Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand launched a passionate defence of Alejandro Garnacho after the winger was accused of consistently making poor decisions on the pitch.
The Argentina international started as one of the two most advanced midfielders in Ruben Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation.
Garnacho’s faulty execution was on full display, especially in one or two crucial counter-attacks that broke down because he failed to release the ball to Marcus Rashford early enough.
Ex-United star Lee Sharpe pinpointed this as something Garnacho needs to work on, as he labelled the forward “a little bit greedy.”
Ipswich defender Axel Tuanzebe was also very comfortable against Garnacho and hardly needed to break a sweat.
The United n.o 17 has since come under some criticism from a section of fans, who have highlighted his weaknesses. In the latest episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents, co-host Stephen Howson provided a scathing critique of Garnacho, claiming the Carrington academy graduate “has the decision-making of a cat. It’s awful.”
Howson added that he would drop Garnacho from the starting XI, in favour of an attacking trio of Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund.
Ferdinand wasn’t having any of it and responded, “Don’t talk about Garnacho like that. You can’t be perfect, he’s a kid man!”
“[Without Garnacho] no one’s running back, no one’s running in behind the opposition. I’d play Garnacho on the left.”
“This is a process we can’t expect them to look like the Sporting team now. It’s impossible, you can’t expect that to be the case.”
Garnacho will certainly be hoping for far better fortunes when United host Eliteserien outfit FK Bodø/Glimt at Old Trafford on Thursday.
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!
Manchester United Women made their way into the semi-finals of the FA Cup after beating a spirited Sunderland side 3-1.
United started well and Celin Bizet came close with a dipping volley that just drifted wide of the goal.
The fans at the Leigh Sports Village did not have long to wait as Leah Galton gave the Red Devils the lead after just seven minutes.
After some great work down the right by the busy Bizet, she beat the defender for skill and dinked in a delightful cross that was headed home by Galton to give Marc Skinner’s side the lead.
Galton almost returned the favour minutes later when it was her turn to maraud down the left wing and she picked out Bizet with a sublime cross, but the Norwegian’s effort landed on top of the net.
United kept up the pressure on their second division rivals and they got their reward in added time in the first half.
A drilled in a corner from Gabby George was expertly met by Maya Le Tissier whose header found the back of the net from close range. It was the perfect end to the half that put the holders in charge of their quarter final tie.
On 51 minutes, Hinata Miyazawa delivered a great ball into the box that Galton turned wide after stretching a little too much to reach the ball.
In a rare attack forward, Sunderland got themselves back into the match on 70 minutes.
Katy Watson made a good run down the right before crossing the ball into the box. Louise Griffiths attempted to control the ball along the ground but lost it. Fortunately for her, the attempted clearance by the United defence ricocheted back onto her legs and beyond Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who was left helpless and conceded a rare goal.
United responded well though and Anna Sandberg’s lofted cross was well met by fellow substitute Rachel Williams but she could only head her effort right at the keeper, Demi Lambourne.
The Red Devils continued to push on to kill off the game and they were finally able to in the 91st minute in spite of some valiant resistance from their opponents.
United’s excellent wing play was on display all evening and a great driving run and cross from the dangerous Bizet was headed home by the unmarked Ella Toone, who drifted into the box unnoticed by the tiring Sunderland defenders.
The final whistle blew shortly after and the Red Devils were safely into the semi-final of the competition that they won last season and will be dreaming of doing the same this time around.
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.
Ruben Amorim says a lot of unseen work is being undertaken at Carrington in a bid to improve the performances of his Manchester United team.
In an interview with Premier League Productions to preview Sunday’s home game with Arsenal, the head coach is seeing some signs of encouragement and will hope these will become more and more evident over time.
Speaking before the 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad in the Europa League round-of-16 first leg, he named Joshua Zirkzee and Bruno Fernandes as two players who are adapting well to the demands, and also revealed an increased level of confidence among the centre-backs is pleasing to witness.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese is also plotting for how things will look beyond this season, as he strives to bring success to Old Trafford.
