Man Utd Women maintained their WSL title charge as they eased to a 3-0 win against Tottenham Women, who remain in relegation danger.
Marc Skinner’s side looked largely comfortable throughout in opening a six-point lead at the top ahead of their rivals’ games later in the day, and it was the perfect warm-up for their first major domestic final against Chelsea in the FA Cup next weekend.
Leah Galton capitalised on a mistake from former Man Utd defender Amy Turner to slot home the opener (32). Three minutes later, Alessia Russo (35) doubled the lead with a fine volley, with Galton and Russo now level on 10 goals for the season.
Nikita Parris rounded off the victory shortly after the break (53) to open a healthy lead over rivals Manchester City, although City and Chelsea both play later on Sunday.
Tottenham were not without their chances – Bethany England twice going close – but some defensive lapses saw them well beaten at Leigh Sports Village. They remain just three points clear of Reading, who occupy the relegation spot, and play them on May 20 in their penultimate game of the season.
How Man Utd eased to victory
Manchester United dominated from the off, with Tottenham goalkeeper Tinja-Rikka Korpela needed to make a string of saves. However, the best early chance fell to Spurs’ England. After some sublime one-touch play from her teammates, the Euro 2022 winner burst into the area, easily rounding the oncoming Mary Earps, but her shot was expertly blocked by Maya Le Tissier.
Man Utd continued to push Tottenham further back, and finally made the breakthrough just after the half-hour. Turner’s poor pass into space saw a lurking Galton collect before firing home into the far corner with a fine finish.
Russo’s second followed quickly – the goals coming either side of a fine Korpela save from a long-range Vilde Boe Risa strike. The resulting corner was recycled back into the area, with the Man Utd striker connecting to send a thunderous volley into the back of the net.
But Tottenham offered a timely reminder of just how quickly games can change as they hit the crossbar late in the first half. Jess Naz burst down the left, but her cross into the area was glanced off the crossbar by Celin Bizet.
It took just eight minutes after the break for Man Utd to add a third after another defensive mix-up from Spurs. The attempt to clear Galton’s cross from the left was poor from Kerys Harrop and Shelina Zadorsky, with Parris lurking to take a touch before firing home from close range.
Bethany England has a shot blocked by Maya Le Tissier early in the first half
While Korpela did not have to make saves as regularly as she did in the first half, Man Utd continued to pepper the goalkeeper with shots. In fact, it was her opposite number Earps who made a stunning double save to keep her clean sheet intact.
England fired in a cross from the right wing, with Mana Iwabuchi’s shot stopped by the Man Utd No 1. Rosella Ayane attempted to reach the rebound, but Earps was there again to deny Spurs. England went close soon after, glancing wide from a corner.
But Man Utd saw the game out in relative comfort, scoring goals and keeping a clean sheet that could be vital come May 27.
What’s next?
Manchester United are next in action in Sunday’s FA Cup showpiece at a sold-out Wembley Stadium, taking on holders Chelsea; kick-off 2.30pm. Tottenham play their penultimate WSL tie against Reading on May 20; kick-off 4.15pm.
