Manchester United Women’s unbeaten start to the Women’s Super League remains intact as Marc Skinner’s side recorded a 1-0 victory over Leicester City in a performance that was far from eye-catching. The win sees the Reds make it four wins out of four. We have also recorded the same amount of clean sheets in the league campaign so far.
United came into this match following their 4-0 victory against Brighton last weekend as changes were made to the team and the formation too. Ona Battle missed the game through concussion whilst Hayley Ladd dropped down to the bench. The formation employed was a 4-1-3-2 as Maria Thorisdottir filled in at right back, with captain Katie Zelem in the deep-lying midfield role. Nikita Parris and Lucia Garcia started up top with Lucy Staniforth, Ella Toone, and Leah Galton providing the support behind the front two. Maya le Tissier and Millie Turner were at the heart of the defence.
A balanced first half
The opening half was equally balanced as it was Leicester who tested us first through an effort on goal by Jemma Purfield. As the opposition continued to pressure us, United soon settled into their rhythm as we began creating a number of chances. Ella Toone hit a pass down the left that found Hannah Blundell inside the box but she was unable to lift the ball over the keeper Kirstie Levell.
Toone was then involved again as she played another ball in behind to split the defence. Leah Galton crossed it into the path of Nikita Parris but her header went wide of the post. Parris soon afterwards found the breakthrough to give the Reds a 1-0 advantage in the 33rd minute. Katie Zelem hit a superb free-kick into the opposition’s box as the striker reacted first to head the ball past Kirstie Level to score her first league goal for United.
Leicester City tried to find a way back into the game as the first half concluded. However, Lydia Bedford’s side did not create any opportunities to test our keeper Mary Earps.
United sees off opposition pressure
Whilst United had dominated the first 45 minutes, the second half had a different perspective. The opposition came out with the intent to force their way back into by grabbing an equaliser. Mary Earps had to pull off a fantastic save to deny Josie Green’s long-distance volley. The Reds were coming under increasing pressure as our defence had real problems to contend with.
United managed to ride out this storm and regained control of the game. Marc Skinner then made a triple substitution. Rachel Williams and Martha Thomas came on to boost our attack whilst Hayley Ladd joined in the midfield. However, Leicester’s defence seemed to stop any potential opportunities we were creating.
Ella Toone had the perfect chance to wrap up the game with ten minutes left. However, her effort on goal was blocked by Ashleigh Plumptre to go behind. As both United and Leicester continue to pressure each other, it was the defences that were playing the key part in keeping the chances out.
The Reds saw out the remaining time to claim a fourth consecutive win of the league campaign and another three points. We now have a midweek game against Durham in the League Cup followed by another away trip to Everton next Sunday.