Media Kampung – 21 Maret 2026 | Manchester United’s men and women’s squads faced contrasting fortunes this week, with the women’s side held to a goalless draw while the men’s team dealt with controversial refereeing decisions.
In the Women’s Super League, United played West Ham at Chigwell Construction Stadium and the match ended 0-0, leaving United third in the table, eight points behind leaders Manchester City.
United’s coach Marc Skinner said his side struggled to create clear chances and criticized a denied penalty for Germany forward Lea Schüller.
The referee’s decision sparked debate on the use of VAR in the women’s league, a technology still not universally applied.
United managed 13 shots and an expected‑goals value of 1.03 but failed to convert any, highlighting a lack of attacking penetration.
Forward Melvine Malard’s substitution in the 56th minute briefly revived United’s offense, yet West Ham’s defense held firm.
The draw also saw West Ham maintain pressure, with Viviane Asseyi forcing United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis‑Joyce into a save from a free header.
Meanwhile, the men’s squad experienced a contentious moment when Amad Diallo was denied a clear penalty before Harry Maguire received a red card, leaving the team baffled.
The incident occurred in a recent Premier League fixture and intensified criticism of officiating standards.
In another league match, United drew 1-1 with Bournemouth, a game dominated by VAR debates after a late equaliser was confirmed.
Fernandes expressed frustration over the technology, claiming it disrupted the flow of play and affected the outcome.
Beyond the pitch, United’s midfielder Celin Bizet Donnum shared her personal milestone, announcing she is expecting her first child in 2026.
The 24-year‑old Norway international, who has been a regular winger for the Red Devils, described balancing motherhood and a professional career as a “natural thing.”
Bizet Donnum told BBC Women’s Football Weekly that the prospect of missing a season was frightening, yet she feared not having a child while still playing even more.
Former England striker Ellen White, a guest on the podcast, recounted how many female players postpone motherhood until retirement due to uncertainty about club support.
White noted that concerns over security, judgment, and the ability to return to top form often drive the decision to delay having children.
Recent examples of women footballers balancing both roles include Aston Villa’s Missy Bo Kearns, United’s teammate Hannah Blundell, and Birmingham City striker Simone Magill, though Bizet Donnum emphasized these cases remain rare.
FIFA’s 2024 regulation now guarantees at least 14 weeks of paid maternity leave for female players and coaches, as well as provisions for adoption and family leave, aiming to protect athletes during pregnancy.
The new rules also allow clubs to register players returning from leave outside the normal window and to temporarily replace them, providing greater flexibility.
United’s women’s side will continue training under these safeguards, with the club reaffirming its commitment to supporting Bizet Donnum’s return after childbirth.
On the league front, United must recover lost points to rejoin the title race, as City and Chelsea extend their lead in the standings.
The combination of on‑field challenges and off‑field developments underscores a pivotal period for Manchester United across both genders.
Fans and analysts alike will watch how the club navigates performance issues, refereeing controversies, and evolving player welfare policies.
The coming months will test United’s depth and adaptability, especially as key players balance personal milestones with competitive demands.
Overall, Manchester United remains a prominent name in English football, but recent setbacks highlight the need for strategic adjustments.
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