Manchester United Women have confirmed midfielder Vilde Boe Risa as their first signing of the summer.
United are still without a manager after Casey Stoney decided to leave the club following the conclusion of last season and are set to suffer another blow with star forward Lauren James heading for Chelsea.
Yet there has finally been some good news as United announced the signing of experienced Norwegian international Boe Risa, who has signed a two-year deal with the option for a further 12 months.
The 26-year-old has spent her career in Norway and Sweden, with stints at Arna-Bjornar, Goteborg FC and Sandviken, but has amassed 37 caps for her country and played a key role in Norway's run to the quarter-finals of the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.
“I’m happy to be here, at such a big club that I have grown up supporting," Boe Risa said.
"Manchester United is huge in Norway so to be able to come here and play for the team now is a dream come true. I am really looking forward to playing in the WSL and I want to help the team as much as I can in qualifying for the Champions League.
"I’m also excited to get to know my new teammates, and of course, I hope I can see the fans in the stadium soon too.”
Football director John Murtough added: “We’re delighted to welcome Vilde to the club, she has all the qualities required to be a Manchester United player and we know she can have a great impact here. She reads the game so well and is a fantastic playmaker with great vision and link-up play.
"Vilde brings leadership skills from her time in Sweden, along with Champions League experience, which is something the club is striving for. She is just one of a number of key signings we are making this summer as we look to build on last season with the women’s team."
