The football world is buzzing with debate after Manchester United confirmed their women’s team will participate in The Soccer Tournament (TST) this summer—a high-stakes 7-a-side competition offering a $1 million prize. While club officials hail it as an exciting opportunity, critics question whether this represents sporting ambition or simply Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s latest money-making venture at a time when player welfare concerns are mounting.
Scheduled for June 5-10 in North Carolina, TST will see United’s women compete against global opponents in a fast-paced, high-intensity format. The tournament comes just weeks after the Women’s Super League concludes and mere months before the 2024/25 campaign begins—raising immediate concerns about player fatigue.
United’s women already face a congested calendar:
- WSL title chase until May
- Potential FA Cup commitments
- EURO 2025 qualifiers for internationals
- Pre-season starting in July
Head coach Marc Skinner has cautiously welcomed the opportunity but acknowledged the physical toll: “We’ll need to manage minutes carefully—this isn’t a preseason friendly.”
Since acquiring a 27.7% stake in United, Ratcliffe has aggressively pursued revenue streams to help the club comply with Financial Fair Play regulations. TST offers:
- $1 million potential prize money
- Expanded US market exposure
- Sponsorship activation opportunities
This aligns perfectly with our global growth strategy,” a United spokesperson told reporters. But former player Eni Aluko voiced concerns: “When do these players rest? This feels like exploitation wrapped in opportunity.”
The Professional Footballers’ Association has warned about mounting physical demands in the women’s game. Last season saw multiple high-profile ACL injuries, with experts linking them to fixture congestion.
United defender Maya Le Tissier admitted mixed feelings: “Of course we want to win trophies and grow the game, but recovery time is non-negotiable.” Medical staff are reportedly devising individualized plans to mitigate risks, including potential player rotation.
TST’s unique rules could further test players:
- 7-a-side matches on smaller pitches
- No offsides
- Target score “win by 2” system
- 20-minute running clock halves
While designed for entertainment, sports scientists warn the format’s constant transitions could increase injury risk compared to traditional 11-a-side.
United stand to gain significant brand value from stateside exposure, with the women’s team attracting new sponsors. However, former manager Casey Stoney questioned the priorities: “If this was truly about development, where’s the investment in facilities and staffing?
Ratcliffe’s INEOS group has remained bullish, with sources suggesting strong TST performances could lead to annual US summer tours for the women’s team—mirroring the men’s lucrative preseason model.
This move reflects growing tensions as women’s football commercializes:
- Record WSL attendance (60,160 at Emirates)
- 75% increase in global sponsorship
- Yet many players still lack full-time medical support
United captain Katie Zelem perhaps summed it up best: “We want to push boundaries, but not at the cost of our health. The club needs to prove this is about legacy, not just ledger entries.”
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on how United balance ambition with duty of care—and whether Ratcliffe’s latest venture elevates the women’s game or simply extracts value from it. One thing is certain: in modern football, the line between opportunity and exploitation has never been thinner.
