[1] An unofficial team called United Ladies of Manchester was formed circa 1970[specify] by a group of Stretford Enders.

[7] A media spokesman for Manchester United also claimed the club wanted to focus on its women's academy instead of its senior team.

[6][11] Casey Stoney was appointed as the club's first head coach on 8 June,[12] with their inaugural 21-player squad announced just over a month later.

[18][19] United's first top-flight campaign was ended prematurely after the season was curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic with the team awarded fourth place on a points per game basis.

[25] On 12 May 2021, Manchester United announced that Casey Stoney would stand down from her role as head coach at the end of the season.

[29] After finishing as runners-up in the WSL, the team qualified for the UEFA Women's Champions League for the first time ahead of the 2023–24 season.

United were drawn against Paris Saint-Germain in the second qualifying round and earned a 1–1 draw at home before a 3–1 defeat in the second leg ended the debut European campaign.

[30] On 12 May 2024, United defeated Tottenham Hotspur 4–0 in the 2024 Women's FA Cup final to win their first major title.

[10] United were to play their fixtures at Leigh Sports Village until this was completed,[33] however the stadium has become the club's official home ground as the return to The Cliff never materialised.

Moss Lane served as a backup venue, during the teams early years, when Leigh Sports Village is unavailable.

[34] Ewen Fields has also been used as a contingency plan, hosting United's FA Cup fifth round match against London Bees in February 2019.

Despite not having a senior women's team for many years, Manchester United have continued to run a girls regional talent club up to under-16 level in accordance with FA regulations.

[4] Ahead of the 2019–20 season, Manchester United entered a full-time U21 team into the FA WSL Academy League for the first time, managed by Charlotte Healy.