Arsenal made a world-record offer for a women's goalkeeper for Mary Earps; United signed keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Irene Guerrero and Gabby George on Deadline Day; Melvine Malard was confirmed on Friday; The new WSL season kicks off on October 1, live on Sky Sports
Friday 15 September 2023 12:57, UK
Mary Earps is staying at Manchester United until at least January.
Last month, United turned down a world-record offer for a goalkeeper in the women's game from Arsenal for the England No 1.
United are refusing to sell even though Earps will be out of contract next summer.
Sky Sports News understands United have a challenge to convince her to commit her longer-term future to the club.
United have signed goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce on Deadline Day in a £100,000 move from OL Reign.
Marc Skinner's side announced on Thursday the signing of Spanish World Cup winner Irene Guerrero from Atletico Madrid and Everton defender Gabby George for £150,000.
George, who spent 10 seasons at Everton, said: "It's been a surreal day. As a massive Manchester United fan, I'm buzzing to be here. It's the club I've supported since I was born, and I'm delighted to come back. This club means a lot to me and my family, and it's where we want to be."
United also confirmed the signing of Lyon forward Melvine Malard on Friday on a season-long loan. The 23-year-old agreed the move before the deadline.
Sky Sports News reporter Anton Toloui:
"Manchester United have turned down big money for Mary Earps previously in the window and any team who wanted to sign Mary Earps had to not just break but smash the world record for a women's player.
"They are backing themselves to convince Earps that Manchester United is the place to be, that the new players are going to settle and United are taking steps forward, not back.
"But they're missing two of their players - it's a lot of pressure on Geyse Da Silva Ferreira, Hinata Miyazawa, Irene Guerrer and the new players to come in, gel quickly and challenge Chelsea.
"How Manchester United start the season is going to be crucial to what happens to Mary Earps next.
"If United falter in their title challenge early - you only play 22 games in WSL so if you fall behind early, it's difficult to come back and mount a title challenge - then United will want to avoid the situation of Alessia Russo where they turned down big money for her and then lost her to rivals Arsenal on a free."
The WSL starts on Sunday October 1 with six matches, including reigning champions Chelsea vs Tottenham live on Sky Sports at 5.30pm.
Some WSL sides have already begun their pre-season training, with England players expected to return to their respective squads in the next couple of weeks, before then regrouping for the Nations League.
After the Lionesses' European Championship win last year there were record-breaking ticket sales across the WSL, with many hoping this summer's World Cup campaign, where they reached the final, will bring even more eyes to the league.
