Manchester United Women have confirmed Matt Johnson as the new director of women's football on a permanent basis, while experienced forward Rachel Williams has signed a contract extension until 2026. Johnson replaced Polly Bancroft as head of women's football in May 2024 for an initial six months, and has now been given the post permanently. He is responsible for performance and operational concerns for United's women's team, who finished third in the Women's Super League in 2024-25. United also announced a one-year contract extension for 37-year-old Williams. The striker made 23 appearances in all competitions for United in 2024-25, scoring four goals. She joined the club from Tottenham Hotspur in July 2022, reuniting with head coach Marc Skinner, who she had previously worked with at Birmingham City. Williams typically plays an impact substitute role for United, with Norway international Elisabeth Terland being their starting no 9. Johnson's permanent appointment comes as little surprise, considering he had already been in post far longer than the six months he initially signed up for. After the departure of Dan Ashworth in December 2024, who was seen as a good ally to the women's team, his role being made permanent will bring some welcome stability. Williams' new contract appears at first to be at odds with manager Skinner's repeated desire to build a young and hungry United team. The forward is one of the most experienced names in the WSL, having played in the division for Doncaster Rovers Belles, Leicester City, Birmingham City, Chelsea, Notts County, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United in a career spanning over a decade. Williams is a two-time FA Cup winner, with United in 2024 and with Birmingham in 2012. We have a young exciting squad which needs to be balanced with experience and leadership, said Johnson. Rachel makes a significant impact on and off the pitch and embodies the squad's togetherness and hardworking spirit. On the bench at Leigh Sports Village, where United play their home games, Williams is frequently seen in conversation and laughter with younger squad members like Mared Griffiths and Safia Middleton-Patel. This points to her importance as a character in United's squad. The confirmations of Williams and Johnson's positions answer two questions that had been hovering over United ahead of their new season, where they will look to move past the qualifying phase of the UEFA Women's Champions League for the first time. United will look to build on their third-place finish in the Women's Super League in 2024-25, with Johnson and Williams playing key roles in the club's success. The new season is set to be an exciting one for Manchester United Women, with the club looking to make a strong push for the title. With Johnson at the helm and Williams leading the team on the pitch, United will be looking to make a statement in the Women's Super League. The club's fans will be eagerly awaiting the new season, and with the confirmations of Johnson and Williams, they will be hoping for a successful campaign. The future looks bright for Manchester United Women, and with the right leadership and players, they will be looking to achieve great things in the upcoming season.