Megan Rapinoe criticises Manchester United for taking so long to invest in Women’s side
World Cup-winner believes it has taken too long for English clubs to invest in women’s football
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
World Cup-winning United States midfielder Megan Rapinoe has denounced the lack of investment in women's football around the world, saying it is "disgraceful" that a club like Manchester United had taken so long to revive their team.
United faced criticism for not forming a team after their women's side was scrapped in 2005 and were granted a licence to play in the second tier Championship in 2018.
The team immediately earned promotion to the Women's Super League (WSL) and finished fourth in their maiden campaign in the top flight. They lead the table after six games this season following Sunday's 1-0 win over Arsenal.
"Women's football in England is the same as in America. It's so far behind because of what we've had to overcome in the lack of investment," Rapinoe told the BBC.
"It's 2020. How long has the Premier League been around? And we're only just seeing a club like Manchester United put effort and pounds towards a women's team? Frankly, it's disgraceful."
Several US women's international players have joined the WSL this season with Tobin Heath and Christen Press signing for United, Rose Lavelle and Sam Mewis moving to Manchester City and Alex Morgan sealing a loan switch to Tottenham Hotspur.
Rapinoe, who claimed the Ballon d'Or in 2019 after a career-defining year in which she won her second World Cup title, opted out of National Women's Soccer League competitions this year.
"I've had a few teammates go abroad and play, while I'm training and trying to keep fit in the hopes that eventually we'll be out of this hellscape," Rapinoe said.
"I want to keep playing. I'm definitely not anywhere near retirement - I absolutely want to play at the Olympics."
Reuters
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments