Manchester United Women have won promotion to the Women’s Super League after thumping Aston Villa 5-0.
Casey Stoney’s side are seven points clear at the top of the Women’s Championship with three games to go and cannot be caught by Charlton or Durham.
Millie Turner, Alex Greenwood, and Jess Sigsworth made it 3-0 at half-time.
Ella Toone made it 4-0 and Charlie Devlin rounded off the scoring with a close-range finish. Aston Villa goalkeeper, Sian Rogers, was also sent off.
Press Association Sport understands United’s promotion remains subject to meeting FAWSL Licence criteria.
It is not expected United will encounter any problems, with confirmation due next month. Manchester United Women is the only fully-professional outfit in a predominantly part-time division, United were over the year has had challenges of rebuilding their senior team, but were always favorites to gain promotion.
They have won 15 of their 17 league matches and will win the title if they beat Crystal Palace at home on Saturday.