Manchester United impress with opening-weekend win

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Manchester United dominant in Women's Super League opener over West Ham by Ali Rampling for DAZN Manchester United got their Women's Super League season underway with a convincing win as West Ham United were put to the sword 3-0 in front of a sold-out Old Trafford.

United was lively and took control of the game from the start, showing intent throughout Marc Skinner's unit.
Goals from Geyse, Leah Galton, and Grace Clinton spearheaded one that showed the depth and strength of the United squad. The win sent a statement across the league to other teams that the side was one of the strong contenders for this year's title.

Clinical Opener by Geyse and Near Miss with Bicycle Kick

The first half saw United start to dominate early as United took the lead through Brazilian forward Geyse in the 28 minutes, Maya Le Tissier played a long ball forward which West Ham's defender Camila Saez failed to control, allowing Geyse to pounce on the loose ball. The striker kept her nerve as she drove into the box and struck past West Ham's goalkeeper Kinga Szemik.

Then Geyse almost doubled her account with an overhead kick that was top-drawer, latching onto a loose ball to perform an acrobatic effort which rattled the crossbar and left West Ham scrambling. That fabulous individual skill took me back to the flair and finishing qualities that Geyse brings to this team.

Leah Galton's Crucial Strike Before Half-Time

With half-time closing in, United continued to screw the screws. That constant thorn down the left side of their attack, Leah Galton capitalized on United's momentum. Receiving a pass at the top of the penalty area during first-half stoppage time, Galton rifled a shot across Szemik and into the net, giving United an important two-goal cushion before the break.

One of United's key strengths is how Galton can work the back four for goalscoring opportunities at will. Her goal extended the lead and underlined her importance for a constant threat throughout the match. Grace Clinton Seals the Win Early in the Second Half
The second half took off where the first ended:

United on the front foot. Then, just eight minutes into the second period, PFA Young Player of the Year Grace Clinton marked her United debut with a well-timed header to make it 3-0. Clinton made space inside the penalty area and nodded across Szemik thanks to an accurate cross by Lisa Naalsund.
Clinton was immense all over the pitch, and this goal was further evidence that she has got the potential to be a key player for United this season. Having just returned from loan at Tottenham Hotspur, the American international showed poise and skill in the midfield.
Dreary West Ham Performance, Missed Chances
It was a frustrating afternoon for West Ham, who seldom coped with United's high press and fluidity in attack. They did have their moments of threat, most notably in the 77th minute when the ball fell to Katrina Gorry in the penalty area, but with goal at her mercy, the Australian international sent her shot over the bar to waste West Ham's best chance of the match.

Another, by Riko Ueki, was deflected just wide in the latter stages of the first half. For all those isolated glimpses of threat, though, West Ham was primarily unable to puncture United's well-organized backline throughout the afternoon, with Phallon Tullis-Joyce between the sticks generally untroubled apart from a few routine saves, one of which came from Kristie Mewis' effort deep into injury time.

United's Tactics and Squad Changes Paid Off
It was a reward for Marc Skinner's tactical approach and the severe changes that have taken place in this United squad since last season. The only result that could be expected from United after last season's mediocre fifth-place finish in the WSL-following their runners-up finish a year before-was a summer of transition. Notable losses included goalkeeper Mary Earps, captain Katie Zelem, and Nikita Parris-all big signings that left gaping holes.

But new signings and returnees such as Elisabeth Terland-who scored 13 league goals for Brighton last season-and Grace Clinton have fleshed out the squad. And Skinner's fervor for assembling a team full of energy and togetherness was apparent in this performance as United pressed high, controlled possession, and were clinical in front of goal.

Pressing and quick transitions were part of the blueprint set out by United against West, wherein one presses an opponent into making mistakes, then punishes them. What This Win Means for Manchester United's 2023-24 Campaign
A margin of victory like this at the start of the season will do a lot for United's confidence in their quest to gain momentum in the Women's Super League. The mix of experience, such as Galton, along with exciting talents like Clinton, is an exciting mix for a team so determined to challenge for major honors this season.

Besides expectations of winning their maiden major trophy in club history, the FA Cup, last season, Marc Skinner and his team would be looking at building on this good start to see them finish top four and above this time.

What Next for Manchester United?

Whether United can keep up with this level of performance, the next match will tell. Now, it's a case of consistency that will tell if United wants to challenge for the league title, considering the more demanding teams ahead and a long WSL season ahead. Skinner will no doubt be delighted with the attacking intent and solidity at the back his side showed against West Ham, but he will know there are more demanding challenges surely lying ahead.
The longer the season wears on, the performance at Old Trafford should not be a flash in the pan that finds Manchester United supporters coveting more of that spirited and determined display from their team.