Manchester United Women booked their place in the semi-finals of the World Sevens Football tournament with a 3-1 win over SL Benfica.
The Red Devils won their first group game 3-2 in a pulsating victory over AS Roma yesterday. Marc Skinner’s side took on SL Benfica in their second group match and made an impressive start to the game.
They took the lead after just 33 seconds when Celine Bizet rocketed in an outstanding effort, giving the keeper no chance at all.
Benfica had their first real effort on goal after 5 minutes but a clever through ball was well dealt with by an alert Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
A few minutes later, Ella Toone latched onto a defence-splitting ball, but had her effort turned behind for a corner kick as United pushed for a second.
Maya Le Tissier was next to test the opposition with a rasping effort from distance but it was right down the Benfica keeper’s throat.
United eventually got their reward as Simi Awujo finished off a quick-fire move. Melvine Malard played a pass into Bizet, who laid it off instantly to the Canadian. She took a touch and expertly fired the ball into the bottom corner.
The Red Devils saw out the final moments of the half and took a 2-0 lead into the break.
Skinner’s young team came out of the traps flying and put the game to bed after 3 minutes of the second half.
Awujo ran at the Benfica defence and smashed in her second and her team’s third and with that, United were well on their way to victory.
This time the Portuguese were able to respond and in the 21st minute, Andreia Norton slotted in a consolation effort for the Eagles.
The Red Devils responded immediately but Gabby George’s effort was well stopped by the keeper.
There was still time for Awujo to almost grab her hattrick but she saw her fine effort come crashing off the left hand post and out of play after 25 minutes.
Lisa Naalsund almost got in on the act just before full time, but her powerful half volley was brilliantly parried away by Lena Pauels.
The match came to a conclusion and the Red Devils made it two wins from two in what has been a highly successful and entertaining tournament so far.
That semi-final qualification feeling 🤗#MUWomen || #WorldSevensFootball pic.twitter.com/NejsbW7Usm
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) May 22, 2025
Featured image James Fearn via Getty Images
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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.
