Manchester United’s FA Cup hero Lucia Garcia is set to depart the club upon the expiry of her contract this summer, according to reports.
The 25-year-old forward has become a key figure for United under Marc Skinner following her arrival from Athletic Club in 2022. This season, she scored three goals and registered two assists in 22 WSL appearances, alhtough it was her impact in the FA Cup that earned her most plaudits.
Fan favourite Garcia was integral to United’s victory in the final at Wembley Stadium this month, as she scored twice in a 4-0 victory over Tottenham However, recent reports suggest her future does not lie in Manchester as she is set to depart this summer.
According to BBC Sport, Garcia has received a “highly lucrative” offer from Liga MX Femenil side Monterrey – known as Las Rayadas – in Mexico. She is set to join Spain teammate Jennifer Hermoso, who signed for league rival Tigres in January this year.
The report goes on to state United are already working on identifying a replacement, with Brighton’s Elisabeth Terland among those currently being considered. The Red Devils’ attacking options are set to be depleted this summer with Rachel Williams and Nikita Parris also out of contract.
Melvine Malard, who joined the club on a season-long loan from French side Lyon, will also see her time at the club come to an end. Elsewhere, little used midfielder Irene Guerrero could follow Garcia to Mexico amid reported “advanced talks” with Tigres.
Skinner, who recently signed a one-year contract extension as head coach, faces a significant task in the coming months to ensure the squad is good enough to compete at the top end of the WSL.
FA Cup triumph aside, his side’s 2023/24 WSL campaign was a far cry from their title challenging season in 2022/23. United’s heavy defeat to Chelsea on the final day at Old Trafford resulted in a fifth-placed finish, their lowest since promotion to the top flight, six points behind Liverpool in fourth.
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