Manchester United Women forward Lauren James has signed her first professional contract with the club, committing her future to the team she joined as a 16-year-old in the summer of 2018.
James only recently celebrated her 18th birthday but has already scored five goals in the Women’s Super League so far this season, getting seven in total across all competitions.
The teenager has kept experienced summer signing Jane Ross out of the starting lineup for much of the season and is already United’s all-time leading scorer on 24 goals.
James thrived in the Women’s Championship for United last season as the newly formed club made light work of the second tier and has carried that momentum into the top flight in 2019/20.
“I’m really happy to have signed a professional contract at United,” James told ManUtd.com.
“It’s a really proud moment for me and my family. The club has big ambitions and I’m excited to be a part of that. I’m still young and learning all the time under Casey [Stoney] and the coaching staff and I hope I can continue my development here for years to come.”
Stoney said. “Lauren is an exceptional talent; she is one of the most technically gifted players I have worked with. It’s great to see her sign her first professional, contract at this club and I have no doubt that if she continues to work hard she will have a bright future ahead of her.”
Stoney recently described James as “a talent that I haven’t seen in the women’s game before.”
As a team, United have made a strong impression on the WSL this season. As 2019 draws to a close and the three-week winter break begins, Stoney’s team is in fourth place as ‘best of the rest’ behind the usual ‘Big Three’ of Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea.
Sunday’s away game against Birmingham, which would have been the last game of the calendar year, was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
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