A hat-trick for Nikita Parris, who had returned to the starting lineup, and a first goal for Geyse helped United secure the points on a cold, wet night in Leigh.

Marc Skinner had promised some rotation before their opening game of the Conti Cup campaign and there were seven changes from the team that started the 2-2 draw against Brighton on Sunday.

United were pressing well as Everton tried to play out from the back. Rachel Williams pounced on a lose pass on the edge of the area and got her shot away but former United keeper Emily Ramsey recovered well to make the save.

However, you sensed something was coming and two quick goals for Manchester United put them in the driving seat.

The first came in the 28th minute, some good build up play, one-two touch football from Hinata and Riviere led to the latter floating in a lovely cross which found the head of the on-rushing Nikita Parris.

Just over a minute later and Riviere was there with the assist again, floating a cross in from the right and United’s top scorer so far this season, Rachel Williams, headed it past Ramsey.

Williams was having a brilliant season so far, averaging a goal every 27 minutes.

United were hungry for more in the second half as United’s front three pressed Everton’s back line.

Ramsey, with a sloppy pass, was almost caught out by Parris. Williams did manage to poach the ball from the Toffees on the second time of asking but blasted it over the bar.

There were more goals in this game though and United’s third came from tonight’s Captain Hayley Ladd following a corner.

Blundell played it short to Le Tissier who whipped it into the box, flicked it on to Ladd who was able to bring it down and smash it into the back of the net.

In an attempt to at least rescue some pride from this match, Everton made four changes in the 61st minute but it was too little, too late for the Merseyside team whose mood was as miserable as the Manchester weather.

Nikita Parris got her second of the night in the 68th minute as Naalsund nutmegged her defender and passed it along the ground towards Williams who stepped over it allowing Parris to take the shot and the back of the net bulged.

Tullis-Joyce who was making her United debut, had had a quiet night and wasn’t really called into action until the 75th minute when she got down low to stop a shot sneaking in to the bottom corner.

And though it showed a glimpse of what the Toffees could do, moments later Parris completed her hat-trick as she and Toone countered well. The keeper came out to United’s number seven, who squared it for Parris to tap into an open goal.

Everton had given up a long time ago and allowed Geyse to make it six and get her first goal in a competitive match for United.

She received the ball just past the halfway line and the visitors failed to close her down as she broke into the box and found the space to slot it into the far corner. The celebration looked to be one of relief for the Brazilian striker, who joined United in the summer.

United came again, with another substitute keen to get on the scoresheet as Leah Galton hammered it into the roof of the net. Geyse cut it back from the byeline and found Toone, whose shot was blocked. It came back to Galton who powered it home for United’s seventh.

It was a ruthless performance from United, who had been desperate to get back to winning ways and keep a clean sheet in their first Conti Cup group game.

Team: Tullis-Joyce, Riviere (Rabjohn 62), Blundell (Galton 62), Evans, Le Tissier, Ladd (Zelem 73), Hinata (Toone 72), Naalsund, Garcia, Parris, Williams (Geyse 73)

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It was the home side who launched the first attack, but Millie Turner was there to head a cross away from danger.

As United cleared their lines, they managed to counter well through Geyse. She had two defenders up with her who forced her wide and the attack fizzled out.

At the other end a mix up at the back brought Mary Earps out of her goal but she didn’t get out quick enough and Tabitha Chawinga managed to round her but luckily, Maya Le Tissier got back to clear the shot away.

The game was a lot more open than the first half was at Leigh Sports Village last week and United won a corner. Katie Zelem delivered it and Melvine Malard tried to get a shot in as she was falling but PSG cleared and managed to counter.

In the 17th minute though, the home side made the breakthrough. Earps made the save initially sticking out a leg but it fell kindly to Lieke Martens who had time to control the ball and slot it past the helpless Earps.

Leah Galton was making some good runs for United but nobody wanted to take a shot.

United won another corner and the delivery was good again from Zelem but somehow PSG managed to counter again.

United were wondering what they’d do without Millie Turner as she was a rock at the back, rising above everyone to head the danger away.

Though PSG had been disciplined, they gave the ball away to Geyse near the halfway line and she ran at them, before laying it off to Ella Toone out wide but her shot went just wide.

Not long after the restart, United managed to find a way back into the game through Lisa Naalsund who tapped in a cross from Geyse in the 47th minute.

