Manchester United, a prominent team, improved their performance in the league as they advanced to the semi-finals of the Women’s FA Cup with a decisive win against Brighton.
Goals in the first half by Millie Turner, Nikita Parris, and Lucía García, followed by a fantastic finish from Lisa Naalsund in the second half, led last year’s runners-up into the semi-finals once again.
The team’s manager, Marc Skinner, commended their “total performance” as a relief from their unstable performance in the league.
“I am extremely pleased with our performance,” he stated. “It was definitely one of our strongest showings…We were able to find our groove faster and our players worked together seamlessly. We also excelled in the more challenging aspects of the game. I am incredibly proud.”
At Broadfield Stadium, the teams appeared before an excited audience as the sun was setting. This game was a repeat of the semi-final from last season, a highly contested match that Manchester United won with a goal in the 89th minute by Rachel Williams.
The home crowd was optimistic as their team returned from a victorious trip to Bristol in the Women’s Super League. Mikey Harris selected an unchanged lineup from the one that had scored seven goals the weekend before.
On the other hand, following a disappointing tie in the league against West Ham, Skinner modified his lineup in three ways. This outcome resulted in them falling even farther from the top three and their chances of making it to European football becoming less likely.
Jayde Riviere finally made his highly anticipated comeback from injury, while Naalsund and García also returned to the team. As a result, Parris, who has been in top form, was moved to a more advanced position as the team’s main striker.
Although the hosts initially seemed energetic, United quickly took control of the game. García had the freedom to make runs down the right side.
The away team capitalized on Brighton’s unstable defense and obtained an early lead when García sprinted to earn a corner. Though the first attempt was defended, Katie Zelem managed to regain possession and delivered her signature cross. Turner, making a run from the back post, leapt over everyone to powerfully head the ball into the net.
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United stayed in command as they applied pressure on Sophie Baggaley’s goal. Melvine Malard played a vital part in increasing their advantage by providing a well-placed pass to Parris, who went on to successfully score, 10 minutes later.
Brighton made multiple attempts to score and get back into the game, but they were unable to finish their chances. On the other hand, United remained a danger on the attack. Naalsund attempted a shot that went over the goal, while Hannah Blundell forced Baggaley to make a spectacular save.
Before half-time, García scored the third goal by putting the ball into the net after Malard’s shot had rebounded off the goal frame.
United did not want to ease off, as Baggaley’s great performance was the only thing preventing the score from increasing. The goalkeeper impressively stopped Malard twice out of frustration and made a remarkable save against Parris towards the end. However, she was unable to prevent the visitors from scoring their fourth goal, as Naalsund executed a magnificent curved shot.
Brighton had a humbling evening, coming down from their previous success last week. On the other hand, United had a reassuring win in a competition that holds great significance to Skinner and his team. “It definitely means a lot to us. We were incredibly disappointed when we lost in the final. We’re determined to make it back. We know it won’t be easy, but the disappointment from last year’s final will motivate us to give our all and bring our fans back to Wembley.” This victory may also revive their league campaign that was in need of a boost.
Source: theguardian.com
