Manchester United will face the two-time runners-up Paris Saint-Germain for a place in the Women’s Champions League group stage. United, who secured a European spot for the first time with their second-place finish in the Women’s Super League last season, will host the first leg of the second qualifying round tie on 10 or 11 October. Marc Skinner’s side play the second leg in France on 18 or 19 October. The round also includes the Scottish champions, Glasgow City, taking on Norway’s SK Brann, with Real Madrid to face Valerenga and Paris FC against last year’s finalists Wolfsburg. Chelsea already have a place in the group stage after winning the WSL last season. Arsenal – who came third in the WSL in 2022-23 and, like Chelsea, were Champions League semi-finalists – were eliminated in the first qualifying round last week, beaten on penalties by Paris FC after a 3-3 draw. United have confirmed the signing of the France international Melvine Malard on a season-long loan. The 23-year-old forward joins from Lyon, where she won four Women’s Champions Leagues and two Division 1 titles. She was named one of the 10 most promising young players in Europe by Uefa. United also brought in the midfielder Irene Guerrero, defender Gabby George and goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce on transfer deadline day.