Manchester United Women’s Team Shows Promise in Champions League Qualifier Against PSG
Elite European competition has always been a goal for Manchester United’s Women’s team since its reformation in 2018. However, in their recent match against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the team seemed unnerved in the opening 45 minutes. The decision to play a 4-5-1 formation appeared to complicate things for a team that had undergone significant changes in the summer with 10 new signings. Despite their struggles, United managed to salvage a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the second qualifying-round tie.
The first half was challenging for United, with PSG dominating possession and putting pressure on their defense. Millie Turner had to make a goal-line clearance in the first 90 seconds to prevent an early goal. United’s attempts to smother the space with a midfield five were thwarted by PSG’s aggressive front press. It wasn’t until the 17th minute when PSG’s Oriane Jean-Francois suffered an injury that United began to regain momentum. Lucia Garcia capitalized on a slack back pass in the 24th minute to have United’s first attempt on goal.
United’s manager, Marc Skinner, spent much of the first half consulting screens in the dugout and relaying messages to his coaching staff. Jayde Riviere, who was playing out of position, struggled to deal with PSG’s Tabitha Chawinga. Although the score remained 0-0 at halftime, United owed their hopes of reaching the Champions League group stages to suboptimal finishing from Chawinga and Sandy Baltimore.
A halftime change saw Brazilian forward Geyse replace Riviere, and United switched to a more familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. This change allowed United to regain control of the game and showcase their creative abilities. Geyse’s strength and hold-up play provided a valuable reference point for United as they progressed the ball up the field. In the 53rd minute, Chawinga scored for PSG, threatening to take the wind out of United’s sails. However, two further changes made by Skinner saw United regain their composure.
Hinata Miyazawa and Melvine Malard were brought on as substitutes, bringing calmness, control, and a cutting edge to United’s game. Malard’s goal in the 70th minute, heading a cross from Turner, set the stage for an exciting counter-attacking finale. The 1-1 draw in the first leg puts United in a good position to reach the Champions League group stages.
Skinner praised his team’s belief and adaptability in the second half, acknowledging the challenges they faced against a physically imposing PSG side. He emphasized the importance of learning from both halves of the game and expressed confidence in his team’s ability to attack more in the second leg.
United’s debut in the Champions League showcased the versatility of their revamped squad. Skinner has assembled a team with unique talents in key positions, capable of defining matches on their own. He aims to build a set of players with the tools to unlock any situation.
The second leg of the qualifier will take place in Paris on October 18th. While it will undoubtedly be a difficult match, United’s solid performance in the first leg gives them a fighting chance of making it to the Champions League group stages.
Overall, Manchester United’s Women’s team showed promise and resilience in their Champions League qualifier against PSG. With a deep and versatile squad, they have the potential to compete at the highest level of European football.