Fans have been left angered by Manchester United after it was reported that the women’s team had to pay for their own flights back from a Champions League qualifier.
United played PSV and Hammarby in qualifiers earlier this month at a neutral venue in Sweden.
Why did Manchester United women pay for flights?
Manchester United booked a flight back from Sweden for the whole team, but it required a stopover for players who would arrive home at 10pm.
There was however a direct flight available to Manchester which the team were told they could book themselves.
With the domestic season just one week away from starting, some players decided to book the direct flight to avoid any added stress on the way home.
Those players who chose the direct flight had to pay for the trip out of their own pocket.
🚨 | #MUWomen players paid for their own flights back from Sweden after winning their Champions League qualifying games.
Direct flights from Stockholm to Manchester were available, but they would not accommodate all players and staff, meaning the club opted to book a flight… pic.twitter.com/pQ7tcG1j4G
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) September 1, 2025
There was a specific chartered flight out to Sweden for United, but the club decided against booking a return with the team forced to fly commercial.
Other WSL teams like Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City all flew chartered flights both ways for last season’s Champions League games.
United justified their decision to not fly back privately due to the eight-day gap until their first game of the season.
Manchester United statement
A spokesperson from Manchester United has released a statement following the controversy surrounding the flights.
Full statement from a Manchester United spokesperson on the story published in the Telegraph regarding some of the women’s team paying for flights home from their UWCL qualifier. #mufc pic.twitter.com/rsPv4BYSLI
— Emma Sanders (@em_sandy) September 1, 2025
Why is Manchester United women’s team being overlooked?
Fans and players alike have both been left frustrated by the club’s decision, with many pointing fingers at ownership that continues to view the women’s team as an afterthought.
Since buying Manchester United in 2024, sir Jim Ratcliffe still hasn’t attended a women’s game.
The co-owner also previously stated that the women’s side is “not a priority” compared to the men’s, calling it a “work in progress”.
Having signed only two players this summer in Fridolina Rolfö and Julia Zigiotti Olme, concern is continuing to grow for United’s women.
The good news for United is that they won both of their qualifiers against PSV and Hammarby in Sweden. After back to back wins, the Red Devils qualified for the third round of Champions League qualifiers.
The Red Devils have been drawn against SK Brann in the next qualifying round with the first leg taking place on September 11th.
In case you missed it, we’ve drawn SK Brann in the third qualifying round of the #UWCL… 🫡
The fixture details for the two-legged tie have now been confirmed 👀🗓️
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) September 1, 2025
United kick off their WSL campaign with a home game against Leicester City on Sunday, September 7th.
