Manchester United Women have confirmed the arrival of goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley on a free transfer.
The 24-year-old spent the last four seasons on the books in Bristol City, leading the Women’s Super League in saves in each of her last two campaigns at Twerton Park, but left when the contract expired this summer.
Links between United and Baggaley only started a few months ago, and the club went to their official website to confirm that the English international has finally put paper on paper on a contract at Leigh Sports Village.
“It’s a great feeling to sign up for Manchester United; a new start for me and I look forward to settling down and really putting in the work for the new season, says Baggaley.
“I know the goalkeeping department at the club is strong and everyone is here to compete which really helps me continue in my own development. I can not wait to get started. I want to be a part of the success of this club and make the fans proud. ”
Baggaley joins the club to provide competition for current starter Mary Earps, who signed a new contract as early as February after impressing with United’s return to the top of the ladies’ game.
Football manager John Murtough added: “Sophie is another fantastic signing and will strengthen the goalkeeping department at the club which has always been highly competitive. She has a lot of experience in this league and will be an excellent addition to this group of players. We look forward to seeing her develop here at United. ”
Baggaley’s arrival comes on the same day that United confirmed the signing of defender Hannah Blundell, who joined the club as part of the deal that took the young forward Lauren James to WSL champions Chelsea.
? Say hello to the latest member of the United family: @ SophieBag96! #MUWomen pic.twitter.com/bA3nkROz5g
– Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) July 23, 2021
United want to close the gap for Emma Hayes Chelsea and city rivals Manchester City, and they hope to get things back on track after a few tumultuous months in which manager Casey Stoney left the club.
Stoney has since joined the NWSL side San Diego and is leaving United in search of someone new to take responsibility for the 2021/22 season. Marc Skinner is expected to take on the role, with an agreement believed to have been reached.
