Manchester United will look to sign a new midfielder in January after Celin Bizet announced her pregnancy to the team this week.
Marc Skinner announced the news in his press conference on Friday morning.
Celin Bizet announces pregnancy
On Thursday, Norwegian midfielder Celin Bizet announced her pregnancy to Manchester United teammates.
Bizet will immediately leave the squad as she prepares to welcome her first child with husband and fellow footballer Aron Dønnum.
Marc Skinner was quick to congratulate his player on her good news however admitted that Bizet’s absence could be detrimental to the team.
Speaking at his press conference before United face West Ham this weekend, Skinner addressed his player’s absence.
“Congratulations to Aron and Celin, but from our perspective we will miss her,” Skinner said in his press conference. “Hopefully we will do some work in the transfer window to replace her.”
Congratulations to Celin Bizet Dønnum and husband Aron who have announced they are expecting their first child👶 #MUWomen pic.twitter.com/B9dCmPB4qV
— All For United WFC (@AllForUnitedWFC) December 4, 2025
United already have a thin squad as it is, with financial restrictions limiting the amount of signings they could make in the summer.
The club’s director of women’s football claimed that United were ‘letting the women’s team down‘ after the summer window, with the Red Devils not even able to name a full bench.
Bizet moved to Manchester from Tottenham in 2024. After struggling for game time to begin the season, Bizet started to gain a more regular role off the bench in the past month.
The Norway star featured three times at Euro 2025 for her nation but she played no part in their knockout loss to Italy.
Marc Skinner provides injury update
While United will lose Bizet now, the team is preparing to welcome back number one goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
Skinner provided a positive update on his keeper who is preparing to make her return to the squad.
“Phallon is ready,” he said. “She has been training for the last few days, she is ready for selection.”
The USWNT goalkeeper fractured an eye socket against Aston Villa and missed two games before the international break.
Skinner is sure to start Tullis-Joyce against West Ham in some positive team news for the club.
