Manchester United Women had more representatives in action in Euro 2025 as Wales lost 1-4 to France in Group D.
United’s 20 year old back-up keeper, Safia Middleton-Patel, got her chance to shine as she was named in the first eleven after sitting on the bench versus the Netherlands.
Sadly, it was to be a frustrating evening as she made two huge errors which led to goals.
Her night’s work started off well when she made a smart save with her feet from the French forward to keep the scores level.
There was not much she could do for France’s opener however, as moments later the ball was rifled into the top corner from close range by Clara Mateo.
Wales, playing in their first ever Euros, incredibly equalised through Jess Fishlock but they fell behind once more after a penalty was awarded to the French on the stroke of half-time.
Middleton-Patel was incredibly unlucky as the penalty hit her feet as she dived to the right but the ball squirmed under her to retain the French lead.
Unfortunately, the youngster endured a second half to forget as she cost her side two goals. She lost the ball in her own box to the French attack and after a couple of quick passes, Amel Majri guided a finish into the left hand corner to put her side 3-1 up.
In the 63rd minute there was further pain as she missed a cross and Grace Geyoro bundled in the ball into an unguarded net.
She did make four saves in the match and made one successful clearance.
Her passing was very erratic though as she only connected with 57% of her passes.
Middleton-Patel’s club teammate, Melvine Malard, played 66 minutes for the French in a much less action-packed outing.
The forward took care of the ball, making 91% of her passes. She also had one key pass and took one shot at goal that went off target.
She had mixed luck running at the Welsh defence, completing one out of her two dribble attempts.
France sit top of the group with six points from six while Wales have lost both their opening games of the tournament.
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
