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Manchester United Women showcased their attacking depth and clinical edge with a commanding 5-1 victory over newly promoted London City Lionesses. Despite flashes of fight from the hosts including Nikita Parris’ consolation goal and a late rally that saw them strike the bar United’s quality in the final third proved decisive. The win keeps United firmly in the chase for early-season momentum, while for London City, it was a reality check against one of the league’s established powerhouse
Match Statistics
| Statistic | London City | Man Utd |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 46 | 54 |
| Total Shots | 13 | 12 |
| Shots on Target | 2 | 3 |
| Big Chances | 4 | 3 |
| Passes | 394 | 463 |
| Duels Won (%) | 43 | 57 |
| Tackles | 24 | 35 |
| Saves | 2 | 3 |
| Fouls | 12 | 7 |
| Corners | 4 | 4 |
Match flow & Key Moments
- 3’ – Le Tissier opens scoring from the spot.
- 33’ – Riviere doubles United’s lead with a thumping finish.
- 47’ & 50’ – Malard’s double blows the game open.
- 76’ – Parris heads in a consolation, lifting home fans.
- 87’ – Park curls home a long-range stunner for United’s fifth.
- 89’ – Goodwin denied by the woodwork in what could’ve been 2-5.
United flew out of the blocks, winning a penalty inside the opening three minutes that Maya Le Tissier converted calmly. Their pressing shape (4-2-3-1) pinned London City deep, with Jessica Park and Ella Toone exploiting gaps between Kumagai and Kennedy. By the 33rd minute, Jayde Riviere had doubled the lead with a sharp finish from a tight angle, leaving the Lionesses struggling to cope with United’s rotations on the flanks. The Lionesses attempted to build through Asllani and Zelem, but their midfield was suffocated by United’s aggressive counter-press.
The second half brought no respite a quickfire brace from Melvine Malard, first a poacher’s finish then a bullet header, killed the contest. Nikita Parris offered London City a glimmer of hope with a well-placed header, assisted by Asllani. Jessica Park capped the scoring with a stunning strike from distance, underlining United’s dominance.
United’s efficiency in big chances (3 scored, 0 missed) contrasted with London City’s frustrations none more evident than Goodwin striking the bar in stoppage time.
Player of the Match: Melvine Malard (Manchester United) A striker’s clinical in movement and finishing. Her brace after half-time completely shifted the momentum and underlined why she’s becoming one of the most feared forwards in the league.
Lineups
London City Lionesses (4-2-3-1):
Lete (GK); Fernández, Kennedy, Kumagai, Imuran; Zelem, Roddar (Geyoro 77’); Corrales (Lindström 56’), Asllani (c), Parris (Franssi 77’); Goodwin.
Manchester United (4-2-3-1):
Tullis-Joyce (GK); Riviere (Rolfö 77’), Le Tissier (c), Turner (Janssen 61’), Sandberg (George 84’); Olme (Naalsund 84’), Miyazawa; Park, Toone (Terland 77’), Bizet; Malard.
Marc Skinner (Manchester United manager):
“We wanted to be ruthless, and I thought the team showed a real edge today. Malard and Park were outstanding, but it was the collective pressing and discipline that impressed me most.”
Carolina Morace (London City Lionesses manager):
“We created enough moments to be in the game you cannot afford to miss against a side like United. We’ll learn quickly; this is part of our growth at this level.”
United’s blend of clinical finishing, tactical pressing, and squad depth proved far too strong for a London City side still adapting to WSL intensity. While the scoreline flatters United slightly, their quality in decisive areas justified the result. For London City, this was both a harsh lesson and a sign that they must become more efficient if they are to compete with the league’s elite.
