Manchester United suffered a 1-0 defeat to SK Brann in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round.
United were the better side for large spells of the game and came close to breaking the deadlock on multiple occasions, but they were thwarted by inspired Brann goalkeeper Selma Panengstuen.
In the 76th minute, defender Ingrid Østervold Stenevik put Brann ahead. The goal was enough to secure the Norwegian side an aggregate lead heading into the return leg next Thursday.
First half
United started fast and furious, with the prolific Elisabeth Terland nearly shedding first blood within just two minutes. The striker connected with a delivery from Anna Sandberg but couldn’t quite direct it into the back of the net, only managing to head it wide.
The early chance appeared to give United momentum, with the team raising their intensity. Jess Park skipped past her marker and delivered a low cross toward Ella Toone, only for it to be cut out before she could strike.
Marc Skinner’s side came very close again, this time as Lisa Naalsund found Melvine Malard in a dangerous area. The French star slipped a square ball to Toone, who tried her luck but was crowded out by Brann’s defence.
United continued to apply pressure and they forced Panengstuen into a good save just before the half-hour mark. New signing Park and Hinata Miyazawa combined well to fashion a chance for Toone, but the England star’s effort was stopped by Panengstuen.
There was a moment where Park went down after catching an arm to the face but she was able to carry on.
Terland had another opportunity to get on the score sheet when Toone put in a cross into her path. Terland got to it but she headed over the bar.
A few minutes later, it was Toone who sent another chance begging after Malard cleverly teed it up for her. Toone shot first time but for the second time, Panengstuen frustrated her.
The hosts’ first meaningful attack was launched through Signe Gaupset but Phallon Tullis-Joyce gathered her shot.
Brann were awarded a corner just before the break but United defended astutely. Heading into the interval, Skinner and his squad would have been disappointed not to have translated their dominance into a lead.
Second half
Brann made a substitution at half-time. Monica Isaksen came on for Dilja Zomer.
United picked up where they left off, as Malard attempted a cheeky finish, but she was not successful. Soon after, Lauren Davidson found herself in space after a sumptuous pass from Gaupset, but she didn’t handle it well and scuppered a promising opening.
Just like the first half, United dominated possession but it just wasn’t happening for them. Panengstuen was forced into a double save, first keeping out Dominique Janssen’s strike before saving Park’s rebound.
Panengstuen came up with another save soon after to keep out Malard.
In the 75th minute, Skinner made a double change. He took off Park and Sandberg, replacing the pair with Celin Bizet and Millie Turner.
United were punished for their wastefulness when Stevenik struck, rising to meet Gaupset’s wicked back-post delivery with a firm header.
Not even the introduction of Julia Zigiotti Olme helped United. There was another chance for Toone but Panengstuen was there again to prevent her from getting on the score sheet.
Though the 1-0 loss leaves United with hope for the return leg at Leigh Sports Village, the task ahead remains a steep one.
Before that, United face London City on Sunday at Hayes Lane Stadium.
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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!
