Liverpool Women are in the midst of their pre-season preparations, with a recent fixture against Manchester United Women providing a key test. The match, on 23 August 2026, highlighted areas for development as the team builds towards the new FA Women's Super League season.
This comes after a challenging 2025 campaign where Liverpool Women finished 11th in the FA WSL. They amassed 17 points from 22 games, with a record of four wins, five draws, and thirteen losses. Their goal difference of -13, with 21 scored and 34 conceded, underlined the need for defensive solidity. The team ended the season 38 points behind champions Manchester City.
Coverage of the match included several sections relevant to Liverpool's build-up. One segment focused on Maya, a Liverpool player, discussing the value of learning from teammate Eva. This internal focus on player development is a central theme of the pre-season. Another section noted that Lucy Newell is set to represent England at the upcoming U20 World Cup.
Details of Manchester United's own summer transfer activity were also covered in a section titled 'United Women's summer ins and outs'. While this directly concerns the opposition, it provides context for the level of competition Liverpool Women will face in the WSL. Analysing such pre-season encounters is vital for manager Matt Beard and his staff as they finalise tactical plans.
Pre-season is a critical period for integrating ideas and building match fitness. The emphasis on learning suggests a strong collaborative environment within the Liverpool dressing room. This internal growth will be essential for improving on last season's league position.
The departure and arrival of players across the WSL changes the dynamic of the league each year. Liverpool Women will need to be adaptable. Assessing the current roster and potential formations is easier with a look at our official squad list, which details every contracted player.
The primary objective will be to convert more of their competitive performances into points. Last season's form line of LLLWD at the end of the campaign showed a team struggling for consistency. Addressing the defensive record, which saw them concede 34 goals, is a clear priority. Building a more resilient structure could turn narrow defeats into draws and draws into wins.
Scoring 21 goals last term also indicates room for greater attacking potency. Developing a more clinical edge in the final third will be another focus during these preparatory weeks. The entire league table from the 2025 season, showing the 38-point gap to the top, is available on our standings page for full context.
The immediate focus remains on fine-tuning through pre-season fixtures and internal development sessions. The insights gained from playing against top sides like Manchester United are invaluable. The club will look to carry any positive momentum from these preparations directly into their opening WSL fixtures.
The new season represents a fresh start and an opportunity to climb the table. With continued work on tactical organisation and taking lessons from experienced players within the group, Liverpool Women aim to establish a stronger platform for success in the 2026-27 FA Women's Super League.
