Keira Barry has explained her decision to leave Manchester United for National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Bay FC.
Keira Barry explains decision to join Bay FC
Bay FC signing Keira Barry came through the academy of Manchester United, making two senior appearances for the club.
She has also spent loan spells with Sunderland and Crystal Palace over recent years, but has struggled to break into United’s senior team.
Speaking to Bay FC’s website, Barry said: “When the opportunity to join Bay FC came up, it felt like the right move straight away.
“After speaking with Emma and meeting (Sporting Director) Matt Potter and the staff, it was clear that the club’s values, ambition and people aligned with what I’m looking for at this stage of my career.
“I’m excited for the challenge of playing in a new league, testing myself against top players and experiencing life in the U.S.
“I believe this is the perfect environment to continue pushing my game forward, and I’m looking forward to showing Bay FC fans what I can bring.”
Barry also sent a farewell message to Manchester United fans on Instagram, in which players including Ella Toone and Gabby George wished her good luck.
She joins English defender Anouk Denton, who also left West Ham for Bay FC.
🤝 Keira Barry has departed the club to join Bay FC.
Everyone at United wishes you all the best in the US, Keira — we'll follow your career with interest 🔴 pic.twitter.com/VVoUL9hBZm
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) February 4, 2026
Who is Keira Barry?
Barry is an England U23 international, where she was coached by current Bay FC manager Emma Coates.
After Barry signed her four-year contract through 2029, Coates said: “Having worked closely with Keira in England, I’ve seen firsthand the relentless energy and technical quality she brings.
“She is a brave, forward-thinking winger who isn’t afraid to take players on and create something out of nothing. Keira has a professional pedigree that fits perfectly with the culture we are building here. We want to be a team that attacks variety, pace and purpose, and Keira is a ‘front-foot’ player who will give us exactly that.”
Barry was handed her Manchester United debut against Sheffield United in 2022.
After a loan spell with Crystal Palace in 2023-24, she was part of United’s Women’s Sevens tournament squad in Portugal last May.
She scored three goals in 12 appearances for WSL 2 side Sunderland on loan this season.
Barry will hope to make a big contribution to the Bay FC side in 2026, after they failed to qualify for the NWSL Playoffs last season.
