Anna Sandberg has joined Manchester United from BK Häcken for what is believed to be a record fee for a Swedish women’s player. The transfer not only sets a new benchmark but demonstrates United’s commitment to strengthening their squad for the upcoming season.
“I’m very happy and grateful to sign for this big club,” said Sandberg, having signed a three-year deal with United. “I hope I can help our team with my qualities and deliver many winning moments for our fantastic fans.”
Sandberg had been a pillar in defence for Häcken for more than two years. During the full-back’s time with the Swedish club she became a player who brought stability and versatility to the backline. Comfortable in possession and adept at making forward runs, the 21-year-old has scored six goals in her senior career, with four of these coming in the previous season.
Sandberg displayed her talents to a global audience during last summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, when Sweden finished third, albeit mainly as a substitute. Yet as the youngest player in Peter Gerhardsson’s current squad, Sandberg is on track to be a crucial player for her country for some time to come. A quick glance on social media also shows she is already popular among Swedish fans.
Following the departure of big names in Mary Earps and the former captain Katie Zelem, alongside Lucía García, in recent weeks, United are in need of high-class reinforcements as they seek to qualify for the Champions League. The club failed to do so last season after finishing fifth in the Women’s Super League, albeit the campaign saw success in the FA Cup with a 4-0 thrashing of Tottenham in the Wembley final. Sandberg is a boost in that regard and in Marc Skinner’s preferred 4-3-2-1 formation is likely to replace Hannah Blundell at left-back, featuring alongside Millie Turner, Maya Le Tissier and Jayde Riviere in United’s backline. Her ability to contribute defensively and offensively makes her a perfect fit in this setup.
One of Sandberg’s most impressive performances for Häcken came in their 4-1 victory against Djurgården in June. She scored twice, which displayed in particular her capabilities as an offensive full-back. Both goals were the result of Sandberg’s impactful runs from the back, as well as her positional awareness and clean finishes, all of which contributed to the team’s dominance and solidified her name as a rising star in women’s football.
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When Sandberg first joined Häcken in 2022 from KIF Örebro, Christian Lundström, the club’s director of football, said: “It is a talented player that we have scouted well.” Häcken paid a club-record fee to sign Sandberg from Örebro, where she made her first-team debut in 2020. Sandberg made her Champions League debut for Häcken against Paris Saint-Germain in September 2022. Although PSG went on to win the qualifying tie 4-1 on aggregate, Sandberg played 90 minutes in both legs and has since started three matches in the competition, scoring one goal.
Sandberg, whose most recent game for Sweden came in the goalless draw against England in a Euro 2025 qualifier last month, joins United at a time of uncertainty, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe admitting the women’s side are not a priority in his plans to transform the club, resulting in the likes of Earps leaving. Sandberg’s arrival, alongside those of Dominique Janssen, Elisabeth Terland and Melvine Malard, is therefore a much-needed beacon of hope for fans hoping to see United make progress in the new campaign, which begins with the visit of West Ham in the WSL next month.
Source: theguardian.com
