A hat-trick for Nikita Parris, who had returned to the starting lineup, and a first goal for Geyse helped United secure the points on a cold, wet night in Leigh.

Marc Skinner had promised some rotation before their opening game of the Conti Cup campaign and there were seven changes from the team that started the 2-2 draw against Brighton on Sunday.

United were pressing well as Everton tried to play out from the back. Rachel Williams pounced on a lose pass on the edge of the area and got her shot away but former United keeper Emily Ramsey recovered well to make the save.

However, you sensed something was coming and two quick goals for Manchester United put them in the driving seat.

The first came in the 28th minute, some good build up play, one-two touch football from Hinata and Riviere led to the latter floating in a lovely cross which found the head of the on-rushing Nikita Parris.

Just over a minute later and Riviere was there with the assist again, floating a cross in from the right and United’s top scorer so far this season, Rachel Williams, headed it past Ramsey.

Williams was having a brilliant season so far, averaging a goal every 27 minutes.

United were hungry for more in the second half as United’s front three pressed Everton’s back line.

Ramsey, with a sloppy pass, was almost caught out by Parris. Williams did manage to poach the ball from the Toffees on the second time of asking but blasted it over the bar.

There were more goals in this game though and United’s third came from tonight’s Captain Hayley Ladd following a corner.

Blundell played it short to Le Tissier who whipped it into the box, flicked it on to Ladd who was able to bring it down and smash it into the back of the net.

In an attempt to at least rescue some pride from this match, Everton made four changes in the 61st minute but it was too little, too late for the Merseyside team whose mood was as miserable as the Manchester weather.

Nikita Parris got her second of the night in the 68th minute as Naalsund nutmegged her defender and passed it along the ground towards Williams who stepped over it allowing Parris to take the shot and the back of the net bulged.

Tullis-Joyce who was making her United debut, had had a quiet night and wasn’t really called into action until the 75th minute when she got down low to stop a shot sneaking in to the bottom corner.

And though it showed a glimpse of what the Toffees could do, moments later Parris completed her hat-trick as she and Toone countered well. The keeper came out to United’s number seven, who squared it for Parris to tap into an open goal.

Everton had given up a long time ago and allowed Geyse to make it six and get her first goal in a competitive match for United.

She received the ball just past the halfway line and the visitors failed to close her down as she broke into the box and found the space to slot it into the far corner. The celebration looked to be one of relief for the Brazilian striker, who joined United in the summer.

United came again, with another substitute keen to get on the scoresheet as Leah Galton hammered it into the roof of the net. Geyse cut it back from the byeline and found Toone, whose shot was blocked. It came back to Galton who powered it home for United’s seventh.

It was a ruthless performance from United, who had been desperate to get back to winning ways and keep a clean sheet in their first Conti Cup group game.

Team: Tullis-Joyce, Riviere (Rabjohn 62), Blundell (Galton 62), Evans, Le Tissier, Ladd (Zelem 73), Hinata (Toone 72), Naalsund, Garcia, Parris, Williams (Geyse 73)

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The 36 year old came on for Hinata Miyazawa in the 75th minute and got a late injury time equaliser to rescue a point for United.

“It was a tough game,” she told MUTV as the visitors fell behind twice during the game and missed the chance to go second in the table.

“Brighton have really made us work tonight for that point,” she continued before praising her teammates, saying: “We’re United, we just keep fighting.”

She is currently United’s top scorer having scored four times in five games, having started every one on the bench.

“I want the ball, I want crosses coming in, I’ll get my head on anything,” she enthused.

Moments before her goal, the former plasterer hit the post with a header.

She spoke of the mentality of the team to get something out of the game: “Although you’ve gone 2-1 down you’ve got to not let your head go down.”

“The look on everyone’s faces was well, we’ll come back. It’s having that belief, not arrogance, just believing we have goals in us.”

As the corner came in from Katie Zelem in the 98th minute, even Mary Earps, who had made some fantastic saves throughout the match, came up to try to help the team.

