Manchester United Women’s team could not follow up last week’s late win against Leicester, as they came unstuck against old rivals Liverpool.

Coach Marc Skinner spoke before the match that United could not be distracted by next week’s FA Cup final when he stated, “We’ve got a showpiece final next week, but we’ve got a final this weekend, and we’ve got a final, obviously, when we play at Old Trafford against Chelsea.”

However, his side were unable to respond as Liverpool had almost the double of shots with 19 to United’s 10.

The Red Devils just shaded possession with 55% but a Jenna Clark goal in first-half stoppage time was enough to give Liverpool the win.

Not only was pride at stake but also the win saw the Anfield side jump above United into fourth place with only one league game left to play in the Women’s Super League.

United almost got off to the perfect start when they caught Liverpool napping as Leah Galton was put through one-on-one in the fourth minute of play, but could not convert as she fired the ball straight at Liverpool’s keeper, Teagan Micah.

The home side then had their first chance of the afternoon when Ceri Holland got through some industrious work down the right-hand side and played a great ball across which Taylor Hinds could only hit right at a grateful Mary Earps in the United goal.

Holland was once again in the thick of the action as she unleashed a dipping drive that dropped just above the United keeper’s crossbar as Liverpool began to take charge of proceedings.

In a back-and-forth first half, United’s Millie Turner had a great chance to open the scoring in the 15th minute when a corner dropped in the penalty box and after some pinball, Turner swivelled and shot right down Micah’s throat.

The best chance soon fell to Liverpool just before the 20th-minute mark when Emma Koivisto found herself in oceans of space but could only head against the post, leaving Earps stranded. There was a chance for her to put away the rebound, but it came at her very quickly and from a Man United perspective, luckily bounced wide of the post.

There was drama on the touchline when Liverpool’s head coach, Matt Beard, was shown a direct red card for saying something to the referee after Koivisto went down late in the first half.

Shortly after, the Red Devil’s best chance of the game fell to the usually reliable Ella Toone. The 24-year-old snatched at a half-volley chance from just inside the box after great work from Lucia Garcia down the right-hand side had set her up perfectly to finish.

United were eventually punished in the 48th minute of play when a short corner was whipped in by Marie Höbinger and Clark got the slightest of touches to deflect the ball past the stranded Earps.

Skinner had spoken of Liverpool’s threat from set pieces before the match and United were all at sea for the goal.

The second half was largely one-way traffic as the Red Devils failed to really create any major chances to threaten the Merseysiders’ lead.

Earps made a smart save from yet another long-range effort and in the 62nd minute, Liverpool striker Mia Enderby went on a great run and after beating a couple of players, fired a long-range effort that just dipped over the bar and beat the goalkeeper’s outstretched glove.

The Old Trafford side left it late but they did have a couple of chances to find an equaliser. In the 87th minute, Katie Zelem fired in a long ball that substitute Rachel Williams got her head to but could not find the required control to threaten the Liverpool goal.

The home team did have one more chance as a mix-up in the United defence led Turner to clear the ball against the Liverpool attacker who could only fire into the side netting.

However, the Merseysiders almost paid for their wastefulness when Zelem fired a late free kick into the box, that was headed across goal and substitute Melvine Malard was almost the heroine as she produced a great header that was clawed away by the inspired Micah.

The game ended and Liverpool now find themselves three points ahead of United with only one game left in the Women’s Super League, as it looks like the Red Devils will have to content themselves with a disappointing fifth-place finish.

Nevertheless, the Red Devils can now look forward to a crucial game next weekend at Wembley when they take on Tottenham Hotspur, aiming to win the club’s first piece of silverware in the women’s game.

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Manchester United women came back from a goal down to thrash Everton 4-1 in the WSL at the Leigh Sports Village on Sunday.

The opening ten minutes saw action at both ends. Inside two minutes, some lovely build-up play presented an opportunity for the home side but the final pass was a little too far in front of Nikita Parris.

Moments later and Parris got her first sniff at goal but her shot went just wide.

At the other end, Everton got their first real chance on goal but it also went just wide of the target.

It was a fast-paced game and captain Katie Zelem got in on the act next. The skillful Geyse found the run of Lisa Naalsund who cut it back to Zelem, who was waiting on the edge of the area but her shot was rising all the time.

