Manchester United sign Jayde Riviere, loan in Estelle Cascarino

Manchester United Women announced the acquisition of a couple of much needed reinforcements on Saturday, bolstering the midfield and defense ahead of what they will hope is a decent title charge and qualification for the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Canada and former University of Michigan player Jayde Riviere signed a deal with the club that runs through Summer 2025. At 21-years old, the defender offers plenty of promise for the coming years, but she’s already experienced football at the top level. With her national team, Riviere became an Olympic Gold Medalist at the Tokyo 2020 games, and has twice featured in the runners up team at CONCACAF tournaments.

“I am a huge Manchester United fan, so this is a dream come true for me to sign here,” she said in her first interview since joining the club. “I’m really looking forward to developing and learning at this huge football club, and I can’t wait to use all my playing attributes to help us achieve our joint goals on the pitch.”

But that’s not all!

Not long after the first announcement, United confirmed the loan signing of Paris Saint-Germain and France midfielder, Estelle Cascarino.

Cascarino has featured in some strong PSG and Lyon sides in her professional career, with her search for regular football taking her to the French capital, and eventually to Carrington where she joins up with the Reds for the remainder of the 2022/23 season.

“I am so happy and excited to be here,” Cascarino said. “I want to grow as a player and a person, and help the team win trophies. On the pitch I am a fighter and like to help the team in both attack and defence. I cannot wait to get started here in England.”

With United currently in second place in the FA Women’s Super League table, there is hope, and perhaps more importantly confidence, that now more than ever they can challenge for silverware against the best in England. In order to do so they needed to strengthen the squad this season, and appear to have done so with these two moves.