Diane Caldwell has left Manchester United Women after just six months with the club.
The Republic of Ireland defender played five league games for United having joined at a time they were short on defenders, something that remains the case.
Caldwell is United’s second confirmed release of the summer.
Diane Caldwell Leaves Manchester United Women After Six Months
Once a Red, always a Red 🔴
Thanks for everything, @DianeCaldwell7 👏#MUWomen
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) June 30, 2022
Republic of Ireland Defender Moves On
After joining in January, Caldwell came in to bridge the gap in United’s defence with Millie Turner ruled out indefinitely. Caldwell’s experience would provide United with a strong option at the back but she will now move on.
In fairness, United closed the season with a centre-back pairing of Hayley Ladd and Maria Thorisdottir.
In a statement on manutd.com, the club said: “Diane Caldwell will depart the club when her contract concludes at the end of June.
“Manchester United Women would like to express our thanks to Diane and wish her the best of luck for the rest of her career.”
Caldwell, 33, has played over 80 times for her country, most recently in a 9-0 World Cup qualifying win over Georgia.
What a fun camp that was! 🇹🇷 🇬🇪
Job done. Now bring on the final two games of the campaign!!#IRLWNT #COYGIG #OUTBELIEVE pic.twitter.com/8sRqZXt47A— Diane Caldwell (@DianeCaldwell7) June 28, 2022
Her time with United saw her first spell in the Women’s Super League despite her vast experience. Caldwell’s career has taken her across the globe, including the United States, Norway and Germany.
Upon joining United, Caldwell called the move ‘one of the most special moments in my life so far’ – she grew up supporting the Red Devils.
Caldwell follows Martha Harris out of the door. Harris departed earlier this month and had been involved since the very start, joining Casey Stoney’s first squad in 2018.
United are now led by former Birmingham City Women boss Marc Skinner, who guided them to a fourth-place finish last season, five points short of their Champions League target.