Ten minutes in and it was the visitors who broke the deadlock. A short back pass from Maya Le Tissier was pounced upon by Katja Snoeijs who easily rounded Mary Earps to put the visitors ahead.

United kept making sloppy mistakes at the back but luckily Everton couldn’t capitalise further. Upfront, United seemed too scared to take the shot on even when the opportunity presented itself.

Ella Toone delivered a lovely corner which found the head of Millie Turner but her effort was just wide. It was probably United’s best chance of the half.

Heading into the break a goal behind, Marc Skinner managed to fire up his side with his half-time team talk as they came out looking like a whole new team!

United peppered the Everton goal when action resumed with the first chance falling Naalsund’s way but it was tipped over the bar by Courtney Brosnan.

Geyse soon won a corner and finally, United managed to get back to level terms. Zelem’s delivery once again found Turner who scored the equaliser for United.

The next ten minutes were madness. United came again and although the box was congested, Toone managed to find a way through to put United in the lead just three minutes after the equaliser.

Five minutes later and it was Naalsund who burst into the box, drawing Brosnan out. She cut it back to Toone who gratefully pocketed another goal with the whole net gaping.

Everton looked defeated and United weren’t finished. Leah Galton and Hinata Miyazawa came on as they returned from injury and Galton got herself on the score sheet in the last minute of the 90. It was quite the comeback as United climbed to fourth in the table.

Team: Earps, Le Tissier, Mannion, Blundell, Turner, Toone, Zelem, Naalsund, Garcia (Miyazawa), Parris (Williams), Geyse (Galton)

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Manchester United women have received an Easter weekend boost with two key stars set to return from injury ahead of their WSL clash against Everton.

Leah Galton had been sidelined for a few weeks through a thigh injury but manager Marc Skinner told the press that she will be available for selection.

Meanwhile, Hinata Miyazawa, who had picked up an injury whilst on international duty with Japan before Christmas, is also on her way back.

She underwent successful surgery on a fractured ankle upon her return to England.

Skinner confirmed a few weeks ago that she was back training on the grass before she was named in the Japan squad for the She Believes Cup during the week.

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Ahead of the match against Everton on Easter Sunday, Skinner confirmed that the Japanese star is ready to come back into the fold.

The boss said: “Both will be available for the game this weekend, obviously won’t be 90, but they should both be up for selection and available for the squad, which is really, really positive.”

Unfortunately for United, they will be without Jayde Riviere after she picked up a knock against Manchester City last weekend.

Riviere, who had just returned from injury, seemed to slip whilst she was changing direction and seemed in a lot of pain as she was attended to by medical staff.

Skinner revealed there was no set time frame for her return as yet with the medical team continuing to assess her.

United are hoping to bounce back after last week’s 1-3 derby defeat to City which saw them drop to fifth in the league behind Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Everton sit in tenth place having fought for a 1-1 draw in the Merseyside derby last weekend.

Kick-off is scheduled for 12 noon on Easter Sunday at Leigh Sports Village.

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Manchester United manager, Marc Skinner, has said his side are prepared for an ‘aggressive’ Brighton side tomorrow.

Skinner spoke to press ahead of the WSL fixture, after it had been revealed that Brighton boss Melissa Phillips had been sacked.

Skinner wished Phillips all the best for her future but said: “It maybe changes the concept of the game because we don’t know if they will continue with their game plan or not.”

He continued: “When you watch Brighton play they are very aggressive in their front line, and the back line. We have a plan B but you have to prepare even more because you don’t know for 100 per cent what you are going to get.”

Skinner confirmed there were no new injuries to his side heading into the game with the Seagulls; Geyse and Jayde Riviere picked up knocks against Villa but are expected to be fit for Sunday.

Meanwhile, he confirmed Aoife Mannion, who has been suffering from a long-term injury, is just a couple of weeks away from returning.

The United boss was pressed on his side’s lack of action in the winter transfer window.

“I will always say that we are about bringing the right people in. In this moment, that wasn’t the case and so the club and the team will not spend money that we will waste,” he explained.

However, it was confirmed that a key member of the squad has signed a new deal, Leah Galton.

Speaking of the winger who has been at the club since it reformed in 2018, he said: “Since I have been here, Leah has been a fantastic pro, a model pro. She was unbelievable last season, she has grown so much. She has a lot of competition this year but on her day, she is one of the best forwards in the league, I have no doubt about that.”

