Everton: Hayley Ladd on move from Man Utd

Ladd made 110 appearances for United and was part of the squad that won their first major trophy with the 2024 Women’s FA Cup.

She had been a key player under manager Marc Skinner but began to be overlooked following the summer arrival of Dominique Janssen.

After five and a half years with the club Ladd says she was “proud to represent”, she admits it was a “breath of fresh air” to try something new.

“It’s part and parcel of the game but it’s difficult. It really challenges you as a person and a player. It was a tough time, I won’t lie,” said Ladd.

“Hopefully it’s made me stronger. The United journey was maybe aligned with mine and you feel emotionally tangled with it.

“I advocated for things in the best way I could and I was the best team-mate I could be.

“You have to rip off the band aid sometimes and getting out and into something fresh is the best thing you can do.”

During her time at United, Ladd played in front of a vocal fan base at Leigh Sports Village.

“They were my first sort of experience of real women’s football fans. I just thought ‘this is amazing’,” said Ladd.

“The support is just relentless. I’ve never known anything like it. It doesn’t waiver. It’s so resilient. It’s been such an amazing experience playing with that fanbase.

“I’d like to think there was a good connection. I certainly felt it my way. You recognise, even when you’re having a tough time, the fan base really support you and pull you through. That’s a really meaningful thing as a player.”