Melvine Malard says her energy has lifted Manchester United

Manchester United women forward Melvine Malard believes the positivity she brings to the squad has helped shape the atmosphere around the team.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Sport, the France international explained how her personality naturally carries into the dressing room at Manchester United.

“I think I change the energy here,” Malard said. “I like to enjoy football. I like to play free. Football is work but firstly it is the passion and the fans.”

She even joked that her enthusiasm sometimes catches teammates off guard.

“Sometimes I come to the meeting and scream ‘Hello everybody!’ and everyone replies, ‘Mel, calm down!’ I say, ‘Why? I’m coming here, so I’m happy.’”

The 25-year-old has quickly become a fan favourite since arriving at Manchester United on loan in 2023, all thanks to both her personality and her performances on the pitch.

Malard’s journey to the top level of football began far from England. She was born on Réunion Island, a small French territory in the Indian Ocean.

Growing up, she tried several sports including boxing, karate, judo, and handball before discovering football.

“When I tried football, I said that is my sport,” she recalled.

Her career took a major turn when Sonia Bompastor, now Chelsea Women’s manager, spotted her playing in a youth tournament in Paris. Bompastor invited her to join the academy at Lyon.

“I had two months to think but I said yes straight away because it was a big opportunity in my life,” Malard said.

Leaving her tropical home at just 14 to move to Lyon was difficult, but the decision paid off. During her time with Lyon, she won multiple league titles and Champions League trophies while developing into a regular for the France national team.

Now in Manchester, Malard continues to play a good role in the team’s attack. She has already been involved in nine goals in the Women’s Super League this season and has scored three times in the Women’s Champions League.

Despite the rainy Manchester weather compared with the sunshine of Reunion Island, Malard says she is loving life at the club.

“Every time I pass Old Trafford, it’s a dream for me,” she said.

Manchester United will next face Chelsea in the Women’s League Cup final, where Malard could meet her former mentor Bompastor on the opposite bench.

For Malard, the goal is simple.

“I’m confident because I believe in this team and I believe in this club. We are here to win everything we can.”