Manchester United Women welcome Bayern Munich Women to Old Trafford on Wednesday night for the first leg of their Women’s Champions League quarter final showdown. The Red Devils have reached the last eight for the first time in their history after thrashing Atletico Madrid 5-0 across two legs in the knockout playoff round following their sixth place finish in the league phase.

Marc Skinner’s side have struggled for consistency since eliminating the Spanish side, suffering defeats to Chelsea in the FA Cup and League Cup final before being held to a dispiriting stalemate by West Ham. Fortunately, Melvine Malard struck deep into stoppage time against Everton on Saturday to snatch victory and lift United into second spot in the WSL table ahead of this crucial European fixture.

Kick-off:  20:00 GMT, Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Venue:  Old Trafford, Manchester
TV: TNT Sports

German Champions Riding Wave of Momentum

Jose Barcala’s Bayern side swerved the playoff round entirely by securing fourth spot in the league phase, edging out both Arsenal and Manchester United by a single point. The Bavarians are hunting their maiden Champions League crown while also chasing domestic glory in the Frauen Bundesliga and DFB Pokal after lifting the Super Cup earlier this season.

Bayern butchered Essen 5-0 last weekend with Pernille Harder bagging a brace, stretching their unbeaten streak to an intimidating 22 matches across all competitions. The visitors have plundered 18 goals while conceding just once in their previous six away fixtures, establishing themselves as clear favorites.

Skinner Sweating Over Miyazawa Availability

United will definitely be without Anna Sandberg, Leah Galton, and Ella Toone through various injuries, while fitness concerns linger over Dominique Janssen and Jayde Riviere. Hinata Miyazawa faces a race against time after representing Japan in their Asia Cup final triumph over Australia in Sydney on Saturday.

Bayern expects to miss Klara Buhl, Katharina Naschenweng, and Alara Sehitler, with Lena Oberdorf and Sarah Zadrazil still rehabilitating from serious knee ligament damage.

Predicted Lineups: Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Tullis Joyce, Awujo, Le Tissier, Turner, Lundkvist; Naalsund, Zigiotti Olme; Park, Terland, Rolfo; Malard

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Mahmutovic, Gwinn, Viggosdottir, Gilles, Simon; Amani, Stanway; Dallmann, Caruso, Kett; Harder

Also read: Hanna Lundkvist Makes Feelings Known After Manchester United Women Stalemate Against West Ham

England midfielder Georgia Stanway has given more details about her plans after she leaves Bayern Munich this summer. The 27 year old has spent four years in Germany and is now linked with a move back to the Barclays Women’s Super League, having announced her intention to depart the Frauenbundesliga at the end of her contract.

Ahead of the Lionesses’ meeting with Ukraine in Turkey on Tuesday afternoon, Stanway said she was very close to announcing her new club. “I’m very close. I’ve had lots of talks with people, also talks with Sarina, and you’ll find out sooner or later,” she told journalists.

Enjoyed Successful Seven Year Stint at City

Stanway enjoyed a successful seven year stint at Manchester City before joining Bayern, but she has been repeatedly linked with Arsenal this year. The Gunners are believed to be front runners for her signature as they look to strengthen their midfield options ahead of next season.

Stanway also reflected on how much she had enjoyed her time at Bayern and how challenging it had been to make the decision to leave. “It was really difficult. I’ve absolutely loved my time at Bayern. Honestly, joining the club has probably been one of the best decisions I ever made in my life. From the moment I got there, it felt like home.”

Never Want to Get Over It

The England international continued, “It was a really difficult decision to tell them that I wasn’t going to be re-signing, and that’s because I still love it there. I’ve kind of come to the conclusion that I want to always have good memories at Bayern. I never want to get to the point where I’m not enjoying something, or I’m a little bit over it.”

Bayern face Manchester United in the quarter finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League later this month, with Stanway hoping to end her German adventure on a high note.

Also read: Manchester City Women Trigger One Year Extension on Vivianne Miedema Contract as Netherlands Star Set to Remain at Joie Stadium Until Summer 2027

West Ham have signed Norway international Tuva Hansen from Bayern Munich as Rita Guarino continues to strengthen her struggling squad. The 28-year-old defender switches to the Women’s Super League, having won three consecutive Frauen Bundesliga titles in Germany and played in the Champions League.

With 60 international caps, Hansen has also represented her country at the World Cup and Euros. This is exactly the kind of experienced, winning mentality player West Ham desperately needs as they battle relegation from the WSL. Hansen is the Hammers’ fourth signing of this month’s transfer window, following Estelle Cascarino, Ria Bose, and Anna Josendal.

Leadership Qualities and Winning Mentality

Club head coach Guarino praised Hansen’s qualities. “Tuva has been a key player for her previous club and the national team over many years, and I’m sure she will be a real asset for this group. She will bring leadership qualities, versatility and game management both in and out of possession.”

This is smart recruitment from West Ham, who sit second bottom of the WSL table with just five points from 13 matches. Adding a player with Hansen’s pedigree and experience could be crucial to their survival hopes.

Three Bundesliga Titles Before WSL Switch

Hansen moved to Bayern Munich in January 2023 after claiming two Toppserien league titles in Norway with SK Brann. She has been a key part of Bayern’s dominance in Germany over the past three years, winning the Bundesliga in each of her seasons at the club.

“The WSL has grown a lot over the last couple of years so I’m excited by the challenge and to test myself against the best teams in the world,” Hansen said. Neither the length of the deal nor any transfer fee were announced, but this signing represents a major coup for West Ham in their fight for survival.

Also read: West Ham Women Forward Completes Permanent Transfer to Deportivo Toluca After 17 Month Spell in East London