Geyse's Struggles at Manchester United: What Led to Her Departure?

Brazilian forward Geyse has officially departed Manchester United, sealing a permanent move to Club America this week.

The 27-year-old joined United from Barcelona in 2023 for a club-record fee at the time. However, following a family bereavement last year, she expressed her dissatisfaction, stating she didn’t feel happy at the club.

As a result, she found success on loan at Gotham FC, where she played 17 matches and helped the team win the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) championship.

Why didn't it work at Manchester United for Geyse?

Marc Skinner, the United coach, had high hopes for Geyse, bringing her in to strengthen the team after losing England striker Alessia Russo to Arsenal.

In her first season, she made 21 appearances and was part of the history-making FA Cup-winning side in 2024. However, her second season was challenging, with only nine appearances and a mere six starts. Following the tragic death of her brother in a car accident, she returned to Brazil on compassionate leave last January.

During her brother’s funeral, it was reported that United's management was accused by Geyse’s agent of attempting to loan her out to other clubs.

After returning in March, she played against Leicester City but expressed feelings of loneliness on social media. Geyse mentioned, "Staying in a place where we don't feel happy is an agonising and lonely feeling. Every day seems heavier, and the simple fact of being there becomes a burden."

She further shared, "The environment, which should be welcoming, becomes a field of discomfort, where inner peace is difficult to find. When we are not in tune with what surrounds us, the world around us loses its colour and energy."

In response to her struggles, Manchester United and Skinner reiterated their support for Geyse's wellbeing, confirming they were searching for options beneficial for all involved.

Ultimately, Geyse did not play again for United and was loaned to Gotham FC in March 2025. The head of women’s football, Matt Johnson, emphasized at the time that the loan was essential for Geyse's wellbeing. With no resolution in sight at United, her journey there came to an end, resulting in a permanent transfer to Club America in Mexico on January 13.