Manchester United marked a major milestone in the club’s history with a narrow 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the Women’s Super League, earning back-to-back league wins in the process.
Eva Olid’s side made the perfect start and took the lead after just six minutes. Liverpool goalkeeper Khiara Keating attempted to play the ball out from the back, but Julia Zigiotti Olme read the pass brilliantly, intercepted it and calmly lifted her finish over the stranded goalkeeper.
Liverpool were shaken but refused to let the early setback dictate the game. The visitors gradually found their rhythm and came close to an equaliser, only to be frustrated by an outstanding display from United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
Tullis-Joyce produced a superb double save to keep out Cornelia Kapocs before immediately denying Beata Olsson from close range.
United had opportunities of their own to extend their advantage. Jess Park rattled the crossbar with a powerful effort before Andrea Medina followed up with a fierce shot towards the near post. Keating recovered quickly, however, getting a hand to the effort and pushing it behind.
The game continued to swing from end to end. Olsson again tested Tullis-Joyce with a low effort towards the near post, but the United goalkeeper stood firm.
United almost doubled their lead just before the break when Ella Toone, who was left out of England’s squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers, slipped a clever pass through to Medina. Keating reacted sharply to rush out and smother the attempt.
After the interval, Liverpool continued to search for a way back into the contest, but United’s defence remained organised and disciplined.
Elizabeth Terland came close to putting the result beyond doubt when she curled an effort towards goal, but Keating produced another good save to keep Liverpool within touching distance.
United ultimately held on to secure a valuable three points and move up to sixth in the WSL, level with Liverpool on points and separated only by goal difference.
United’s defensive improvement under Olid
The victory was particularly significant for Olid because United showed the kind of defensive resilience that had been missing in recent weeks.
After conceding late goals in the 95th minute against Arsenal and the 92nd minute against West Ham, United made sure there would be no repeat against Liverpool.
It was their first clean sheet in all competitions this season, with Tullis-Joyce playing a central role. The goalkeeper made eight important saves, repeatedly keeping Liverpool from finding a way through.
Anna Sandberg and Maya Le Tissier were also outstanding at the back, with both defenders making six clearances as United successfully protected their narrow advantage.
There was still room for improvement in attack, particularly in the final third, where United had opportunities to put the game to bed. But their ability to stay composed and organised under pressure will be just as encouraging for Olid.
United have now avoided defeat in their last 31 league matches when scoring first, a run stretching back to a 2-1 loss against Liverpool in December 2023.
Olid was pleased with the result but admitted there is still plenty of work to do.
“I am so happy with the three points, still a lot to improve,” she said. “We have to be better in the final third. We create, but the last pass and finishing need to be better. That will come.
“We start to click in a lot of things, fight for each other, hard work. We need to work hard to improve and in possession. The minimum is to give everything every game. Now with training we’ve improved the rest. Little by little.”
For United, the 1-0 victory was more than just another three points. It was a sign that Olid’s team are beginning to develop greater resilience, with their defensive discipline providing a strong foundation for further progress.
