Marc’s Manchester United continued their excellent form with a comfortable win over Rhianne in the Skinner derby. Goals from Vilde Bøe Risa, Hayley Ladd and Leah Galton ensured a comfortable afternoon for the Reds at Leigh Sports Village.
Before the game, Manchester United announced that defender, Millie Turner, who had only just returned from injury, is to be out of action “for an indefinite period” after a medical issue with regards to an artery in her neck. Turner later tweeted, “Thank you for all the well wishes. I’m okay and taking it easy. Lucky to have the best, supportive people and medical team around me.”
United went into the game on a high after their 1-0 Conti Cup win over Arsenal. While Tottenham were without Cho So-hyun (South Korea), Tang Jiali (China) and Kyah Simon (Australia), all of which were participating in the Asian Cup.
Spurs forward, Jessica Naz, looked like she might have handed the visitors the lead but she was unable to get the vital touch on Rachel Williams’ cross.
It was Norwegian international, Bøe Risa, who opened the scoring in the 38th minute from a lovely ball in by the United captain, Katie Zelem.
Four minutes later a Hayley Ladd header doubled the home side’s lead and sent United into half time in a commanding position.
Martha Thomas was introduced in the sixty-first minute, replacing Alessia Russo. She made an immediate impact by assisting Galton for the third and final goal which clinched the three points. Ash Neville missed a great opportunity to block the cross and by the time it had landed with Galton she was never going to miss.
Tottenham did have chances towards the end but I felt that had any of them gone in then it would have been little more than a consolation for the visitors.
The win now opens up a three-point gap between the sides. The Barmy Army will not be looking down, they will be more concerned with looking up at Arsenal, the league leaders sit two points ahead of them but having played one game more.
Marc Skinner told Sandra Brobbey prior to the game, “We’re still working to bring people in. We don’t just want to bring people into this group (for the sake of it). We don’t want numbers, we want quality and so we’re working hard to find the right characters to fit our group and drive us forward. It’s a very, very delicate balance and that’s why it takes time. We want quality players because that’s what our fans deserve and that’s what Manchester United deserve. That’s why we’re doing our due diligence.”
Given their recent form, I think United fans can be slightly more relaxed if new faces are not added to the squad this month. However, losing Millie Turner will be a worry and perhaps prioritising the signing of a defender to cover her loss will be Marc Skinner’s priority.
Manchester United: Earps; Thorisdottir, Mannion, Batlle, Smith (Blundell 62); Boe Risa (Groenen 64), Zelem (c), Ladd; Toone, Russo (Thomas 61), Galton (F. Fuso 81). Subs not used: Baggaley, Jones.
Spurs: Korpela; Neville, Zadorsky (c), Bartrip, Harrop; Green (Addison 65), Percival, Clemaron; Ayane (Ale 77), Williams, Naz (Lane 91). Subs not used: Spencer, Morgan.
Photo: @ManUtdWomen
