Manchester United officially recall midfielder from Crystal Palace

Manchester United are gearing up for a crucial stretch in the Premier League, with key fixtures against top-six rivals and the Manchester derby next on the agenda.

The Red Devils are also managing players returning from international duty and younger talents pushing for minutes.

Off the pitch, the club continues to navigate ownership scrutiny and fan unrest after a mixed season so far.

Meanwhile, the women’s team is making strategic adjustments to ensure depth and competitiveness as they aim to challenge on multiple fronts this season.

Head coach Marc Skinner has been busy tweaking his squad ahead of a demanding fixture schedule, adding reinforcements and recalling players from loan spells.

Manchester United Women have officially recalled midfielder Emma Watson from her loan at Crystal Palace, as announced on the clubs website.

Emma Watson, 19, had joined the Eagles on a season-long deal in August and made six appearances in WSL 2, helping the London club as they sit sixth in the table.

The midfielder initially made her Reds debut in November 2024 during a Women’s League Cup group-stage clash with Everton, scoring her first United goal later in the same competition against Newcastle United.

Watson is the third United player to be recalled this window, following Evie Rabjohn and Keira Barry, as Skinner strengthens his squad.

The move comes as part of a broader plan to reinforce the squad while balancing departures, with Hannah Blundell leaving for Everton until the end of the campaign and new additions Hanna Lundkvist and Lea Schuller joining the team.

Skinner emphasised the importance of squad depth, saying the Reds are determined to fight on all four fronts this season.

Watson’s return adds another option in midfield as United Women push for strong performances across league and cup competitions.