England international Lucy Staniforth signs two-year deal with Manchester United

Manchester United have signed England international Lucy Staniforth on a two-year deal until the end of the 2021-22 season.

The 27-year-old midfielder left Birmingham City earlier this year following the expiry of her contract after a two-season spell. With 16 appearances for England, Staniforth was part of the 2019 World Cup squad and has played in the SheBelieves Cup in America for the last two seasons.

The Manchester United head coach Casey Stoney said: “She is a fantastic player who will add great depth to the strong midfield department we have built at the club. Lucy has so much experience in the women’s game, having made her senior debut at 16 years old, and I know she can utilise that experience for us both on and off the pitch. We’re really looking forward to working with her ahead of the new season.”

After reaching the FA Cup final with Sunderland aged 16, Staniforth left the club for Notts County after it ran into financial difficulties. Her early career was marred by two cruciate knee operations, and she has admitted that in terms of experience she is perhaps two or three years behind what her age would suggest. After spells at Bristol Academy, Liverpool and a return to Sunderland she was described as “one of the best young players in Europe” by the former England manager Mark Sampson.

She earned praise from Alan Shearer for her performance against Japan at the SheBelieves Cup in 2019 - during which she emulated his iconic celebration following her opening goal in England’s 3-0 win.

Staniforth said: “I’m really happy to have signed with Manchester United. It’s the biggest club in the world and I’m so proud to be part of it. I’ve been impressed with the performances from last season and the club’s future ambitions. I wanted to come here to win trophies and make history with this club, and I’m just excited to get started.”

United won promotion to the Women’s Super League at the first time of asking in 2019-20, finishing fourth in their first season in the top flight.