Newcastle United Women boss sends message to Manchester United ahead of FA Cup tie

Newcastle United Women are preparing for their biggest test since turning professional last summer as they travel to face Manchester United Woman in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Lady Magpies were unbeaten in 2023 and have not tasted defeat since losing to Wolves Women in December 2022, so it’s no surprise confidence is sky-high.

Lasses boss Becky Langley is confident heading into the fixture knowing that Newcastle have been working hard and against the elements this week - all the while the Red Devils have not played a competitive game since December 7.

Newcastle are set to take three full buses of fans down to Leigh Sports Village this morning, and they will be excited to see how their team compares to the Women’s Super League standard.

“I think it is [a good time to play Man United] for us because we’ve got that confidence from an unbeaten 2023,” said Langley in her pre-match press conference.

“Manchester United are away in Malta on a [warm weather] camp and we’re very humble that we are out in the freezing cold and pouring rain in Newcastle day in and day out putting in the graft.”

Man United would usually rotate their side for a clash against a team in Tier Three of Women’s football but Newcastle are no usual FA Women's National League North outfit.

Langley’s side are the first-ever team to turn professional and full-time in Tier Three. So far, they've reaped the rewards by sitting top of the division. And Langley has warned Marc Skinner to not take them lightly.

“We’re planning on them starting their strongest team,” Langley admitted. “If they don’t and they rest some players, put in some younger and more inexperienced players then that’s a bonus for us.

“It will give us more excitement and motivation seeing those players warm up. We want them to play their best players and test ourselves against the best but if they don’t, then we will look to exploit those younger and inexperienced players and see what damage we can do.”

There are currently 20 places between the two sides, but Newcastle have nothing to lose and everything to gain, so Langley will send her stars out to put in a performance to be proud of.