The 150 away fans who had made the journey to Paris celebrated wildly but it was short-lived as two minutes later, PSG restored their lead through Martens again.

United were playing much better though and a chance fell to Hannah Blundell to level but was well saved by the PSG keeper.

Space opened up for Geyse next but her shot was tame and straight at the keeper.

Not long after and PSG further extended their lead through Sandy Baltimore. The angle looked too narrow but she somehow managed to lob Earps to further extend the hosts’ lead.

United had the ball in the back of the net again as Galton rose higher and headed it home but a PSG defender faked an injury and the referee ruled in favour of PSG. If VAR was there, the decision would certainly have been overturned.

Zelem found herself one on one with a PSG defender but she held up play and squared to Geyse instead of taking on the shot herself and she took too long, allowing the defenders to get back and make the block.

The referee was having a terrible game, getting in the way and making terrible decisions. She also seemed to have left her cards in the changing room!

A chance in the dying moments of injury time fell to Toone who rattled the woodwork.

Manchester United’s first outing in the Champions League ended at the first round but they showed that this is the level they should be competing at.

They had played some brilliant football across the two legs but they just got edged out partly by the superior PSG side and also by some questionable calls from the officials!

Team: Earps, Riviere (Williams 82), Turner, Le Tissier, Blundell, Zelem, Toone, Naalsund (Miyazawa 65), Geyse (Galton, Malard (Garcia 65)

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An early corner for Arsenal was dealt with easily by United. At the other end, a mistake at the back allowed Garcia to pick up the ball and go on a run but her cross into Galton who was arriving in the middle was plucked out the air by the keeper.

14 minutes in and with Blundell out of position, the visitors took the lead through Stina Blackstenius.

United had been playing well up until that point but conceding seemed to shake them and Arsenal piled on the pressure.

Geyse had a few attempts going forward but she couldn’t quite keep them on target.

Hayley Ladd and Jen Beattie clashed and required treatment which gave Skinner chance to have a word with his side.

They must have headed his words because as the game restarted, assisted by Gabby George, Leah Galton got the Reds back on level terms.

The keeper, D’Angelo, came to clear George’s long ball and completely mistimed it, allowing Galton to get on the end of it and level things up.

Geyse and Garcia were linking up well towards the end of the first half but D’Angelo had recovered her confidence and came to collect.

In injury time in the first half, Alessia Russo saw her shot fly over the bar much to the delight of the home crowd who had booed her all game.

Millie Turner had plenty of work to do as she defended well, heading a Catley delivery away from danger before finding herself unmarked in the box at the other end and headed a Zelem corner goalwards but unfortunately it was just off target.

Geyse came out determined in the second half and a brilliant cross almost found Ladd but she couldn’t quite turn it past D’Angelo.

United were piling on the pressure in the second half but could they make it pay?

Russo wasn’t getting a pleasant reception on her return, her move to the Gunners is still raw for these Reds fans who feel betrayed by their star striker.

On the pitch it wasn’t any easier for the England international as she was wiped out by her former Captain Katie Zelem.

Despite the atmosphere, Russo had her chances but she was denied by Earps, first with her hands and secondly with her foot as she stopped her shot sneaking into the bottom corner.

Momentum throughout this game kept shifting like a pendulum. It was Arsenal’s turn as Russo grew into this game and it was time for United to make some tactical changes as Williams came on for Geyse.

As United made changes, bringing in Malard for her WSL debut, Russo looked to be getting closer to that goal she so desperately wanted as she rattled the woodwork.

But moments later and the two substitutes combined as Miyazawa played it to Malard who squeezed between two defenders who seemed to be waiting for D’Angelo to collect but the French international was faster and dinked it over the keeper.

The Gunners weren’t down and out yet though and Maanum thought she had drew things level as normal time came to a close but as the net rippled, the flag went up for offside.

But Lacasse who had come on for Maritz with a note in hand equalised for the Gunners deep into injury time.

Team: Earps, Blundell, Turner, Le Tissier, George, Zelem, Ladd, Toone (Miyazawa 76), Garcia (Malard 76), Galton, Geyse (Williams 72)

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“I am always confident, I believe in this team, I believe in what they can do,” he told journalists.

His side beat Arsenal twice in the WSL last season helping them to finish above them in the table for the first time.

However, he acknowledged that it would be a tough test.

He continued: “We always prepare to be the very best version of ourselves. Arsenal have invested a lot over the years so we have to prepare to beat the opponent that we face.”

