Manchester United to battle Paris Saint-Germain in their first Women’s Champions League outing

MANCHESTER UNITED will face a potentially tricky test against Paris Saint-Germain in their first foray in the Women’s Champions League. 

The Red Devils and their French opponents are competing in round two of the qualifying stage of the contest.

GettyManchester United will face Paris Saint-Germain next month in a round two duel to qualify for the Champions League group stage[/caption]

GettyPSG reached last year’s Women’s Champions League quarter-finals where they were knocked out by Wolfsburg[/caption]

ReutersMelvine Malard has joined the Red Devils on loan from PSG’s rivals Lyon until the end of the 2023-24 season[/caption]

This phase decides which 12 teams will go on to join the group stage alongside teams who have already qualified for this part. 

These competitors include WSL champs Chelsea, last term’s contest winners Barcelona and French and German title-holders Lyon and Bayern Munich.

United’s tie will see Marc Skinners’ aces go up against last year’s quarter-finalists at home on the 10th or 11th of October. 

Their away leg against PSG, who have reached the Champions League final on two occasions, will be played on October 18 or 19. 

And the clash could see the club go up against ex-Red Devil Jackie Groenen in Europe for the first time since the midfielder’s move to PSG last September. 

United’s draw against Paris Saint-Germain comes on a day which saw the club unveil Melvine Malard as their last signing in this summer’s transfer window which closed at 11pm on Thursday. 

The France forward, 23, has joined Skinner’s side on loan from Lyon until the end of the 2023/24 season. 

Her arrival completes a busy transfer window for United as they aim to compete across all fronts after a second place finish in last term’s title race.

This summer saw Alessia Russo, Vilde Boe-Risa, Ona Batlle, Ivana Fuso and Martha Thomas among the players to leave the club. 

Their new arrivals included Wales international Gemma Evans, Brazil forward Geyse from Barcelona and Japan ace Hinata Miyazawa who won the Golden Boot at this year’s World Cup. 

GettyJapan forward Hinata Miyazawa is among the international aces who have joined Man United this summer[/caption]

Other players who sealed moves ahead of deadline day include former OL Reign goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce and Everton defender Gabby George. 

And the club retained the services of England number one keeper Mary Earps despite a record bid from WSL rivals Arsenal. 

The Women’s World Cup Golden Glove winner, who has been nominated for a Fifa best goalkeeper award, has one year left on her current contract.