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Manchester United Women goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel has completed a loan move away from the club.

Phallon Tullis-Joyce remains United’s clear first-choice goalkeeper after producing outstanding form while stepping in for Mary Earps over the previous two seasons.

Competition in the goalkeeping unit has also intensified following the arrival of Janina Leitzig from Leicester City earlier this summer.

As a result, United goalkeeper Kayla Rendell has already sealed a loan move to second-division side Newcastle United Women in a bid for more playing time.

Now fellow goalkeeper Middleton-Patel has done the same, joining Watford.

The Wales international has officially linked up with the London club this August.

Manchester United’s official website said, “Manchester United goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel has agreed a loan move to Watford for the 2026/27 season, subject to registration.”

The website added, “it’s a return to the second-tier club for the United Academy graduate, who earned senior minutes while on loan there in the second half of the 2023/24 campaign.”

She made three appearances for the United first team last season, including deputising for Tullis-Joyce against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Watford’s official website stated, “Watford FC Women is delighted to confirm the signing of goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel on a season-long loan from Manchester United.”

The Hornets also said, “the 21-year-old returns to the club having spent the second half of the 2023/24 season with the Hornets, when she made six appearances in the second tier.”

The goalkeeper will now hope to play far more minutes this season than she did last term and give new manager Eva Olid plenty to consider next year when she returns from her loan spell.