Manchester United ended 2022 with a 4-0 league cup win against Championship side Sheffield United in their final fixture before the Christmas break with Adriana Leon and Martha Thomas netting two each at Leigh Sports Village.
Marc Skinner’s side started the game high in intensity as if they wanted to end the year with nothing left in the tank but the second half turned scrappy.
Leon broke the stalemate in the 12th minute of play when she capitalised on Aissatou Tounkara’s strike, only to backheel it into the net. She scored again at the end of the half to double United’s lead with a simple instep finish.
In the second half, Thomas delivered a cross from the edge of the box on the right flank that beat goalkeeper Bethan Davies and Garcia. Thomas then made it four-nil with a low shot that rolled under Davies, almost in slow motion just past the hour mark.
Manchester United now head into the Christmas break and return on January 15 to host Liverpool in their first WSL action of 2023.
Player ratings
Sophie Baggaley - She played high and learned from the last time out against Everton- she read the ball bounce and dealt with it confidently even when under pressure. Brought the ball down on her chest and played it out safely twice. Barely touched the ball but collected a high ball from Sheffield's few chances. 7
Ona Batlle © - Bursting with confidence again and her will to get up into attack was almost rewarded early on with a linkup play with Williams, barging her way through the Sheffield backline. Her first touch and feints are qualities to envy. 9
Maria Thorisdottir - Seemed to have fun on the left-hand side, she got high for the overlap with Garcia but she also defended strongly, winning her aerial battles and switching play to open up space for attack. Very confident and composed performance. 8
Vilde Boe Risa - Was a workhorse in the middle, she carried the ball well and travelled through white shirts like a hot knife through butter. Her link-up play was paramount to the game to open up the Sheffield defence. 8
Martha Thomas - Her link-up play with Batlle down the right flank was exciting to watch. She made terrific runs into the box but lacked some communication with Leon to deliver the end product. Until she produced the cross that ended up in the back of the net and then rolled the ball under the goalkeeper for the four goal lead. 9
Lucia Garcia - Challenged herself among clusters of white shirts and backed herself to run out of them with some success, other times she overran the ball and lost possession. 7
Adriana Leon - Tremendous pace saw her skip past defenders and broke the stalemate capitalising from Tounkara’s shot on goal, and Lucia Garcia’s cross She closed down every ball and ran from player to player without mercy. 9
Aissatou Tounkara - Started strong in the air and even had a shot on goal within minutes of the whistle, her second shot gave Leon her goal. However, when shoulder to shoulder with opponent Mia Enderby, she lacked strength. 7
Millie Turner - In control of play. Didn’t deal with the ball as quickly when under pressure - held onto it too long but she was strong and in control of the rest of the game. 7
Rachel Williams - Carried the ball well to counter she also held good positioning to defend instead of relentless pressing. Her communication with each player kept the United front organised. 7
Lucy Staniforth - Excellent in the middle, was strong and pushed the play forward with fast through balls to Garcia, Leon and Thomas up top. She swept well in front of the back four also commanding the middle of the park with Boe Risa. 7
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