In a thrilling encounter on the opening day of the Women’s Super League (WSL), Manchester United Women battled back from a goal down to secure a hard-fought victory against Aston Villa Women. The match was filled with perplexity and burstiness, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. In this article, we will analyze the player ratings for the Man Utd Women team and discuss the unlikely hero who grabbed the stoppage-time winner.
Player Ratings
Goalkeeper: Mary Earps – 7.5/10
Earps put in a solid performance, making crucial saves and commanding her area effectively. She showed great composure and distributed the ball with accuracy.
Right-back: Martha Harris – 7/10
Harris displayed her defensive capabilities, providing stability at the back and preventing Villa’s attacks down the flank. She was disciplined throughout the game.
Centre-backs: Millie Turner – 8/10, Amy Turner – 7.5/10
The Turner sisters formed a formidable partnership at the heart of the defense. They showcased their aerial prowess and made important interceptions, thwarting Villa’s advances.
Left-back: Demi Stokes – 7/10
Stokes offered a consistent presence down the left flank, contributing both defensively and offensively. She made well-timed tackles and provided support in attack.
Midfielders: Jackie Groenen – 8.5/10, Hayley Ladd – 7/10, Kirsty Hanson – 7.5/10
Groenen orchestrated the midfield with her vision and passing ability, constantly creating opportunities for her teammates. Ladd provided stability in the center and distributed the ball effectively. Hanson impressed with her work rate and contributed with key passes.
Wingers: Tobin Heath – 8/10, Leah Galton – 8/10
Heath and Galton were a constant threat on the flanks, using their pace and skill to trouble Villa’s defense. They combined well with their teammates and delivered dangerous crosses into the box.
Striker: Rachel Daly – 9/10
Daly was the standout performer for Man Utd Women, showcasing her clinical finishing and determination. She scored a fantastic goal to level the game and caused constant problems for the opposition defense.
Substitutes: Ella Toone – 7.5/10, Lauren James – 7/10, Rachel Williams – 9/10
Toone and James injected energy into the team when they came on, with Toone adding creativity in midfield and James causing trouble with her pace. However, it was Williams who stole the show with her stoppage-time winner, sealing a memorable victory for Man Utd Women.
Conclusion
Man Utd Women showed great character and resilience in their victory over Aston Villa Women on the WSL opening day. The player ratings highlight the individual performances that contributed to this hard-fought win, with Rachel Daly and Rachel Williams standing out as the heroes of the match. This thrilling encounter sets the tone for an exciting season ahead for both teams in the Women’s Super League.