Sports minister Tracey Crouch believes Manchester United have 'finally dragged themselves into the 21st century' after announcing plans to form a professional women's team.
United - the only current Premier League club not to have a senior women's side - have submitted an application to the Football Association to establish a team in the second tier of the Women's Super League next season.
Crouch, answering questions in the Commons, said: 'May I just actually take this opportunity to congratulate Manchester United Football Club, who have finally dragged themselves into the 21st century and announced that they will be having a women's football team.