Grace Clinton set to debut at Old Trafford after breakthrough year

Grace Clinton, a 21-year-old England midfielder, is set to make her competitive debut for Manchester United at Old Trafford in the WSL opener against West Ham on September 21. After a breakthrough season where she was named the Professional Footballers’ Association’s young player of the year, Clinton is returning to United after successful loan spells at Tottenham. She is embracing the challenges ahead, feeling both familiar and new among her teammates as she prepares for the upcoming season. Recently, Clinton participated in a grassroots football event in Macclesfield, engaging with over 500 children and promoting the women’s game. This involvement reflects her commitment to being a role model for young players. Accompanied by her sister, she demonstrated her approachable nature while signing autographs and interacting with fans. Clinton's recent experiences include a memorable debut for the England national team, where she scored in a 7-2 victory against Austria. This match ignited her passion for playing in front of large crowds, describing the atmosphere at Wembley as addictive. As she gears up for the new season, she is looking forward to a training camp in Marbella, which promises intense sessions aimed at enhancing her performance. Head coach Marc Skinner has plans to utilize Clinton in a more dynamic box-to-box role, emphasizing her potential to contribute both offensively and defensively. With her recent accolades and the support of her teammates, Clinton is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season, continuing to grow as a player and a leader in women’s football.