Football
28 Jan 2025
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Exclusive: Manchester United’s Grace Clinton Reveals WSL Coach She’s Learned the Most From

Manchester United's Grace Clinton / Visionhaus/GettyImages

Manchester United midfielder Grace Clinton has been one of the most influential players in the Women’s Super League (WSL) this season. The 21-year-old’s impressive journey from her early career in Liverpool to becoming a standout player for Manchester United has captivated football fans.

Grace Clinton: From Liverpool to Manchester United

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Grace Clinton helped Tottenham reach the Women’s FA Cup final last season

Grace Clinton was born in Liverpool and began her football journey at a young age. Her talent was evident early on, and she joined Everton’s academy, where she developed into a promising midfielder. Clinton made her competitive senior debut for Everton in 2020, marking the beginning of her professional career. Just a month later, she earned her first senior start, showcasing her potential on the big stage.

Clinton’s rapid development caught the attention of top Women’s Super League clubs. In 2022, Manchester United secured her signature on a three-year contract. Despite not making an appearance for United during her first season, Clinton’s journey was far from stagnant. She was loaned out to Bristol City in the Championship, where she played a pivotal role in helping the club win the league and earn promotion to the top flight.

A Year of Growth: Loan Spell at Tottenham Hotspur

The 2023/24 campaign saw Clinton on loan at Tottenham Hotspur. It was during this season that she truly flourished, earning recognition as the PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year. Her performances also led to her first senior England call-up and debut, highlighting her meteoric rise in the sport.

At Tottenham, Clinton was coached by Robert Vilahamn, whom she credits as one of the most influential figures in her career. Speaking to 90min for adidas, Clinton said, “Robert Vilahamn loves [for his teams] to be in possession and loves [having] the ball. I think he brought a new lease of life to Tottenham, which was what they needed.”

The Return to Manchester United

After her successful stint at Spurs, Manchester United manager Marc Skinner decided Clinton was ready for regular first-team football. Despite reported interest from Spurs to sign her permanently, Skinner made it clear that Clinton was an integral part of United’s plans. This season, she has become one of United’s standout players, contributing significantly to their strong position in the WSL table, where they currently sit second, ahead of Arsenal and Manchester City.

Clinton’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. United recently triggered the year extension in her contract, securing her services until at least the summer of 2026. Her seamless reintegration into the team was further eased by the arrival of her close friend and former Spurs teammate, Celin Bizet, at Manchester United.

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Grace Clinton helped Spurs place sixth in their 2023/24 WSL campaign / Paul Harding/GettyImages

Grace Clinton’s Style On and Off the Pitch

A growing trend in football has been the focus on players’ ‘arrival fits,’ where players showcase their personalities through their outfits as they arrive for matches or training. Clinton is a fan of this trend and believes it adds a new dimension to the relationship between players and fans.

“I really like it,” Clinton said. “Not only does it show the player’s personality, it engages with the supporters. They want to see what we’re wearing and what our vibe is like off the pitch. People want to see more of the outside and not just all football sometimes. I think it’s really cool.”

Manchester United has embraced this trend, often highlighting players’ outfits during international duty. For Clinton, this cultural shift in football is an opportunity for players to connect with their supporters in a more personal way.

Robert Vilahamn: A Coach Who Shaped Grace Clinton’s Career

Clinton’s admiration for Robert Vilahamn is evident in her reflections on her time at Tottenham. Vilahamn’s emphasis on possession-based football and his ability to rejuvenate Spurs played a crucial role in Clinton’s development.

Under Vilahamn’s guidance, Clinton honed her skills as a midfielder, learning to control the tempo of games and excel in high-pressure situations. “He brought a new lease of life to Tottenham, which was exactly what they needed,” Clinton remarked.

Future Prospects for Grace Clinton

As one of Manchester United’s most influential players this season, Clinton’s future looks bright. With her contract extended and her role in the team firmly established, she is poised to continue her impressive trajectory in the WSL and beyond. Her performances have not only solidified her place at United but have also made her a key figure in England’s national team setup.

Grace Clinton’s journey from Liverpool to Manchester United, with pivotal stops at Everton, Bristol City, and Tottenham, highlights her resilience, talent, and determination. As she continues to grow, both as a player and a person, Clinton is undoubtedly a name to watch in women’s football.

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