He continued: “For us to continue to have her at Manchester United is fantastic for our fans and I can’t wait to work with her and to push her even more and get even more out of her. She is a great character and she is extremely frightening if you are playing against her.”

United host Brighton at Leigh Sports Village tomorrow with kick off scheduled for 12 noon.

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Manchester United Women host Brighton and Hove Albion in the WSL this weekend in what will be Brighton’s first outing since manager Melissa Phillips was sacked.

Phillips had been at the helm for less than a year when she was sacked yesterday (Thursday, 1, February).

Mikey Harris will take interim charge as they travel to Leigh Sports Village.

In the reverse fixture, United came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw thanks to goals from Ella Toone and Rachel Williams.

Hinata Miyazawa, Gabby George, Emma Watson and Jessica Simpson remain side lined through long term injury.

The Seagulls are without Charlie Rule and Jorelyn Carabali but two ex-Reds are set to appear, Sophie Baggaley and Maria Thorisdottir.

United come off the back of a hard fought win over Aston Villa last week whilst Brighton look to bounce back from their 3-0 defeat to Chelsea.

The home side are seven points adrift the Champions League places and ten points off league leaders Chelsea. They face an uphill battle to salvage something from their season.

United boss Marc Skinner will be hoping to go on a winning streak in the remaining games.

Brighton have won three, drawn two and lost seven of their WSL games and are currently down in 10th.

Although it was a fairly quiet transfer window for both of these sides, Brighton invested in goalkeeper Melinda Loeck and US international, Taylor Smuth was brought in on loan.

Meanwhile, United fans will be relieved that new contracts are beginning to be presented to stars who were in danger of departing in the Sunmer.

Leah Galton, who was one of the players who has been here since United’s inaugural season, signed a new two year contract with the option for another year.

Kick off is at 12 noon on Sunday February 4th.

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The news was confirmed this morning by The BBC’s Emma Sanders.

Galton first signed for United in 2018 and was a key part of the squad that won the Championship in that inaugural season.

Casey Stoney persuaded Galton to join the club after she took time away from the sport and she has been a key member of the team ever since.

She is one of four players that remain at the club who starred in that first season.

Galton’s contract was due to expire in the summer, but she has signed a two year deal with the option to extend for another year.

She has made over 100 appearances for United.

The club are still in negotiations with a number of other first team players whose contracts expire in Summer.

Mary Earps looked set to leave for Arsenal but negotiations seem to have stalled and sources close to the club say the England international is more open to the prospect of staying at United beyond summer.

Another member of that inaugural team, Katie Zelem, sees her contract expire in summer too but it is thought she will extend.

Lucia Garcia has apparently been negotiating a new contract for several months.

Rachel Williams and Nikita Parris also see their contracts expire in Summer.

Meanwhile, United are exploring the option-to-buy clause in Melvine Malard’s loan contract.

Manager, Marc Skinner, was hoping to add depth to United’s back line in this transfer window but as yet there has been nothing to suggest they will get any deals over the line with tonight’s 11pm deadline looming large.

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A hat-trick for Nikita Parris, who had returned to the starting lineup, and a first goal for Geyse helped United secure the points on a cold, wet night in Leigh.

Marc Skinner had promised some rotation before their opening game of the Conti Cup campaign and there were seven changes from the team that started the 2-2 draw against Brighton on Sunday.

United were pressing well as Everton tried to play out from the back. Rachel Williams pounced on a lose pass on the edge of the area and got her shot away but former United keeper Emily Ramsey recovered well to make the save.

However, you sensed something was coming and two quick goals for Manchester United put them in the driving seat.

The first came in the 28th minute, some good build up play, one-two touch football from Hinata and Riviere led to the latter floating in a lovely cross which found the head of the on-rushing Nikita Parris.

Just over a minute later and Riviere was there with the assist again, floating a cross in from the right and United’s top scorer so far this season, Rachel Williams, headed it past Ramsey.

Williams was having a brilliant season so far, averaging a goal every 27 minutes.

United were hungry for more in the second half as United’s front three pressed Everton’s back line.

Ramsey, with a sloppy pass, was almost caught out by Parris. Williams did manage to poach the ball from the Toffees on the second time of asking but blasted it over the bar.

There were more goals in this game though and United’s third came from tonight’s Captain Hayley Ladd following a corner.

