Hinata Miyazawa signs new Manchester United contract

Manchester United midfielder Hinata Miyazawa has signed a new contract through to 2029.

Miyazawa, 26, joined United from Japanese side Mynavi Sendai in September 2023, fresh from winning the Golden Boot at the World Cup that summer.

She has been an important part of Marc Skinner’s side this season, starting all 22 of United’s matches across all competitions.

Miyazawa said: “I am really enjoying playing football at Manchester United and I am really happy to be continuing my journey here.”

The Japan international has made 67 appearances during her two and a half seasons at the club, scoring three goals. She was part of the side that won the 2024 FA Cup — United women’s first major trophy — and that qualified for the women’s Champions League main draw for the first time in 2025.

“She (Miyazawa) has become a critical component to the way we play,” United’s director of women’s football Matt Johnson added. “Her footballing intelligence and technical ability enables her and the team to control and dictate play from central areas.”

Miyazawa’s new contract comes after United completed the signing of Swedish right-back Hanna Lundkvist on Saturday following her departure from NWSL club San Diego Wave. The Athletic reported United are also pursuing a move for Bayern Munich forward Lea Schuller.

United are fourth in the Women’s Super League 11 games into the 2025-26 campaign and have qualified for the Champions League knockout round play-offs.

‘Quietly one of United’s most important players’

It is peculiar to think that when Miyazawa first signed for Manchester United, she was mostly recognised for her Golden Boot at the 2023 World Cup. Goal scoring is actually one of the least important attributes she offers.

Miyazawa’s debut campaign was disrupted by a fractured ankle and she had little chance to show what she could do — but last season, she was crucial to United’s Champions League qualification. Her work rate in midfield was outstanding both defensively and in attack; her passing vision is among the best in United’s squad and her ability to find space in the pockets to progress play is impressive.

Miyazawa has started every game for United in the Women’s Super League and Champions League this season, and is quietly one of their most important players. Having her future secured long-term, along with other key squad members such as goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce and defenders Jayde Riviere and Maya Le Tissier, who have all signed new deals over the past two years, is an important step in allowing United to build a core of players who can compete together for several seasons — something that has been lacking in the past.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

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