Manchester United’s interim director of women’s football, Matt Johnson, says the club wants to continue “competing in Europe and winning more trophies” in the coming years.

Speaking to BBC Sport during half-time of United’s 1-1 draw at home to Arsenal on Sunday, Johnson said: “We want to create a women’s football team that can compete with the best in the country.

“We are starting to see the fruits of our plans and are happy with the progress. We feel we are working in the right direction towards our ambition.”

The club faced questions over its handling of its women’s team after it was moved from its £7m custom training facility this summer to accommodate the men’s first team, a decision which was later defended by coach Marc Skinner.

However, Johnson says the team remains a “key priority” going forward.

“The Carrington redevelopment is a £50 million investment to create a world-class training ground for men’s, women’s and academy teams. The overall picture is striking. “In the short term, the girls have everything they need to have succeed and prosper.”

Manchester United remain unbeaten after their first five games of the season, sitting fourth in the table behind Manchester City, Brighton and Chelsea.

While the team has shown promise so far, Johnson says there is more to come from the club on and off the field.

“In terms of our progress, we are not far away. We are in the top three at the moment and our team is playing very well. There is a lot of work to do on and off the field, but we are moving on the right path.” address.”