Rapinoe: Delayed investment in women's soccer is 'disgraceful'
Megan Rapinoe has branded the lack of investment in women's soccer as "disgraceful," citing Manchester United's delay in forming a team as a prime example of the hurdles the women's game continues to face.
United, one of the wealthiest in the world, finally launched a women's team in 2018, well after many of England's other top sides had done the same.
"I think women's football in England is the same as in America - it is so far behind because of what we've had to overcome in the lack of investment," the 35-year-old star said during a wide-ranging interview with BBC Sport.
"It's 2020. How long has the Premier League been around? And we're only just seeing a club like Manchester United put effort and pounds towards a women's team? Frankly, it's disgraceful."
The reigning winner of the Women's Ballon d'Or watched as fellow USWNT stalwarts Christen Press and Tobin Heath joined Casey Stone's side this past summer, helping propel United to top spot in the FA WSL standings after six league matches.
"I've had a few teammates go abroad and play while I'm training and trying to keep fit in the hopes that eventually we'll be out of this hellscape," added Rapinoe, who captains OL Reign of the NWSL.
"I want to keep playing. I'm definitely not anywhere near retirement - I absolutely want to play at the Olympics (in 2021)."