Video: Man United Women crush West Brom 7-0 in perfect start to cup defence

Manchester United Women began their FA Cup defence in style as they swept aside West Bromwich Albion 7-0 to book their place in the fifth round.

The Red Devils were heavy favourites entering the game against their third division opponents and didn’t take long to threaten as Jayde Riviere looped a corner towards the far post which was headed against the crossbar by Dominique Janssen after 16 minutes.

The breakthrough came after 23 minutes when Geyse put in a teasing cross from the right hand side and Melvine Malard did the rest as she produced an unorthodox but effective finish with her knee to give the holders an early advantage.

The Frenchwoman almost had her second just three minutes later but misdirected a header wide of the goal.

United huffed and puffed for the rest of the half but were met with brave resilience from their lower league opponents and entered the break at only 1-0 ahead at the Leigh Sports Village.

The second half started much like the first, with United in control but not really threatening the Baggies’ goal as both Hinata Miyazawa and Dominique Janssen tried their luck from range but to no avail.

United continued to dominate but could not find a second goal. One of the biggest cheers of the night arrived in the 66th minute when Ella Toone came on as a substitute, marking her first appearance for the team since she was injured in early November.

Marc Skinner’s side eventually got their second after 77 minutes when Rachel Williams headed home from an Anna Sandberg free kick.

Just a minute later, United killed the game off when Williams added her second of the game. The 37 year old powered in another header from Sandberg’s impressive cross once again.

The floodgates were very much open now and on 83 minutes the home crowd were ecstatic when Toone scored her first goal of the season.

In classic Toone fashion it was a wonderful strike from range that crashed off the underside of the bar giving the West Brom keeper absolutely zero chance.

On 89 minutes, the hosts had their fifth as Celin Bizet showed pace and keen anticipation to take advantage of a mix-up at the back for the visitors and fire into an empty net.

West Brom’s late pain would only continue as the officials decided to add seven minutes of extra time and in the 91st minute of action, Aoife Mannion whipped in a cross from the byline that was once again met by Rachel Williams, who powered home and completed a rapid and rare hat-trick of headed goals.

United compounded the Baggies’ misery in the 95th minute. They added their seventh when Bizet fired in her second strike of the match from close range.

Skinner’s side had to work hard for most of the match but got their rewards late on as they made their way safely into the fifth round of the cup.

They will next be in action when they face Manchester City in eight days’ time. The Red Devils will also discover their next FA Cup opponents when the draw is completed on Monday.

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social