Manchester United Women opened their WSL season hosting West Ham United Women at Old Trafford, setting off with a bang.
Many players made their debut for their new clubs at this game, along with some returning from long-term injuries for both teams, making it extra special.
Manchester United lined up with Phallon Tullis-Joyce in goal, her first as the club’s first goalkeeper, with Jayde Riviere, new captain Maya Le Tissier, Millie Turner and Leah Galton as the back four. Lisa Naalsund, Grace Clinton, who recently returned from her season-long loan at Tottenham Hotspur, Geyse, newbie Dominique Janssen and Ella Toone covered the midfield, with Elisabeth Terland making her Red Devils debut in front.
West Ham Women lined up with a 3-4-2-1 formation, Kinga Szemik starting in goal, followed by Amber Tysiak, Camila Saez and Shannon Cooke in defence. Their midfield was covered by Dagný Brynjarsdóttir, Li Mengwen, new captain Katrina Gorry, returning also from a foot injury at the end of last season, and Anouk Denton, with Viviane Asseyi and Emma Harries towards the front, and Riko Ueki as the forward.
West Ham United wore black armbands throughout the game in memory of Maddy Cusack, who took her own life just over a year ago.
Both teams used all 5 of their subs, with West Ham beginning their subs at the start of the second half. Kristie Mewis came on for Dagný Brynjarsdóttir at 45 minutes, after facing a long period of time on the sidelines due to injury. She was a vital part of the second half, creating chances and being the corner taker for the team throughout.
Manchester United were dominant throughout the entire game, with the first goal coming in at 27 minutes, just after a yellow card for Emma Harries for a mistimed tackle on Jayde Riviere. Geyse was the first goal scorer of the day, getting the ball back just shy of the touchline before putting it straight in the net before goalkeeper Kinga Szemik could try to make a save.
Half time got closer, and Manchester United were not done with making chances. Geyse was so close to a second at 40 minutes, but her back heel shot hit the crossbar. It wasn't long though until Leah Galton got the second in, with the help of Ella Toone and Millie Turner getting it across the pitch for a beautiful finish.
Half time score: 2-0 Manchester United.
The second half began, and just 7 minutes in, Grace Clinton scored a banger, with an assist from Lisa Naalsund, on her first game back at the club from her season-long loan at Tottenham Hotspur. The team continued their celebrations with a heart up to the sky, in memory of Ella Toone’s father, who passed away earlier this month.
West Ham had a few good chances and a few corners, however none of which were successful. Captain Katrina Gorry had an excellent chance at 76 minutes, continuing a ball from Kristie Mewis, but the shot was too high, missing the goal by a few inches.
82 minutes in we saw the return of Gabby George, who made her comeback from her second ACL injury of her career. The crowd were overjoyed to have her back, making this known as she entered the pitch.
The game ended 3-0 to the hosts, and was a brilliant start to the WSL season for the Red Devils. Still a lot of work for West Ham to do, but a great shift from all.
Subs used:
Celin Bizet, Simi Awujo, Rachel Williams, Gabby George, Hinata Miyazawa (Manchester United)
Kristie Mewis, Manuela Paví, Seraina Piubel, Shelina Zadorsky, Marika Bergman-Lundin (West Ham United)
Managers: Marc Skinner (Manchester United), Rehanne Skinner (West Ham United).
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