16 May 2023 , 17:10
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Former England and Chelsea striker Eni Aluko has praised Manchester United's rapid rise in the Women's Super League - and says the nail-biting title race this season is important for the game.
Aluko had successful 18-year playing career representing the likes of Chelsea, Birmingham City and Juventus. Since hanging up her boots in 2020, she's gone on to work as a pundit and taken on sporting director roles with Aston Villa Women and Angel City over in the United States.
The former striker was present at Wembley on Sunday to watch the FA Cup showpiece between her former club and United. Emma Hayes' side were narrow 1-0 winners on the day, but there's plenty to admire about the Manchester club's progress in recent years.
"United have been a surprise (this season)," Aluko told Mirror Football. "I didn’t expect them to push on so consistently. I think we forget they’ve only been in the league for four years, they’re quite a young side. Their progression has been incredible.
“I was at the cup final at the weekend and there wasn’t much between Chelsea and United on the day. The league could be different, this could be the first time United win it."
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United and Chelsea remain the current favourites to lift the WSL title this term, while Manchester City and Arsenal have pushed their opponents right to the end. The race for the trophy has been gripping this season and Aluko says an exciting domestic campaign on the back of England's Euro success was crucial in keeping up momentum.
Eniola Aluko during her playing days at Chelsea (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)"It’s really important for the league this year," she said. "Having Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal all go at it for the league is brilliant. It’s great for us to follow.
“The women’s game continues to grow year on year. After the Euros, there was a huge spotlight on the game and having such an exciting league on the back of that was really important to keep it interesting for the new fans we might have got."
Aside from her work in football, Aluko continues to be an advocate for women in the game and her latest involvement with Three UK and Chelsea's ' We See You Network ' aims to recognise and support other women in sport.
Nominated players, coaches and women in the business of sport receive exclusive experiences, including mentorship from experts at Chelsea and Aluko herself. She continued: “I really wanted to be involved with the We See You campaign because it really allows me to engage with lots of different women around the different entry and career points in the game. It really emphasises the importance of a network.
“A network that opens doors, encourages and mentors. I’ve found it really interesting to see how far the women’s game has come.
"Being in the industry on camera, off camera, on the pitch and off the pitch, coaching, teaching - I think it’s really important we continue to share that message around the different entry points in the game and career paths you can have."
WeSeeYou Network is a platform launched by Three UK in partnership with Chelsea Football Club to recognise all the incredible women in football from different backgrounds, and areas across the UK. It will provide once in a lifetime programmes, events and training from some of the best in the business at Chelsea FC and experts from the football industry like Eni Aluko. Find out more at https://weseeyounetwork.co.uk/