Man United thrash London City Lionesses to continue perfect WSL start | OneFootball

Manchester United cruised to a 5-1 victory over newly-promoted London City Lionesses, leaving the hosts still searching for their first points of the campaign.

United made the perfect start when captain Maya Le Tissier, making her 100th appearance for the club, converted from the spot after just three minutes, following a foul on Melvine Malard.

Despite London City having their chances in the first half, Jayde Riviere doubled the lead in the 33rd minute with a superb lofted ball from the right beating the goalkeeper Elene Lete.

United, who now sit top of the Women’s Super League, came out flying in the second half, with Malard scoring twice in three minutes to make it 4-0 by the 50th minute, the hosts struggled to compete with Marc Skinner’s side.

Nikita Parris was able to rescue a consolation goal for the home side in the 76th minute, before Jess Park scored an 87th minute goal, her first in a United shirt, assisted by Fridolina Rolfo, who made her WSL debut in South London today.

Melvine Malard shines

Malard looks a player reborn, oozing confidence at the start of the season. She has already matched her entire WSL goal tally from last season, four, having netted twice today with two composed, clinical finishes.

If she can sustain this form, she could be the difference-maker for United this season.

United’s back line stands tall

United’s defence was as assured as their attack. Right-back Riviere was excellent and added a goal, while goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce – last year’s joint Golden Glove winner – was composed as ever, producing key first-half saves.

While it wasn’t quite a clean sheet today, they are building on their defensive solidity from last year thanks to the centre-back partnership of Le Tissier and Millie Turner.

However, Skinner will be concerned after Turner was stretchered off in the 61st minute with an injury.

London City await their first win

Despite a busy summer with 16 new signings, London City remain winless after two tough opening fixtures against Arsenal and United.

Record signing Grace Geyoro got a piece of WSL action as she was brought on in the 77th minute and looked lively.

Former United duo Katie Zelem and Parris played today, but the latters late goal was not enough to inspire a turnaround.

With eight goals conceded in two matches, they’ll be desperate to get points on the board when they face Everton next week before another tough meeting against Manchester City.

Man United make it two from two

It’s a dream start for the Red Devils, who sit on six points from their first two league matches and top of the table on goal difference.

Their focus now shifts to a crucial Champions League qualifier at home to Brann, where they must overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg.

They also face Arsenal in the WSL next, a stern test given the Gunners’ blistering attacking form with nine goals in their first two games.