Understanding Leah Galton's new deeper role after starting 2024/25 at left-back
Leah Galton now provides United Women with a different option in defence, dropping back from her previous role as a flying winger.
Leah Galton playing at left-back against West Ham on the opening day of the WSL was not completely brand new. It’s a role she has filled on and off over the years, typically an in-game change pushed back from her usual position as a wide forward. But at Old Trafford, she started there.
During pre-season, Galton herself had teased a new role for the campaign ahead. She explained that United had been working on something slightly different and fan predictions of playing deeper soon rang true on the pitch .
Competition for attacking places is fierce this season, with Ella Toone starting high on the left for the visit of the Hammers to better accommodate Grace Clinton in midfield. But it now opens up more opportunities for Galton, who is one of the last remaining ‘Originals’ from 2018.
United signed Anna Sandberg during the summer transfer window, but Gabby George may take a little time to build her fitness and sharpness after recovering from a second career ACL injury, while Hannah Blundell won’t play again until 2025/26 after announcing her pregnancy.
Repurposing Galton as a left-sided defender has been a pragmatic approach to the situation that has plenty of potential.
The 30-year-old, United’s second top scorer as recently as 2022/23 with 12 goals, isn’t going to start every game at left-back. But she provides an invaluable option that is different from the others in the squad.
West Ham at home was the perfect game for Galton to begin this new chapter. United dominated possession and she was able to take up a really high position on the flank, more like an extra attacker than a conventional full-back. Her attacking prowess shone through with a number of dangerous crosses, as well as the killer second goal when she cut inside to shoot with her right foot.
She certainly does have defensive strengths, showcasing impressive recovery skills at one stage towards the end of the first half by making a sliding block to snuff out one of West Ham’s few noteworthy attacks. Ahead of the trip to Everton on Sunday, which could present the chance for a similar outing, Marc Skinner referred to her as “one of the best 1v1 defenders” he’s worked with.
Other opponents throughout the season, perhaps when United don’t expect to dominate the ball or if there is a particular threat to contend with, may be better suited to either Sandberg or George. That is where Skinner is seeking to find the right “balance” in his team selections.
“It’s knowing when you can do that, what an opponent’s shape is and when you can get high up from that,” the manager explained. “If we’re going to go into a more aggressive shape based on the opponent, it could be Leah [that plays left-back]. If we can’t get Leah in the attacking spaces, and she’s only defending, it doesn’t make sense.
“We’ll look at that at. But we also have Anna Sandberg, who you’re really going to enjoy. Gabby is back now and is going to grow again into that role. We’ve got options there, which is great.”
George’s versatility also provides options and could allow United to take up different shapes. She is comfortable on the left of a centre-back pairing, as part of back three, as a left wing-back or left-back.
The former Everton star, signed last summer when United triggered a release clause, was able to play the final seven minutes plus stoppage time in the season opener when she replaced Galton towards the end. It was an important moment to get back onto the pitch.
Sandberg, meanwhile, is nursing a minor injury complaint and is a doubt for Sunday.