Manchester United and Man City react as FA end Women's Super League season

Manchester City and Man Utd Women have been told that their FA Women's Super League season will end with immediate effect.

Manchester United and Manchester City both say they accept the FA's decision to end the Women's Super League season with immediate effect, due to the pressures caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

City Women were leading the division with 40 points from 16 games, one point above Chelsea having played one more game. United, in their debut season in the top flight having been promoted from the Championship last season, were fourth in the table with 23 points from 14 games.

The FA said in a statement that a process will now begin to determine the best sporting outcome from the season.

It read: "Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the FA Women’s Super League & Women’s Championship Board has been in regular consultation with clubs and key stakeholders from across both leagues to identify the most suitable and appropriate way to conclude the 2019-20 season, and to give clubs and players the clarity and support they need at this time.

"Following overwhelming feedback from the clubs, the decision to bring an end to the 2019-20 season was made in the best interest of the women’s game. This will also enable clubs, the FA Women’s Super League & Women’s Championship Board and the FA to plan, prepare and focus on next season when football returns for the 2020-21 campaign.

"Following full and thorough consultation with the clubs, the FA Women’s Super League & Women’s Championship Board has discussed various recommendations which will be sent to the FA Board to determine the most appropriate sporting outcome for the 2019-20 season.

"This will include identifying the entries for the 2020-21 UEFA Women’s Champions League, which would be based on sporting merit from the 2019-20 Barclays FA Women’s Super League season."

If points-per-game was implemented to determine a league champion, City would miss out to Chelsea, who are currently second place. in response, City said in a statement they were disappointed by the news, but understand why the decision was taken.

"Manchester City Football Club now await the outcome of discussions regarding the final standings of the league table," the club said.

"Whilst disappointed that we are unable to complete the season, we understand the complexities of the situation and support The FA’s decision.

"Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of our players and staff, and we will now move forward with preparations for next season.

"The Club would like to take this opportunity to extend our best wishes to everyone connected with the women’s game, thank them for their support throughout 2019/20 and look forward to our return to the Academy Stadium as soon as it is safe to do so."

United manager Casey Stoney said: “It’s obviously disappointing not to be able to complete the season, but it is the right decision for the safety of everyone involved.

“I’m so proud of how hard my players and staff have worked throughout the season and how they have adapted to the last 10 weeks of training away from the club, their determination and drive have been incredible to witness.

"We’ve enjoyed our first season in this league, exceeding expectations whilst staying true to our values, but we still have big ambitions for how we want to move forward as a club.

“I’d also like to thank the fans for their incredible support this season and for sticking by us through these uncertain times. We can’t wait to see you again, whenever that may be, but for now, stay safe and continue looking out for each other.”

“Our focus now moves to our development for next season, which we have been continuously planning for throughout the year, and we can’t wait to be back on the pitch again when it is safe."