Manchester United Women have completed a significant January transfer, securing the signature of Swedish international forward Ellen Wangerheim. However, the squad boost has been immediately offset by the news that England star Ella Toone faces an extended spell on the sidelines.
Swedish Talent Arrives at Old Trafford
The 21-year-old Wangerheim joins the Women's Super League side from Swedish Damallsvenskan club Hammarby on a long-term contract, which runs until June 2029. She becomes the club's third acquisition of the winter window, following the arrivals of defender Hanna Lundkvist and German striker Lea Schüller.
Matt Johnson, Manchester United's director of women's football, hailed the new signing as a major coup. He described Wangerheim as "one of Europe's best young talents" and emphasised her dynamic playing style. "As a dynamic, invasive and versatile forward Ellen brings variation and a natural scoring instinct to the team," Johnson stated via the club's official channels.
Wangerheim, who played a key role in Hammarby's 2023 league and Swedish Cup double, expressed her delight at the move. "I am so excited. It feels amazing to be here," she said. "It's a huge club with big history. So sitting here in this shirt is a proud moment for me. It's always been my dream to move abroad."
Forward Line Reinforced Amid Departures
The signings of Schüller and Wangerheim provide crucial depth to United's attacking options during a month of notable exits. The experienced striker Rachel Williams has moved to Leicester City, while Brazilian forward Geyse has completed a transfer to Mexican side Club América.
This strategic recruitment aims to bolster United's firepower as they compete on multiple fronts in the second half of the season.
Toone Injury Blow for United and England
In a significant setback, United manager Marc Skinner confirmed that influential midfielder Ella Toone will be unavailable for at least another six weeks due to a hip injury. This timeline casts serious doubt over her participation in the upcoming Women's Champions League knockout-stage playoff fixture against Atlético Madrid in February.
Skinner, speaking on Friday, sought to provide reassurance, confirming that Toone will definitely return before the end of the season. Her absence, however, presents a major challenge for United's midfield creativity and goal threat in the short term.
The contrasting news of a promising new arrival and a key injury encapsulates the challenging nature of the January transfer window, leaving the United coaching staff with both fresh options and an immediate selection headache.
