Manchester United confirmed Tuesday evening that defender Lucy Blundell is leaving the club after five seasons. The 32-year-old’s departure was announced via a short post on the team’s official website, ending a stint that included 95 appearances and three goals across all competitions.
Blundell originally joined United from Chelsea in the summer of 2021. She was part of the squad that won the Adobe Women’s FA Cup in the 2023-24 season and also played in the club’s first-ever UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign. That European run was a big deal for a program still finding its footing in the top flight.
But Blundell missed the entire 2024-25 season after becoming pregnant. She gave birth to her first child in March 2025 and returned to training last fall. After a handful of appearances for United, she spent the second half of this past season on loan at Everton, where she got consistent minutes again.
She’s not the only long-timer walking out the door. Forward Leah Galton is also leaving after eight years at Leigh Sports Village. Galton was part of the original United team that went professional in 2018-19 in the old FA Women’s Championship. She’s been a steady presence up front and a fan favorite for her work rate.
Two departures in one summer like this — it’s a notable shakeup for a team that’s been building continuity. United hasn’t said much beyond the confirmations. No press conference. No extended thank-you video. Just the announcement and then silence. That feels a little cold for players who helped establish the club’s women’s side from the ground up.
Blundell’s situation is a bit different since she was already on loan. But for Galton, eight years is a long time in women’s football, especially at a club that didn’t even have a professional team when she first showed up. She’s leaving as one of the last links to those early days.
Neither player has announced their next move. Blundell might look for a permanent home after the Everton loan. Galton could land anywhere in the WSL or maybe even abroad. United will need to fill those roster spots ahead of next season, and the transfer window is already open.
Fans online mostly shared appreciation posts. A few grumbled about the timing. But that’s football. Players come and go, even the ones who helped build something.
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