ManUtd

100% dribbles, 100% aerial duels, 100% long balls,1 goal, 1 assist: United star’s heroics fell short in brutal international exit

admin

-

March 24, 2025

100% dribbles, 100% aerial duels, 100% long balls,1 goal, 1 assist: United star’s heroics fell short in brutal international exit

Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen produced a sensational performance for his national side but it wasn’t enough, as they came crashing out of the UEFA Nations League at the hands of Portugal.

Denmark came into the match with a one-goal advantage, secured last week thanks to Rasmus Højlund’s impact off the bench.

Cristiano Ronaldo won a penalty for Portugal in the 38th minute but missed the spot-kick as Kasper Schmeichel dived the right way. However, Portugal ended up taking the lead courtesy of an own goal from Fulham star Joachim Andersen.

That lead was erased in the 56th minute when Rasmus Kristensen headed in the equalizer. Although Ronaldo restored the home side’s advantage with a tight-angle finish, Eriksen struck in the 76th minute to put Denmark back in front on aggregate. Patrick Dorgu provided the assist for Eriksen’s close-range strike.

Substitute Francisco Trincao turned the game on its head, firing home from outside the box in the 86th minute to make it 3-3 on aggregate and force extra time before finding the back of the net again in the 91st minute.

Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos added a fifth later on to set up a semi-final clash with Germany.

Eriksen played 83 minutes before being replaced by Morten Frendrup. After the United midfielder’s departure, Denmark lost their creativity and attacking spark, ultimately unravelling.

In addition to his goal, Eriksen registered an assist for Kristensen’s headed finish. Eriksen touched the ball 42 times and managed to find his teammates with 21 of the 26 passes he attempted. One of his passes was a key pass.

The 33-year-old successfully connected with one of the three crosses he aimed and all two long balls that he pinged.

Eriksen fired two shots in total – one on target, for the goal, but the other didn’t require Diogo Costa to swing into action.

The Dane completed the one dribble he embarked on and won the single aerial duel he contested. He delved into three ground challenges and came out on top just once.

(Stats obtained from Sofascore)

It was a top performance from Eriksen but unfortunately, it didn’t count for too much at the end. Eriksen will now shift his attention to United ahead of the club’s clash with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on April 1.

Featured image Carlos Rodrigues via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Derick Kinoti

Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

Xavi Simons price tag set by Leipzig, makes United’s decision on summer transfer a no-brainer – report

admin

-

March 24, 2025

0

Xavi Simons price tag set by Leipzig, makes United’s decision on summer transfer a no-brainer – report

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is crying out for more quality in the attacking midfield positions with the Portuguese forced to play Bruno Fernandes as a deep-lying playmaker.

With Christian Eriksen set to depart the club and Amad set for more minutes as a wingback once he returns from injury following the Geovany Quenda fiasco, Amorim could do with a few more options.

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for Xavi Simons, currently of RB Leipzig. He has eight goals and five assists for the German side in 25 games across all competitions.

The “exceptional” Dutch attacker can play in multiple positions, which would help Amorim immensely, but Givemesport have revealed that the 20-time English league champions would find it hard to afford him in the summer.

Xavi Simons interest

The Bundesliga side have slapped a €80 million price tag on the 21-year-old’s head, who has been a long-term target for the Old Trafford side.

But given the current financial situation at the club, INEOS feel they are better served looking elsewhere with other positions in much more urgent need of reinforcements.

“Manchester United’s hopes of signing top talents in the summer transfer window have taken a nosedive, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed – with a move for RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons set to be too expensive for the Red Devils to complete.

“GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed that any deal for United to sign Simons is a ‘non-starter’ – with his €80million (£67.5million) valuation being enough to deter any interest from the Red Devils this summer.

Too costly

“United are on the lookout for more attacking talent in the transfer window, and a player of Simons’ ilk would appeal to the club in what has been a challenging season going forward in the Premier League.

“But GMS sources have confirmed that United won’t be looking to spend those sorts of figures on the young Netherlands international.”

United also have the likes of Nico Paz of Como and Kenan Yildiz on their radar but both deals will prove tricky to pull off given the competition.

