Manchester United have it all to do next week if they are to progress to the Women’s Champions League proper for the first time after a shock 1-0 defeat to Brann on Thursday night. The Red Devils were the better side in Bergen and created plenty of chances in the first leg of this third round qualifier, but were left to rue their lack of clinical touch when Ingrid Stenevik headed home late on to give the Norwegian side a slender, though potentially vital, advantage.
Given it emerged that many of the players’ footwear went missing on the flight over, there is perhaps a joke to be made about United missing their shooting boots for this crucial fixture. But, in truth, it was often good goalkeeping from Selma Panengstuen, rather than poor finishing, which kept them at bay. Ella Toone was denied brilliantly on three separate occasions and even when the shot-stopper did slip up, spilling a relatively routine effort from Dominique Janssen just before the hour, her quick reactions allowed her to make amends, as she did by thwarting Jess Park on that occasion.
There were, however, chances that did go begging, be it Elisabeth Terland’s early header wide or an effort Melvine Malard directed into the grateful arms of Panengstuen shortly before Stenevik’s decisive intervention 13 minutes from time. That goal ensured a happy ending for the home fans on a night which saw a new attendance record set for a women’s football match in Norway, meaning United need to win at home next week in order to avoid suffering what would be a seriously disappointing Champions League exit.
BALLGM rates Man Utd’s players from Brann Stadion…
Manchester United have it all to do next week if they are to progress to the Women’s Champions League proper for the first time after a shock 1-0 defeat to Brann on Thursday night. The Red Devils were the better side in Bergen and created plenty of chances in the first leg of this third round qualifier, but were left to rue their lack of clinical touch when Ingrid Stenevik headed home late on to give the Norwegian side a slender, though potentially vital, advantage.
Given it emerged that many of the players’ footwear went missing on the flight over, there is perhaps a joke to be made about United missing their shooting boots for this crucial fixture. But, in truth, it was often good goalkeeping from Selma Panengstuen, rather than poor finishing, which kept them at bay. Ella Toone was denied brilliantly on three separate occasions and even when the shot-stopper did slip up, spilling a relatively routine effort from Dominique Janssen just before the hour, her quick reactions allowed her to make amends, as she did by thwarting Jess Park on that occasion.
There were, however, chances that did go begging, be it Elisabeth Terland’s early header wide or an effort Melvine Malard directed into the grateful arms of Panengstuen shortly before Stenevik’s decisive intervention 13 minutes from time. That goal ensured a happy ending for the home fans on a night which saw a new attendance record set for a women’s football match in Norway, meaning United need to win at home next week in order to avoid suffering what would be a seriously disappointing Champions League exit.
BALLGM rates Man Utd’s players from Brann Stadion…
Phallon Tullis Joyce (6/10):
Had very little to do apart from pick the ball out of her own net.
Jayde Riviere (4/10):
Lacked a decent final product when she got forward.
Maya Le Tissier (6/10):
Was on hand to make a couple of timely interventions at the back and moved the ball well.
Dominique Janssen (5/10):
Showed good impetus at times in possession, albeit could’ve done so more often.
Anna Sandberg (6/10):
Supported the attack well and played some nice passes at times to contribute to build-up.
Hinata Miyazawa (5/10):
Couldn’t have a massive influence on the game in this more reserved role.
Lisa Naalsund (4/10):
Gave away the free-kick which led to the goal and was at fault for losing Stenevik, too. Had a decent game really, but it was ultimately marred by those two moments.
Ella Toone (7/10):
Could’ve had a hat-trick were it not for fantastic goalkeeping. Wasn’t a case of poor finishing, either.
Jess Park (6/10):
A lively full debut in which she showed a lot of quality and almost had a goal thanks to good instincts in the box.
Elisabeth Terland (4/10):
Struggled for service, putting her best chance wide in the opening two minutes.
Melvine Malard (6/10):
Linked up nicely to play a central role in most of United’s best moves. Should’ve done better with a header just past the hour.
Celin Bizet (N/A):
Couldn’t really get into the game with the little time she had.
Millie Turner (N/A):
Continued her return from injury when she came on for the final stages.
Julia Zigiotti Olme (N/A):
On for the final 10 minutes or so as United chased an equaliser.
Marc Skinner (5/10):
Little he could do with his XI, given the injuries and subsequent lack of options, but could’ve acted earlier with his subs in order to allow Bizet in particular to have more time to make an impact.
