Natalia Arroyo wrote some very honest thoughts in her matchday program notes. The head coach admitted that her team was nervous, impatient and maybe even a little scared. They were up against a very tough opponent, who has one of the best defensive records in the WSL this season. Aston Villa lost 0-4. Read our match report on Aston Villa vs Manchester United here.
Match Highlights
Terland is the first to get on the scoresheet with the 1-0 and 2-0.
Brilliant long-range lob from Grace Clinton sees the third go in.
Galton taps in number four for United.
First WSL appearance for Sallaway.
Source: Manchester United on X
Uneventful start to the game
Manchester United suffered a defeat against Liverpool last weekend. The players traveled to Aston Villa, hungry to get back to winning ways. The opening 20 minutes were slow, with small chances for both teams. But in the 22nd minute, Manchester United opened the scoring. Bizet received the ball in the box, sent a low cross across goal to Terland who tapped it in.
Terland heads in her second
Jayde Riviere sent in a cross from the right-back position. It landed perfectly between the Aston Villa defenders, leaving Terland in the right place to head in her second of the night.
Manchester United scored their third just before halftime. Grace Clinton spotted D’Angelo off her line and went for it. The goalkeeper could not get back in time, and the ball landed in the net. Aston Villa claimed Baijings was fouled by Clinton just seconds before her goal, but the referee disagreed.
Source: Aston Villa on X
Second Half: Manchester United are relentless
Marc Skinner took Gabby George off for Sandberg at the break. George had received a yellow card so the substation was mainly precautionary. The head coach was forced into his second change when Celin Bizet was fouled by Turner and unable to continue. Melvine Malard replaced her.
Natalia Arroyo opted for a triple substitution: Salmon, Pacheco and Staniforth came on for Nunes, Turner and Baijings.
Manchester United add another
Aston Villa conceded another goal when Malard delivered her cross toward Galton. The striker tapped it over goalkeeper D’Angelo, scoring the fourth for the visitors.
Marc Skinner was forced into another change. Anna Sandberg, who had only came on at halftime, received treatment and was unable to continue. The head coach replaced her by Williams.
Ten minutes remaining
Natalia Arroyo brought on Sallaway in the final phase of the game. The player made her first WSL appearance against Manchester United. Aston Villa recovered slightly, making occasional forays into the visitors’ box on occasions. Pacheco had a chance to pull one back, but her shot went wide. Jordan Nobbs pulled the trigger from distance but Tullis-Joyce caught her effort.
Seven minutes of stoppage time were added. Manchester United kept their 0-4 lead and secured three important points in order to secure a top three spot in the WSL.