With the sky hanging low and rain always a threat, it is a far cry from the sunshine Melvine Malard grew up with 6,000 miles away on the tiny island of Reunion. Malard has quickly become a cult figure at Manchester United, not just for her impact on the pitch but for the infectious energy she has brought since first arriving at the club on loan in 2023. "I think I change the energy here," Malard tells BBC Sport. Eleven years on, Malard will face her former mentor with silverware on the line when United seek the first Women's League Cup in their history against the Blues in the final at Ashton Gate on 15 March. And if that was not enough, Malard has impressed this week for France, scoring twice against Ireland in midweek to help them win 2-1 in Dublin.

Source: BBC March 08, 2026 13:20 UTC