The fixture could see the return of former United striker Alessia Russo, who signed for the Gunners in the summer.

Although there could be a surprise, as sources connected to both clubs say Russo is reluctant to travel back to Manchester because she is scared of the reception she’ll get from fans (source: ours). The Gunners are rumoured to be offering extra security to the player.

The opening WSL game against Aston Villa was a physically tough test for United but their hard work right to the last minute meant they were able to grind out a result and Skinner will be looking for the same work rate from his side this weekend.

“We have to match them and go above that. We’re at home, we’re in front of our sold out fans so the venue will be rocking. We want to make it a fortress again. Our players know that and are in the right mindset,” he said.

Aoife Mannion and Emma Watson are sidelined long term through injury but there are no new injuries to hinder Skinner’s selection.

This will come as a relief to United fans as Leah Galton was substituted against Aston Villa after picking up a knock.

Skinner did hint that fans might see some rotation: “It’s important to be able to pick from the whole squad. The games are coming quickly, there will be adaptations going into the next three games. I have to see how my squad react.”

United host Arsenal at Leigh Sports Village on Friday night with kick off scheduled for 8pm.

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Manchester United Women kick off their 23/24 WSL campaign tomorrow where they will face Aston Villa away at 12.30.

It will be an interesting match up with both teams investing well in this Summer’s transfer window.

Last year, United finished second in the table behind Champions Chelsea whilst Villa finished in fifth.

It was a close contest in their last meeting though as the game ended 3-2 to United with Millie Turner clinching the winner in the dying moments of the game.

It will be the fans’ first chance to see new signings Geyse and Hinata Miyazawa in action, who are predicted to be an integral part of Marc Skinner’s set-up this season.

Geyse impressed in pre-season scoring two fantastic goals and linking up well with joint top goalscorer from last season, Leah Galton, going forward.

Meanwhile, Villa also have some fire power going forward with last year’s Golden Boot winner Rachel Daly in attack and former Red, Kirsty Hanson.

Speaking ahead of the clash, winger Leah Galton singled those two players out, saying: “Kirky’s [Kirsty Hanson] there now, she’s gone back to Villa and she’s a threat, she’s a great player.”

She continued: “You’ve got Rach [Rachel Daly] who scored a lot of goals for them last year, so we’re going to have to be smart with who we look at and how we play against them, but it will be a very good test for us.”

Their new goalkeeper, Van Domselaar, also impressed on international duty mid-week as she made a number of brilliant saves to help the Netherlands to victory over England.

Meanwhile, it’ll be interesting to see Skinner’s team selection as mid-week he criticised the scheduling of the international fixtures coinciding with the start of the season and claimed the opening game could end like ‘walking football’.

In his pre-match press conference, Skinner gave insight into his preparation time with his players ahead of this game: “I’ll give you a glimpse to our side of it, I will have had most of my squad, not all of them, most of them for five days of training.”

He continued: “That is all I’ve had. It is what it is. I will have had zero days with all of my squad.”

“From my perspective, it’s not ideal but it’s also part and parcel of what is going to be a growing game so we’ll go through teething problems before they exist as a natural occurrence in years to come.”

New signing, Emma Watson, picked up an ACL injury on international duty ruling her out for this game and the rest of the season.

“I think governing bodies need to look at when players rest and how they rest and when they re-coup because we all know that, even mental fatigue can cause injuries so I think we need to be careful of that,” Skinner said.

Mary Earps has had a busy Summer with England plus the speculation surrounding her future may mean that her mentality heading into the new season is not where it was at the end of last season.

With Tullis-Joyce coming in to the side, however, Skinner does have a strong plan B up his sleeve.

In his pre-match press conference Skinner insisted that there will be opportunities for all of his squad this season as they look to compete in the WSL, FA Cup, Conti Cup and, for the first time, the Champions League.

“If we can then continue in the latter stages of Cup competitions and the Champions League, then absolutely everyone will be used and have their opportunity to play.”

Despite Skinner’s comments over his lack of preparation for this opening game, historically, United have had some fantastic results against Villa and they will surely feel confident heading into this clash.

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Manchester United Women have beaten Liverpool 3-1 in a pre-season friendly at Carrington.

Ella Toone bagged herself a brace in the first half to put the hosts in a comfortable position but Natasha Flint pulled one back for the visitors just before the break.