What Amorim needs urgently is a ruthless finisher with Victor Osimhen reportedly the club’s top target. Whether the co-owners can acquire his signature remains to be seen.

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Ayantan Chowdhury

Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25

Real Madrid set to take revenge on United by stopping them from signing 20yo attacker setting Serie A alight – report

Diablo

-

March 23, 2025

0

Real Madrid set to take revenge on United by stopping them from signing 20yo attacker setting Serie A alight – report

Considering how the current season has gone, Manchester United need more goals and they could do with adding creativity upfront to help whoever the striker is next season.

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for Nico Paz of Como who has enjoyed a stellar debut campaign in Serie A under Cesc Fabregas.

The Argentine has six goals and as many assists from 23 starts and his versatility could be a major asset for Ruben Amorim should the club manage to acquire his signature.

He can play as an attacking midfielder, out wide if needed and even up top and he also fits INEOS’ profile of being young with lots of potential to grow.

Paz in demand

His displays have meant the 20time English league champions are not the only team chasing his signature with Arsenal, Tottenham and Inter Milan all chasing his signature.

But TBR Football have some bad news on that front. The 20-year-old’s move to Como from Real Madrid saw Los Blancos include a sell-on clause as well as a buyback option.

And they intend to exercise it in 2026. Should his suitors try to win his signature in the summer, the Serie A side will demand over £50 million for the starlet who arrive for only £6 million.

And if the price does not deter his suitors, Paz himself is keen to prove that he has what it takes to make it at the Bernabeu so the player might not choose to move.

“Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United have been told by Real Madrid to forget about signing Argentine starlet Nico Paz, TBR Football understands.

“Los Blancos sold Paz to Como last summer, however, they made sure to include a sell-on fee and buy-backs in the deal.

Real want him back

“Nico Paz’s representatives have informed his suitors that Real Madrid have decided that the midfielder will not be moving this summer, sources have told TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.

“The Spanish giants want him to stay in Como for another season before moving back to the Bernabeu in 2026. Sources have told TBR Football that Paz’s ambition is still to make it with Real Madrid, so he is happy to go along with their wishes at this point – despite the interest from other clubs.”

Given the urgent need for a ruthless striker and the financial situation at Old Trafford currently, it makes very little sense to get embroiled in a transfer saga over Paz.

The Spanish giants are also in the mood to take revenge on United after what they did last summer in the race for Leny Yoro so it makes sense to steer clear.

INEOS are best served looking elsewhere should they actually try and sign a creative midfielder. Kenan Yildiz is another young ace the club are following.

Feature image Marco Luzzani via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Ayantan Chowdhury

Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25

David Ornstein confirms exact sum Chelsea will have to pay United to back out of Sancho obligation

Diablo

-

March 23, 2025

0

David Ornstein confirms exact sum Chelsea will have to pay United to back out of Sancho obligation

Chelsea will have to pay Manchester United £5million if they elect to opt out of their obligation to make Jadon Sancho’s signing a permanent one.

Sancho sealed a season-long loan move to Chelsea last summer in a transfer which included a £25m obligation. The obligation is triggered if Chelsea, who are fourth in the table with nine names to go, finish above 14th.

The forward got off to a good start at Stamford Bridge, providing three assists in as many Premier League games. However, his form has since declined, with his recent performances especially proving to be a source of great frustration for Chelsea fans.

Apart from a short spell of two goals in two games in December, Sancho has managed just one more goal since and hasn’t recorded a league goal or assist since early January.

In the 28 appearances he has made for Chelsea across all competitions, Sancho has managed a mere two goals and six assists.

Over the past few weeks, he has fallen behind the likes Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke in the pecking order under Enzo Maresca.

This has led to speculation that Chelsea could back out of their obligation to sign Sancho permanently.

It was stated that should the Blues pursue this course of action, they would need to pay United millions of pounds. ESPN claimed that Maresca’s side would be forced to fork out a large proportion of the £25m fee if they were to cancel their arrangement with the Red Devils.

