Man Utd close in on World Cup Golden Boot winner

Tom Weber

30 Aug 2023 15:42 BST
4 min read

The Manchester United badge and a silhouette of Geyse on a red abstract background — © ProShots

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Hinata Miyazawa.

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The 23-year-old will be the latest Women's World Cup star to get snapped up off the back of impressive showings in Australia and New Zealand. Esmee Brugts has already been signed by Barcelona after her breakout performances for the Netherlands, while Brazil star Geyse left the Catalans for Man Utd.

There, she will be joined by Miyazawa imminently, according to the Manchester Evening News. The forward had been with Mynavi Sendai in the still-young WE League, Japan's fully professional top flight, since 2021.

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Miyazawa will bolster Man Utd's new-look attack following the departure of England star Alessia Russo for Arsenal in a deal that left the Red Devils with egg on their face. They could have received a world-record fee from the Gunners for Russo in January but refused and ended up losing her on a free transfer instead.

Russo's 10 goals helped United to finish as surprising runners-up in the Women's Super League last term, but they will hope that their new recruits can improve upon this tally so that they can go one better this term and actually break Chelsea's vice grip on the division.

HINATA MIYAZAWA WAS A CHEAT CODE 🎮

Here's every goal from Hinata Miyazawa's 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Golden Boot campaign ⬇️🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/tVl5pei1GJ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 22, 2023

Man Utd's summer business

Red Devils boss Marc Skinner and company have been busy strengthening the side ahead of the new WSL season, which will kick off belatedly due to the World Cup. United will take on Aston Villa in their first game on October 1.

In addition to Geyse and Miyazawa, Man Utd will head into the new campaign with several other new recruits. 17-year-old starlet Emma Watson has recently been signed from Rangers, while fellow youngster Evie Rabjohn (18) has joined from Villa.

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Experienced defender Gemma Evans will bolster United's backline, joining from relegated Reading. With Russo and Spanish national team star Ona Batlle departing, the latter having signed for Barcelona, the Manchester side might find it tough to replicate - or better - last season's performances.