Lucy Staniforth sets England target after leaving Man Utd to join Aston Villa

Aston Villa have made signed Lucy Staniforth from WSL rivals Manchester United.

Staniforth, 30, who has won 17 caps for England, was allowed to move on a free transfer after United mutually terminated her contract six months ahead of the original expiry date. She has signed an initial 18-month deal at Villa, who are currently seventh in the table.

Villa manager Carla Ward said: "Lucy is someone who will bring a huge amount of experience to this squad. She's a winner and is someone who can play off both sides as well as centrally. We're delighted to have her at Aston Villa."

"I'm really excited to be here," Staniforth told club media. "Seeing how the club has progressed over the last few years, it is something I want to be a part of.

"There is so much to look forward to in the future and I'm really excited to be here. I've learnt so much in my career and I just want to bring that to Aston Villa, and help the team as much as I can.

"You couldn't ignore (the Villa) start to the season. The progression in the last year is hard to ignore. And bringing in the likes of Rachel Daly just shows where the club is aiming to be."

Staniforth also confirmed that she hopes her move will give her a good chance of returning to the England fold ahead of the 2023 World Cup next summer.

"Absolutely, that is a huge part of my motivation to join this club," she said. "With the World Cup coming up, it is something in the back of my mind. Aston Villa is at the forefront of my mind, but if I can perform well and play regularly, I'd like to think that I have a chance."

Staniforth will bring further experience to the Villa ranks, the attacking midfielder having spent time with Sunderland, Lincoln, Bristol City, Liverpool and Birmingham City before joining United in 2020. She was actually at Liverpool when they won the WSL in 2014, although a pre-season injury ruled her out from featuring during that campaign.

Staniforth was part of England's World Cup squad that went to France in 2019, only months earlier she scored her second goal for the Lionesses in a 3-0 win over Japan that helped them lift the SheBelieves Cup for the first time.

At United she played in the majority of WSL games during her first two seasons at the club. But this year she has struggled to play her way into Marc Skinner's team.

However, she did start twice in the League Cup last month, United beating both Everton and Sheffield United and will be looking for more regular game time at Villa. In total, the midfielder made 41 appearances in all competitions as a Red, scoring three goals in the process, her first coming in a 6-0 FA Cup away victory at Burnley in April 2021.

A statement from Manchester United read: "Everyone at the club would like to thank Lucy for her service and wish her the best of luck for the future."

Staniforth is now likely to be competing with Kenza Dali and Laura Blindkilde who have occupied the two number eight positions for the majority of the season. It is the second time this window Villa have swooped for a player looking to get back into England contention.

Last week, Jordan Nobbs ended a 12-year stay at Arsenal to join Ward's team.

NEW! Our Year: European Champions 2022 - The Official England Winners Book

With a foreword by England manager Sarina Wiegman, this is the only official book of the historic triumph, reliving every kick of a thrilling tournament and telling the stories of the players who made it all happen.

Order from https://reachsportshop.com/book/our-year-european-champion-2022/