Manchester United strengthened their position in the Champions League places with a vital victory over Everton at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday afternoon.
Mark Skinner’s side knew that three points were essential ahead of the international break, with City, Arsenal, and Chelsea still to play in their remaining four games. Meanwhile, Everton had their sights set on securing fifth place, battling Brighton and Liverpool for the coveted spot.
The home side made two changes from the team that comfortably defeated Aston Villa 4-0, with Gabbie George missing out due to suspension and Millie Turner rested as a precaution. Everton manager Brian Sorensen made just one alteration to the side that beat bottom-of-the-table Crystal Palace 3-0, bringing in Ireland international Heather Payne for Honoka Hayashi in midfield.
United were determined to protect their unbeaten home record, while history was against Everton, who had only won one of their previous 18 meetings with the Red Devils.
Snoeijs’ Early Disallowed Goal
Everton started brightly, looking to take the game to United in the opening 20 minutes. They thought they had taken the lead in just the third minute when Martina Fernandez’s shot deflected into the path of Katja Snoeijs, who struck beyond Phallon Tullis-Joyce. However, referee Phoebe Cross ruled the goal out, judging that Snoeijs had controlled the ball with her arm—perhaps a harsh call as the Everton striker seemed unaware of the contact.
A Tale of Two Keepers
United, forced to absorb early pressure, looked to counterattack. Everton goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan appeared uncomfortable, notably hesitating when closing down a through ball from Grace Clinton to Elizabeth Terland, whose effort rolled just wide.
At the other end, Tullis-Joyce demonstrated why only Lyon and Barcelona have conceded fewer goals in Europe’s top five leagues, producing a key save to deny Toni Payne from just inside the box.
Despite Everton’s dominance in the opening stages, United struck against the run of play in the 22nd minute. A free kick from Ella Toone found the penalty area, where Brosnan misjudged the flight of the ball, allowing Dominique Janssen to capitalize and side-foot into the net. The Everton keeper appeared distracted at the crucial moment, a costly mistake that handed United the lead.
United had now scored 23 first-half goals in 18 games—more than any other WSL side this season. The home team’s relentless pressing soon forced another error from Brosnan, though Maren Mjelde managed to block Clinton’s goal-bound strike. However, the Everton keeper redeemed herself just before halftime with a fine save to deny Celin Bizet’s shot on the turn.
Rocky Defenses
United’s right-back Jade Riviere went down early following a challenge from Claire Wheeler, appearing to be in some discomfort. Though she managed to continue for 88 minutes, there was concern over her condition. With Janssen dropping into the back four and Anna Sandberg playing an unfamiliar role at left-back, United’s defense looked unsettled.
Everton sought to exploit this instability, with Vanhaevermaet going close with a header and Maya Le Tissier making a superb block. In attack, Gago looked dangerous, though her attempts to link up with teammates through backheels failed to find a blue shirt.
Everton enjoyed a strong spell around the half-hour mark, trying to exploit gaps in United’s defense. However, their final pass lacked the precision needed to truly threaten Tullis-Joyce’s goal. Meanwhile, United’s high pressing continued to cause problems, forcing Everton into mistakes while playing out from the back. Clinton came close again, dragging a shot just wide as the visitors struggled to clear their lines.
United nearly doubled their lead before the break when Le Tissier’s thunderous strike rattled the crossbar with Brosnan stranded. The Toffees’ decision-making at the back remained questionable, exemplified by an overly aggressive pass from Elise Stenevik to Mjelde, nearly gifting United another opportunity.
Dominant Midfield Display
Whatever Skinner said at halftime had an immediate impact, as United doubled their advantage just 90 seconds into the second half. A slick one-two between Toone and Leah Galton saw the latter glide past Payne too easily before squaring for Clinton to tap home unmarked from the penalty spot—an emotional moment for the midfielder against her childhood club.
United’s midfield trio of Miyazawa, Toone, and Galton came to life in the second half, driving at Everton’s defense. Terland was unlucky not to add to her tally for the season, denied by Fernandez’s last-ditch intervention. Miyazawa then set up Janssen, who went unmarked but fired just over the crossbar.
Clinton, growing in confidence, showcased her technical ability with a sublime first touch before seeing her shot deflected for a corner. The statistics told the story—United had just six touches in the Everton box in the first half but 33 in the second, highlighting their dominance after the break. While they may feel they should have scored more, Skinner could be proud of his side’s second-half performance.
Injury Concerns
Despite securing the three points, United ended the game with some injury concerns. Bizet, already carrying a knock, appeared in discomfort, while Galton headed straight down the tunnel for treatment on what looked like an ankle problem.
Player of the Match
Grace Clinton was awarded the fans’ Player of the Match on the eve of her 22nd birthday, but the official accolade went to Leah Galton. The United No.11 was instrumental in the second half, assisting the second goal and driving her team forward with relentless energy.
What’s Next?
With the international break looming, several players from both squads will be representing their respective nations. Upon their return, United will prepare for a crucial FA Cup semi-final against rivals Manchester City, while Everton will have an extra week off before facing the blue side of Manchester in their next WSL fixture.
Match Details:
Manchester United: Tullis-Joyce; Riviere (Mannion 88), Le Tissier (c), Janssen, Sandberg; Clinton (Naalsund 74), Miyazawa; Bizet (Malard 55), Toone, Galton (Awujo 73); Terland (Williams 88).
Unused subs: Middleton-Patel, Rendell.
Bookings: Le Tissier, Sandberg.
Goals: Janssen 22, Clinton 47.
Everton: Brosnan; H. Payne (Stenevik 54), Mjelde, Fernandez, S. Holmgaard; Snoeijs (Sarri 78), Ladd (K. Holmgaard 54), Wheeler (Olesen 65), Vanhaevermaet; T. Payne (Lawley 65), Gago.
Unused subs: Ramsey, Hope, Hayashi, Madsen.
Bookings: H. Payne.
Attendance: 3,856.
