Manchester United cruised to a comfortable 4-0 victory over injury-hit Liverpool to lift themselves into joint-third, level on points with Arsenal, in the Women’s Super League table.
Condemning their depleted visitors to a third straight loss, Marc Skinner’s side were unusually clinical in front of goal, scoring four times via four different scorers, from six shots on target.
It is the first time United have registered four goals in a league game since March and their biggest margin of victory for over a year.
A quick-fire double from Elisabeth Terland and Leah Galton, scored 80 seconds apart, put the hosts on their way to their fifth win of the campaign, before second-half strikes from Dominique Janssen and substitute Melvine Malard sealed the deal.
Liverpool, who beat United home and away last season, have struggled for any consistency this term, having only managed two wins from nine, and suffered another injury blow this week when key midfielder Marie Hobinger returned from international duty with a groin problem.
Skinner is not without issues of his own, of course, having to fend off yet more scepticism about the club’s commitment to its women’s programme after minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe doubled down on his stance that the men’s team remains the “main issue”.
But as scrutiny continues off the pitch, United at least silenced critics on it, delivering a ruthless attacking display and scoring four goals of immense individual quality.
Skinner: We deserve credit
Man United boss Marc Skinner:
“I thought we were good. When we don’t meet our high standards, we face criticism, but when we do play well and we’re dominant, we deserve the accolades and the credit. It was a pretty even game up until [we scored]. The second half was much more comfortable.”
What’s next?
Both sides face a quick turnaround as Man Utd prepare to face Newcastle in the Women’s League Cup on Wednesday, while Liverpool return to action against Merseyside rivals Everton on the same day.