“In terms of the results, it’s bad,” responded Amorim, when asked how things were going. “Also the performances are not improving a lot, to be honest.
“But the good thing is that we are learning a lot. We are changing a lot of things but you cannot see it. Here in Carrington, the way we want to do things. I’m understanding the players and doing, in my head, what is the future of the squad.
“And that can be really important next year, but there is also a risk, when you are planning and doing and thinking to the future, you have to pay attention to the present. And the present is really hard in the moment because the results and the performances are not there.”
When asked if he could pinpoint positive aspects to what he is seeing, the boss went into specifics by explaining how the centre-backs are key to making his system work.
“In the small things in our game, I see improvement,” he explained. “It’s hard to see but I see it.
“I think we are improving in the last two games [before Real Sociedad], for example, the way we have possession. Our central defenders are playing in a different way, more confident.
“And, if they play well, our team will play better. I think some players are improving individually. Josh, I think is improving, in changing, a little bit, the position.
“We are trying to find a better space for Bruno but sometimes you want him, yes, everywhere as he’s really important for us.
“Even against Ipswich, we suffered a goal and we continued to play the same way and I feel, in these small details, I feel that the team believes a little bit more. The rest, I think, it’s hard to see things in this season. It’s more here in Carrington, the way we are training, the intensity, and we are trying to find a way to improve the team.”
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Man Utd winger Alejandro Garnacho is not part of Ruben Amorim’s plans and will leave in the summer transfer window, according to reports.
The Red Devils are having a nightmare season in the Premier League with Ruben Amorim’s side currently 15th in the Premier League ahead of their clash with Arsenal on Sunday.
Results and performances have been worse than under Amorim’s predecessor Erik ten Hag and there are already question marks over whether the Portuguese head coach has what it takes to lead Man Utd forward.
Amorim was afforded one transfer in the January window with Patrick Dorgu arriving from Lecce to help the new Man Utd boss make the most of his 3-4-3 formation.
Certain players are clearly not a great fit under Amorim and now Spanish website Fichajes insists that Garnacho ‘will leave’ Old Trafford in the summer and the Argentina international ‘already has a new team’.
Garnacho ‘will go to’ Spanish side Atletico Madrid after Man Utd ‘decided to let go of Garnacho because he does not fit into the plans’ of Amorim.
The report adds that Man Utd are ‘going through a difficult financial situation and is looking to balance its accounts by selling the Argentine for a figure close to 50 million euros. This exit will allow the ‘Red Devils’ to have more room to undertake key signings in their reconstruction.’.
Atletico have ‘closed the signing’ of Garnacho and Fichajes continues:
‘In Madrid, Garnacho is seen as an ideal piece for the 4-4-2 formation that Simeone has implemented this season. His ability to break through, his speed and his ability to balance one-on-one fits perfectly with the idea of the Argentine coach, who intends to reinforce the left side of the attack with a young, talented player with room to grow.
Garnacho looked unhappy about being substituted in their 3-2 win over Ipswich in their last Premier League match and former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara insists the Argentinian has “lost his patience” with Amorim.
O’Hara said: “It looks as if Alejandro Garnarcho has lost his patience with Ruben Amorim already. It looked like being substituted in the first half was Garnarcho’s final straw; as if he was saying to himself, ‘I can’t play for this manager anymore’.
We know Amorim dropped him and Marcus Rashford from the squad a few weeks ago, but it seemed like they had repaired their relationship – until last night! I can’t see Garnacho starting the next game, that’s for sure. I’m a fan of Amorim and how he’s conducted himself when it’s come to man-management, but Garnacho won’t like this one bit.”
Patrick Dorgu returns to his three match suspension today leaving Ruben Amorim with even fewer left sided options at his disposal for the home Premier League match with Arsenal.
