Maria Farrugia’s Durham to play Manchester United in League Cup

A high-profile matchup awaits Maria Farrugia as her new team Durham Women were drawn in the same group with Manchester United in the League Cup.

Durham, who are based in the Barclays Women’s Championship – the second-tier, were drawn in Group A against the Red Devils, Everton and Aston Villa who are also in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

Fellow Championship side Sheffield United is the other team in this group.

Farrugia put pen to paper with Durham on Monday after four years at Sunderland Ladies.

Watch: Playing full-time football was my target, says Durham Women’s Farrugia.

Last season, Farrugia played in this competition and was the hero for Sunderland Ladies when she scored the winning penalty in the group stage game against Liverpool.

In Manchester United, Farrugia will be facing plenty of notable players in the women’s game including new signings Adriana Leon (Canada international), Lucia Garcia (Spain international) and England’s heroes in the recent Euros in goalkeeper Mary Earps, midfielder Ella Toone and forward Alessia Russo.

Everton and Aston Villa have also reinforced their squads ahead of the new season.

The Toffees signed Katrine Veje who played for Denmark against Malta in both the 2022 European Championship and 2023 World Cup qualifications.

On the other hand, Aston Villa have bolstered their squad with the arrival of European Championship winner Rachel Daly from USA’s Houston Dash.