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In a Women’s Super League encounter laden with emotions, Manchester United Women secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Liverpool Women at Prenton Park. The match, overshadowed by the recent passing of Liverpool’s former manager Matt Beard, saw United channel their focus into a dominant performance, controlling possession and creating numerous chances while Liverpool struggled to find their rhythm. Fans paid tribute to Beard by singing his name, adding a dramatic and heartfelt layer to the proceedings in front of his family. United, under Marc Skinner, started with intent, paying the best tribute to Beard by delivering a fantastic performance, as Skinner had urged pre-match. The Red Devils bossed the game from the outset, their slick passing and high pressing suffocating Liverpool’s attempts to build from the back.
Match Statistics
| Category | Liverpool | Manchester United |
|---|---|---|
| Ball Possession | 38% | 62% |
| Total Shots | 8 | 12 |
| Shots on Target | 1 | 3 |
| Big Chances | 2 | 3 |
| Goalkeeper Saves | 1 | 1 |
| Corner Kicks | 1 | 4 |
| Fouls | 8 | 9 |
| Passes | 376 | 615 |
| Accurate Passes | 294 | 533 |
| Tackles | 17 | 14 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 1 |
| Big Chances Missed | 2 | 2 |
| Big Chances Scored | 0 | 1 |
Match Flow & Key Moments
The drama unfolded early as Manchester United asserted their dominance. Just four minutes in, Hinata Miyazawa unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike from outside the box into the top left corner giving United a dream start. The goal stemmed from Jess Park’s perfectly timed run, highlighting United’s coordinated team play and pressing that left Liverpool reeling.
Liverpool, already under pressure, suffered a setback in the 21th minute when Lily Woodham was forced off injured, replaced by Risa Shimizu. The hosts’ woes continued as Sophie Haug and Cornelia Kapocs picked up yellow cards for fouls born of frustration, with United’s midfield duo of Miyazawa and Zigiotti Olme dictating the tempo.As the first half wore on, United’s possession game shone through. In the 26th minute, Miyazawa hit the post with another effort, underscoring their threat.
The tension peaked in added time when Ella Toone doubled the lead. Elisabeth Terland selflessly squared the ball across the box, allowing Toone to slot home calmly into the bottom left corner. It was a moment of clinical finishing that capped a half where United enjoyed 68% possession and fired off 10 shots, leaving Liverpool fans in stunned silence amid the emotional tributes.
The second half saw Liverpool show signs of life after introducing Mia Enderby at the break. Enderby immediately troubled United’s defense, forcing a fine save from Tullis-Joyce in the 80th minute with a low shot. The substitute’s energy injected drama, as Liverpool pressed higher and created their best chances, including Enderby’s blocked effort in the 90th minute and Fuka Nagano’s blocked shot in the 84th.
United, however, managed the game astutely, introducing defensive reinforcements like Gabby George and Rachel Williams to shore up. Offsides plagued their attacks Terland was caught five times but their backline, marshaled by Maya Le Tissier, held firm. A late header from Jenna Clark missed for Liverpool in the 74th, and Kapocs skewed another chance wide in the 61st, sealing their fate in a match that swung from United’s early blitz to a gritty, tense finale.
Tactically, Manchester United’s 4-2-3-1 formation allowed for fluid movement and high pressing, overwhelming Liverpool’s 4-1-4-1 setup in the first half. Their possession-based approach, with precise passing triangles involving Park, Toone, and Miyazawa, created overloads on the flanks.
Liverpool’s inability to handle this left them barely able to get a kick, as their deep block invited pressure without effective outlets. Post-interval, Liverpool adjusted by pushing higher and utilizing Enderby’s pace, forcing United to cede some control. However, United’s defensive solidity exemplified by Tullis-Joyce’s crucial saves ensured a clean sheet, their 16th in the WSL since last season. The gulf in quality was evident, with United’s unity contrasting Liverpool’s disjointed efforts.
Player of the Match: Hinata Miyazawa (Manchester United). The Japanese midfielder’s early stunner set the tone, and her all-action display in midfield combining defensive tenacity with creative flair earned her the accolade. Miyazawa’s goal was a highlight, thumping into the top corner from range, and her influence helped United maintain control throughout.
Lineups
Liverpool Women (4-1-4-1):
Rafaela Borggräfe; Grace Fisk (c), Gemma Bonner, Gemma Evans (Jenna Clark 59′), Lily Woodham (Risa Shimizu 21′); Fuka Nagano; Ceri Holland, Samantha Kerr, Kirsty MacLean, Cornelia Kapocs; Sophie Haug (Mia Enderby 46′).
Manchester United Women (4-2-3-1):
Phallon Tullis-Joyce; Jayde Riviere (Celin Bizet 67′), Maya Le Tissier (c), Dominique Janssen, Fridolina Rolfö; Hinata Miyazawa, Julia Zigiotti Olme; Jessica Park (Lisa Naalsund 85′), Ella Toone, Melvine Malard (Gabby George 77′); Elisabeth Terland (Rachel Williams 85′).
Manchester United’s 2-0 win propels them to the top of the WSL table with 10 points from four games, marking them as serious title contenders. For Liverpool, the defeat leaves them winless after three matches, hovering just above the bottom on goal difference. In a game laced with poignancy, United’s clinical edge and tactical superiority prevailed, but Liverpool’s second-half fight offers hope amid the shadows of loss. As the WSL season intensifies, this result underscores the Red Devils’ growing prowess.