Injury crisis shows no sign of relenting
Altay Bayindir, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Amad are all also definitely out injured while Harry Maguire and Manu Ugarte are very doubtful.
Ugarte stands the better chance of being fit but with the huge Europa League second leg against Real Sociedad on Thursday, he may not be risked even if available.
Expected Line-up
We expect either Toby Collyer or Casemiro to partner Bruno Fernandes in midfield. Collyer played a couple of minutes on Thursday on his return from injury and his energy will be much needed against the Gunners, so we think that he might be the preferred option.
In defence, Andre Onana will almost certainly be in goal.
In the absence of Dorgu, Noussair Mazraoui will probably play wing back so if Maguire is not fit, either Victor Lindelof or Ayden Heaven will join Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro in the back three. We think it will probably be Lindelof.
Diogo Dalot will be the other wing back.
Up front there are few options, although Chido Obi could be given a start if Amorim decides to rest Rasmus Hojlund. However, we think it’s more likely that Hojlund will play at least 45 minutes.
Josh Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho will probably support him, although Christian Eriksen is another option.
With all that in mind, here is our predicted XI for today’s 4.30pm kick-off:
Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
The 40-year-old has reportedly been surprised by how bad the players are at the club, which is why he is regretting taking over the club in the middle of the season.
The Red Devils are 15th in the Premier League and are out of both domestic cup competitions. With their Europa League hopes dangling by a thread, the Portuguese tactician is feeling the heat with pundits and ex-players heaping more pressure on him.
INEOS have not helped Amorim
INEOS also did not help him during the January window and owing to the club’s finances, a major summer outlay might also not be possible, therefore leaving Amorim with a mountain to climb.
Having already sacked Erik ten Hag earlier this season, the co-owners are unlikely to take the same route with the former Sporting boss but results have been dire and there seems to be no end to the suffering at present.
The Daily Mail have now claimed that there are murmurs that Benfica could possibly hand Amorim an unlikely exit route in the summer, even though the United boss has no plans of jumping ship just yet.
Benfica interested but Amorim wants to fight
“In Portugal, there are whispers that he is unhappy and that he is disappointed to have found things to be more chaotic and more challenging than he imagined at Old Trafford.
“They wonder if he may come back home – possibly to Benfica – in the summer. Amorim denies all this. He says he wants to stay in England to fight.”
United fans still hold out hope that a proper summer window could still get the club competing again but can INEOS truly muster a solid transfer window? Doubts are rising given the level of job cuts ongoing at the club.
For now, the players must fight harder and show some pride, especially in the big league games and next Thursday. Whether they will is an altogether different proposition.
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
Rasmus Hojlund’s form is giving Ruben Amorim nightmares which is exactly why Manchester United are looking to add a quality striker to their ranks in the summer.
Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen are the top names on the club’s list, but both will cost a significant amount of money, and their wage demands might prove too much for INEOS, given the club’s current financial situation.
This is why the Red Devils are looking for more cost-effective options, and Jean-Philippe Mateta‘s exploits for Crystal Palace have caught United’s eye.
The Frenchman has bagged 15 goals in all competitions this season, including eight in as many Premier League games in 2025 including two against Amorim’s side at Old Trafford.
Mateta on United’s radar
United scouts have been left impressed with what they have seen with Mateta’s work-rate and physicality seen as the perfect fit for Amorim’s system. Which is why the club have reportedly opened talks over a potential summer deal.
The Eagles are expected to demand in the region of £40 million for the 27-year-old but given the France international’s contract is valid until 2027, United might look to agree a deal for less.
As per TBR Football, Palace are expected to open contract talks with Mateta’s camp, hoping to persuade him to stay and if not, sell him for a higher fee.
The report claims that the former Olympique Lyon striker is expected to leave in the summer should an agreement not be found before the season concludes.
“TBR Football understands that Crystal Palace are planning to open contract talks with in-demand striker Jean-Philippe Mateta amid interest from Manchester United.