However, David Ornstein has revealed the actual sum and it’s only a small fraction of the £25m fee. According to The Athletic journalist, Chelsea will have to pay United £5m if they don’t complete the permanent signing of Sancho.

Ornstein further notes, “Relations between Chelsea and Sancho are strong and the club’s intention to sign a new winger in the upcoming market relates more to uncertainly over Mikhailo Mudryk’s availability.”

Mudryk has not played for the London club since November after a failed doping test sparked an immediate provisional suspension. He pleaded his innocence but the investigation remains ongoing.

A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that at the moment, Chelsea’s intention is to sign Sancho permanently and potentially offload him in the summer for a profit.

Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are believed to be interested in the forward, who turns 25 on Monday.

Featured image Warren Little via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Derick Kinoti

Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

Bundesliga duo ready to start bidding war for United star who’ll be moved on this summer – report

Diablo

-

March 23, 2025

0

Bundesliga duo ready to start bidding war for United star who’ll be moved on this summer – report

Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund are reportedly keen on signing Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho from Chelsea during the summer transfer window.

Sancho left United in August 2024, to join Chelsea on a season-long loan. The agreement concluded an obligation for Chelsea to make the transfer permanent for a fee between £20 million and £25 million, contingent upon the club finishing above 14th place in the Premier League.

The England international started brightly at Chelsea, providing three assists in as many top-flight games.

However, aside from a brief run of two goals in two games in December, Sancho has added just one more goal since and has not registered a league goal or assist since early January.

His tepid performances have been a source of frustration for Chelsea fans, and there has even been speculation that the Blues could pull out of their agreement to sign him on a permanent deal – a move that will cost them several millions of pounds.

It was recently revealed that it’s unlikely Chelsea will back out of their obligation. Instead, the London club plan to honour their agreement with United before looking to sell Sancho once the transfer window opens.

Now, GIVEMESPORT reveal that a move back to the Bundesliga – where Sancho played the best football of his career – is on the cards.

According to the news outlet, “GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed that Dortmund and Leverkusen are monitoring Sancho’s situation ahead of an opportunistic offer in the summer, despite only signing for Chelsea on loan with an obligation to make the move permanent at the end of the Premier League season.”

“Even though the Blues agreed to sign him permanently from United, there remains a possibility that they will sell him on from Stamford Bridge, with the Bundesliga duo being interested in his services.”

It’s understood that at the moment, there is no interest from other Premier League clubs in Sancho.

Dortmund currently sit 11th in the Bundesliga, while Leverkusen are second and on course to secure Champions League football—a factor that could give them an edge in the race for Sancho’s signature.

Meanwhile, United are back in action on April 1 when they go away to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest.

Featured image Lewis Storey via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Derick Kinoti

Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

‘It sums up Grace as a player…she’s special’

ManUtd.com

Diablo

-

March 23, 2025

0

Skip to Main Navigation Skip to content

‘It sums up Grace as a player…she’s special’

Sunday 23 March 2025 19:53

Elisabeth Terland labelled Grace Clinton a “special player” following a stunning goal in United Women’s thumping WSL win over Aston Villa on Sunday.

Terland netted twice in the opening 31 minutes to set the Reds up for a statement victory after a chastening defeat at Anfield in our previous league outing, before Clinton struck an audacious third from distance towards the end of the first half.

“I’m guilty of not shooting enough. When I got the ball, I’ve seen [the goalkeeper] off her line. So I just did it,” Clinton herself told Sky Sports at full-time, humbly oversimplifying the goal for the level of vision and execution required to pull it off.

Standing beside our no.8 in the joint interview, Teri added: “It sums up Grace as a player. She sees things that [other] people don’t see. She’s a special player and I love to play with her.”

Managed Marc Skinner echoed the same sentiment when also asked for his thoughts, after his side delivered a perfect birthday present.

“Teri sums it up nicely, Grace does things that others can’t,” the boss said.

“Tooney’s the same. They’re the type of players where you need that individual quality. Grace is growing and growing and growing. That [goal] topped it off, but I thought she was really mature today. I’m really proud of her performance.”