“Anyone can pop up from anywhere and score goals,” Williams continued. “Look at Mary coming up tonight, she wants it! It shows the character of our team.”

United will take on Everton, a team they beat 5-0 recently in the league, on Thursday night in the Conti Cup, so Marc Skinner’s side will be hoping to get back to winning ways.

Their next league match is on Sunday against West Ham. They remain unbeaten in the league but are currently down in sixth.

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Ella Toone had come under heavy criticism before last night’s game in which Manchester United women drew away to Brighton and Hove Albion.

The visitors fell behind twice during the game as Brighton were more clinical with their chances and United dithered in the final third, however they fought hard to get back into the game both times and almost found a winner deep into injury time.

Toone dispelled any murmurs scrutinising her recent form with a world class strike which drew United level the first time, finding the top corner with a powerful shot from just outside the area.

Speaking to MUTV after the game she smiled when asked about the goal, saying: “It’s been a long time without a goal and for me, I want to be a player that scores and assists so it’s been difficult but I’ve made sure I’ve helped the team in different ways.”

Of the performance, she admitted: “We like to make it difficult for ourselves!”

She praised her teammates though for digging deep and managing to get something out of the game.

She said: “We showed character and came back from being down twice.”

She admitted that on any other day they would have liked to have taken more of the chances they created in front of goal and walked away with all three points.

“We need to be cleaner in the final third, our decision making and our end product need to be better,” she admitted.

Before last night’s game, United had won every match they’d played against Brighton.

“The WSL is getting harder and harder each year, teams are getting stronger and stronger and anyone can take points off anyone now.”

United’s next game is against Everton in the Conti Cup on Thursday night.

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If United could get the job done down south, they would go up to second place in the table.

After a ten minute delay to kick off due to the ambulance, required for health and safety, being stuck in traffic, a minutes silence was held as the last post echoed round the ground. Then United got things under way.

Former United keeper Sophie Baggaley was forced into an early save, tipping Malard’s shot over the bar.

United gave away a free kick in a dangerous area. It was soft but still managed to get Le Tissier into the book. It was dealt with well by United as Earps rose to collect.

Pressure mounted on United’s defence as Riviere put a good block in to deny Brighton the opener. A corner followed, it was cleared but it came in again and a strong header was needed from Turner to keep it out.

Following another Brighton corner, Earps got down well to stop a shot nestling into the bottom corner.

United had good spells going forward but it was the Seagulls that made breakthrough, Terland with a tap in from six yards out.

The United fans at the opposite end thought Geyse had found an equaliser and her first competitive goal for the club but it bounced out off the inside of the post.

United were growing into this game, a good cross in presented a chance for the Reds’ top scorer last season, Leah Galton, but she headed over the bar.

The second half began and there was early pressure from United but there was no one there when Toone crossed it in.

Geyse took a shot from the edge of the area, she turned well and had loads of time but her shot was weak and easily saved by Baggaley.

It was starting to look like Geyse was never going to score!

After letting Terland get the wrong side of her, Riviere brought her down giving away a free kick. Luckily Brighton couldn’t capitalise on it.

The home side found the goal again but luckily the offside flag was up.

Geyse had another shot on goal but she hit it as she was falling and booted it out of the ground.

After not having such a good game, Ella Toone silenced her critics and redeemed herself after a brilliant strike from the edge of the area flew past Baggaley and got United back level with 12 minutes of the 90 left to play.

At the other end, Brighton came close but Earps pushed it out for a corner.

A corner for United in the dying moments of the game found the head of Williams who found the outside of the post.

The game was end to end now and Earps made another fabulous save but it was out for a last minute corner for the home side and they found the goal.

With seven minutes of added time to play, was there any hope for United? Losing this would seriously dent their title hopes even this early on in the season.

They were trying and after they won a corner in the 98th minute, the fans believed!

