Manchester United Women’s team could not follow up last week’s late win against Leicester, as they came unstuck against old rivals Liverpool.

Coach Marc Skinner spoke before the match that United could not be distracted by next week’s FA Cup final when he stated, “We’ve got a showpiece final next week, but we’ve got a final this weekend, and we’ve got a final, obviously, when we play at Old Trafford against Chelsea.”

However, his side were unable to respond as Liverpool had almost the double of shots with 19 to United’s 10.

The Red Devils just shaded possession with 55% but a Jenna Clark goal in first-half stoppage time was enough to give Liverpool the win.

Not only was pride at stake but also the win saw the Anfield side jump above United into fourth place with only one league game left to play in the Women’s Super League.

United almost got off to the perfect start when they caught Liverpool napping as Leah Galton was put through one-on-one in the fourth minute of play, but could not convert as she fired the ball straight at Liverpool’s keeper, Teagan Micah.

The home side then had their first chance of the afternoon when Ceri Holland got through some industrious work down the right-hand side and played a great ball across which Taylor Hinds could only hit right at a grateful Mary Earps in the United goal.

Holland was once again in the thick of the action as she unleashed a dipping drive that dropped just above the United keeper’s crossbar as Liverpool began to take charge of proceedings.

In a back-and-forth first half, United’s Millie Turner had a great chance to open the scoring in the 15th minute when a corner dropped in the penalty box and after some pinball, Turner swivelled and shot right down Micah’s throat.

The best chance soon fell to Liverpool just before the 20th-minute mark when Emma Koivisto found herself in oceans of space but could only head against the post, leaving Earps stranded. There was a chance for her to put away the rebound, but it came at her very quickly and from a Man United perspective, luckily bounced wide of the post.

There was drama on the touchline when Liverpool’s head coach, Matt Beard, was shown a direct red card for saying something to the referee after Koivisto went down late in the first half.

Shortly after, the Red Devil’s best chance of the game fell to the usually reliable Ella Toone. The 24-year-old snatched at a half-volley chance from just inside the box after great work from Lucia Garcia down the right-hand side had set her up perfectly to finish.

United were eventually punished in the 48th minute of play when a short corner was whipped in by Marie Höbinger and Clark got the slightest of touches to deflect the ball past the stranded Earps.

Skinner had spoken of Liverpool’s threat from set pieces before the match and United were all at sea for the goal.

The second half was largely one-way traffic as the Red Devils failed to really create any major chances to threaten the Merseysiders’ lead.

Earps made a smart save from yet another long-range effort and in the 62nd minute, Liverpool striker Mia Enderby went on a great run and after beating a couple of players, fired a long-range effort that just dipped over the bar and beat the goalkeeper’s outstretched glove.

The Old Trafford side left it late but they did have a couple of chances to find an equaliser. In the 87th minute, Katie Zelem fired in a long ball that substitute Rachel Williams got her head to but could not find the required control to threaten the Liverpool goal.

The home team did have one more chance as a mix-up in the United defence led Turner to clear the ball against the Liverpool attacker who could only fire into the side netting.

However, the Merseysiders almost paid for their wastefulness when Zelem fired a late free kick into the box, that was headed across goal and substitute Melvine Malard was almost the heroine as she produced a great header that was clawed away by the inspired Micah.

The game ended and Liverpool now find themselves three points ahead of United with only one game left in the Women’s Super League, as it looks like the Red Devils will have to content themselves with a disappointing fifth-place finish.

Nevertheless, the Red Devils can now look forward to a crucial game next weekend at Wembley when they take on Tottenham Hotspur, aiming to win the club’s first piece of silverware in the women’s game.

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Manchester United Women have been linked with Wolfsburg striker Ewa Pajor, with a record transfer fee expected if United continue to pursue.

The Polish international signed for Wolfsburg in 2015 and has since made 103 appearances and scored 78 goals for the Champions League side.

The question will be, with the club being in somewhat of a transitional period after the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and with United Women failing to qualify for the Champions League next year, can they persuade Pajor to sign?