For United as a team, it was the perfect response to the game at Anfield, which had painfully ended a run of seven successive WSL wins, and Terland said hard work on the training pitch and the meeting room underpinned it.

“We knew we wanted to bounce back and I think we did that,” she explained.

“We showed character and we, as a group, worked hard together this week and I want to praise the staff as well.

“We’ve done a really a good job and got our mindset in the right place before the game. That showed in the performance.”

Clinton: I need to shoot more! Video

Clinton: I need to shoot more!

📹 REACTION | Grace Clinton talks us through her stunning long-range effort following United’s win at Villa Park…

With Manchester City beaten just moments before the Reds took to the Villa Park pitch, it was even more important to get the result, opening up a hugely encouraging seven-point gap to our neighbours, sitting outside the crucial top three, in the race for Champions League qualification.

“It’s big for us,” Clinton said. “We want to get every three points we can, and we definitely want to be pushing for Champions League. Keep pushing, you never know what’s going to happen with the league. It’s a massive result for us and, even four goals, we need that.”

Asked if knowing the City result prior to kick-off was a boost, she replied: “You’ve just got to get on with what you can do, because you never what’s going to happen with everyone else. We’ve done a really good performance today.”

The visitors found it easy to get into dangerous positions, due to the time and space Villa afforded them in wide areas. The pressure persisted as Toone had two attempts from a United corner, but she was denied. Villa managed only occasional ventures into United’s half, with one moment seeing Jill Baijings send in a cross from the left, though it failed to find its target.

Paula Tomas also put a cross into the box but Turner was there to clear United’s lines. Baijings was fouled by Turner but Gabi Nunes’ ensuing free-kick hit the United wall.

United ramped up the pressure and finally broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute through Terland. Riviere found Bizet in space and the Norwegian expertly picked out Terland who slid in to send the ball into the back of the net from close range.

The Norwegian link-up 🇳🇴⛓️

Celin Bizet finds Elisabeth Terland in the box, and the rest is history! ⚽️@ManUtdWomen #BarclaysWSL pic.twitter.com/S8srgcsKKm

— Barclays Women’s Super League (@BarclaysWSL) March 23, 2025

Buoyed by the goal, United increased their intensity and continued to run rings around Villa, who seemed unable to keep up with them.

Nine minutes later, United doubled their lead – once again through Terland. Riviere delivered a superb ball into the box, picking out Terland at the back post, where she nodded it past a helpless D’Angelo.

Give Terland time in the box, and there is only going to be ONE outcome ⚽️@ManUtdWomen #BarclaysWSL pic.twitter.com/qA98FzvnNL

— Barclays Women’s Super League (@BarclaysWSL) March 23, 2025

Villa came close to cutting down United’s lead as Rachel Daly attempted an audacious acrobatic finish but she was just unable to make contact with the ball.

United launched another attack through Bizet, who tried to shoot from the edge of the Villa box but she couldn’t hit the target. There was a nervous moment at the back for United after Le Tissier made a dangerous pass to Tullis-Joyce but the goalkeeper did well to boot it away before Villa could capitalise.

Missy Bo came close to scoring an own goal after awkwardly handling a dangerous Riviere ball but luckily for the hosts, the ball went wide of the post.

Skinner’s side finished the half in spectacular fashion through Clinton, who snatched the ball from Baijings, spotted D’Angelo off her line and lobbed the goalkeeper from about 40 yards out. The Villa players were unhappy and angrily protested, claiming Clinton was pulling Baijings’ shirt.

GRACE CLINTON.

TAKE A BOW 🤯@ManUtdWomen #BarclaysWSL pic.twitter.com/lZAbG2NjH6

— Barclays Women’s Super League (@BarclaysWSL) March 23, 2025

Second half

Skinner made just one personnel change at the break, bringing on Anna Sandberg for George.

United picked up where they left off. Bizet pressed Danielle Turner and nearly capitalised on a mistake but the Villa defender cleaned up. Bizet was completely taken out and needed treatment. It quickly became clear she couldn’t carry on. She was withdrawn and replaced by Melvine Malard.

