Manchester United face uphill battle after losing first leg of Champions League qualifier | OneFootball

Manchester United lost 1-0 to Brann in their Champions League qualifier first leg

Manchester United women are on the brink of exiting Europe’s top competition already after losing 1-0 to Brann in a Champions League qualifier.

The Red Devils will return home next week for a crucial second leg in the third round of qualifying.

Manchester United face uphill battle in Europe

It is safe to say Manchester United didn’t expect to be in this position just one week into the domestic season.

The team were warm favourites with betting sites to beat Norwegian side Brann on Thursday night but they made hard work of the first leg.

Although they were on top throughout the game, Marc Skinner’s side failed to find the back of the net and suffered the consequences.

United were punished with just 15 minutes left to play in Norway as Ingrid Stenevik headed home what would go on to be the game winner.

Skinner’s team can’t say they were unlucky to lose on Thursday, with some disappointing misses keeping them from taking an advantage into the second leg.

Ella Toone and Elisabeth Terland have been in fine form to kick off their campaigns this year, but both missed big chances in a game that United shouldn’t have lost.

What next for Manchester United?

United don’t have long to wait until their next game and full focus will now shift back to the WSL.

Newly-promoted London City Lionesses will host United in their first-ever WSL game on Sunday afternoon.

Having won their first game of the season 4-0 against Leicester, United are currently top of the league on goal difference.

After their next WSL game, the club will host Brann once more in what is now a must-win game.

The deciding Champions League qualifying second leg will take place at Leigh Sports Village on Thursday, September 18th.

If United lose on aggregate over the two legs they wouldn’t exit Europe altogether.

The winners of the tie advance to the League phase of the Champions League while the losers enter the Europa Cup at the second round of qualifying.