Why Manchester United's max exodus of players is nothing to worry about

What on earth is going on at Carrington? That door must be constantly revolving as players enter and leave Manchester United Women.

What's shocking is talk of last year's disastrous ‘max exodus’ from their local rivals, City. Nine players left the club after the Euros triumph, many key figures and three retirees. It's also no secret that the City's recruitment plan has been insufficient, failing to change players’ minds before penning a deal elsewhere. The same issue seems to rear its ugly head, in Red.

Already, 11 players have left Leigh Sports Village on a permanent deal, Ona Batlle, Maria Thorisdottir and Alessia Russo have jumped ship to Barcelona, Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal.

Players who were out on loan last season, Tara Bourne, Jade Moore and Emily Ramsey have parted ways with the club after seeing out their contract, as has Aissatou Tounkara.

Kirsty Hanson makes her loan move with Aston Villa permanent after shining bright under Carla Ward and Chloe Williams makes her loan move to Blackburn Rovers permanent, as does Niamh Murphy.

January loan signing Estelle Cascarino moved back to Paris-Saint Germain after a short spell at United with barely any game time - what was the point in that I wonder? The United boss Marc Skinner has also sent Keira Barry, Grace Clinton and Bella Reidford out on loan.

But - and it’s a very big but - United have managed to scoop up international talents for the 2023/24 season. Welsh centre-back Gemma Evans, Brazilian striker Geyse, English prodigy defender Evie Rabjohn and midfielder Scottish Emma Watson with Japanese attacker, and World Cup 2023 Golden Boot winner Hinata Miyazawa on the way - which has raised some eyebrows.

Is there a statement of intent here in Skinner's