhasil menyamakan kedudukan agregat untuk Arsenal, gol Jule Brand di menit-menit akhir memastikan kemenangan 4-3 bagi Lyon dalam dua leg yang membawa mereka ke final UWCL ke-12 yang luar biasa.
Arsenal mendapat dorongan besar menjelang musim baru berkat kabar bahwa Leah Williamson telah resmi memperpanjang kontraknya bersama klub. Kapten timnas Inggris ini, yang telah meniti kariernya hingga menjadi tulang punggung pertahanan The Gunners, telah menandatangani kontrak baru untuk melanjutkan karier gemilangnya di London Utara.
Skuad Arsenal yang mengalami rotasi pemain berhasil meraih kemenangan telak atas Leicester pada Rabu lalu, menghancurkan tim juru kunci Liga Super Wanita dengan skor 7-0 untuk naik ke zona Liga Champions dan menambah tekanan pada pemuncak klasemen Manchester City. Dengan dua pertandingan tersisa yang belum dimainkan, The Gunners secara praktis menjadi satu-satunya tim yang masih bisa mengejar sang juara yang hampir pasti, dan gol-gol yang tercipta dari berbagai area lapangan memastikan hal itu tetap berlaku dalam kemenangan yang meyakinkan.
Ikon Arsenal, Leah Williamson, akan menandatangani kontrak baru di klub tersebut, yang akan memperpanjang masa baktinya selama 20 tahun bersama tim yang telah ia dukung sejak kecil. Kapten The Lionesses ini merupakan salah satu pemain terpenting The Gunners, namun kontraknya saat ini akan berakhir dalam beberapa minggu ke depan. Namun, menurut sebuah laporan, Arsenal kini hampir mencapai kesepakatan mengenai persyaratan baru dengan bek andalannya tersebut.
Saat Arsenal menjamu Lyon dalam leg pertama semifinal Liga Champions Wanita, kabar buruk seputar tim tak henti-hentinya berdatangan. Steph Catley belum pulih dari cedera betis dan tak bisa ikut bermain, sementara Beth Mead juga absen karena alasan pribadi. Kemudian, pada hari pertandingan, Chloe Kelly absen akibat masalah otot ringan. Untungnya, ada satu pemain kunci yang kembali untuk meredam berbagai pukulan tersebut: Leah Williamson.
Manchester United, often simply referred to as "United," are one of the most iconic and successful football clubs in the world, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. The club was founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878 by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway depot at Newton Heath. The team changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to its current home, Old Trafford, in 1910.
Famous players
Manchester United have been home to some of the greatest footballers in history. Sir Bobby Charlton, a World Cup winner with England in 1966, is arguably the most iconic figure in the club's history. Other legendary players include George Best, known for his flair and skill, and Eric Cantona, who brought a winning mentality to the club during the 1990s. More recent stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Paul Scholes have also contributed significantly to the club's success.
Honours
Manchester United are one of the most decorated clubs in English football, having won a record 20 Premier League titles (formerly the First Division). They have also lifted the FA Cup 12 times, the League Cup five times, and the UEFA Champions League three times. The club's dominance in English football was particularly evident during the 1990s and early 2000s under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Managers
Sir Alex Ferguson is undoubtedly the most successful manager in Manchester United's history. He spent 26 years at the club, leading them to an unprecedented era of success. Before Ferguson, managers like Matt Busby and Wilf McGuinness played crucial roles in shaping the club's identity. More recent managers, including David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and José Mourinho, have faced the challenge of maintaining the club's high standards.
Stadium
Old Trafford, often referred to as the "Theatre of Dreams," is one of the most famous stadiums in the world. With a capacity of roughly 75,000, it is among the largest football stadiums in the United Kingdom. The stadium has hosted numerous major matches, including UEFA Champions League finals and FIFA World Cup matches.
Location
Manchester United are based in the city of Manchester, which is located in the northwest of England. The club's home ground, Old Trafford, is situated in the Trafford borough. Manchester is a major industrial city with a rich footballing heritage.
Owners
In February 2024, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe's company, INEOS, acquired a significant 25% stake in Manchester United. This acquisition granted Ratcliffe sporting control over the club, placing him in a position to influence key decisions related to its operations.
Ratcliffe has already made a substantial financial commitment to Manchester United. His large investments demonstrate his dedication to the club's success and his willingness to provide the necessary resources for its growth.
Frequently asked questions
Which competitions are Manchester United in?
<!--td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}-->Manchester united are in the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao cup and Europa league.
How many times has Manchester United been champions of England?
<!--td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}-->The club has won the English top-division league championship a record 20 times
When did manchester united last win the premier league
<!--td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}-->Manchetser United last won the premier league in 2013
How long have manchester united been in the premier league
<!--td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}-->Manchester United have been in the Premier League since the inception of the league in 1992.
When did Manchester United last get relegated?
<!--td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}-->Manchester United were last relegated from the top flight 50 years ago, at the end of the 1973-74 season.