She made 21 appearances in the Women’s Super League (WSL) last season, scoring five goals. She was part of the City side that won the FA Cup in 2020 and League Cup in 2019 and 2022.
Clinton joined United from Everton in 2022 and featured 21 times in the WSL last season, scoring eight goals.
Speaking about Clinton ahead of United’s Champions League qualifier against PSV, Skinner said: “Grace, we’re going to monitor and see how she is. Coming out of the back of the Euros, she has, again, just a little niggle that we’re managing.”
Asked about reported interest in the midfielder, he replied: “Right now, I’ve not been told anything of the sorts. Look, I’m sure there are people interested in Grace, because she’s a fantastic footballer, but the reality is, the club have not told me anything of that. As I am now, I am preparing for the Champions League tomorrow and Grace is progressing nicely to being part of our squad going forwards.”
This is a convenient move for all parties involved. Both players’ contracts were due to expire at the end of the season, making them free agents, and both evidently wanted to leave instead of signing a new deal. United have previous experience of players such as Alessia Russo and Mary Earps running down their contracts and did not want to go down the same route.
What is particularly intriguing from a fan perspective is that players are swapping for rival clubs and Clinton has moved from a side in the Champions League to one who is not.
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Each club is due to sign a highly talented England international with WSL experience who can hit the ground running. United will be particularly pleased with the signing of Park who wants regular gametime.
She has Champions League experience and a skilful, no-nonsense midfielder who brings plenty of energy, can turn out of tight spaces and drive at opponents. Park also has an eye for goal, as demonstrated in England’s 1-0 win over Spain in February. United have depth in midfield, especially given the summer signing of Julia Zigiotti Olme and the bright prospect of Simi Awujo, and Park will be competing for the No 10 role alongside Ella Toone. Park could also play wide on the right and come inside into the pocket.
Clinton is more of a versatile midfielder, a hybrid between a No 8 and No 10, and will be competing primarily with newcomer Sydney Lohmann. Having signed for United in 2022, she wanted more game-time in 2023-24 and got it during her season-long loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur. She has not reached the same level at United. Graceful on the ball, she can link play well and is a goalscoring threat.
(Photo: Carl Recine/Getty Images; Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
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