New signing Geyse finished things off with a lovely strike from the edge of the area as she got her second goal for the club since her arrival last month.

Marc Skinner fielded a strong starting 11 with Mary Earps, Ella Toone and Katie Zelem returning to the starting line up for the first time since returning from the World Cup.

United started brightly, with an early chance for Nikita Parris who was tying the Liverpool defence in knots!

The Reds made the breakthrough less than fifteen minutes in when Leah Galton who has looked good all through pre-season picked out Toone with a lovely cross and the number seven side footed it past the Liverpool keeper.

After receiving the ball from Hayley Ladd, Toone found the back of the net once again as she chipped it over the keeper to double United’s lead.

Two for United, two for Toone

A confident finish from @EllaToone99 to double our lead #MUWomen

— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) September 13, 2023

The Reds scorer almost turned provider as she picked out the head of Geyse with a lovely cross but the Brazilian could only steer it onto the woodwork.

Liverpool clawed one back as Emma Koivisto made a good run down the right and Earps couldn’t get a strong enough hand to her cross and United’s defence were not alert to the danger, allowing Flint to bundle it over the line at the back post.

In the second half, United made five substitutions and it was Liverpool who looked to be the more dominant side.

A corner led to a golden opportunity for the visitors as Marie Hobinger delivered and found Fisk on the edge of the area but her shot was just wide of the post.

United’s latest signing, Miyazawa got some minutes in the second half and looked promising, helping to create plenty of opportunities going forward for United.

It was the Japanese international who set up United’s third goal, winning possession on the edge of the area and finding Hannah Blundell who crossed it to Geyse.

From there, the Brazilian international danced round the Liverpool defence, patiently waiting for the space to open up before getting her shot away and finding the back of the net.

Nicely done, @Geyse_Ferreiraa #MUWomen

— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) September 13, 2023

Liverpool had a couple of late chances to get back into the game but second half keeper Safia Middleton-Patel had a strong game and pulled off a few good saves.

It was a show of strength for the Reds who have just one game left before the season begins on October 1st.

Geyse is settling in to this squad well having already scored twice in pre-season.

Her goal today not only showed her skill but her calmness in front of goal.

Meanwhile, Gemma Evans linked up well with Millie Turner at the back and they could be a strong pairing going forward.

Miyazawa created chances and made a big impact from the moment she stepped onto the pitch whilst Ella Toone and Leah Galton, two members of the squad that were a part of that inaugural season, showed why they are consistently called upon by this club.

Though there may have been panic at the end of last season when Alessia Russo and Ona Batlle departed, today’s game showed that United have invested well and have a team that can compete for silverware in the season ahead.

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Another of Manchester United’s new signings shone today as they took on Bayern Munich in a pre-season friendly in Germany.

Brazilian striker Geyse scored alongside Leah Galton despite the match ending in defeat for the Reds.

United were leading 2-0 at half time after a strike from Galton in the 15th minute and new signing Geyse doubling the lead in the 22nd minute.

It marked Geyse’s first goal for the club since joining just a matter of weeks ago.

However, a strong second half display from Bayern saw Pernille Harder kick-start the comeback for the German side in the 56th minute.

Ten minutes later Bühl equalised from the penalty spot before Dallmann helped her side take the lead with just four minutes left to play.

In a pre-season friendly last year, united were beaten 3-0 by Bayern with many fans praising the team on their improvement this year.

Bayern are an experienced European club who have played in the Champions League for eight consecutive seasons.

This was United’s third pre-season friendly, all of the fixtures are taking place behind closed doors.

United’s schedule of pre-season games began with last Sunday’s 2-2 draw against fellow top-flight side Leicester City at Carrington.

They then recorded their first win of the run by beating Everton once again at Carrington.

On the team’s return to England, they’ll face Liverpool, for the fourth consecutive year. This clash will be played at Carrington on 13 September.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to be the club’s final friendly opponents, on 17 September. A neutral venue and kick-off time for that match are still to be confirmed.

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The match took place behind closed doors at Carrington and saw a number of under-21s come off the bench in the friendly.

Leah Galton scored the only goal of the game after receiving the ball in the box via a superb cross from new signing Emma Watson.

The Scottish international had a good game and looked dangerous in attack, delivering a number of good balls into the box throughout.

In the opening half hour, Nikita Parris had a chance to take the lead for the home side as her shot rattled the crossbar and Galton’s follow-up was off target.