Palace won’t let go so easily
“Sources close to Mateta have told TBR Football that they are due for talks over a new deal with Palace. Palace took an option on the player earlier this season taking him to 2027, but the club acknowledge that his performances mean he is due fresh terms.
“TBR Football understands that United are keen on Mateta, as he is one of the more experienced strikers they are looking at. Palace are now due for talks, but if a new deal is not agreed by the summer – it is likely that Mateta could push for an exit.”
Having spent over £100 million on unproven talents like Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee in recent seasons, the three-time European winners now want to add an experienced figurehead and Mateta fits the bill given his English top-flight experience.
There is interest from a number of rival clubs so it will be interesting to see if INEOS can get this deal over the line. Jonathan David, available on a free, is another potential option the club are eyeing.
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
Skinner: We’re sending love to Poppy Atkinson’s family
Saturday 08 March 2025 20:41
Marc Skinner paid tribute to Poppy Atkinson in his post-match press conference, after his side progressed to the semi-finals of the FA Cup by beating Sunderland 3-1 at Leigh Sports Village.
The 10-year-old United fan tragically lost her life this week after a car crashed onto the sports pitch where she was taking part in a training session.
The youngster from Cumbria idolised Ella Toone and harboured dreams of playing for United when she was older.
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Skinner said: “A special mention to Poppy and her family. It’s an incredibly difficult moment for them, being a father myself to two young daughters, I know that people share the sentiment.
“We’re sending love to them, if we can give them a little bit of respite in their suffering, as a club we will look into that.
“A young Manchester United fan that had dreamed of being in our first team in the future and it is tragic her life was cut short. So we send all of our love to her family.”
The players wore black armbands during the match and the fans applauded in the 10 minute of the game, in Poppy’s memory.
Following Leah Galton’s first half header, Ella Toone held up a United shirt with the youngster’s name on the back and again, after the final whistle, the team gathered round the shirt in a touching tribute.
The Reds ran out 3-1 winners after goals from Galton and Maya Le Tissier in the first half. Louise Griffiths clawed one back in the second, before Toone capped it off with United’s third in second-half injury time.
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Manchester United vs Arsenal is an iconic fixture chock-full of historic moments.
Patrick Vierra and Roy Keane kicking seven shades out of each other, Ryan Giggs slamming the ball past a shrinking David Seamen and exposing his manly mane, Arsene Wenger standing on the dugout at Old Trafford…
Sylvain Wiltord clinching the title behind enemy lines, Robin van Persie’s guard of honour at the Emirates after winning the title with United, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney ending the invincible era.
In more recent times, a young Marcus Rashford scoring twice on his debut against the Gunners, Eddie Nketiah’s late winner, and, who can forget, Antony’s determined Ancelotti eyebrow before doing the square root of nothing.
Altay Bayindir, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Amad Diallo are ruled out for Sunday.
Ruben Amorim’s side were so thin on the ground against Real Sociedad on Thursday that he could only name seven players on the subs bench, including youngsters Toby Collyer and Harry Amass.
United were short in midfield with Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen the only viable options, so he’ll be hoping that Manuel Ugarte is fit enough to play on Sunday.
Harry Maguire was also absent but stands a chance of making the squad, which would be handy given Noussair Mazraoui may be needed to replace the suspended Patrick Dorgu at left-wing-back.
The lesser-spotted Tom Heaton is also in the treatment room. Given Bayindir’s potential absence, things could get interesting if Onana picks up a knock.
Man Utd predicted line-up
Arsenal team news
The Gunners are without many key players for Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford, with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz still out.
While Saka and Martinelli could feature as early as April 1, their absence may force Mikel Arteta to field a front three of Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard for the fourth match in a row.
Raheem Sterling is an option to freshen things up, having last started against Leicester City on February 15.
Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice should start in midfield, but Jorginho is an option.
