Manchester United have confirmed that their new team will be based at The Cliff training ground in Salford, once redevelopment work has been completed.
Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said in a statement: “The board is delighted that the FA has approved the application.
“The new women’s team will build on the success of the Girls’ Regional Talent Club and have the same philosophy as all Manchester United sides, creating a pathway from academy to first team.
“Starting a professional team from scratch is challenging but rewarding and we will make every effort to provide the support and experience for the new women’s team to be successful and to uphold the fine traditions of our great club.”
The FA’s head of women’s football, Baroness Campbell, said: “The revised competition structure will positively impact on the delivery of the women’s game across all levels, both on and off the pitch.
“Such is the strength of women’s football in this country, there have been some difficult decisions to make but they’ve been made with the sport’s best interests at heart.
“This is a hugely exciting time for the game and I am hopeful that we will look back upon this as one of the most significant decisions made in its history.”
The 2018-19 season will begin on 18-19 August with the opening round of group fixtures of the Continental League Cup.
The WSL and Championship campaigns will start on the weekend of 8-9 September.
You can now add WSL 1 notifications for line-ups, goals, kick-off, half-time and results in the BBC Sport app. Visit this page to find out how to sign-up.