Defender Maya Le Tissier scored twice on her debut as Manchester United comfortably beat Reading in their first Women’s Super League title. Le Tissier, 20, joined from Brighton this summer and impressed in a centre-back role with two goals from corners. United captain Katie Zelem, making her 100th appearance, assisted both of those goals and scored one of her own. Euro 2022 winner Alessia Russo stepped up once again before half-time in front of a joint record at Leigh Sports Village. It was the perfect start to the campaign for Marc Skinner’s side, who are chasing a European qualification spot this season. Skinner also gave Spain striker Lucia Garcia a debut in the starting line-up, while former West Ham striker Adriana Leon and England winger Nikita Parish came off the bench as 5,315 watched on. United were dominant throughout as Reading struggled to cope with the set-pieces and creativity of the hosts’ attacking players. England star Ella Toon looked sharp, particularly in the first half, as she slipped on team-mate Russo before being brought down for a penalty, which Zelem coolly saved. Goals from Le Tissier – a looping volley and a powerful header – came either side of Zelem’s spot and confirmed victory with less than half an hour to play. Reading’s afternoon was made worse when Canadian striker Dean Rose was forced off through injury and, although Lauren Wade went close in the first half, they rarely tested United goalkeeper Mary Earps. Kelly Chambers’ side are back on the road in their next game as they face Brighton, who lost their first leg 4-0 at Arsenal, while United travel to West Ham next weekend. Alessia Russo scored four goals and provided one assist at Euro 2022 for England
Le Tissier delivers as England’s heroes return
There were several new signings in United’s squad, including Euro 2022 winner Parris and Canadian striker Leon. But it was perhaps Le Tissier that many were most excited to see. The Guernsey-born England youth international impressed at Brighton and was wanted by champions Chelsea in the transfer window. United signed her to bolster their back line, but she provided just as much attacking threat in this game. Jelem’s set-pieces, such a weapon for United last season, were once again superb and Le Tissier will fancy her chances of increasing her tally throughout the campaign with this serve. Zelem had a memorable 100th game for United, while fans were given what many had paid to see – a goal from Euro 2022 star Russo. Fans queued outside the stadium entrance for at least two hours before kick-off to welcome the players, with England midfielder Toone receiving a particularly warm welcome. Toone and Russo were a threat and both missed chances to extend United’s lead, but their contributions this season will no doubt play a key role in their quest for Champions League football. There was little to cheer for the Reading supporters, although Scotland defender Emma Mukadi – formerly ‘Mitchell’ – returned from maternity leave to captain the side for the first time.
Lining up
Man Utd Women
Formation 4-2-3-1 27 Ears 2Batlle15Le Tissier21Turner6Blundell 10 Zelem12Ladd 17 García7Toone11Galton 23 Russian
27 Ears 2 Batlle 15 Le Tissier 21 Turner 6 Bluddell 10 Zelem 12 Ladd Sub for Mooreat 72′ 17 Change of Garcia to Leonat in 64′ 7 Toone Change for Bøe Risaat in 71′ 11 Galton Change for Parrissat in 77′ 23 Russian Change for Thomasat in 71′
Substitutes
3 Thorisdóttir 4 Mur 8Bøe Laughter 9 Thomas 19 Leo 20 Tunkara 22 Paris 32 Baggaley 37 Staniforth
Women who read
3-4-3 formation 1 Molony 14Cooper3Mukandi5Evans 9Eikeland51Troelsgaard23Rowe28Woodham 6Rose7Wellings11Wade
1 Molony 14 Cooper 3 Mukadi 5 Evans 9 Island 51 Truelsgaard Substitution for Primerat in the 59th minute 23 Row 28 WoodhamReserve at 65 minutes 6 Rose Change for Dowieat on 25 minutes 7 Wells 11 Wade replaced Periat in the 90′
Substitutes
10 Dows 17 Caldwell 25 Burns 33Meadows-Tucson 34 Around 37 Primer