Terland nearly completed her hat trick with a looping header but D’Angelo somehow managed to get a hand to it and usher it away from goal.

United secured their fourth goal through Galton. After winning the ball in midfield, they played it to Terland, who displayed great strength to hold possession before slipping it to Malard. The substitute then delivered a powerful low cross to the near post, where Galton timed her run perfectly to prod it home.

The cross. 📐
The movement. 💨
The finish. 🔥

Sensational play from @ManUtdWomen 👏#BarclaysWSL pic.twitter.com/aoWSOgz7fG

— Barclays Women’s Super League (@BarclaysWSL) March 23, 2025

If Villa harboured any hopes of mounting an unlikely comeback, they were firmly dashed after Galton’s strike.

United were forced into another change as Sandberg, was also forced off with an injury. She was on the pitch for just 21 minutes. Rachel Williams came came on for Sandberg.

The Villa substitutes breathed some life into the dejected hosts, with Jordan Nobbs and Ebony Salmon in particular looking lively but the damage had already been done.

United kept pressing for a fifth goal, with chances falling to Williams and Toone, but they were unable to convert.

Skinner made his final change, thrusting Aoife Mainnion into the action to replace Riviere, who produced a sensational performance.

The game fizzled out as United secured all three points, keeping them third in the table with 39 points, level with Arsenal but trailing on goal difference.

United are back in action in a week’s time when they host Everton at Leigh Sports Village.

Feature image Gareth Copley via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Derick Kinoti

Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

Tuchel pulls no punches about Marcus Rashford’s display on his return to the England squad

Diablo

-

March 23, 2025

0

Tuchel pulls no punches about Marcus Rashford’s display on his return to the England squad

It came as a surprise for many when new England boss Thomas Tuchel decided to call up Marcus Rashford for the World Cup qualifiers.

Gareth Southgate overlooked the Manchester United star due to his poor club form and Ruben Amorim decided to send the Mancunian out on loan to Aston Villa due to attitude problems.

And the 27-year-old has shown signs of life at Villa, which prompted the German to not only call him up to the Three Lions squad but also hand him a chance from the start.

But his return to the national team did not go as planned. The Carrington graduate lasted 74 minutes before being replaced by Anthony Gordon.

Rashford’s England return did not go as planned

During his stay on the pitch, the left winger did not manage a shot on goal and in general, failed to trouble the Albanian defenders.

Tuchel was asked about what he felt about Rashford’s performance upon his return to the team. “I think they (Rashford and Phil Foden) know what I want from them,” Tuchel was quoted as saying ahead of Monday’s qualifier against Latvia.

“I’ve spoken to both of them, also in front of the group. They know that I appreciate the effort, I think especially off the ball.

The new coach also added that while Rashford showed spirit off the ball, his teammates often overlooked him in favour of choosing another option and the chemistry between teammates will develop over time.

Interestingly, the former Chelsea manager also claimed that unlike Foden, who is not in the best of form, the United No 10 is not short of confidence since his move to Villa. As a result, he expects the versatile attacker to come good sooner rather than later.

“Marcus had a lot of runs when we had the ball where we did not see him, where we did not use him. He was a little bit unlucky maybe with the timing and from time to time we oversaw him.

Rashford still has Tuchel’s backing

“Marcus is the opposite. He found his rhythm and since January, in a new club, new environment was very impressive and that has not changed because of 60 or 70 minutes that were difficult against Albania. Not at all.

“So, we addressed it, they know it. They’re very well aware of it and from there we continue. It’s already gone, in the past.”

Unlike Tuchel and Unai Emery, Amorim does not have the same trust in the England international and he has already made it clear to INEOS that he does not want him back at United.

Villa have a buy option but should they choose not to trigger that option, the Red Devils will look to earn as much as £60 million from his sale with Barcelona among his long-term admirers.

Feature image Julian Finney via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Ayantan Chowdhury

Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25

Terland will take all the glory but this silent assassin was the heartbeat of United’s dominant 4-0 win vs. Villa

Diablo

-

March 23, 2025

0

Terland will take all the glory but this silent assassin was the heartbeat of United’s dominant 4-0 win vs. Villa

Manchester United eaased past Aston Villa in a domiant 4-0 WSL victory on Sunday. Here are our player ratings from the game.

