Hinata Miyazawa and Leah Galton also impressed as Marc Skinner's side took another big step towards a return to Europe
Goals from Dominique Janssen and Grace Clinton helped Manchester United to a 2-0 win over Everton on Sunday that further solidified their place inside the Women's Super League's Champions League spots ahead of a huge end to the season. The Red Devils have to face all of Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal in their last three games of the campaign, making victories until that point all the more important if they are to be in Europe next year. This win then, against a tricky opponent, was vital.
Everton were a potential banana skin. The Toffees have been much improved in the second half of this season, causing problems for both Chelsea and Arsenal in recent weeks. That was evident again on Sunday, unlucky to have a goal ruled out in the first few minutes when Katja Snoeijs was adjudged to have handled the ball before putting it past Phallon Tullis-Joyce in the United goal. It was one of several encouraging moments for the visiting side, who started much the better, but the wind was knocked out of their sails in just the 22nd minute, when the usually dependable Courtney Brosnan failed to collect a cross and Janssen took full advantage.
It was from there that United start to grow into the game, with Clinton brilliantly teeing up Celin Bizet for a volley that was well saved by Brosnan before the break. Maya Le Tissier hit the bar with a sweet strike just seconds later, too. It was in the second half that the killer blow was finally delivered, as Clinton converted Leah Galton's cross. There was still plenty of time left for Everton to get back into things at that point, but the Merseysiders struggled to find any real momentum as United secured another three points in their quest for a Champions League return.
GOAL rates Man Utd's players from Leigh Sports Village…
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Phallon Tullis-Joyce (6/10):
Positioned herself well to deal with Everton's threats, though wasn't forced into any huge saves.
Jayde Riviere (6/10):
Was shaken up by a knock in the opening stages but ran it off and started to get more involved as the game progressed.
Maya Le Tissier (7/10):
Gelled rather seamlessly with Janssen in a new centre-back pairing and did well to stand up to a lively Everton attack. Unlucky not to be on the scoresheet, striking the bar with a great long-range effort.
Dominique Janssen (7/10):
Took some time to grow into the game, which was understandable given she was changing position, but was much better as it went on. Reacted brilliantly to put United ahead.
Anna Sandberg (6/10):
Couldn't have as much of an impact in the final third as she would've liked.
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Hinata Miyazawa (8/10):
Mopped up nicely and was tidy in possession in a classy display.
Grace Clinton (8/10):
United's most creative player, with her tee-up for Bizet's big chance a real moment of quality. Instead, she would become a scorer herself, adjusting well to a Galton cross to double her team's lead.
Ella Toone (6/10):
Some nice moments but struggled to influence the game too much.
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Celin Bizet (7/10):
Full of running and always put Everton on the back foot with it. Limped off early into the second half, though.
Elisabeth Terland (5/10):
Worked hard but lacked any real service.
Leah Galton (8/10):
Was constantly driving at the Everton defence and looking to kickstart attacks, getting a well-deserved assist when Clinton doubled United's lead. Was a concern to see her have to go off injured, then.
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Melvine Malard (5/10):
Brought plenty of desire to run at defenders. Was a little wasteful at times, though, and should've probably scored late on to make it three.
Simi Awujo (N/A):
Brought fresh energy to the midfield as United saw the game out.
Lisa Naalsund (N/A):
Introduced at the same time as Awujo, she too played her part to make the final stages comfortable.
Rachel Williams (N/A):
On for the final few minutes.
Aoife Mannion (N/A):
Another late sub.
Marc Skinner (7/10):
Found himself restricted in his team selection but reshuffled the pack adequately to get a good result against a tricky opponent.