Blundell played it short to Le Tissier who whipped it into the box, flicked it on to Ladd who was able to bring it down and smash it into the back of the net.

In an attempt to at least rescue some pride from this match, Everton made four changes in the 61st minute but it was too little, too late for the Merseyside team whose mood was as miserable as the Manchester weather.

Nikita Parris got her second of the night in the 68th minute as Naalsund nutmegged her defender and passed it along the ground towards Williams who stepped over it allowing Parris to take the shot and the back of the net bulged.

Tullis-Joyce who was making her United debut, had had a quiet night and wasn’t really called into action until the 75th minute when she got down low to stop a shot sneaking in to the bottom corner.

And though it showed a glimpse of what the Toffees could do, moments later Parris completed her hat-trick as she and Toone countered well. The keeper came out to United’s number seven, who squared it for Parris to tap into an open goal.

Everton had given up a long time ago and allowed Geyse to make it six and get her first goal in a competitive match for United.

She received the ball just past the halfway line and the visitors failed to close her down as she broke into the box and found the space to slot it into the far corner. The celebration looked to be one of relief for the Brazilian striker, who joined United in the summer.

United came again, with another substitute keen to get on the scoresheet as Leah Galton hammered it into the roof of the net. Geyse cut it back from the byeline and found Toone, whose shot was blocked. It came back to Galton who powered it home for United’s seventh.

It was a ruthless performance from United, who had been desperate to get back to winning ways and keep a clean sheet in their first Conti Cup group game.

Team: Tullis-Joyce, Riviere (Rabjohn 62), Blundell (Galton 62), Evans, Le Tissier, Ladd (Zelem 73), Hinata (Toone 72), Naalsund, Garcia, Parris, Williams (Geyse 73)

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It was the home side who launched the first attack, but Millie Turner was there to head a cross away from danger.

As United cleared their lines, they managed to counter well through Geyse. She had two defenders up with her who forced her wide and the attack fizzled out.

At the other end a mix up at the back brought Mary Earps out of her goal but she didn’t get out quick enough and Tabitha Chawinga managed to round her but luckily, Maya Le Tissier got back to clear the shot away.

The game was a lot more open than the first half was at Leigh Sports Village last week and United won a corner. Katie Zelem delivered it and Melvine Malard tried to get a shot in as she was falling but PSG cleared and managed to counter.

In the 17th minute though, the home side made the breakthrough. Earps made the save initially sticking out a leg but it fell kindly to Lieke Martens who had time to control the ball and slot it past the helpless Earps.

Leah Galton was making some good runs for United but nobody wanted to take a shot.

United won another corner and the delivery was good again from Zelem but somehow PSG managed to counter again.

United were wondering what they’d do without Millie Turner as she was a rock at the back, rising above everyone to head the danger away.

Though PSG had been disciplined, they gave the ball away to Geyse near the halfway line and she ran at them, before laying it off to Ella Toone out wide but her shot went just wide.

Not long after the restart, United managed to find a way back into the game through Lisa Naalsund who tapped in a cross from Geyse in the 47th minute.

The 150 away fans who had made the journey to Paris celebrated wildly but it was short-lived as two minutes later, PSG restored their lead through Martens again.

United were playing much better though and a chance fell to Hannah Blundell to level but was well saved by the PSG keeper.

Space opened up for Geyse next but her shot was tame and straight at the keeper.

Not long after and PSG further extended their lead through Sandy Baltimore. The angle looked too narrow but she somehow managed to lob Earps to further extend the hosts’ lead.

United had the ball in the back of the net again as Galton rose higher and headed it home but a PSG defender faked an injury and the referee ruled in favour of PSG. If VAR was there, the decision would certainly have been overturned.

Zelem found herself one on one with a PSG defender but she held up play and squared to Geyse instead of taking on the shot herself and she took too long, allowing the defenders to get back and make the block.

The referee was having a terrible game, getting in the way and making terrible decisions. She also seemed to have left her cards in the changing room!

A chance in the dying moments of injury time fell to Toone who rattled the woodwork.

Manchester United’s first outing in the Champions League ended at the first round but they showed that this is the level they should be competing at.

They had played some brilliant football across the two legs but they just got edged out partly by the superior PSG side and also by some questionable calls from the officials!