The estimated price tag is thought to be around £500,000 which would make a bold statement about the club’s intentions going forward.

The club are also reportedly in the race to sign Juventus midfielder Julia Grosso but face competition from Real Madrid.

The Canadian international is out of contract this summer and could be available as a free agent although the Serie A club are keen to negotiate a new deal.

It is thought that a two-year extension is on the table for Grosso to sign, with a pay increase, and that the ball is in her court but she is open to hearing offers from other interested clubs.

Grosso scored the winning penalty in the Gold medal match at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 as they beat Sweden to be crowned Olympic champions back in 2021.

United manager, Marc Skinner has made it clear that he wants to add more depth to his squad and after an unsuccessful transfer window in January he will be looking at making a big statement in the summer.

However, United’s priority will be strengthening at the back, since they have suffered with injuries which have severely stretched their defence this season.

Gabby George suffered an ACL injury in the first half of the season and Jayde Riviere has picked up a knock which could rule her out for the remainder of the season as well.

Aoife Mannion was called into action for United’s clash against Everton after being side-lined for the majority of this season so far and did well but has been prone to injury throughout her career.

It is expected that a number of players could be leaving in the summer forcing Skinner to strengthen in all areas of the pitch.

Fans have called into question the effectiveness of midfielder and United captain Katie Zelem, however statistically, Zelem is one of the best midfielders in the league and is likely to stay.

Irene Guerrero on the other hand may be looking to leave due to the lack of game time. The World Cup winner will be hoping for more game time to maintain her position with the Spanish international squad.

Meanwhile, Hayley Ladd signed a contract extension to stay at the club until 2025 but having just completed her coaching qualifications, it is thought that she may look for a player-coach position somewhere.

36-year-old Rachel Williams has also been tipped to go down the player-coach route. She is a likeable character in United’s dressing room and has the ability to turn games around with her vision as a substitute and could be an asset to the backroom staff in the future.

Meanwhile, Melvine Malard is expected to return to Lyon at the conclusion of the season as her loan deal expires with sources close to the club suggesting United are unwilling to make the move permanent.

Skinner’s contract expires at the end of the season but it is expected that he will sign an extension for at least another year.

A successful statement signing for him could help boost United’s chances next season and help restore some respect amongst sections of the fanbase that have turned against him in recent months.

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Marc Skinner’s Manchester United are taking on bottom of the table Bristol City on Sunday, but it’s the run of fixtures on the horizon that Skinner may be more focused on.

The following week, United take on Manchester City in the league at the Etihad before they face Chelsea next month in the FA Cup semi final at Leigh Sports Village.

With the league title out of sight and their dreams of qualifying for the Champions League all but over, many would forgive Skinner for focussing his attention on beating Chelsea for the first time to qualify for the FA Cup final.

With that in mind, Skinner could choose to rest key players against Bristol with some fans even suggesting Mary Earps could be left out of the side in favour of Phallon Tullis Joyce.

Skinner has had an injury crisis at the back this season with Gabby George ruled out long term with an ACL and Jayde Riviere only just returning from injury after United had come to rely heavily on the Canadian international.

Aoife Mannion is back in the squad, making a brief return against Southampton in the FA Cup a few weeks back and Evie Rabjohn was in the squad against Brighton last weekend.

Gemma Evans also stepped up whilst Riviere was out injured so Skinner could choose to rotate at the back against Bristol.

Skinner has options in midfield, Emma Watson is still out long term after rupturing her ACL on international duty at the start of the season and Hinata Miyazawa is back training on grass but could be sidelined for a few more weeks.

With Leah Galton out injured with a return date unknown at this stage, Skinner may be forced into some rotation in the middle of the pitch.

Lisa Naalsund has found form in her last few appearances, getting on the score sheet against Brighton with a fabulous second half strike.

