Manchester United Women welcomed Liverpool to Carrington for a pre-season match as they looked for their first win of the Eva Olid era.
First half
Manchester United Women had the first clear-cut chance of the game when an Ella Toone cross was snatched at by Jayde Riviere, but the Canadian’s effort flew wide of the post.
United then broke forward with Julia Zigiotti, who released Jess Park and, after good combination play with Riviere, Park stood the ball up in the box but Ella Toone’s acrobatic effort flew over the crossbar.
Liverpool responded when Marie Höbinger had an effort blocked by the United defence inside the penalty area.
Maya Le Tissier created the best chance when she played a long ball towards Elisabeth Terland, who outmuscled the Liverpool defence and broke through on goal. The Norwegian got one-on-one with the keeper but could only drag her effort wide.
Cornelia Kapocs responded for the visitors when she curled in a delightful effort on goal, but Phallon Tullis-Joyce pulled off a fantastic save to keep the scores level.
United tried to get on top again and an incredible run by Jess Park almost led to a goal, but her through ball to Anna Sandberg was deflected just out of the Swede’s path.
Second half
United had the first half-chance of the second half when Toone broke free and played a ball into the box, but Terland’s flick was easily dealt with by the keeper.
Disaster struck for the new Manchester United keeper Janina Leitzig when Maya Le Tissier’s back pass bobbled onto the German keeper’s hip and into the net. 1-0 Liverpool.
United responded in perfect fashion when Hinata Miyazawa carried the ball forward brilliantly and played in Terland. The striker showed wonderful strength to bundle the defender off the ball, and she laid the ball on a plate for Toone to finish. 1-1.
After 54 minutes, Dominique Janssen was presented with a great opportunity from a free kick and her good effort just dipped wide of the post.
Unfortunately, Liverpool took the lead again when Ceri Holland bundled home after Leitzig had initially done well to stop a close-range effort.
Lea Schuller was introduced and had an effort blocked by the Liverpool defence.
It was the German who came closest to grabbing a draw, but her effort drifted just wide after the ball was played back by Hanna Lundkvist.
The full-time whistle blew and United lost their second consecutive pre-season game.
The Red Devils will next be in action when they play Manchester City next Saturday in their final pre-season act before the start of the campaign.
Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