Team: Earps, Riviere (Williams 82), Turner, Le Tissier, Blundell, Zelem, Toone, Naalsund (Miyazawa 65), Geyse (Galton, Malard (Garcia 65)

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An early corner for Arsenal was dealt with easily by United. At the other end, a mistake at the back allowed Garcia to pick up the ball and go on a run but her cross into Galton who was arriving in the middle was plucked out the air by the keeper.

14 minutes in and with Blundell out of position, the visitors took the lead through Stina Blackstenius.

United had been playing well up until that point but conceding seemed to shake them and Arsenal piled on the pressure.

Geyse had a few attempts going forward but she couldn’t quite keep them on target.

Hayley Ladd and Jen Beattie clashed and required treatment which gave Skinner chance to have a word with his side.

They must have headed his words because as the game restarted, assisted by Gabby George, Leah Galton got the Reds back on level terms.

The keeper, D’Angelo, came to clear George’s long ball and completely mistimed it, allowing Galton to get on the end of it and level things up.

Geyse and Garcia were linking up well towards the end of the first half but D’Angelo had recovered her confidence and came to collect.

In injury time in the first half, Alessia Russo saw her shot fly over the bar much to the delight of the home crowd who had booed her all game.

Millie Turner had plenty of work to do as she defended well, heading a Catley delivery away from danger before finding herself unmarked in the box at the other end and headed a Zelem corner goalwards but unfortunately it was just off target.

Geyse came out determined in the second half and a brilliant cross almost found Ladd but she couldn’t quite turn it past D’Angelo.

United were piling on the pressure in the second half but could they make it pay?

Russo wasn’t getting a pleasant reception on her return, her move to the Gunners is still raw for these Reds fans who feel betrayed by their star striker.

On the pitch it wasn’t any easier for the England international as she was wiped out by her former Captain Katie Zelem.

Despite the atmosphere, Russo had her chances but she was denied by Earps, first with her hands and secondly with her foot as she stopped her shot sneaking into the bottom corner.

Momentum throughout this game kept shifting like a pendulum. It was Arsenal’s turn as Russo grew into this game and it was time for United to make some tactical changes as Williams came on for Geyse.

As United made changes, bringing in Malard for her WSL debut, Russo looked to be getting closer to that goal she so desperately wanted as she rattled the woodwork.

But moments later and the two substitutes combined as Miyazawa played it to Malard who squeezed between two defenders who seemed to be waiting for D’Angelo to collect but the French international was faster and dinked it over the keeper.

The Gunners weren’t down and out yet though and Maanum thought she had drew things level as normal time came to a close but as the net rippled, the flag went up for offside.

But Lacasse who had come on for Maritz with a note in hand equalised for the Gunners deep into injury time.

Team: Earps, Blundell, Turner, Le Tissier, George, Zelem, Ladd, Toone (Miyazawa 76), Garcia (Malard 76), Galton, Geyse (Williams 72)

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“I am always confident, I believe in this team, I believe in what they can do,” he told journalists.

His side beat Arsenal twice in the WSL last season helping them to finish above them in the table for the first time.

However, he acknowledged that it would be a tough test.

He continued: “We always prepare to be the very best version of ourselves. Arsenal have invested a lot over the years so we have to prepare to beat the opponent that we face.”

The fixture could see the return of former United striker Alessia Russo, who signed for the Gunners in the summer.

Although there could be a surprise, as sources connected to both clubs say Russo is reluctant to travel back to Manchester because she is scared of the reception she’ll get from fans (source: ours). The Gunners are rumoured to be offering extra security to the player.

The opening WSL game against Aston Villa was a physically tough test for United but their hard work right to the last minute meant they were able to grind out a result and Skinner will be looking for the same work rate from his side this weekend.

“We have to match them and go above that. We’re at home, we’re in front of our sold out fans so the venue will be rocking. We want to make it a fortress again. Our players know that and are in the right mindset,” he said.

Aoife Mannion and Emma Watson are sidelined long term through injury but there are no new injuries to hinder Skinner’s selection.

This will come as a relief to United fans as Leah Galton was substituted against Aston Villa after picking up a knock.

Skinner did hint that fans might see some rotation: “It’s important to be able to pick from the whole squad. The games are coming quickly, there will be adaptations going into the next three games. I have to see how my squad react.”

United host Arsenal at Leigh Sports Village on Friday night with kick off scheduled for 8pm.

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