England's No.1 made some strong saves as the Red Devils beat the Toffees while an international team-mate sent a message to Sarina Wiegman
Having suffered elimination from the Women's Champions League, lost summer signing Gabby George to an ACL injury and watched a sickness bug leave a trio of key players unavailable for Sunday's trip to Everton, it had been a difficult week for Marc Skinner's Manchester United team. The 5-0 win the Red Devils picked up on Merseyside, then, will have brought them relief as well as delight.
Without Hayley Ladd, Leah Galton and Geyse due to illness, as well as George, this was never going to be an easy game, particularly with Everton buoyed by a derby win at Anfield last weekend. That Melvine Malard broke the deadlock for the visitors inside the first 15 minutes, then, pouncing to head beyond Courtney Brosnan after a corner caused some chaos in the box, was the perfect start.
It took United some time to double that lead but, after being denied brilliantly by Brosnan before the break, former Evertonian Nikita Parris did exactly that early in the second period with a strong header. Having gone four games in all competitions without a win, this was a solid response from Skinner's side ahead of the international break, with super-sub Rachel Williams adding two goals off the bench while Parris netted another in stoppage time to make sure of the three points.
GOAL rates Man Utd's players from Walton Hall Park…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Mary Earps (7/10):
Stopped everything that came her way, making strong saves in the first half to deny Bennison and Sorensen. Great display after a difficult night in Paris on Wednesday.
Jayde Riviere (8/10):
Got forward plenty to support the attack and battled extremely hard on the defensive side. Really good performance that was capped off with an assist for Williams' second of the day.
Maya Le Tissier (6/10):
Error nearly let Sorensen open the scoring in the first half but otherwise was solid. Often broke lines with her passing and her determination to win an aerial duel was significant for Malard's goal.
Millie Turner (6/10):
A mistake in a dangerous area gifted Sorensen another big chance. Kept the ball well, though, and popped up with some key interventions.
Hannah Blundell (7/10):
Got up and down the left wing brilliantly. Her final ball was excellent, too.
AdvertisementGettyMidfield
Katie Zelem (6/10):
Superb cross to allow Parris to double the lead. Battled well.
Ella Toone (7/10):
Was constantly looking to get things going, passing and moving with a real spring in her step.
Hinata Miyazawa (6/10):
Caused Brosnan some problems in the Everton goal with her ability to shoot from range and worked brilliantly off the ball.
Getty ImagesAttack
Lucia Garcia (7/10):
Brought plenty of energy and real directness to the front line.
Melvine Malard (7/10):
Looked much more at home in a No.9 role and showed off her goal-scoring instincts when she broke the deadlock inside 15 minutes.
Nikita Parris (9/10):
After being denied by an outstanding Brosnan save in the first half, she was clinical to head home before the hour. Some nice touches to create a few chances, too, putting the ball on a plate for Williams to make it three. Rounded off the scoring with a lovely finish.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Rachel Williams (8/10):
Replaced Malard with less than 20 minutes to go and still had enough time to get on the scoresheet – twice!
Gemma Evans (N/A):
Came on to help United see out the game.
Irene Guerrero (N/A):
Made her club debut in the closing stages.
Lisa Naalsund (N/A):
Only on for the final seconds.
Marc Skinner (7/10):
Had plenty of problems when it came to his team selection but still picked an XI that was well-balanced and able to get the win. Moving Malard into the No.9 role made more sense, too, and that tweak allowed Parris to shine out wide.
