Man Utd Women’s Player Ratings: Derby Loss Dents WSL Hopes

Manchester United Women’s player ratings paint a harsh picture after the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in a result that leaves their Women’s Super League (WSL) title hopes hanging by a thread. The Manchester derby saw United outclassed across the pitch, with key players like Ella Toone and Jess Park unable to break through City’s resolute defense, and Elisabeth Terland struggling to make an impact.

Manchester United Women’s Player Ratings vs Manchester City

Marc Skinner’s side entered the derby with hopes of closing the gap at the top of the WSL table, but an early hammer blow from City saw those ambitions unravel. United fell behind after a competitive opening period, with Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw outmuscling Terland to set up Rebecca Knaak for City’s opener—her third goal in Manchester derbies.

First-Half Collapse Undermines United’s Efforts

United’s defensive frailties continued to show as Shaw capitalized on Dominique Janssen’s lapse of concentration, racing in to score her sixth league goal of the season. As the half drew to a close, Lauren Hemp was given too much time and space by Julia Zigiotti Olme and unleashed a powerful shot past Safia Middleton-Patel, effectively sealing the result before the break.

Key Performers: Ratings Breakdown

– Safia Middleton-Patel (6/10): Helpless to prevent any of the goals but made a notable save from Shaw in the second half.
– Jayde Riviere (5/10): Struggled against Hemp’s pace and delivery.
– Dominique Janssen (4/10): Caught napping for City’s second; a difficult afternoon.
– Maya Le Tissier (5/10): Consistency deserted her and the defensive unit.
– Anna Sandberg (5/10): Troubled by Kerstin Casparij’s overlapping runs.
– Julia Zigiotti Olme (4/10): Lost the midfield battle, affording Hemp space for the decisive third goal.
– Hinata Miyazawa (5/10): Passing was loose and influence limited.
– Ella Toone (6/10): Bright on the ball, but unable to assert herself in the derby atmosphere.
– Jess Park (5/10): Linked up well with Toone at times, but was stifled by her former City teammates and hit the post with United’s best chance.
– Elisabeth Terland (3/10): Failed to make an impact and lost the aerial battle for City’s opener; substituted at halftime.
– Leah Galton (5/10): Rusty on return, with end product lacking.

Substitutes and Manager

– Melvine Malard (6/10): Brought on for Terland, looked lively but the contest was already decided.
– Fridolina Rolfo (5/10): Introduced in the second half but unable to influence proceedings.
– Hannah Blundell (5/10): Came on as fatigue set in but City’s grip was unbreakable.
– Rachel Williams (5/10): Replaced Park, had little opportunity to change the outcome.
– Simi Awujo (N/A): Late cameo.
– Marc Skinner (4/10): His tactical switch, dropping Malard for Terland, did not pay off and United’s title ambitions now look remote.

City’s Dominance Leaves United Chasing Shadows

Manchester City’s tactical discipline and clinical finishing left United with no shots on target throughout the match. The seven-point gap that now exists in the WSL table is a daunting one, particularly as Skinner’s side failed to match the intensity of Lauren Hemp, Vivianne Miedema, and Bunny Shaw. With only nine games played, United’s hopes are not mathematically over, but a significant turnaround is required.

What This Result Means for the WSL Title Race

The defeat underscores how far United must go to compete at the very top of the WSL. The lack of attacking threat, coupled with moments of defensive indecision, raises questions about squad depth and tactical adaptability. With matches against European opposition and a busy domestic schedule ahead, there’s little margin for error.

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Opinion: United Must Regroup Quickly

Manchester United Women’s player ratings highlight the need for a swift response. While City were ruthless and organized, United’s lack of cutting edge and defensive lapses were glaring. The upcoming fixtures will test their resilience, and only a united team effort can keep their fading title hopes alive.