EXCLUSIVE: Hanna Lundkvist on life at Man Utd, WSL title race and Old Trafford bow

Hanna Lundkvist ahead of Man Utd vs Atletico Madrid in the Women's Champions League
Hanna Lundkvist ahead of Man Utd vs Atletico Madrid in the Women's Champions LeagueČTK / imago sportfotodienst / Zachary Locke

Leaving the Californian sunshine for the north west of England in winter would take time for anyone to adjust to. However, for Sweden full-back Hanna Lundkvist, time is not something she has been afforded, as she has had to quickly find her feet at her new club, Manchester United.

But since making the move from San Diego Wave to the Women's Super League (WSL) side in December, Lundkvist has been surrounded by familiar faces to help her with the settling in process, as she is now one of five Swedish players in the Manchester United Women's squad.

The 23-year-old already feels like she has been in Manchester for a while, partly down to the welcome from her compatriots - including Fridlina Rolfo and Julia Zigiotti Olme - and the rest of the team, and partly down to the hectic schedule she has been thrown into.

And that is just as well, because the rest of March is set to define United's season - they begin with the Women's League Cup final against Chelsea on Sunday 15th, before ending it with two matches at Old Trafford - a Manchester derby followed by a UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-final.

Speaking exclusively to Flashscore, the 23-year-old spoke about how she is finding life on and off the pitch at her new home, the huge few weeks ahead and making her Old Trafford debut.

This is the second part of our interview with Hanna, read about her World Cup ambitions with the Sweden national team in the first part, here.

Lundkvist celebrates her first Man Utd goal against Aston Villa
Lundkvist celebrates her first Man Utd goal against Aston VillaMartin Rickett / PA Images / Profimedia

Hanna, how are you settling into life at Manchester United?

"It’s been really good. It’s been intense - the first one or two months or so. A lot of games and a lot of rain! The weather is very different from what I used to have! But I hope the spring will come soon - a bit more sun!"

Having a lot of your Swedish teammates in the squad must have helped you settle in?

"Yes, for sure. It feels like I’ve been there for so much longer than what I actually have. The girls have been so nice and so welcoming. Not just the Swedish girls, but it’s been lovely to have them there to help me get started."

This month you have the World Cup Qualifiers, you have the League Cup final, you have the Manchester derby and Bayern Munich in the Champions League

"A big month!"

It’s a big month, exactly. Are you ready for it?

"I would hope so, it’s a big month but, you know, those are the games that are the most fun to play in, so I’m looking forward to playing at Old Trafford for the first time, both against City and Bayern Munich. So, yeah, a tough month but that’s what we want to have."

Walking out at Old Trafford wearing the famous red shirt for a derby and a Champions League night, it must be a dream come true?

"Yes, but we’ll see how it feels. I think I will love it, it’s an iconic stadium and an iconic club, so it will be great."

On the derby itself, is there any talk in the dressing room about still chasing City for the title? Is it all coming down to the derby, realistically?

"I mean, we want to win everything that we have left now. We for sure want to get the Champions League spot, that’s a big goal for us as a club. And of course we want to win the league, but it’s not in our hands any more - City have to lose for us to do that - but then I think it’s not healthy, as a team, to look too far ahead. It’s more like ‘focus on the next game’ and that’s something we do well as a team, just try to get the next win."

Follow the WSL season on Flashscore.

Chances are you’re about to lose.

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au