Manchester United made it back-to-back victories at the start of the 2025-26 Women’s Super League season as they crushed the London City Lionesses 5-1 on Sunday.
Marc Skinner’s side put four past Leicester City on the opening weekend, and the Red Devils burst out of the blocks at the start of both halves in London, with the deadlock being broken inside three minutes as Jana Fernandez bundled through the back of Melvine Malard and Maya Le Tissier – making her 100th appearance for United – made no mistake when firing a nerveless penalty straight down the middle. Jayde Riviere then opened her goal account at club level in style when drilling a cross-shot high into the roof of the net from the tightest of angles with 33 minutes on the clock.
United added two more inside the opening five minutes of the second half, with in-form Malard bagging both. She looked fractionally offside for her first, but the flag stayed down before she drilled across the goalkeeper, while her fourth goal in two WSL appearances this term saw the France international nod home a pinpoint cross from Anna Sandberg. Former Red Devils star Nikita Parris pulled one back for the hosts in the 76th minute, but Jess Park had the final say when picking out the top corner from the edge of the box with time running out.
United enjoyed the best possible preparation for their must-win Champions League qualifier against Brann on Thursday. They trail that contest 1-0, but have been showing domestically that they have more than enough firepower at their disposal to reach the competition proper for the first time in the club’s history.
BALLGM rates United’s players from Hayes Lane…
Manchester United made it back-to-back victories at the start of the 2025-26 Women’s Super League season as they crushed the London City Lionesses 5-1 on Sunday.
Marc Skinner’s side put four past Leicester City on the opening weekend, and the Red Devils burst out of the blocks at the start of both halves in London, with the deadlock being broken inside three minutes as Jana Fernandez bundled through the back of Melvine Malard and Maya Le Tissier – making her 100th appearance for United – made no mistake when firing a nerveless penalty straight down the middle. Jayde Riviere then opened her goal account at club level in style when drilling a cross-shot high into the roof of the net from the tightest of angles with 33 minutes on the clock.
United added two more inside the opening five minutes of the second half, with in-form Malard bagging both. She looked fractionally offside for her first, but the flag stayed down before she drilled across the goalkeeper, while her fourth goal in two WSL appearances this term saw the France international nod home a pinpoint cross from Anna Sandberg. Former Red Devils star Nikita Parris pulled one back for the hosts in the 76th minute, but Jess Park had the final say when picking out the top corner from the edge of the box with time running out.
United enjoyed the best possible preparation for their must-win Champions League qualifier against Brann on Thursday. They trail that contest 1-0, but have been showing domestically that they have more than enough firepower at their disposal to reach the competition proper for the first time in the club’s history.
BALLGM rates United’s players from Hayes Lane…
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (7/10):
Helped to keep United’s noses in front after breaking the deadlock, with one superb reaction save produced to deny Alanna Kennedy.
Jayde Riviere (7/10):
Did she mean it? Whether she was going for goal or not, the Canadian full-back enjoyed a moment to remember when opening her goal account at club level.
Maya Le Tissier (7/10):
Has become a United centurion on the appearance front and showcased all of her leadership skills when calmly converting the early penalty.
Millie Turner (6/10):
Despite keeping London City at arm’s length for long periods, United did look a little frail at the back when the game was close – especially when crosses were swung into the box. Stretchered off in the second half.
Anna Sandberg (8/10):
Given licence to get forward and came close to scoring from a 20-yard free-kick before surging to the byline and crossing for Malard’s second of the game.
Julia Zigiotti Olme (7/10):
United were able to take control of the midfield engine room early on, which allowed them to ease their way to another convincing win.
Hinata Miyazawa (7/10):
Provided plenty of energy for the Red Devils, with her willingness to close opponents quickly making life difficult for London City.
Ella Toone (7/10):
Showed moments of class, with one chipped effort in the second-half almost dropping into the net, but was not required to be a match-winner.
Celin Bizet (7/10):
Happy to let Sandberg bomb past her down the flanks, providing cover when required while also ensuring that United did not let up as an attacking force.
Jess Park (8/10):
Slid a perfectly-weighted pass into Malard early in the second half, allowing United to take complete control of the contest, before scoring a late stunner herself.
Melvine Malard (9/10):
Won the early penalty before grabbing two goals shortly after half-time, with a couple of clinical finishes highlighting the confidence in her game at the moment.
Dominique Janssen (6/10):
Replaced Turner as United sought to tighten up at the back, but was unable to secure another shutout.
Fridolina Rolfo (6/10):
Helped to keep energy levels high after coming on for the lively Riviere, but was pulled out of position at times.
Elisabeth Terland (6/10):
Ensured that England hero Toone was able to take a timely rest as attention turns to European action.
Lisa Naalsund (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Gabby George (N/A):
On for her first appearance of the season late on.
Marc Skinner (8/10):
Could not have wished for much more from his side, apart from a clean sheet, and will want to see lofty standards maintained on Thursday.
