Manchester United have sealed the signing of Diane Caldwell on WSL transfer deadline day, with the defender joining the club on a short-term contract until the end of the season.
The 33-year-old Republic of Ireland international arrives in Manchester following a spell in the USA with North Carolina Courage in 2021. The experienced defender has also spent time in Germany, Norway and her home country.
Speaking about the move, Caldwell said: “Today is one of the most special moments in my life so far. As a lifelong United fan, it’s a dream to sign for the club and it’s a big moment for me and my family.
“I’m so grateful to be here and will wear the badge with so much pride. The team are in great form, playing attractive football, and Marc is doing a fantastic job; I just can’t wait to meet everyone and get straight down to business on the pitch.”
Manager Marc Skinner added: “Diane has great composure and versatility, and I have no doubt that she will be a fantastic asset to the team during her time here.
“Diane is also a great character, I always talk about having the right people in our environment, and she is the ultimate professional who possesses those important traits and leadership skills which will help continue to develop the incredible team spirit within this group. We are all really looking forward to working with Diane.”
Caldwell arrives as much-needed defensive cover ahead of the second half of the season, with Millie Turner’s recent health concerns and ‘indefinite’ absence leaving United with only two other available first-team centre-backs in Aoife Mannion and Maria Thorisdottir.
United have kept four consecutive WSL clean sheets and have found their goalscoring touch at the other end of the table to rise firmly into the battle for Champions League places. But the sudden lack of defensive cover until now threatened to make even just one more injury extremely costly.
United had also hoped to land a forward this month and were initially keen on Stina Blackstenius, only to see the Sweden international join Arsenal instead.
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