Manchester United Women Vs Chelsea: Match Report & Player Ratings

Admin

4 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

4.4

Share

Manchester United Women Fall Short Against Chelsea in Thrilling Encounter

Manchester United Women suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Chelsea Women at Kingsmeadow on Sunday, losing 2-1 in a fiercely contested match. Despite a spirited performance and a stunning goal from Alessia Russo, the Red Devils couldn't quite overcome a strong Chelsea side, leaving fans with a bittersweet taste after a captivating encounter. This match report and player ratings delve deeper into the key moments and individual performances that defined this crucial Women's Super League clash.

A Fast-Paced First Half Dominated by Chelsea

The game started at a blistering pace, with Chelsea immediately asserting their dominance. Their midfield, spearheaded by the tireless Ji So-yun and the creative brilliance of Pernille Harder, controlled the tempo. Chelsea's high press forced several turnovers in the United half, leading to numerous threatening attacks. The pressure eventually paid off in the 20th minute when a sweeping move culminated in a clinical finish from Sam Kerr, putting Chelsea ahead. United struggled to establish any consistent rhythm in the first half, their usual attacking fluidity stifled by Chelsea's robust defense.

Russo's Magic Sparkles, but it's not Enough

The second half saw a rejuvenated Manchester United team emerge. Their introduction of substitutes injected fresh energy into their attack, allowing them to create more opportunities. The highlight of the game undoubtedly came in the 65th minute when Alessia Russo produced a moment of individual brilliance. Picking the ball up just outside the box, she unleashed an unstoppable curling shot that flew past the outstretched hands of Ann-Katrin Berger, drawing United level. This goal ignited a period of intense pressure from United, but their efforts were ultimately thwarted by Chelsea's resolute defense and the impressive goalkeeping of Berger.

Late Chelsea Winner Seals Victory

With the game delicately poised, Chelsea delivered a decisive blow in the 88th minute. A cleverly worked free-kick routine ended with a powerful header from Millie Bright, securing a 2-1 victory for the Blues. Despite a late push from United, the scoreline remained unchanged, leaving the Red Devils with a frustrating defeat.

Player Ratings:

Manchester United:

• Mary Earps (7/10): Made several crucial saves to keep the score respectable.
• Ona Batlle (6/10): Offered attacking threat down the right flank, but struggled defensively at times.
• Maya Le Tissier (6.5/10): A solid performance at the heart of the defence, showcasing her composure under pressure.
• Aoife Mannion (6/10): A steady presence in defense, but occasionally caught out of position.
• Hannah Blundell (6/10): Contributed well defensively, but could have offered more in attack.
• Hayley Ladd (6.5/10): A tireless worker in midfield, covering plenty of ground.
• Katie Zelem (7/10): United's midfield maestro, dictating the tempo and providing creativity.
• Lia Walti (6.5/10): Showed glimpses of her quality, but lacked the consistent impact she's capable of.
• Nikita Parris (6/10): Worked tirelessly, but lacked the final cutting edge in front of goal.
• Alessia Russo (8.5/10): Man of the Match performance, crowned by her stunning goal.
• Leah Galton (6.5/10): Provided a threat down the left flank, creating several opportunities.

Chelsea:

• Ann-Katrin Berger (7.5/10): Made several important saves, including one outstanding stop to deny Russo.
• Millie Bright (8/10): Scored the winning goal and was a commanding presence in defence.
• Magdalena Eriksson (7/10): A composed and reliable presence at the back.
• Jess Carter (7/10): Solid defensive performance, neutralizing United's attacking threats effectively.
• Erin Cuthbert (7/10): Energetic display in midfield, contributing both offensively and defensively.
• Ji So-yun (7.5/10): Controlled the midfield tempo with her experience and precision passing.
• Pernille Harder (7/10): A constant threat, causing problems for the United defence with her movement and skill.
• Fran Kirby (7/10): Provided creativity and guile in the final third.
• Lauren James (6.5/10): Showed flashes of brilliance, but lacked consistency.
• Sam Kerr (7.5/10): Scored a crucial goal and caused problems for United's defence throughout the match.
• Bethany England (6.5/10): Worked hard and made intelligent runs.

Conclusion:

This was a closely fought match that highlighted the high quality of both teams. While Manchester United showed moments of brilliance and fighting spirit, Chelsea’s experience and clinical finishing proved to be decisive. The performance of Alessia Russo provides a glimmer of hope for United's future, while the victory solidifies Chelsea's position at the top of the Women's Super League. The rivalry between these two teams is certainly one to watch in the coming seasons.