Elisabeth Terland’s inaugural experience in English football was characterized by a devastating defeat. She made her tournament debut during the 2022 European Championship by entering the pitch in the 84th minute for a struggling Norway team that ultimately suffered an 8-0 loss to England, the eventual champions, in their Group A matchup.
That crushing defeat took place at the Amex Stadium, and one could understand if Terland had decided never to return there. Instead, she made it her base during that summer, transferring from Brann to Brighton in August 2022 and going on to net 23 goals in 50 appearances for the club. Among those goals, 13 were scored in 22 Women’s Super League matches last season, earning her a joint-second position for the golden boot.
Her remarkable performance captured the attention of Manchester United, who, upon the conclusion of Terland’s contract with Brighton, secured the striker on a two-year deal this month. “I’m incredibly honored to sign for Manchester United and eagerly anticipate joining the team,” expressed the 23-year-old after her transition from the south coast to the north-west of England.
On the international stage, Terland has largely lived in the shadow of Ada Hegerberg – not surprising given the 29-year-old’s accolades, including the Ballon D’or in 2018. Nevertheless, Terland boasts a respectable tally of nine goals in 34 appearances for Norway, having also represented her country at under-15, under-16, under-17, and under-19 levels, and clearly possesses the ambition to further develop her goal-scoring prowess.
After being awarded Brighton’s player of the season in May, Terland remarked: “As a player, I aspire to achieve great things.” She seems to believe she can realize those aspirations at United, although she may have to contend with portable facilities at the club’s Carrington training ground for the time being.
Terland will face stiff competition from seasoned player Nikita Parris for a starting position in United’s lineup, as manager Marc Skinner typically opts for a single striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation. However, Skinner’s enthusiasm for his new signing, whom he described as “a young player who will inject fresh dynamics and energy into our team,” bodes well for her chances of integration into the squad.
Nikita Parris will be vying with Terland for the central striking position at Manchester United. Photograph: Charlie Crowhurst/The FA/Getty Images
The squad has recently seen the departure of notable players like Mary Earps, former captain Katie Zelem, and Lucía García; these losses are challenges for United as they aim to qualify for the Champions League after finishing fifth in the WSL last season. Nonetheless, the previous campaign was marked by success, highlighted by winning the FA Cup with a 4-0 victory over Tottenham in the Wembley final.
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Scoring goals has been a challenge for United, particularly after Alessia Russo’s move to Arsenal last summer, with Parris managing only eight goals in 21 WSL matches last season. Terland, therefore, offers a significant enhancement to United’s attacking lineup, which now includes France forward Melvine Malard, who has signed a deal through the summer of 2027 after spending the previous season on loan from Lyon.
United’s possession-centric, attacking approach is expected to complement Terland’s skills. She is likely eager to receive a steady stream of through balls and crosses from players like Ella Toone each week. The goal for United is that their new striker capitalizes on as many opportunities as possible and continues her prolific scoring record.
