By Catherine MacKenzie (26/08/2025)
Above: The qualifying draw. Photo: UEFA.com
Manchester United face Dutch opposition as they open their European campaign, facing PSV Eindhoven in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL).
United managed a third-place finish in the 2024-25 WSL season, meaning they enter UWCL qualifying in the second round. They have a huge chance to reach the competition proper for the first time, but face tough Dutch opposition in a side that pushed FC Twente to the final day of last season’s Eredivisie title race. Whilst they eventually lost out on goal difference, PSV’s record in the 2024-25 season was impressive.
Although it is difficult to compare across leagues due to the difference in competitiveness and strength of the opposition, comparing PSV and United in terms of goals scored and goals conceded ends in two wins for the Dutch team. Whilst United conceded 16 and scored 41 in 22 games, PSV conceded 13 and scored 58 in the same number of games.
A deeper statistical comparison isn’t possible, as far less data is available for the Eredivisie. While United’s numbers are clear (2.8 big chances and 13.3 shots per game), there’s little equivalent data to measure against.
PSV in the UWCL
Their first appearance in the UWCL was in the 2020–21 season, after finishing second in the league. They entered in the qualifying rounds and reached the Round of 32, where they were eliminated by FC Barcelona 8-2 on aggregate. In 2021-22, they were eliminated 3-1 by Arsenal, and did not qualify again until this season, finishing second in the league, behind FC Twente on goal difference.
PSV are generally a tough team to break down: their style of play emphasizes compact defending and quick transitions, making them dangerous on the counter. In the Eredivisie, they often line up in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, pressing high and using wide players to stretch opponents. In their previouus UWCL forays, they have tended to sit a lot deeper, but it will be interesting to see how they face United.
Players to watch
PSV have been dealt a huge blow this season, with captain Gwyneth Hendriks out for the rest of the year with an ACL injury. They are also missing Veerle Buurman, who completed her transfer to Chelsea this summer – the teenager had a standout season last time out, which led to her becoming a consistent starter for the Netherlands national team.
Whilst missing players defensively, PSV have a range of options in attack. There is the experienced Netherlands international Renate Jansen – the 34 year old scored 13 goals in 22 league games last season. On the wing, there is the 22 year old Swiss International Riola Xhemaili, who scored 10 goals last season and stood out during the European Championships this summer.
In January, PSV acquired Fenna Kalma from VfL Wolfsburg, bringing the Dutch player back to the Eredivisie. She was the first player to score 30 goals in a single Eredivise season (for FC Twente), and has experience of the UWCL from her time with the German side.
PSV Technical Manager Maud Roetgering has lauded Kalma’s attacking talent: “She has proven time and again how effective she is. Her shots rarely miss the target and she is also a constant threat in the air. We are enormously looking forward to seeing her in action.”
Manchester United in the UWCL
United have the chance to get through UWCL qualifying for the first time – their only previous experience in Europe’s top competition came in 2023, when they lost their qualifying two-legged tie against PSG 4-2 on aggregate. Asked in his pre-match press conference how his team have changed since their previous qualifying campaign, United head coach Marc Skinner suggested experience will be key for the Red Devils: “I have no doubt we will be more prepared in terms of experience,” adding that “I believe in this group of people”.
Players to watch
Ella Toone is in electric form following her return from injury earlier this year. The midfielder scored five goals and notched two assists in the second half of the league season, alongside two goals and two assists in England’s triumphant Euros campaign. With a hattrick against Manchester City and a brace for England in a friendly against Jamaica, Toone is on fine form heading into the UWCL qualifiers.
United have had a quiet summer transfer window, with only two incomings – Swedish internationals Fridolina Rolfö and Julia Zigiotti Olme. The duo regularly play together for Sweden, and it will be interesting to see if their existing relationship on the pitch can be utilised by United. In addition, both are experienced in the UWCL – Rolfö even scored the winning goal in a UWCL final, securing the title for FC Barcelona against former club VfL Wolfsburg in 2023.
Speaking about Rolfö, Skinner said: “She has the quality not only with the ball but off the ball as well to do exactly what we want of her, so we see her as an attacking threat and one that we are looking forward to unleashing.”
Prediction
It is always difficult to predict such fixtures because of the lack of concrete data from the Eredivise. On paper, United have the stronger team and should be able to win with relative ease, particularly given the changes to PSV’s backline. However, PSV tend to be well organised and pose an offensive threat; they have the potential to pose an upset.
Manchester United v PSV takes place on Wednesday 27th August 2025 at 11:00 BST, in Stockholm, Sweden. It will be broadcast on MUTV.
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