Manchester United Women have completed the permanent transfer of France international Melvine Malard on a three-year contract from Lyon.
The 24-year-old forward joined United in September 2023 on a season-long loan from Lyon and scored seven goals across 29 appearances for Marc Skinner’s side last season.
Capped 22 times by the France national side, Malard helped United to secure last season’s FA Cup success, coming off the bench in the final at Wembley.
“I am very happy to make my stay here at Manchester United permanent, after this great club and this great city became my home last season,” Malard has said.
“Here I felt loved. Thank you to the fans for welcoming me so well – I will do what it takes to give you even more than last season and I look forward to more winning seasons together.”
This is your home. This is where you belong ❤️
🇫🇷 @MelvineMalard is United and we wouldn’t have it any other way đź’« #MUWomen
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) July 12, 2024
Malard becomes United’s second addition of the summer following the arrival of Netherlands international Dominique Janssen on a free transfer
“Melvine is an excellent character on and off the pitch, with winning pedigree, who we are delighted to see join our Manchester United family on a permanent basis,” Skinner added. “She has already given our fans some great memories and will no doubt continue to do so in the coming seasons.”
Several players have departed United in the close-season following the conclusion of their contracts including goalkeeper Mary Earps, captain Katie Zelem and Lucia Garcia.
United finished fifth in the WSL last season.
(Charlotte Tattersall – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
