It was by no means a classic but Manchester United will certainly never forget the events of Wednesday night, as the Red Devils beat Valerenga 1-0 to secure their first-ever win in the Women's Champions League proper. While their formal European journey might not have started with the sort of glamour fixture many would associate the competition with, it was one that felt important to emerge from with all three points given some of the challenges ahead and United did exactly that, thanks to a first-half penalty from captain Maya Le Tissier.
There was an air of fortune in how the hosts' goal came about, with Julia Zigiotti Olme's seemingly nothing ball striking the arm of Arna Eiriksdottir in the box to give Le Tissier the chance to break the deadlock just past the half-hour mark. United, though, had been threatening to score – most notably when Melvine Malard failed to square the ball to the unmarked Elisabeth Terland, instead hitting it right at Tove Enblom in the visiting goal.
There were not many chances in the game but it was often those in red coming closest to adding to the scoreline, be it Enblom thwarting Jess Park just after the restart or both Malard and Terland firing just off target as the game wound down. There would be a slight late scare for United, when Elise Thorsnes' effort fizzed just wide of Phallon Tullis-Joyce's far post, but Marc Skinner's side were able to comfortably see the game out in the end, making them the only English team to win in Europe this week following defeat for holders Arsenal and Chelsea's shock draw.
GOAL rates Man Utd's players from Leigh Sports Village…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (6/10):
Had very little to do but dealt with what was thrown at her.
Jayde Riviere (6/10):
Final ball was a little wayward at times, but she did offer plenty of support in attack.
Maya Le Tissier (7/10):
Was essentially faultless in her defensive work and scored a terrific penalty to give United the win.
Dominique Janssen (6/10):
Great on the ball and formed a key part of a relatively untroubled defence.
Anna Sandberg (7/10):
Showed plenty of endeavour up and down the left, getting through some good work in attack and defence.
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Julia Zigiotti Olme (6/10):
Surprisingly poor in possession given how tidy she has looked since joining from Bayern Munich in the summer. Made up for it somewhat with her work off the ball.
Hinata Miyazawa (7/10):
Moved the ball well in deeper positions to ensure United dominated and pushed on to contribute in attack from time to time, too.
Ella Toone (6/10):
When United did have moments in a game featuring few, she was often involved.
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Jess Park (7/10):
Continued to impress with her fantastic footwork in tight areas and great movement.
Elisabeth Terland (6/10):
Saw little in terms of clear-cut chances but led the line well with her all-round play to cause as many problems as possible.
Melvine Malard (6/10):
Battled well off the ball and had some bright moments, though should've squared to Terland in the first half after winning the ball high.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Fridolina Rolfo (N/A):
Gave Terland a well-earned rest for the final stages.
Lisa Naalsund (N/A):
Ensured the energy levels didn't drop in midfield as United saw the game out.
Simi Awujo (N/A):
Made her injury return and first appearance of the season in the final moments.
Gabby George (N/A):
Another late sub.
Marc Skinner (6/10):
Was limited in what he could do with his XI given the injuries and players still working their way back to full fitness, but the continuity in his team selection helped make for a cohesive and solid performance in which United were rarely troubled.