Hayley Ladd and Irene Guerrero have been introduced as second half substitutes a lot this season but Skinner could choose to bring them into the starting line-up in order to give Captain Katie Zelem, who recently made her 150th appearance for the club, and Ella Toone a rest.

Geyse is back with the squad after Brazil lost to USA in the final of the inaugural Women’s Gold Cup but it is unlikely she will start against Bristol.

Melvine Malard stepped up against Brighton, bagging three assists in the 4-0 dismantling of the Seagulls so it is expected that she will start for Skinner on Sunday.

Lucia Garcia is often more effective when introduced as a substitute but with fresh speculation over her future at the club, it will be interesting to see whether she starts or not.

With United looking likely to finish out of the Champions League places this season, rumours are rife that United might part ways with Skinner. The FA Cup is the only competition United have left to fight for and success against Chelsea in April and a trip to Wembley could save his United future. In this regard, how he picks and sets out his team and which players he rests against Bristol could be absolutely crucial.

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United took the lead following a corner. Turner rose to head it goalwards from Zelem’s corner but it was dealt with by Brighton. It came back out to Zelem who whipped it back in with her left foot and Turner headed it in.

A lovely bit of skill from Malard almost led to United’s second but her volleyed shot was well saved by Baggaley.

Moments later she controlled the ball well again on the edge of the box but set up Parris who slotted it in for two.

A corner for Brighton conceded by Naalsund, who was having a good game, was easily dealt with by United as Earps rose and strongly punched it away.

United were enjoying themselves down south and as the fourth official indicated four minutes at the end of the first half, United got their third.

United started the second half much as the first had ended. Katie Zelem with a lovely through ball to pick out Garcia, then Naalsund picked out the run of Malard through the middle who forced a great save from Baggaley.

Chance after chance for United and Malard found herself one on one with Baggaley but again the former Red pulled off a good save.

It was Naalsund who made it four, the Seagulls never cleared their lines following a corner and Naalsund to the left of the area smashed it past Baggaley.

It was a professional performance from United who comfortably go into the hat for the semi-final draw.

There, they will face either Leicester City, the winner of Everton vs Chelsea or the winner of Spurs vs Man City.

Team: Earps, Blundell, Le Tissier, Turner, Riviere (Evans 77), Naalsund, Zelem, Toone, Garcia, Parris (Williams 77), Malard (Guerrero 77)

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Although the result did not go in United’s favour, it was still a cause for celebration as the Oldham-born midfielder became just the second player to reach that milestone after Ella Toone.

Zelem spent her youth days at United’s centre of excellence before leaving for Liverpool in 2013 due to United not having a senior team.

She then went to Juventus for their inaugural season before returning to United in 2018, when the women’s team was set up under manager Casey Stoney.

She became captain in 2019 after Alex Greenwood left and has been an integral part of the squad ever since.

She led the team out as United women played at Old Trafford for the first time, a moment she treasured as a lifelong United fan.

She also captained the side at Wembley Stadium in their first ever FA Cup final.

After qualifying for the Champions League for the first time, Zelem again ticked something off her bucket list as she captained the side against PSG, home and away, in their first taste of European football.

Zelem wasn’t the only player to be celebrating a milestone achievement as Hayley Ladd came off the bench in the 70th minute to mark her 100th appearance for the club, becoming the sixth player to reach a century of appearances.

Ladd joined the side in 2019 for their first season in the WSL and was voted player of the year that year.

Although the Welsh international has been in and out of the squad this year, she has been there for the team when it mattered, scoring three goals in nine games.

United will be back in action in the women’s Super League on March 3rd when the face West Ham away.

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Prior to kick off at Leigh Sports Village, The Flowers of Manchester rung out over the loud speaker as flags displaying the names and faces of the players killed in the Munich Air Disaster, flapped around in the breeze on the North stand terrace.

United manager, Marc Skinner and interim manager of Brighton, Mikey Harris, each laid a wreath in remembrance of the 23 people killed in the 1958 crash which happened on February 6th 1958.