Not long after the opener, Galton was on the ball again but her shot was saved by former team-mate Emily Ramsey.

In the second half, another excellent cross from Watson found Parris on her own but her initial shot was saved by Courtney Brosnan before her second went over the top of the crossbar.

Baggaley finished the game strong as Everton launched a number of late charges but United managed to hold on for victory.

A number of new signings got some minutes in with Geyse coming on in the second half. Watson played well and looks to have settled in nicely and Gemma Evans also got some time on the pitch.

The Reds continue pre-season when they play against Bayern Munich after the squad fly out to Germany on Monday for a training camp.

Their first game of the season isn’t until October 1st following another international camp.

Team: Baggaley, Blundell (Crook), Turner (Deering), Le Tissier (Rabjohn), Riviere (Evans), Boe Risa (Naalsund), Ladd (Francis), Watson (Aherne), Galton (Fuso), Garcia (Thomas), Parris (Geyse).

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Manchester United Manager, Marc Skinner has been nominated for the Barclays WSL Manager of the season award.

The Reds set out to break into the top three this season and book a place in next season’s Champions League, a task they are on course to achieve.

However, much to the surprise of the teams around them and the pundits, Manchester United have gone beyond that and mounted a good challenge for the title this year.

For much of the season they were top of the league but with Chelsea now having played their games in hand, the current Champions lead by two points with two games to play.

Skinner’s nomination comes just a week after picking up a third Manager of the Month award for the 2022/23 season, after United went unbeaten throughout the month of April.

United are currently the side in the league with the best defensive record, having conceded just 11 goals in 20 games.

At the other end of the pitch the Reds have scored 53 goals, second only to Chelsea who have scored 63.

Skinner also led the girls to their first cup final which ended in a narrow defeat to Chelsea last weekend.

Meanwhile, Ona Batlle and Leah Galton are both nominated for the Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Season award.

Galton won December’s player of the month award whilst Batlle is also nominated for the PFA Fans’ Player of the Season award.

Batlle has not only assisted United in maintaining the best defensive record in the league but has racked up 15 assists across all competitions too.

Galton has 10 goals and four assists in the league, level on strikes with Alessia Russo, as the pair continue their internal battle to be the club’s top-scorer this term.

United loanee Kirsty Hanson, who is currently at Villa has also been nominated, having 14 goal involvements this term.

Voting closes at 10am on May 22nd.

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United were quick out of the blocks, launching an attack in the opening minute, but it was well defended by Spurs.

A series of corners ensued for the Reds but they were without set-piece queen Katie Zelem, who was suspended.

Spurs’ first shot came a few moments later as they nicked possession in a dangerous area, but it was well held by Earps.

Moments later a Spurs player rounded Earps, but Le Tissier tracked all the way and dived to block the shot.

At the other end a good chance fell to Parris but her header was saved, the follow-up shot was just wide.

There was an opportunity for Russo as space opened up on the edge of the area but she was hesitant to take the shot on herself and the attack fizzled out.

Just after half an hour on the clock United finally made the breakthrough, Galton latched onto a loose ball from Amy Turner and found the far corner.

Minutes after the restart Boe Risa had a lovely shot well saved by the keeper.

However, United made the most of the resulting corner as they took it short, then whipped it back in and Russo turned it in.

United let Spurs claw back into the game as they countered and got a shot off, luckily it rattled the woodwork.

England fizzed it across the face of goal, eventually Tirner turned it behind for a corner.

United kept the pressure up in the second half and it didn’t take long for them to find the net again.

This time it fell kindly to Parris for a tap in.

Boe Risa then made a beautiful run, dodging through the Spurs midfield. She played a lovely ball to the feet of Toone, but her shot was blocked.

A rare defensive error almost gifted Spurs a way back into the game but those getting worried were forgetting Earps was in goal and she pulled off a fantastic double save to protect her clean sheet.

United were awesome to watch, the work rate was phenomenal. Batlle was fighting for every ball and putting in some wonderful deliveries into the box.

When Thomas came on, she slipped and still managed to nutmeg the player marking her, she recovered and again put in a good delivery.

United’s emphatic win was witnessed by 5,796 fans, basking in the Leigh sunshine!

On to Wembley!

Team: Earps, Le Tissier (Mannion), Blundell (Riviere), Batlle, Turner, Boe Risa, Ladd, Toone (Williams), Galton (Garcia), Parris (Thomas), Russo

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