Anna Sandberg has transferred to Manchester United from BK Häcken for what is reportedly a record fee for a Swedish women’s player. This move not only establishes a new standard but also highlights United’s determination to enhance their squad ahead of the upcoming season.
“I’m thrilled and thankful to join such a remarkable club,” remarked Sandberg after signing a three-year contract with United. “I aim to contribute to our team with my skills and create numerous victorious moments for our amazing fans.”
Sandberg has been a cornerstone in defence for Häcken for over two years. During her tenure with the Swedish club, she emerged as a player who provided both stability and flexibility to the defense. With her comfort in possession and knack for pushing forward, the 21-year-old has netted six goals in her senior career, four of which came last season.
She showcased her talents to the world during last summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where Sweden clinched third place, though mostly from the bench. As the youngest member of Peter Gerhardsson’s current squad, Sandberg is poised to become a vital player for her country for years to come. A brief look at social media indicates she has already garnered significant popularity among Swedish fans.
With the recent departures of key players like Mary Earps, former captain Katie Zelem, and Lucía García, United is in urgent need of top-tier reinforcements to aim for Champions League qualification. Last season, the team ended in fifth place in the Women’s Super League, despite achieving success in the FA Cup with a resounding 4-0 victory over Tottenham in the final at Wembley. Sandberg’s addition will be advantageous for that purpose, and in Marc Skinner’s favored 4-3-2-1 formation, she is likely to fill the left-back position previously held by Hannah Blundell, joining Millie Turner, Maya Le Tissier, and Jayde Riviere in United’s defense. Her dual capability to defend and attack makes her an ideal fit for this system.
One of Sandberg’s standout performances for Häcken occurred during their 4-1 triumph over Djurgården in June, where she scored two goals, showcasing her potential as an attacking full-back. These goals highlighted her impactful runs from the back, along with her positional intelligence and precise finishing, further solidifying her status as a rising star in women’s football.
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After joining Häcken in 2022 from KIF Örebro, Christian Lundström, the club’s director of football, stated, “We have scouted a remarkably talented player.” Häcken transferred Sandberg from Örebro for a club-record fee, where she made her first-team debut in 2020. Sandberg also made her Champions League debut for Häcken against Paris Saint-Germain in September 2022. Despite PSG winning the qualifying tie 4-1 on aggregate, Sandberg played the full 90 minutes in both matches and has since started three more matches in the tournament, scoring one goal.
Having most recently played for Sweden in the goalless draw against England during a Euro 2025 qualifier last month, Sandberg signs with United at a precarious time, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe has acknowledged that the women’s side is not a primary focus in his plans to reshape the club, leading to the exits of players like Earps. Therefore, Sandberg’s arrival, along with those of Dominique Janssen, Elisabeth Terland, and Melvine Malard, serves as a much-needed ray of hope for supporters eager to see United advance in the forthcoming campaign, which kicks off with a home match against West Ham in the WSL next month.