There’s no question that Jurrien Timber, William Saliba and Gabriel are Arteta’s preferred choice in their respective positions, but Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly continue to battle it out for the left-back berth.
No Premier League team has ever beaten Man Utd five times in a row, which is a record Arsenal will break if they win on Sunday.
United’s next win against Arsenal will be their 100th in all competitions.
United beat Ipswich 3-2 last time out, but they haven’t won back-to-back games in the league since beating Newcastle United and Brighton last April.
United are winless (1D 5L) in six home matches against teams currently in the top eight.
Arsenal are unbeaten in five meetings across all competitions having won the last four.
Arsenal have scored in each of their last 11 visits to Old Trafford dating back to 2014.
Arteta will take charge of his 200th Premier League match on Sunday. The Spaniard boasts the highest EPL win percentage of any Gunners manager.
Ruben Amorim (Man Utd) quotes
Reflecting on the 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad:
“I think we played well until the penalty. But then the penalty, I think, changed a little bit the momentum of the game.
“I felt the team were a little bit tired in the last 20 minutes and that also helped them take control of the game in the final 20 minutes.
“Until the penalty, we were in control, had the opportunities. After our goal, we were really good because we were near the second goal.”
On if he will change formation:
“I think the system is not the problem; it is the way of playing. We have a lot of problems and we are trying to work on the problems. Every system needs different characteristics. I am still really confident. I will not change that”
On the need to be more clinical:
“That is clear. We are creating chances. Sometimes you don’t see it in the xG because we manage not to shoot, but the great opportunity is there and you can see it.
“We have transitions, we have situations, and sometimes we are missing something. And that can change, especially in this kind of game, that you need goals that can make a difference for everybody.”
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal) quotes
On taking Lewis-Skelly off in the first half v PSV:
“I think it was quite clear that we have a liability there with the yellow card and his next actions that it wasn’t the moment to take any risk.
“A lesson to learn from him for sure, we will support and help him, and he needs to understand it.
“He is very intelligent and extremely demanding of himself. Straight away his reaction is like that because he’s a perfectionist. He has a good environment around him to learn.”
On his experiences ahead of 200th game in charge:
“It’s gone fast. Probably the number one [moment] was when I was sitting here on the first day, fulfilling that dream of one day becoming the manager of this incredible football club.
“There are many others but the other night was up there with one of the best because of the way we did it.
“A trophy, for sure. When we won the first FA Cup after everything we went through as a club the last few years, and the COVID season was really, really difficult as well.”
Asked if he has 200 more games in him:
“Win tomorrow. This is the industry, what happens. Try our best but I still have a lot of energy still and very driven to have more success.”
On United’s potential to surprise despite poor form:
“That is the history of that football club. The players they have, the coach they have, and watching the game last night against Real Sociedad, you come very clear that they are able to put a really strong performance.
“They can beat you on the day. We know that, we know the difficulty of the match and that’s how we will prepare.”
Man Utd vs Arsenal referee stats
Refereeing Manchester United vs Arsenal is as much an honour as it is a responsibility.
It may be a far cry from days gone by, but this is still a fiery fixture which produced 35 fouls and nine yellow cards, one of which was a second yellow for Diogo Dalot, when the sides met in the FA Cup this season.
In successfully keeping a lid on games, Anthony Taylor has been able to go relatively lenient this season. He’s averaged three yellows across 24 Premier League matches and has flashed his red card twice.
This will be his fifth United fixture and fourth Arsenal assignment of the campaign.
The experienced ref has overseen several high-profile rivalries, including West Ham 3-2 Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur 3-4 Chelsea and Man City 1-2 Man Utd. It appears drama follows him.
Man Utd vs Arsenal prediction
There are some trends in this fixture which may inform the way you want to tackle it, including Arsenal’s four-match win streak that could become a historic five.
The Gunners have found the net in 11 visits to Old Trafford across all competitions, which sets up the possibility of both teams scoring.
