Elisabeth Terland (left) and Maya Le Tissier (right) have said they want to play Manchester United manager Marc Skinner says the inaugural Women's World Sevens tournament will be "utter carnage and fun". United are one of eight teams taking part in thenew seven-aside competitionwhich takes place in Estoril, Portugal, from 21-23 May. They are joined in the tournament - which has a prize money pool of $5m (£3.76m) - by Manchester City, Ajax, Benfica, Roma, Paris St-Germain, Rosengard and Bayern Munich. Skinner said: "It's tactically going to be crazy, which I think is what we want - we want carnage. It will make everyone laugh and it is entertaining. "My players want to play in it. We'll have to learn the format as we go. The first one will just be utter carnage and fun. "We listened to our players on this. If they didn't want to go, we genuinely wouldn't put our name in it. "The ones that don't want to - there's three or four players who have pulled out for their own personal reasons - will still get any prize money if we win." Matches will have 15-minute halves, with extra time deciding tie-breakers, and an infinite number of substitutions are allowed throughout. Skinner says United are in a pot with Benfica, Roma and PSG and the top two teams of that group will progress to the semi-finals. Should they win the tournament, the prize money will be partly distributed among players in the squad, as well as being used by the club to recruit new signings. It is significantly more than the 1.4m euros (£1.2m) this year's Women's Champions League winners could earn on 24 May. "It's a reason why we entered," added Skinner. "For our team, where we don't have Chelsea, Arsenal or Manchester City's budget, it's huge if we're going to be successful. "If we can take that money, it would be a massive pot for us to recruit with. We have lofty ambitions to win the WSL title in 2028... but it's also all for fun." Skinner says United have not received any backlash from national team coaches who are preparing squads for Euro 2025. The World Sevens takes place six weeks before the start of the Euros, which begins on 2 July, but international players are likely to be involved. Asked if she wanted to play, England defender Maya Le Tissier said: "If the gaffer picks me, I will. I would love to play in it! It's just a bit of fun." Norway striker Elisabeth Terland told BBC Sport: "It all fitted in perfectly after the season and after the FA Cup final. "As a group, we love spending time together. That's the biggest reason as to why we wanted to do it. Having a few days near Lisbon, playing some football, will be cool." England manager Sarina Wiegman said in March it would "not be too bad" as it could help players remain sharp at the end of the season. "Well if you see now in the calendar for this summer, there is a gap - a gap with no football where players can have a little bit of rest," she added. "At the same time, players need to keep going because you want to be at your best for the Euros. There is a gap of no competitive games for a month. "Of course I'm a bit worried about that because for players coming back from injuries, they want to keep going and get a rhythm." Head here to get involved
Women's World Sevens will be 'carnage and fun'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Manchester United Prepares for Inaugural Women's World Sevens Tournament in Portugal"
Bbc News
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
The inaugural Women's World Sevens tournament, set to take place from May 21 to 23 in Estoril, Portugal, promises to be a thrilling event as described by Manchester United manager Marc Skinner. The tournament features eight teams, including Manchester United, Manchester City, Ajax, Benfica, Roma, Paris St-Germain, Rosengard, and Bayern Munich, all competing for a substantial prize money pool of $5 million. Skinner emphasized that the format of the tournament will be 'utter carnage and fun,' which aligns with the players' desires to participate. While some players have opted out for personal reasons, those who remain will share in the potential prize money, which is significantly higher than the earnings from this year's Women's Champions League. Skinner noted that this financial incentive is particularly important for a club like Manchester United, which operates on a tighter budget compared to some of its rivals. The competition format includes 15-minute halves and allows for an infinite number of substitutions, adding to the unpredictability and excitement of the matches.
Players like England defender Maya Le Tissier and Norway striker Elisabeth Terland expressed their enthusiasm for the tournament, highlighting it as an opportunity for camaraderie and enjoyment after a long season. Terland noted that the timing is perfect following the FA Cup final, and both players are eager to participate if selected by Skinner. England manager Sarina Wiegman acknowledged the potential benefits of the tournament, suggesting it could help players maintain their sharpness ahead of the upcoming Euro 2025, despite concerns about the lack of competitive games during the summer. With the World Sevens occurring just weeks before the Euro tournament begins, the event is seen as a valuable opportunity for players to stay engaged and keep their skills honed while enjoying a lighter competitive atmosphere with their teammates.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article covers the inaugural Women's World Sevens tournament, highlighting the excitement and anticipation surrounding the event. It emphasizes the unique blend of competition and entertainment that the tournament promises, as well as the financial implications for participating teams, particularly Manchester United. The focus on player enthusiasm and the tactical unpredictability of the format suggests a deliberate intention to engage fans and elevate the profile of women's rugby.
Intent of the Article
The piece aims to showcase the Women's World Sevens as a significant and entertaining event in the sports calendar. By framing the tournament as a mix of "carnage and fun," it seeks to generate excitement among fans and players alike. The mention of financial incentives, such as the substantial prize pool, further underscores the competitive nature of the tournament and the aspirations of teams like Manchester United.
Public Perception and Messaging
The article attempts to cultivate a positive image of women's sports, particularly in rugby, by emphasizing the fun and engaging aspects of the tournament. This messaging aims to attract a broader audience, potentially including those who may not typically follow women's rugby. The focus on player participation and their input on the decision to compete also fosters a sense of community and inclusivity.
Potential Omissions
While the article highlights the excitement of the tournament, it may downplay potential drawbacks, such as the pressure on players or the challenges of adapting to a new format. By not addressing any backlash from national teams or concerns about player welfare, it presents a somewhat one-sided view that could obscure broader issues within women's sports.
Comparative Context
In comparison to other sports news, this article positions itself within a growing trend of highlighting women's sports events, especially those offering significant financial rewards. It reflects a wider societal shift towards recognizing and supporting women's athletics, aligning with similar narratives seen in other sports coverage.
Impact on Society and Economy
The tournament could have implications for the growth of women's rugby and sports in general, potentially influencing participation rates and viewership. Economically, the prize money could create opportunities for player recruitment and development, impacting clubs' competitive dynamics in the long term.
Audience Engagement
The article likely resonates more with fans of women's sports, rugby enthusiasts, and those interested in the progress of women's athletics. By framing the tournament as both competitive and entertaining, it appeals to a diverse audience, including families and younger fans.
Market Implications
While the immediate impact on stock markets or specific shares may be minimal, increased visibility and support for women's sports could influence sponsorship deals and investments in related sectors, such as sporting goods and media rights.
Geopolitical Considerations
In a broader context, the tournament highlights the ongoing efforts to achieve gender equality in sports, contributing to societal discussions on women's rights and representation. The timing of the event coincides with global movements advocating for women's equity, making it relevant to current social dynamics.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
There is no direct indication that AI was used in the article's creation, but the structured and engaging tone could suggest the influence of AI tools in content generation. If AI were involved, it might have shaped the narrative to emphasize excitement and engagement, steering the focus towards the tournament's entertainment value.
Manipulative Elements
While the article may not overtly manipulate, its emphasis on excitement and financial incentives could distract from underlying issues in women's sports, such as disparities in funding and support compared to men's sports. The language used promotes a positive narrative but may gloss over challenges faced by athletes.
In conclusion, the article presents a largely positive portrayal of the Women's World Sevens tournament, focusing on its fun and competitive nature while potentially downplaying complex issues within women's sports. Overall, it appears to be a reliable piece of coverage that contributes to the growing visibility of women's athletics.