Manchester United relaunching Women's team for next season

Manchester United have relaunched a Women's team that will compete in the FA Women's Championship next season.

United scrapped their female squad in 2005, but will now rejoin with five new teams in the Championship.

The team will compete with the likes of Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City in September.

"Today's announcement is the result of two years of planning and a milestone within our delivery of The Gameplan for Growth strategy," the FA's Head of Women's Football Baroness Sue Campbell told reporters.

"The revised competition structure will positively impact on the delivery of the women's game across all levels, both on and off the pitch.

"Such is the strength of women's football in this country, there have been some difficult decisions to make but they've been made with the sport's best interests at heart. This is a hugely exciting time for the game and I am hopeful that we will look back upon this as one of the most significant decisions made in its history."

Meanwhile, West Ham United Ladies will play in the FA Women's Super League next season.