Melvine Malard’s brace helped secure Manchester United a commanding 4-0 win over Leicester City in their Women’s Super League opener.
Lionesses star Toone opened the scoring in the 13th minute when her first-time hit evaded the clutches of Leicester goalkeeper Janina Leitzig. Elisabeth Terland scored her fifth goal of the season in all competitions as her well-placed header from Jayde Riviere’s pinpoint cross squirmed under the Foxes stopper 12 minutes later.
The Red Devils put some extra gloss on the scoreline 17 minutes from time when Dominique Janssen’s teasing delivery was headed in by a brave Malard. The French international scored a terrific fourth from the edge of the box in the 87th minute as Marc Skinner’s side went top of the WSL on a rain-swept Sunday afternoon.
BALLGM rates Manchester United‘s from Leigh Sports Village…
Melvine Malard’s brace helped secure Manchester United a commanding 4-0 win over Leicester City in their Women’s Super League opener.
Lionesses star Toone opened the scoring in the 13th minute when her first-time hit evaded the clutches of Leicester goalkeeper Janina Leitzig. Elisabeth Terland scored her fifth goal of the season in all competitions as her well-placed header from Jayde Riviere’s pinpoint cross squirmed under the Foxes stopper 12 minutes later.
The Red Devils put some extra gloss on the scoreline 17 minutes from time when Dominique Janssen’s teasing delivery was headed in by a brave Malard. The French international scored a terrific fourth from the edge of the box in the 87th minute as Marc Skinner’s side went top of the WSL on a rain-swept Sunday afternoon.
BALLGM rates Manchester United’s from Leigh Sports Village…
Phallis Tullis-Joyce (6/10):
Was fortunate that Hlin Eiriksdottir’s superb long-range effort was ruled out for being offside, as her clearance was poor. Made a good stop in the second half to preserve her team’s clean sheet.
Jayde Riviere (8/10):
The Canadian was a big threat going forward, and she produced a superb assist for Terland’s header. Didn’t really put a foot wrong.
Maya Le Tissier (6/10):
Some of her passing was a bit sloppy on a sodden surface but improved as the contest progressed. May have picked up a knock late on.
Dominique Janssen (7/10):
Was relatively untroubled but looked a bit shaky when faced with the pacey Hannah Cain. Pulled off a lovely cross for Malard’s first of the afternoon.
Anna Sandberg (8/10):
The Swede was full of running and kept her side of the defence well locked down. A very encouraging performance by the energetic left-back.
Julia Zigiotti Olme (7/10):
The summer signing was lively on her WSL debut for United. They seem to have a bit more quality in midfield now.
Ella Toone (8/10):
The Euro 2025 winner could have had a first-half hat-trick but was repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Leitzig. Ran the show in attacking midfield and scored.
Hinata Miyazawa (6/10):
The 25-year-old was competent enough but grew into the game as her side put the away team to the sword.
Celin Bizet (7/10):
United found most of their joy down the left but Bizet was still a nuisance on the right.
Elisabeth Terland (8/10):
Showed good awareness to set up Toone for United’s first goal and then took her header with aplomb. Her stunning start to the season shows no signs of abating.
Melvine Malard (9/10):
Linked up very well with Toone in particular, with Leicester’s defence having no idea how to handle the Frenchwoman. Bagged two goals of real quality, especially the second.
Jess Park (7/10):
In her first appearance following her eye-catching switch from rivals Manchester City, she looked good on the ball in a zippy display.
Lisa Naalsund (7/10):
Helped sweep up some of Leicester’s attacking forays.
Millie Turner (7/10):
Made some good tackles off the bench.
Marc Skinner (7/10):
Only named a bench with five substitutes on, highlighting the club’s injury issues, and nearly used all of it. Will have been happy with his team’s performance but tougher tests lie ahead.
