Former England captain Casey Stoney has been appointed as the head coach of the new Manchester United women’s team.

The 36-year-old, who earned 130 international caps and won 12 major trophies during her career, has recently worked as an assistant with England Women.

“I am delighted to have joined Manchester United. This the biggest club in the world,” Stoney said.

“The fact that we are going to have a women’s team and I’m going to be able to introduce that from scratch, to build a team, build a philosophy, with the biggest club in the world, means that, for me, there is no more exciting opportunity.”

Manchester United’s application to enter a women’s team in next season’s FA Women’s Championship was approved by the football Association last month.