Manchester United Women have officially announced that Melvine Malard has signed on a permanent deal from Olympique Lyonnais Féminin.
The team have had a difficult start to pre-season so far as Ineos have been criticised for their perceived lack of commitment to the women’s side, when they were seemingly ignored during the new owners’ plans to revamp the Carrington training ground.
Marc Skinner’s team have already lost some key experience this pre-season as former captain Katie Zelem and star player, Mary Earps, have both left the club.
Spanish striker Lucia Garcia has also departed to Rayadas de Monterrey in Mexico.
Therefore, the re-signing of last year’s loanee Malard will come as welcome news for fans of the club.
She has signed a deal until the 2026/27 season according to the club’s official website.
This is your home. This is where you belong ❤️
🇫🇷 @MelvineMalard is United and we wouldn’t have it any other way 💫 #MUWomen
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) July 12, 2024
The 24 year old striker made 29 appearances for the team last season, scoring seven goals in total.
Speaking on her happiness to have finally signed permanently for the Old Trafford side she said, “I am very happy to make my stay here at Manchester United permanent, after this great club and this great city became my home last season.”
“Here I felt loved. Thank you to the fans for welcoming me so well – I will do what it takes to give you even more than last season and I look forward to more winning seasons together.”
Her coach Marc Skinner was also delighted with the deal commenting “Melvine is an excellent character on and off the pitch, with winning pedigree, who we are delighted to see join our Manchester United family on a permanent basis.”
Malard will hope to build on her FA Cup’s winner medal and help the squad qualify for the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.
The French international will continue to bring a wealth of trophy winning experience as she lifted Europe’s most elite trophy four times with Lyon, most recently in 2022.
