Manchester United Women have secured promotion to the Women’s Super League (WSL) with three games to spare after beating Aston Villa 5-0.
United, reformed less than a year ago after a 13-year absence from the senior women’s game, made sure of a top two finish in the Women’s Championship with three games to play.
The result caps a successful debut season in which they have won 15 of 17 games, drawing one and losing one.
After securing promotion United must now apply for a licence to play in the WSL, although that is expected to be a formality.
Led by former England captain Casey Stoney, United have also reached the League Cup semifinals and the FA Cup quarterfinals.
United, who are now seven points clear of Tottenham Ladies in second, host Crystal Palace on Saturday before travelling to Millwall on April 28 and ending the season vs. Lewes on May 11.
They will join Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea in the WSL.