Manchester United 4-0 Reading: Maya Le Tissier scores twice on debut

Defender Maya Le Tissier scored twice on her debut as Manchester United comfortably beat Reading of their Women’s Super League opener.

United captain Katie Zelem, making her a centesimal look, assisted each of these objectives and scored one in all her personal.

The hosts led 4-0 by half time as Euro 2022 winner Alessia Russo headed in one other in entrance of a document crowd.

It was the proper begin to the marketing campaign for Marc Skinner’s aspect, who’re chasing a European qualification spot this season.

Skinner additionally handed a debut to Spain ahead Lucia Garcia within the beginning line-up, whereas former West Ham ahead Adriana Leon and England winger Nikita Parris got here off the bench as 5,315 watched on at Leigh Sports Village.

United had been dominant all through as Reading struggled to deal with set-pieces and the creativity of the hosts’ attacking gamers.

England star Ella Toone regarded sharp, significantly within the first half, as she slid in team-mate Russo earlier than she was introduced down for a penalty, which Zelem coolly put away.

Goals from Le Tissier – a looping volley and a thumping header – got here both aspect of Zelem’s spot-kick and all however confirmed victory with lower than half an hour performed.

Reading’s afternoon worsened when Canada ahead Deanne Rose was compelled off by means of damage and, though Lauren Wade got here shut within the first half, they hardly ever examined United goalkeeper Mary Earps.

Kelly Chambers’ aspect are on the street once more of their subsequent fixture as they take on Brighton, who misplaced their opening match 4-0 to Arsenal, whereas United journey to West Ham subsequent weekend.

Le Tissier delivers as England’s heroes return

There had been a number of new signings named in United’s squad, together with Euro 2022 winner Parris and Canada ahead Leon.

But it was maybe Le Tissier who many had been most excited to see. The Guernsey-born England youth worldwide impressed at Brighton and was wished by champions Chelsea within the switch market.

United signed her to solidify their backline, however she supplied simply as a lot of an attacking menace on this recreation.

Zelem’s set-pieces, such a weapon for United final season, had been as soon as once more very good and Le Tissier will fancy her probabilities of including to her tally all through the marketing campaign with that service.

Zelem had a memorable a centesimal recreation for United, whereas the followers got what many had paid to see – a objective from Euro 2022 star Russo.

Fans queued exterior the stadium’s entrance for a minimum of two hours earlier than kick-off to welcome the gamers, with England midfielder Toone given a very warm reception.

Toone and Russo had been a menace and each missed probabilities to increase United’s lead, however their contribution this season will undoubtedly play a key function within the quest for Champions League soccer.

There was little for Reading supporters to cheer, though Scotland defender Emma Mukandi – previously ‘Mitchell’ – returned from maternity go away to captain the aspect for the primary time.