Manchester United have added former West Ham striker Martha Thomas to their squad ahead of the upcoming 2020/21 WSL campaign, having seen the departures of five forwards since the end of last season – including Lauren James, Tobin Heath and Christen Press.
Scotland international Thomas, who was raised in Florida from the age of six, spent the last two years at West Ham after starting her club career in France with Le Havre. She had previously played college soccer in the United States at UNC Charlotte until 2017.
Thomas, 25, has signed a deal with United until 2023, with the option of an additional year.
“I’m excited to be joining Manchester United, I’ve been impressed with the success the club has had over the last few years and that was a real drive for me to come here,” she told ManUtd.com.
“I want to be enjoying my football again and I’m looking forward to challenging myself in this environment and being part of an attacking team where I can express myself.“My focus right now is on settling in and putting in the hard work at training, but I can’t wait for the season to start and to see all the fans back in the stadium.”
After a slow start to the transfer window, Thomas is the fifth new signing in quick succession to join United this summer, following the existing arrivals of midfielder Vilde Boe Risa, full-back Hannah Blundell, goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley and centre-back Aoife Mannion.
United fans will hope to see the club still bring in more players before the season begins in September, especially forwards after also letting go of Jane Ross and Jess Sigsworth in addition to the aforementioned James, Heath and Press.
Supporters are also still awaiting the formal appointment of a new manager to replace Casey Stoney, who resigned in May. Former Birmingham boss Marc Skinner is expected to get the job, having left his job at Orlando Pride in recent days.
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Source : 90min