Manchester United Women Dominate London City Lionesses 5-1

Manchester United Women Shine in WSL Clash

Manchester United Women delivered an emphatic statement in their Women’s Super League campaign, overpowering the London City Lionesses 5-1 in a dazzling away performance. The Red Devils, who have their sights set on a crucial Champions League qualifier, maintained their flawless start to the 2025-26 season with another attacking masterclass.

Early Momentum Sets the Tone

It took just three minutes for Manchester United Women to stamp their authority at Hayes Lane. After Melvine Malard was brought down in the box by Jana Fernandez, Maya Le Tissier stepped up to convert a composed penalty, marking her 100th appearance for the club in style. This early strike set the tempo for a relentless first half, as United pressed high and dictated play.

Jayde Riviere Opens Her Account

Half an hour in, Jayde Riviere further extended United’s lead with a stunning goal, rifling a cross-shot into the roof of the net from an acute angle. Her maiden goal in club colors highlighted United’s depth and versatility in attack.

Melvine Malard Continues Goal-Scoring Form

The second half saw Manchester United Women accelerate their dominance. Melvine Malard, already in red-hot form, netted twice within five minutes of the restart. Her first was a low drive across the goalkeeper after finding space behind the defense—a potentially marginal offside, but the flag stayed down. Shortly after, Malard’s clinical header from Anna Sandberg’s precise cross made it four goals in two league matches for the French forward.

Lionesses Seek Response, United Remain Ruthless

London City Lionesses found a lifeline in the 76th minute when former Red Devil Nikita Parris coolly slotted home. However, United’s grip on the game never wavered. Jess Park put the finishing touch on the performance, curling a sublime shot into the top corner from the edge of the box as the clock wound down.

Manchester United Women’s Player Ratings

– Mary Earps: 7 – Steady and composed when called into action.
– Jayde Riviere: 8 – Electric going forward, opened her United goal account.
– Maya Le Tissier: 8 – Faultless at the back and confident from the spot.
– Millie Turner: 7 – Marshaled the defense with authority.
– Anna Sandberg: 7 – Provided a crucial assist for Malard’s second.
– Lisa Naalsund: 7 – Controlled midfield tempo.
– Ella Toone: 7 – Energetic and creative, key in transition.
– Melvine Malard: 9 – Unstoppable, two goals, constant threat.
– Leah Galton: 7 – Linked play well on the flanks.
– Geyse: 7 – Troubled defenders with pace and trickery.
– Jess Park: 8 – Impactful off the bench, capped off the win brilliantly.

Bench Contributions

Substitutes made significant impacts, maintaining intensity and composure throughout the closing stages.

Champions League Test Awaits Manchester United Women

This dominant WSL performance is the perfect confidence boost ahead of Manchester United Women’s must-win UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifier against Brann. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, the Red Devils will rely on their attacking prowess—showcased by Malard, Riviere, and Park—to overturn the deficit and make club history by reaching the group stages for the first time.

For more updates and in-depth coverage of Manchester United Women’s pursuit of European glory, visit for more news.

Opinion: United’s Attacking Depth Could Be the Key in Europe

The performance against London City Lionesses highlighted Manchester United Women’s remarkable attacking depth. With Malard in unstoppable form and key players like Riviere and Park stepping up, United look well-equipped to challenge on multiple fronts. If they can replicate this fluency and composure against Brann, European qualification is within their grasp.