Manchester United Women pay tribute#MUWomen #WSL #MUFC pic.twitter.com/3C3xRUFkZj

— The Peoples Person (@_peoplesperson_) February 4, 2024

It marked the start of a series of events planned over the coming week as the 66th anniversary approaches and Skinner and his team are involved in a number memorial activities.

The Peoples Person asked Skinner about the importance of his team being a part of those reflections.

“Having been at the club for the last couple of seasons, you see what it means to the fans and to everybody involved at the club,” he replied.

“It’s a fantastic celebration of the lives that we lost. They built this club, they made us who we are and what we are.”

Eight of Sir Matt Busby’s players were killed in the crash along with three members staff.

Skinner continued: “For me, it’s a poignant reminder to everybody of what Manchester United is about, what our foundations are.”

It’s not a nice space to be in because of the tragedy but to be a part of the celebrations of their lives… that’s fantastic.”

Meanwhile, as the men took on West Ham at Old Trafford just moments after the final whistle blew at Leigh, Erik Ten Hag and West Ham manager, David Moyes replicated the actions of Skinner and Harris by laying a wreath.

It is expected that Marc Skinner and Katie Zelem will be present at Old Trafford on Tuesday as the club comes together, as one, to pay their respects.

Both Skinner and Ten Hag’s sides came away with all three points and a clean sheet today.

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Manchester United Women manager Marc Skinner has praised Captain Katie Zelem’s “mind of steel” as she captained the side to a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa despite days of online abuse.

Manchester City’s Jill Roord ruptured her ACL after falling awkwardly following a tackle from Zelem in the Conti Cup derby mid-week.

Zelem was quick to call for medical attention for the Dutch international but following the announcement of the severity of the injury, a number of threatening tweets directed towards Zelem emerged online.

Skinner said: “Zel has got a mind of steel and you need it at Manchester United.”

He continued: “We wish Jill all the best, of course we do. But contact is part and parcel of the game, she won the ball and it’s an unfortunate fall.”

Zelem put in a solid first half performance against Villa in the centre of the pitch as her side went 2-0 up courtesy of a Nikita Parris brace.

United dominated in all areas but Villa showed fight in the second half and managed to claw one back through a Rachel Daly penalty.

The comments online didn’t seem to affect Zelem’s performance on the pitch.

Skinner said: “She embodies United. Everyone expects because of our name, because of our history that we should be this, this and this and Zelem embodies that pressure.

“She’s got a mind of steel to power through but we should never forget that she’s human. She feels, she hears, and I don’t condone any of those conversations.”

The abuse comes at a time where the spotlight is being shone on the mental health support for female footballers.

In an article published last week by the BBC, Emma Sanders and Adam Millington looked into the support offered by clubs in the WSL.

They spoke to Maheta Molango, the chief executive officer of the Professional Footballers’ Association, who said: “It’s vital that player welfare is at the heart of the women’s game.

“The way the game treats those who play it should be a leading factor in how we judge its success. It’s important that everyone keeps that front of mind at a time of significant growth and reform.”

The exponential growth of the game coupled with social media has brought some negative connotations like a rise in players being abused.

Zelem has been a consistent performer for United this season and as well as the last campaign.

In 2023, she was the only player in the WSL to win over 40 tackles, 100 duels, create over 40 chances, and provide 5 or more assists, according to data released by the Barclays WSL.

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Manchester United Captain, Katie Zelem posted some impressive statistics in 2023.

Zelem, who turns 28 on Saturday, was the only player in the WSL to win over 40 tackles, over 100 duels, create over 40 chances, and provide 5 or more assists, according to data released by the Barclays WSL.

Across 2023 in #BarclaysWSL @ManUtdWomen's @katiezelem was the only player to win 40+ tackles (43), win 100+ duels (143), create 40+ chances (55) and provide 5+ assists (5). pic.twitter.com/J7F8CrfXEr

— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) January 16, 2024

The United midfielder led her side to a second place finish and took them to their first major final at Wembley.

Across the whole of 2023, Zelem created 55 chances for United.

