Anna Sandberg | Back in the squad

Anna Sandberg:
“I’m very happy and grateful to sign for this big club, Manchester United.

"I hope I can help our team with my qualities and deliver many winning moments for our fantastic fans.”
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Marc Skinner:
“We are delighted to have Anna join our Manchester United family. She is a talented young player, who already has a wealth of international and Champions League experience.

"We look forward to seeing her develop further in red.”
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Grande said:
Interestinh. Anybody know a bit about here?
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I asked some of my friends who played with her in KIF/Örebro.

top1whoisman said:
Asked around a little about Sandberg. Here's what some of her ex-teammates told me.

She's a dynamic and strong LB. Nice technique in terms of striking the ball. Good vision and a real fighter.

Obviously they're not going to say anything negative about her. ;) But the biggest challenge of course is the step from Damallsvenskan to the WSL. It's good to have another natural left-footed LB.

For such a young age she’s already got a few caps for Sweden as well as seven appearances in the Champions League.
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Good to hear it become official. I like what I've read about her so far and it's good to have another left back.

United women's social media doing very subdued welcomes to the new players these days. Hopefully just a sign that we're waiting until we can do the full squad photoshoot for the proper pre-season buzz generator.
 
Exciting signing. Hope Skinner has a plan for them all. Otherwise why bother? Too many signings haven't been given a proper chance. It's either poor recruitment or poor management. I'm assuming there's an alternative position in mind for Maya. Right back? Defensive midfield?
 
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Good stuff, and she's smiling, so hopefully she's been told that she'll get some time on the pitch rather than just warming the bench!
 
Rickard Johansson, KIF/Örebro’s former head coach & current director:

- We are incredibly proud and happy about Anna's well-deserved success and that she is now taking the big step to a powerful club like Manchester United.

- Anna shows how hard work and talent can take one to another level. She has worked hard from day one and should be proud to have made this journey. Impressive.

- We are also very proud that, in line with our philosophy, we gave her the chance at Damallsvenskan level early on, that it was with us that she got to show herself on the big stage. It was also with us that we changed her role from left forward to left back, a position she had never played in before. But I remember early on we saw a future potential in that role and since then she probably hasn't regretted that change of position. Then and there she took on the challenge of re-schooling in a wholehearted way where she did the job.

- As I said, we are very proud of her development and progress and it will be incredible to follow the next step in her career. Not least seeing her play in England against the really big names.
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Welcome to Manchester United…
“Thank you very much.”

How does it feel to be a Manchester United player?
“It feels amazing. It's a dream come true playing for a big club like this. So I'm very, very happy for this opportunity.”

How have you found the first few weeks of getting to know everybody in the first training sessions?
“Yeah, I mean there's been a lot going on these weeks, meeting a lot of new people and settling in. And it's been good so far. I mean, the girls and the staff and everything around here is amazing. So I'm taking it day by day, but it's been really good so far.”
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So you've had a massive change not just moving clubs but also moving countries. How has that been for you?
“Yeah, it's of course something new for me. It's my first time moving abroad from Sweden. So I feel like it's a lot of new things to learn and to explore, but I'm really, really excited for it, to see what I can do in Manchester. I mean, it's a lovely, lovely city, so I look forward to it.”

What made you choose Manchester United?
“I was talking to Marc the coach and I got a really good feeling, good conversation with him and everything felt good, so I went for it.”

How would you describe your style of play?
“Oh, I would say I'm playing as a full-back, but I'm a pretty attacking full-back. I like to come around on the side and come to crosses and goalscoring opportunities. So even though I'm a full-back, I like to be a very attacking player.”
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You've had experience in the Champions League with BK Hacken. Obviously that's something as Manchester United that we're hoping to achieve again. I'm sure you'll be wanting to push for that as well?
“Of course, I mean, as you said, I played in the Champions League now for Hacken and we reached the quarter-finals. We did amazing and it was a very nice adventure and I really want to do that again. Of course with Manchester United it would be really big. So of course that's something I'm going to push for this season to make sure we get there.”

Internationally, you made your first-team debut for Sweden last year. How proud was that moment?
“It was so big for me. I mean, it's a dream I've had since I was a child starting playing football. And I mean, representing Sweden is something very big and something I'm very proud of. So yeah, I look back at that moment with a big smile on my face.”

What would you say your proudest moment so far is in your career?
“I think definitely representing Sweden in the World Cup. We got a bronze medal and that whole journey was just so big for me. Probably the best thing I've done in my life so far.”
We've seen on social media that you've been enjoying getting to know all the girls. You've been doing barbecues and all sorts. How have you found it, getting to know everybody?
“I mean, it's very nice, very fun. It's a fun time now and getting to know new people. We've had some barbecues and stuff going on so far. Very good. I really like the girls and I'm looking forward to getting to know them even better.”

Have you had a chance to explore bits of Manchester?
“Yeah I have, I've had my mum over here and a friend. So we've been walking around in the city exploring some shopping and good restaurants. My mum loved this place, so I'm sure she will come often.”

Our first game of the season against West Ham is going to be at Old Trafford. How excited are you for that game?
“So excited. I know Old Trafford very well. It's a very nice stadium and to play there in front of our fans, I'm looking forward to it so much.”
We have a very loud and very proud fanbase. Are you excited to get to know them and get to meet them and experience that?
“Of course. I'm so excited. I mean, the fans are something that's very important for every club and especially Manchester United. I'm very excited for that and hopefully we can bring them some good football this season.”

Have you got a message you'd like to give to the fans?
“I want to see you guys at every home game. Cheer for us and make sure we get those three points every game.”
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https://www.manutd.com/en/videos/detail/anna-sandberg-new-signing-interview-for-man-utd-women
 
Back on the pitch again! Mainly doing some individual stuff but happy news regardless.
 
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