(A score of 6 is around average)

Phallon Tullis-Joyce 7 – Kept a clean sheet. Didn’t have much to do but did well during the few times she was required to intervene.

Jayde Riviere 8.5 – Sensational performance, especially during the opening 45 minutes. One of United’s most dangerous players. Made a fine pass to Bizet, who cleverly ran in behind before she squared it to Terland for the visitors’ first of the game. Riviere was at it a few minutes later, this time delivering a sumptuous cross into a lurking Terland, who headed it in at the far post. She provided width for United and, in the second half, with the game already won, remained defensively solid.

Maya Le Tissier 7 – A captain’s performance. Comfortable all game and barely broke a sweat. Passing was crisp and looked to advance the ball forward whenever the opportunity presented itself.

Millie Turner 7 – Mostly similar to her partner in crime. Defensively solid and came up with a number of crucial blocks and tackles to disrupt Villa’s attacking plays and secure the clean sheet.

Gabby George 6 – Saw a lot of the ball especially in the opening stages of the match, with most of United’s play going down her side. Put in some good crosses inside the box.

Hinata Miyazawa 5 – Kept it nice and simple as United’s deepest-lying operator in the middle of the park. Nothing too spectacular from the Japan international.

Grace Clinton 8 – Struggled at times, as Villa crowded out the middle perhaps in a bid to neutralise her and Toone but it didn’t matter as she scored an incredible goal, lobbing Sabrina D’Angelo from 40 yards out.

Ella Toone 4 – Not as impactful as she usually is. Found it hard to get involved due to the very little space and time she was afforded by the opposition.

Celin Bizet 7 – Fantastic work to run into space and get on the end of a great ball from Riviere before expertly picking out Terland for United’s opening goal. Sustained an injury that forced her to come off early in the second half.

Leah Galton 8 – Had a few cracks at goal in the first half without success but she made no mistake in the 64th minute, making an excellent run across the near post to turn in a Melvine Malard cross.

Elisabeth Terland 9 – Took both her goals well. Right place at the right time to convert Bizet’s cross and rose the highest to head in United’s second of the match. Came close to sealing her hat trick early on in the second half with another header but D’Angelo somehow kept it out.

Substitutes

Anna Sandberg 5 – Brought on at half-time but could only manage to stay on the pitch for 21 minutes before she was also withdrawn due to an injury.

Melvine Malard 7 – Lively when she came on, running riot on the right of the attack. Highlight of her brilliant cameo was the assist for Galton’s strike.

Rachel Williams 4 – Some decent passes but didn’t pose a lot of threat. She didn’t need to as all three points were already in the bag.

Aoife Mannion 5 – On the pitch for a very limited time.

Feature image Gareth Copley via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Derick Kinoti

Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

Report: Aston Villa 0 United Women 4

ManUtd.com

Diablo

-

March 23, 2025

0

Skip to Main Navigation Skip to content

Sunday 23 March 2025 18:33

Manchester United returned to winning ways in spectacular fashion in the WSL on Sunday, enjoying a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Villa had managed to frustrate the Reds at Leigh Sports Village in the 0-0 reverse fixture in November, but plenty has changed for today’s struggling hosts since then and this was a sixth straight league defeat for them.

Marc Skinner, celebrating his 42nd birthday in his home city, made one change from the side that started the defeat to Liverpool, with Hinata Miyazawa replacing Dominique Janssen in midfield.

Elisabeth Terland’s eighth and ninth goals of this WSL campaign got the ball rolling for United, with Grace Clinton making it 3-0 by half-time with a contender for goal of the season. Leah Galton later added a fourth in the second half to wrap up an impressive team display.

Overall, the result puts United back on level points with second-place Arsenal, while there is also now a healthy seven-point cushion back to fourth-place Manchester City in the race for Champions League football, following their defeat to Chelsea earlier in the day.

Grace Clinton’s long-range strike was something special.

