Manchester United made an instant impact at Leigh Sports Village, leading 2-0 at half time thanks to goals from Melvine Malard and Leah Galton. Leicester City came out the stronger of the two sides in the second half, but were unable to create anything to show for their efforts as the Red Devils ran out 2-0 victors in the Women’s Super League (WSL).
United head coach Marc Skinner was forced to do without star striker Elisabeth Terland, who is said to have picked up an injury during her time on international duty with Norway. In-form defender Jayde Riviere also missed out on the clash for the same reason, with Aoife Mannion called in to replace the Canadian at right-back.
Despite the questionable performance, United were able to get the job done at home, securing their spot in second place in the league standings. As for the Foxes, the side will have to settle for 10th despite the impressive second half showing.
The Lineups
MUN: Tullis-Joyce; Mannion, Turner, Le Tissier, George; Janssen, Clinton, Toone; Bizet, Malard, Galton
LEI: Leitzig; Bott, Howard, Thibaud, Ale; Mace, Tierney; Cayman, Chossenotte; Hlin Eiriksdottir
The Action
Both sides came out of the gates looking measured and composed as the game kicked off at Leigh Sports Village. Manchester United were able to dictate the tempo of the game, but Amandine Miquel’s Leicester City side seemed lively on the counter-attack.
Just as Leicester City looked to gather attacking momentum, Manchester United fired through on the counter-attack. A visionary ball from Ella Toone gave Melvine Malard a free run at goal, slotting home her finish into the back of the net with composure.
The hosts were screaming for a penalty as Sam Tierney handed the ball in the box. Despite their pleas, Phoebe Cross correctly let the play roll on as the ball bounced up off of Tierney’s leg before making contact with her arm in a natural position.
The Red Devils double their play through excellent combination play just before the half time break, as Toone picked up Malard at the top of the box. The French striker threaded an instinctive pass through to Leah Galton who found the back of the net.
The Foxes tried to get one back as Yuka Momiki sent a promising ball into the area. Sophie Howard looked to get the first touch on the ball before a brilliant intervention from Millie Turner saw the ball headed away from danger.
Another brilliant delivery from Momiki caused chaos inside of the box, as United’s defence scrambled to make the clearance. Missy Goodwin was able to get her shot off, but sent the strike flying into the stands.
Goodwin cut up the left side with ease, streaming past Celin Bizet with quick footwork. The Foxes forward placed a strong cross into the area, but Tierney was unable to finish the service at the far post.
Leicester City were able to dominate proceedings in the second half, but United continued to chase a third score. Malard stormed down the right side before whipping a promising cross into the area to be met by no one as United failed to cease the opportunity.
Manchester United Player Ratings
Phallon Tullis-Joyce – Strong as ever, Tullis-Joyce extends her clean sheet dominance in the WSL.
Gabby George – 8/10 – Despite a bright showing from Shana Chossenotte, George was able to dictate the gamestate down the channel. Some strong sliding challenges from the United right back allowed the side to maintain their clean sheet.
Millie Turner – 8/10 – Turner’s strong interventions saved United on multiple occasions, and herself and Le Tissier continue to hold strong at the back.
Maya Le Tissier – 9/10 – Her clever pass to Ella Toone allowed United to open up the play and score the opener through Melvine Malard. Le Tissier was able to dictate the proceedings at the back of the park, showcasing why she just may be one of the most in form defenders in the league.
Aoife Mannion – 7/10 – Beaten for pace on a few occasions but otherwise quite strong at the back. Struggled to work with Bizet down the right flank as the half ticked down.
Domique Janssen – 6/10 – Her instinctive forward pass helped to catalyse United’s second goal, but it was otherwise an average showing from the Red Devils midfielder. Allowed Leicester City to get on top of the midfield momentum in the second half.
Grace Clinton – 7/10 – Like many of her teammates, this game was a match of two halves for Clinton. The England midfielder did well to connect the defence and the attack in the opening half, looking strong in the central areas. The second half was a harder task for Clinton as the Foxes outplayed the hosts in the middle.
Ella Toone – 7/10 – A visionary assist and another clever ball to set up the second, Toone was everywhere in the first half. Despite an impressive showing in the opening half, the midfielder struggled to make a real impact in the second half.
Leah Galton – 7/10 – A great goal to double United’s advantage, but otherwise a quiet afternoon for Galton. Did well to drop back and defend when United needed assistance.
Celin Bizet – 7/10 – Bizet opened up the game in strong form, working well to invert and play wide in order to bring creativity to the United side. Struggled more as the game went on.
Melvine Malard – 9/10 – A superb showing from the French striker in the absence of Elisabeth Terland. The opening goal was pure striking brilliance, rolling her defender before streaming toward goal and slotting home the finish. Going on to assist Galton’s goal, Malard played her role brilliantly.
Hinata Miyazawa (72′ for Malard) – 6/10 – Made no real impact as the Foxes stormed the midfield areas. A promising strike in the dying minutes nearly gave United a third.
Geyse (84′ for Bizet) – N/A
Rachel Williams (84′ for Malard) – N/A
The Halfway Line Player of the Match – Melvine Malard
