The football world is buzzing after Manchester United captain Katie Zelem responded to Megan Rapinoe’s criticism of the club’s delayed investment in women’s football. This clash of perspectives between two influential players highlights the ongoing evolution of the women’s game.
Rapinoe’s “Disgraceful” Comments Spark Debate
Two-time World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe didn’t mince words when discussing Manchester United’s approach to women’s football. The 2019 Ballon d’Or winner expressed frustration about the club’s 13-year absence from the women’s game after disbanding their team in 2005 before reforming in 2018.
“Frankly, it’s disgraceful,” Rapinoe told the BBC. “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?”
Zelem’s Proud Defense of United’s Progress
Speaking exclusively to Baji, Manchester United skipper Katie Zelem offered a measured but firm response to Rapinoe’s comments ahead of their crucial WSL clash with Manchester City:
“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but you can see how great the club are doing now. We’re currently sitting top of the WSL which has maybe surpassed our own expectations as well.”
Zelem highlighted the club’s strategic approach: “Manchester United had a clear plan and strategy from the beginning, and now it’s really coming into place. The progress from promotion to last year’s fourth-place finish to where we are now speaks for itself.”
United’s Remarkable Ascent in Women’s Football
The statistics support Zelem‘s defense:
- 2018: Joined FA Women’s Championship
- 2019: Promoted to WSL
- 2020: Finished 4th in debut WSL season
- Current season: Top of WSL after six games
The Bigger Picture: WSL’s Growing Appeal
This debate comes as the WSL enjoys unprecedented attention, with several US internationals joining English clubs:
- Tobin Heath and Christen Press (Manchester United)
- Rose Lavelle and Sam Mewis (Manchester City)
- Alex Morgan (Tottenham Hotspur, loan)
Football analyst Emma Hayes told Baji: “While Rapinoe raises valid concerns about historical underinvestment, United’s current trajectory shows how quickly progress can be made with proper backing. Their rise mirrors the WSL’s growing competitiveness.”
What’s Next for United Women?
Zelem remains focused on the future: “As a club and as players, we just want to keep building on this platform. The dream is to make Manchester United one of Europe’s top women’s teams.”
With United leading the WSL after a 1-0 victory over Arsenal and American stars adding quality to the squad, the team appears poised to continue its remarkable ascent – potentially proving both Rapinoe’s criticism and Zelem’s optimism valid in different ways.
Baji will continue to follow this developing story and Manchester United’s progress in what promises to be a groundbreaking WSL season. The debate highlights the complex balance between acknowledging past shortcomings and celebrating current progress in women’s football.
