Lionesses star Grace Clinton has questioned the future of the Manchester United Women's team after snubbing the Red Devils for rivals Manchester City. The 22-year-old completed a move to join City on the last day of the WSL transfer window.
It brought to an end a successful three-year spell for Clinton with the Red Devils. But since leaving, she has fired a message at her former employers, claiming that she does not agree with the direction that the club is going in.
Taking to Instagram, she wrote: “Thank you, Manchester United. Me and the club have taken the decision to part ways over the past few days.
“To our supporters, from the day I signed as a teenager I was overwhelmed by your support for me and the team. You are an unbelievable fanbase and always our 12th player.
“This has been a very difficult decision for me because of the love I have for my teammates and for you, the fans. However, I feel the future of the club and I aren't on the same page.
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“For me personally, the next step is about growth, I want to continue to develop and learn. Thank you for everything.”
Meanwhile, in her first interview with City, Clinton explained that the style of play was a real selling point for switching across Manchester. She said: “It feels amazing. I’m so excited. I love the way Manchester City play, and it’s been tough to play against them in the past so I’m excited to be here and meet the girls.
“City, for me, has always played an amazing style of football. Keeping the ball, it looks lovely, and there are amazing players [here].”
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The midfielder also claimed that the chance to link up with a number of her international teammates including Alex Greenwood, Lauren Hemp and Khiara Keating was too good of an opportunity to turn down.
“I know the quality of those girls and I’m quite an adventurous person anyway. I like to go out of my comfort zone,” Clinton added.
“It was exciting to speak to them, and I’ve spoken to them for a little while and they said good things about the club and it’s an amazing prospect for me.”
Clinton has so far earned 16 caps for the Lionesses and scored three goals. Clinton was a member of the squad that won Euro 2025 and she came on as a substitute in the final against Spain, which Sarina Wiegman’s side won on penalties.
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