On the other hand, the Red Devils have lost to each of the five top-eight teams to visit them this season, scoring just two goals from open play.
Arsenal’s lack of attacking depth has them leaning heavily on their defence at present, though you wouldn’t know it after they ruthlessly whacked seven past poor PSV on Tuesday.
Still, Arteta’s side have limited their hosts to 0.85 goals per game in Premier League away games. They’ve gone one better in the xGA stakes, allowing 0.70 per match.
xG suggests the Gunners should be favoured by a margin of 1.60 to 1.10, but that’s before we factor in United’s raft of injuries and how that affects the flow of the game.
Arteta’s side have enjoyed two extra days of rest and should be solid enough to withstand isolated attacks. We think they’ll dominate, win, and shut United out.
Ahead of the crucial Premier League game against Arsenal on Sunday, Ruben Amorim is fretting over the form of Rasmus Hojlund and mulling over whether to change things up top.
It is clear that the club needs to recruit an elite goalscorer in the summer with Amorim eyeing a reunion with Sporting protege Viktor Gyokeres while the Red Devils are also eyeing Victor Osimhen.
Both will cost a considerable sum of money while their wages could also prove to be a stumbling block, especially given the new financial reality around the club.
Striker needed
Which is why INEOS are keeping an eye on more cost-effective options with Liam Delap and Jean-Philippe Mateta also on the club’s radar.
Another striker the club are monitoring is Jonathan David of Lille who fits the bill perfectly, given he will be available on a free at the end of the season.
He has 21 goals and 10 assists in 38 games in all competitions and given his free agent status, he has naturally attracted a lot of interest from Europe’s elites.
United have been joined by Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle in the race while recent reports had suggested Barcelona were in the lead for his services.
CaughtOffside have some good news on that front with David preferring a move to England over a move to La Liga which could benefit the 20-time English league champions.
Interestingly, Brighton and West Ham were also interested, but the Canadian has set his sights on a move to a top-tier Premier League club.
“Lille’s Jonathan David is at the centre of a heated transfer battle as top European clubs vie for his signature this summer – but it’s the Premier League he wants, CaughtOffside understands.
David wants PL move
“Premier League sides such as Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Newcastle United have all expressed interest in acquiring David, we have been informed.
“Despite previous approaches from clubs like Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United, David has set his sights on a move to a top-tier Premier League club, with the attacker rejecting them previously.
“Cash-strapped Barcelona have also entered the fray, expressing interest in David as a potential successor to veteran forward Robert Lewandowski.”
It will be interesting to see where David lands up eventually and who INEOS ultimately sign for Amorim in the summer with the head coach desperate to add quality to an imbalanced squad.
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
Manchester United are into the last four of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup for the third year in a row, after defeating Sunderland 3-1 in Saturday teatime’s quarter-final clash.
The trophy-holders went ahead against our Championship visitors after seven minutes, when Leah Galton headed us into the lead, before Maya Le Tissier doubled that advantage in first-half stoppage time.
Despite having the majority of the ball after the break, further clear-cut chances were limited and Louise Griffiths set up a tense finish when she pulled one back for the visitors with just over 20 minutes left to play.
The contest looked to be meandering towards a 2-1 finish, but Ella Toone made sure of the victory – and our place in Sunday’s semi-final draw – with United’s third goal in second-half stoppage time.
Goals in successive games for Galton, who nodded United ahead on seven minutes.
FIRST HALF – REDS HEAD INTO TWO-GOAL LEAD
United Women were straight onto the front foot and set about giving the lively crowd inside Leigh Sports Village something to cheer about early on. The majority of the play in the opening stages came in Sunderland’s half, with Celin Bizet registering our first shot, slicing an attempt wide from the edge of the visitors’ 18-yard area.
