Manchester United maintain their perfect start to the Women’s Super League season by beating Brighton 4-0 in impressive style at Leigh Sports Village to top the table after this weekend’s fixtures.
United arrived into the game after a disappointing loss to Aston Villa in the league cup on penalties two weeks ago. Those that did not feature against Villa return to the starting eleven with Nikita Parris also retaining her place after an excellent showing.
Lucy Staniforth also kept her place as Hayley Ladd dropped down to the bench. The Red Devils began the match in a 4-1-4-1 formation.
United show intent from start
We showed our attacking intent from the kick off as Ella Toone had a shot on goal within two minutes that was shut out by Brighton. United dominated with their possession as they pushed to score the first goal.
United were rewarded for their effort on the 14th minute when Ona Batlle swung in a deep cross from the right that was met by the head of Ella Toone, who nodded the ball into the bottom corner to give us the lead.
It was not long before United extended their lead. A run from deep by Leah Galton where she picked up Katie Zelem’s pass. Toone made an advancing run and Galton picked her out to slot home the ball on the 26th minute.
The combination of Galton and Toone brought about United’s third on the 40th minute. As we pressed higher up the pitch after Maya Le Tissier gained possession after winning the ball back. Toone was put through by Galton who finished it in style to make it 3-0.
It could have easily been four as Toone had put Nikita Parris through. However, she was denied by the goalkeeper though the offside flag had been raised anyway. Goalkeeper Mary Earps had little to do for most of the first half until the near the end. She made a superb save to deny Brighton’s Elisabeth Terland.
Top of the league
Into the second half, Brighton nearly had the chance to pull one goal back on the 58th minute. With a scramble inside the box, Lee Geum-Min’s effort was blocked by Le Tissier.
As the Seagulls tried to force their way back into the game, it would be United capitalising once again to ensure the opposition were out of reach. It was a great team move with Millie Turner’s ball over the top was met by Galton. Her first touch meant the ball got away. Thankfully it fell into the path of Adriana Leon who struck the ball first time to score her first goal for the club.
Rachel Williams who joined United in the summer came on late to make her debut. United saw out the game to claim the win and all three points to become league leaders in the WSL.