Manchester United officially recalled 19-year-old midfielder Emma Watson from her season-long loan at Crystal Palace on January 12, 2026.

The Scotland international was set to spend the entire campaign at the South London club but returned to her parent club at the halfway point.
Watson becomes the third Manchester United player recalled this January window following Evie Rabjohn and Keira Barry as head coach Marc Skinner strategically reshapes his squad depth for the title push ahead.

Crystal Palace Development Period

Watson joined Crystal Palace in August 2025 on a season-long loan after spending the previous campaign on loan at Everton. During her time at Palace, she made eight competitive appearances and scored two goals, including an assist against Sunderland in October.

She earned the TEN Player of the Month award following impressive displays throughout October when she scored a brace against Ipswich Town. Her performances demonstrated maturity and composure as she adapted quickly to senior football demands despite her young age and new surroundings.

Manchester United’s Strategic Recruitment Window

Watson returns to Carrington as Manchester United completed signings of Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich and Hanna Lundkvist from San Diego Wave.

The club aims to build squad depth across all positions for their title challenge and four-competition objectives. Watson made her Manchester United debut in November 2024 during a Women’s League Cup group-stage clash with Everton before scoring her first goal against Newcastle United in the same competition. An anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained while on international duty in September 2023 initially impacted her development but she has since returned to full fitness.

Uncertain Future Path

Manchester United has not confirmed whether Watson will feature in first team plans or could be sold to another club during the remainder of the January window. Her return provides Marc Skinner with attacking midfield options as United bid to challenge Manchester City for the league title while maintaining their Champions League and domestic cup ambitions.

Also read: After two-and-a-half years, Janice Cayman departs Leicester City for PSV

Arsenal Women host Manchester United on Saturday in a crucial six pointer for Champions League qualification. The Gunners sit just one point above United in the WSL table and victory at Emirates Stadium would give them a strong buffer, while defeat leaves them playing catch up in the race for Europe.

The match marks Arsenal’s return from the winter break following a busy week that saw Renee Slegers sign a new contract and Jodie Taylor promoted to Technical Director. However, the immediate focus is on securing three points against Marc Skinner’s side in what promises to be a tense encounter.

Kick-off: 12:30 GMT, Saturday, January 11, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
TV: Sky Sports (UK)

Cooney Cross Absent For Personal Reasons

Arsenal will be without Kyra Cooney Cross who has returned to Australia for personal reasons. Daphne van Domselaar is not quite ready to return from a quad injury while Chloe Kelly remains out with a knee problem. Jenna Nighswonger will not be in the matchday squad as she negotiates a loan move.

New signing Smilla Holmberg from Hammarby will be in the squad alongside recalled goalkeeper Naomi Williams. Manu Zinsberger and Katie Reid are out with ACL injuries. The absence of Cooney Cross means Mariona will likely drop into the deeper midfield role she has occupied for much of the last year.

United Strengthened in January

Manchester United have been busy in the transfer window, adding full back Hanna Lundkvist from San Diego Wave and centre forward Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich. Skinner was dealt a poor hand over the summer with a very small squad handling Champions League qualifiers and the group phase.

Predicted Lineup:

Arsenal (4-3-3): Borbe; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Little, Mariona, Maanum; Mead, Russo, Smith

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Tullis Joyce; Lundkvist, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg; Miyazawa, Zigiotti; Park, Malard, Awujo; Schuller

Also read: Arsenal Women disable social media comments after sexist backlash to new signing

Manchester United Women have recalled Keira Barry and Evie Rabjohn from their loan spells at Sunderland after just over six months in the Championship.

The duo return to Old Trafford to reinforce Marc Skinner’s squad as United compete across four competitions in the second half of the season.

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Barry proved more influential during her time with the Black Cats, scoring three goals in 11 appearances. Rabjohn featured just six times in the Championship as the 20-year-old continues her gradual return from an ACL injury sustained last season.

Limited Funds for January Business

Skinner made it clear before the winter break that United could be busy in the January transfer window. The Red Devils have already recruited Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich in a statement signing, but much like the men’s team, United Women don’t have significant funds to work with this month.

It remains unknown whether Skinner will dip back into the market before the window closes. With United still competing in four competitions, reinforcements may be needed given the amount of football remaining before the end of the season.

Other Loanees Remain at Clubs

Barry and Rabjohn weren’t the only Manchester United players sent on loan this season. Lucy Newell has been playing for Birmingham City while Jess Simpson took her talents to Southampton for the campaign.

Emma Watson completes the list of loanees, currently playing for Everton where she has struggled for game time. There is no indication United will recall any other players from their loans as they would have already made that decision early in the window.

The returns provide Skinner with additional depth as United look to maintain their top four position in the WSL.

Also read: Arsenal Women Set to Recall Goalkeeper Naomi Williams From Bristol City Loan Spell After Injury To Key Star