FIRST HALF

It was initially a bright start from a Villa side under pressure. But United quickly gained control of the ball and there were plenty of early chances in a sustained attacking spell from the visitors.

Celin Bizet fired over the bar, while penalty appeals for a potential handball were turned away, and Clinton saw an effort deflected agonisingly wide after a clever turn engineered the space for a shot. A glancing Terland header then landed in the arms of a grateful Sabrina D’Angelo in the Villa goal.

Terland didn’t have to wait much longer to break the deadlock, though, in the right place at the right time 21 minutes in. Jayde Riviere slipped Bizet in down the right, with the latter’s square ball across the six-yard box delivering a tap-in for Teri.

Our lead was doubled 10 minutes later, with Riviere again involved on the right. Her teasing cross from deep was headed in by Terland, having expertly taken up position between the Villa defenders.

Another Riviere cross was painfully close to creating a United third when Villa’s Missy Bo Kearns almost diverted the ball into her own net. But Clinton did make it 3-0, noticing D’Angelo off her line after battling for possession in midfield and audaciously lofting the ball over the stranded goalkeeper from 40 yards.

Villa had a couple of their own notable chances, both falling to Gabi Nunes. One, at 0-0, was a tame free-kick fired into the United wall, with the Brazilian later hitting the crossbar with a close-range header in first half stoppage time.

A happy birthday indeed for the boss!

SECOND HALF

A top save from D’Angelo denied Terland a hat-trick early in the second half, our no.19 seeing her looping header from Galton’s left-wing cross palmed away.

Natalia Arroyo made a triple change on the hour mark, hoping to ask different questions of United. With former Red Lucy Staniforth introduced in midfield, it released Jordan Nobbs further forward and she soon worried Phallon Tullis-Joyce with a powerful 20-yard drive that flew just wide.

But Galton’s poacher’s finish 64 minutes in quashed even faint hopes of any sort of Villa comeback. It was great play from United, winning the ball in Villa’s half, with Terland knocking it wide with her back to goal and substitute Melvine Malard delivering a teasing ball. Galton had the presence of mind to run across her marker and was in prime position to convert the low cross.

Jayde Riviere’s deliveries caused Villa major problems.

D’Angelo was on hand to save from Terland again as United looked to control the final stages of the game and perhaps boost the goal difference even more.

There were also some half chances for Villa, Maz Pacheco firing wide, a deflected Nobbs effort collected by Tullis-Joyce, and Kearns also flashing an attempt just off target, preserving an 11th WSL clean sheet of the season.

The only sour notes on an otherwise excellent afternoon for United were a yellow card ruling Gabby George out of next weekend’s home clash with her former club, Everton, and both Bizet and Anna Sandberg needing to be helped off the pitch in the second half.

Leah Galton’s close-range strike was the icing on the cake.

MATCH DETAILS

Aston Villa: D’Angelo; Patten, Parker, Turner (Pacheco 60), Tomas (Sallaway 76); Nobbs, Baijings (Staniforth 60); Grant (Robinson 82), Nunes (Salmon 60), Kearns; Daly (c).

Subs not used: Talbert, Maltby, Taylor, Hanson.

Booked: Turner 50.

United: Tullis-Joyce; Riviere (Mannion 88), Le Tissier (c), Turner, George (Sandberg 46 (Williams 69)); Clinton, Miyazawa; Bizet (Malard 56), Toone, Galton; Terland.

Subs not used: Middleton-Patel, Rendell, Awujo, Janssen, Naalsund.

Goals: Terland 21, 31, Clinton 45, Galton 64.

Booked: George 36, Malard 86.

M

M

MMetropolitan

MMetropolitan

Xavi Simons interest

Too costly

Paz in demand

Real want him back

‘It sums up Grace as a player…she’s special’

Clinton: I need to shoot more!

Recommended:

Ones for the camera!

First half

Second half

Rashford’s England return did not go as planned

Rashford still has Tuchel’s backing

Substitutes

Recommended:

Millie: Why United feels like home

Turner and pooch!

MMetropolitan

About us

Company

Must Read