LIAM Gilbert is not shocked by the unprecedented popularity of Women’s Euro 2022.

Host nation England face Austria in tonight’s curtain-raiser in front of a sold-out Old Trafford crowd.

Ticket sales for the 26-day tournament have already passed the 500,000 mark – more than double the previous record set at Euro 2017 in the Netherlands.

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Every England group game sold out months ago and U's Women manager Gilbert feels it reflects the growing interest in that side of the sport.

“I’m not surprised at all,” he said.

“If you look at the crowds England have been getting over the last three or four years, and to have a European tournament in our back garden, you’d think the country would get behind the girls.

“They’re in a very good position and it’s going to be a very interesting summer.”

United Women return to training this week as they start building up to the FA Women's National League Southern Premier season.