Kirsty Hanson is one of Aston Villa's key players but Man United see her as part of their future

Manchester United sent Kirsty Hanson out on loan after four years with the club. On a quest to develop her game, she went for a spell at Aston Villa for the 2022/23 season, despite being part a major part of the inaugural United squad in the 2017-18 season. The 25-year-old scored three goals in nine games to kick off their second-tier campaign, aiding the club's push for promotion into the Women's Super League.

In 2021, the striker signed a new three-year deal with United after her dream start in the new United squad, keeping her in Red until 2024.

Yet, a year after putting pen to paper, she moved to Aston Villa for a season-long loan, and what a campaign she has had. A standout player who rattled Chelsea in their Vitality Women’s FA Cup semi-final just a few weeks ago. Her build-up play was exceptional and almost every run forward became a threat to Chelsea’s 1-0 lead, and has truly flourished as a player under the watchful eye of Carla Ward.

But United manager Marc Skinner still lays claim to the talented forward and keeps an eye on her development: “She's progressing exactly as we wished, hence the reason we sent her out on loan and I'm really excited to see what she can do. After the season we will review where she's at, but as it stands she’s part of the future of Manchester United.”

But, should Hanson return to the Red Devils?

Louise: Go and live it large at Villa.

This is a tough call if United keep performing as they are, they are well amid Champions League football which is every player's dream. I think most contracts at United are pending on this position alone.

But with Hanson, she was part of the youth system and the early days of United so there's some deep-set loyalty there, Manchester United is