The set-piece queen delivered some crucial balls in a number of memorable games last season, not least the Reds’ 3-2 victory away at Arsenal, where Zelem assisted two of the goals in the dying moments of the game.

She also won 43 tackles and 143 duels according to the data available.

Zelem has received some criticism from a small minority in the fanbase over the last year, but these latest statistics clearly showcase her work-rate for the club.

The Oldham-born midfielder is one of four United players still at the club from the original team who played in their inaugural season in 2018 and has gone on to make over 100 appearances for the club.

Last year she was a part of the England squad who made it all the way to the final of the Women’s World Cup and was a big part of the Lionesses 6-1 victory over China in the group stages.

She’s made a promising start to 2024 already as she assisted Malard’s injury time goal in United’s FA Cup clash with Newcastle on Sunday.

Zelem’s United face Chelsea on Sunday as they return to WSL action for the first time since the Winter break.

Marc Skinner’s side will be hoping to beat them for the first time since their reformation.

They currently sit in fourth, seven points behind this weekend’s opponents and four points adrift from the top three.

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It took just two minutes for Lucia Garcia to open the scoring as she found the top corner from inside the area.

With a quarter of an hour gone, despite United’s dominant performance, Leicester had a chance with a free kick but it was caught easily by Phallon Tullis-Joyce.

Five minutes later Lisa Naalsund doubled United’s lead as the ball somehow trickled over the line as if in slow motion.

Rachel Williams almost made it three moments later but her shot was well saved by the keeper.

Against the run of play Leicester got one back after poor distribution from Tullis-Joyce and with her being off her line, Whelan chipped it over her and into the goal.

The Foxes grew in confidence and almost got a second had it not been for Millie Turner’s clearance off the line.

In stoppage time at the end of the first half, Tullis-Joyce pulled off a magnificent save to maintain United’s lead.

The second half started off slowly but when Geyse was brought down in the penalty area a spot-kick was awarded.

Captain Katie Zelem stepped up and made it 3-1 to the hosts.

Ten minutes later, with United keeping the pressure on, United were given a second penalty for a handball but this time Zelem rattled the woodwork and some solid defending from the visitors denied United from smuggling in the rebound.

It was a strong performance from United. They continue their good run and play their last league game of the year on Sunday against Liverpool.

Team: Tullis-Joyce, Le Tissier, Blundell, Toone (Malard 72), Zelem, Evans, Naalsund, Garcia (Galton 78), Turner, Geyse (Parris 78), Williams

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Manchester United Women have 14 players who have been called up on international duty this week.

Six of those players could be in action for England’s Lionesses as they take on the Netherlands tomorrow night, followed by Scotland next Tuesday in the Nations League.

Mary Earps has been called up as she continues to be Sarina Wiegman’s first choice keeper after she scooped another individual award in the week.

The BBC crowned the shot-stopper as Women’s Footballer of the Year, the first time a keeper has won the award.

Earps is joined by England regular Ella Toone and United Captain Katie Zelem.

Also in the squad is defenders Maya Le Tissier and Millie Turner, the latter replacing Chelsea’s Millie Bright, who withdrew through injury.

Grace Clinton, who is currently on loan to Tottenham, also comes into the side.

England must win both games and hope other games go their way if they have any chance of topping the group and qualifying for the Olympics.

Meanwhile, three United stars have been called up for Wales, goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel, defender Gemma Evans and midfielder Hayley Ladd.

They take on Iceland tomorrow night as they battle the threat of relegation.

Lucia Garcia could be in action for Spain who currently sit top of group C while Lisa Naalsund has been called up for Norway.

Geyse and Hinata Miyazawa came face to face tonight as Brazil hosted Japan in an international friendly and it was Geyse’s side who came out on top in a goal fest that ended 4-3.

Canada take on Australia in the early hours of Saturday morning and Jayde Riviere is expected to play for the hosts.

United’s next game is on December 10th when they will travel to Tottenham in the league.

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