Bizet took up a central area on that occasion but it was from a more familiar right-sided position that our Norwegian winger teed up the opening goal. Our no.15 showed patience to eek out a yard of space on her defender and deliver into the penalty area, where Galton stooped to head back across the target and into the far corner.
In the celebrations, the Reds paid a touching tribute to 10-year-old United fan Poppy Atkinson who was tragically killed when she was struck by a car earlier this week, with Toone holding aloft a shirt with Atkinson’s name on it before the Leigh crowd applauded in the 10th minute, in memory of the youngster.
Despite going behind early in the contest, our second-tier opponents retained their composure and organisation, before been rewarded some chances of their own. Brianna Westrup headed off target after United failed to properly clear a Sunderland corner, minutes before Keira Flannery powered a low drive wide from range.
Those openings will have given Melanie Reay’s side confidence, but the Reds were setting about making the scoreline more comfortable than the narrow 2-1 win that we were able to come away with from our first and only previous meeting with Sunderland in 2023. Melvine Malard struck the crossbar with a first-time connection on a Galton ball in from the left, Toone saw a strike blocked at close quarters and Le Tissier blasted over as the North East outfit kept the advantage down to one.
Skinner’s side kept the pressure on however, and were mightily close again when the scorer and assister of our first goal linked up once more before the break. This time it was Galton crossing for Bizet who, from underneath the crossbar, couldn’t keep her volley down and so rued cushioning it over the woodwork.
It looked, then, as if the Reds would just have a one-goal lead to take into the break, but captain Le Tissier ensured that it would be 2-0 at the interval, when she met Gabby George’s flat corner from the left and headed home inside four minutes of added time.
The Reds celebrate Le Tissier’s third goal of the season, right on half-time.
SECOND HALF – UNITED SECURE PROGRESSION
That second goal was a welcome boost entering the interval, but United were by no means comfortable and were reminded that the contest was well and truly alive when half-time Sunderland substitute Jenna Dear struck a shot just over the bar, after a corner broke to her on the edge of our penalty area.
While the visitors were the ones needing to score, they were doing a good job of limiting United’s opportunities to add to the scoreline at the other end. Rachel Williams’s stabbed effort at goal, which was deflected behind, was as close as we came to getting another before our opponents halved the deficit.
Reay’s introductions from the bench were having an impact and it was two subs that combined to force a route back into the game. Katy Watson looked to find Griffiths in the box and, while it looked as though Le Tissier had snuffed out the danger by getting to the ball first, our no.4’s intended clearance cannoned back off Griffiths and flew past Phallon Tullis-Joyce into the net.
Sunderland’s goal was somewhat fortuitous, but a reward for their hard work off the ball.
It meant it was game on heading into the final 20 minutes, with a tense atmosphere palpable around LSV, but Williams almost instantly eased any nerves the home crowd may have had. The striker got on the end of Anna Sandberg’s inviting cross from the left and saw her header well saved by Demi Lambourne, who wasn’t troubled by Bizet’s follow-up from a tight angle.
Williams was continuing to make her presence felt after being introduced earlier in the half, leading United’s push for a third goal that would make the result safe, but saw her latest aerial attempt – following a corner from the right – fly over as the encounter entered its final 10 minutes.
The contest’s next and last goal didn’t arrive until added time however, as Toone all but made sure of our place in the semi-finals when she headed Bizet’s cross from the right back past Lambourne and into the net, despite Westrup’s best attempt at clearing it on the line.
Referee Stacey Fullicks sounded her full-time whistle soon after, confirming the continuation of our trophy defence, with passage to next month’s last-four stage.
Tooney sealed the win in stoppage time – onto the semis!
MATCH DETAILS
United: Tullis-Joyce; Mannion, Le Tissier (c), Turner (Janssen 62), George (Sandberg 62); Clinton, Miyazawa, Toone; Bizet, Malard (Williams 62), Galton.
Unused subs: Middleton-Patel, Hill, Livingston, Naalsund, M.Griffiths.
