Man Utd Women's Player Ratings: Tullis-Joyce Error Costs Red Devils In Chelsea Clash

3 min read Post on May 02, 2025

Man Utd Women's Player Ratings: Tullis-Joyce Error Costs Red Devils in Chelsea Clash

Manchester United Women suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat against Chelsea at Kingsmeadow, a match ultimately decided by a costly error from goalkeeper Emily Ramsey. While the entire team battled hard against the reigning Women's Super League champions, individual performances varied, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement within the squad. Let's delve into the player ratings from this closely contested encounter.

Goalkeeper: Emily Ramsey – 5/10

Ramsey’s performance was unfortunately overshadowed by a crucial mistake that led directly to Chelsea's winning goal. While she made a few commendable saves throughout the game, the error proved decisive, leaving a sour taste despite her overall efforts. The pressure of playing against a team like Chelsea clearly affected her decision-making in this instance. Improved communication with her backline could help avoid similar situations in the future.

Defenders:

Ona Batlle – 7/10: Batlle consistently provided attacking impetus down the right flank and displayed her usual tenacity in defense. Her crosses, while not always finding their target, caused Chelsea problems throughout the match. A solid performance overall.
Maya Le Tissier – 7/10: Le Tissier was a rock at the heart of the United defense, making several crucial interceptions and tackles. Her composure under pressure was evident, limiting Chelsea's attacking threats.
Aoife Mannion – 6/10: A solid, if unspectacular performance from Mannion. She completed her defensive duties reliably but lacked the attacking contributions seen from other defenders.
Hannah Blundell – 6/10: Blundell had a mixed game, displaying some strong defensive moments but also struggling at times to contain Chelsea's wingers. Consistent defensive performances are key for her going forward.

Midfielders:

Hayley Ladd – 7/10: Ladd controlled the midfield battle for large periods of the game, showcasing her passing range and work rate. Her tireless efforts were key to keeping United in the game.
Jackie Groenen – 6/10: Groenen’s usual strength and physicality were on display, but her impact in the final third could have been greater. She needs to find a better balance between defensive solidity and attacking contribution.
Katie Zelem (Captain) – 6/10: Zelem’s leadership was evident, but her usual creative spark was somewhat muted by Chelsea's strong midfield press. She needs to be more incisive in the final third to unlock tight defenses.

Forwards:

Alessia Russo – 7/10: Russo worked tirelessly up front, creating several chances and causing problems for the Chelsea backline. While she didn’t find the back of the net, her performance was undeniably positive.
Martha Thomas – 6/10: Thomas’s pace caused Chelsea some problems, but she lacked the clinical edge needed to capitalize on the opportunities she created. Improved finishing is crucial for her continued development.
Lucia Garcia – 6/10: Garcia showed flashes of brilliance but needs more consistency in her overall performance. She struggled to make a significant impact on the game.

Substitutes:

Limited impact from substitutes, although their late introduction didn't allow sufficient time to alter the game's trajectory.

Overall:

Despite the loss, Manchester United Women displayed resilience and determination against a formidable opponent. The defeat highlights the need for improved concentration and error reduction, particularly in crucial moments. The team's performance suggests that with continued hard work and tactical refinements, they will remain a strong contender in the Women's Super League. The individual performances showcased a mixture of excellent contributions and areas requiring further development. The coming weeks will be crucial in building on the positives while addressing the evident shortcomings.