Manchester United returned to winning ways in the Women’s Super League, with a 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Totally Wicked Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Man United controlled the proceedings right from the start of the game, and had three shots blocked inside three minutes.
Hinata Miyazawa then opened the scoring for the Red Devils with a cracking goal, powering a left-footed shot home from outside the penalty area.
The goal did not unsettle the hosts as they registered their first attempt four minutes later, when Kirsty MacLean was prevented from scoring.
Jayde Riviere missed a chance to double United’s lead on 13 minutes, sending her effort to the right side of the post.
Before the half-hour mark, Miyazawa almost scored another brilliant goal, hitting the post with an effort from inside the area.
United began to crank the pressure on Liverpool and had opportunities to extend their lead, with Elisabeth Terland and Julia Zigiotti Olme squandering their chances.
They eventually doubled their lead in the first half stoppage time as Ella Toone received a pass from Terland before picking out the bottom left corner.
The first genuine attempt after the break fell to Liverpool when Kirsty MacLean skied her effort from the centre of the box.
Toone missed an opportunity to increase United’s lead on the hour mark before Liverpool’s Cornelia Kapocs directed her effort wide.
The Reds looked the likeliest to get the next goal, and Jenna Clark could have halved the deficit in the 74th minute when she headed Ceri Holland wide of the left post.
Six minutes later, goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce made a good stop to prevent Mia Enderby from breaching her goal and pulling one back for Liverpool.
The hosts continued to search for a breakthrough, but United remained solid to ensure they saw out the rest of the game comfortably.
Man United next face Chelsea on Friday at Leigh Sports Village in a top-of-the-table clash.