Earps came up and Zelem delivered. Super sub Rachel Williams broke from her marker and slotted it in at the back post. The United fans almost fell off the terrace as they celebrated wildly!

It was a point rescued, it was not convincing and left them sixth in the table but it was better than a loss and United fans would take that on their long drive home.

Team: Earps, Le Tissier, Blundell, Toone, Malard (Garcia 75), Zelem, Galton, Riviere, Hinata (Williams 75), Turner, Geyse

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Marc Skinner’s side has been dealt a fresh injury blow ahead of their away trip to Brighton as Irene Guerrero is ruled out with an MCL injury.

Guerrero made her debut in United’s last match before the international break where they beat Everton 5-0 but unfortunately will be sidelined for a couple of weeks.

A number of key members of the squad came down with a sickness bug before the Everton clash which ruled them out, but Skinner told the press on Friday that everyone is now healthy and available.

Long-term injuries to Aoife Mannion, Gabby George and Emma Watson still see them out of the squad.

United have had a mixed start to the season, winning their opening game against Villa before being held to a draw by Arsenal and Leicester. They then thrashed Everton, picking up their first clean sheet of the season.

Meanwhile, Brighton have only won one of their opening four games and will be eager to get a result at home.

“I think Mel [Phillips] is transitioning her team from a very different type of team, they are very technical in how they set up,” Skinner said.

“Mel, I think is trying to take ownership in how she wants to play. They play some very good stuff. They have brought in some great players.”

The recent form of Ella Toone had also come under scrutiny recently but Skinner stood by the England international.

“Ella will judge herself on assists and goals because that is the type of player that she is.”

She started the Leicester game on the bench, the first time she’d been sidelined since February 2020.

“The reality is that against Leicester City we were rotating the squad. I am absolutely happy with Ella, I am absolutely happy with where she was at.”

United will take on Brighton at 18.45 at the Broadfield stadium.

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“I get angry when I get days off in the week,” Ella Toone says as she speaks of her passion for the beautiful game.

The Manchester United star was one of three Red Devils who helped the England Lionesses to the World Cup final this summer, another landmark ocassion in the 24 year old’s whirlwind career which has seen her have little time off in recent years.

In an interview with The Daily Mail, Toone spoke about the congested fixture list with international and domestic football seemingly coming one after the other: “Playing it and having so many games is definitely tough – mentally and physically – but for me I always find that energy to go out, improve as a player and keep getting better each game. I definitely don’t get bored or tired of it!”

In United’s recent 1-1 draw against Leicester City – the first time she’d been taken out of the starting 11 and placed on the sidelines since October 2020, Toone cut a frustrated figure as she warmed up, itching to get stuck in.

Toone continued: “I always want to play football, have a ball at my feet and that is when I’m happiest when I am on the football pitch so for me football is what I enjoy, what I love.”

The midfielder, a born and bred United fan, was an integral part of Skinner’s United side last year that secured their best ever finish in the league, went to an FA Cup final and secured Champions League football.

“Over the past five years we’ve definitely built on so much stuff. We’ve definitely bridged the gap on what you’d say are the top teams and yeah, I think this year is even more exciting than the last,” Toone said.

United have strengthened their squad significantly this season with the additions of Brazilian international Geyse, French forward Melvine Malard and World Cup Golden Boot winner Hinata Miyazawa.

“They are struggling to understand a lot of English, and especially my English!” Toone laughs.

“Everyone who comes from abroad always says I’m the hardest to understand so I’ve started talking slower for them to understand me more.”

Despite the language barrier, Toone is giving her new teammates some pointers to help them settle in.

“I’ve told them definitely don’t get used to the sunny weather in Manchester because we don’t get a lot of it! It’s a lot of rain and a lot of wind.”

As well as some arrivals, there have been a number of departures too.

It is well known that Toone and Alessia Russo have been best friends since they were kids and with Russo leaving for rivals Arsenal in Summer, Toone has been questioned about her thoughts on her decision to depart.

“We won’t be friends for 90 minutes on a game day but I’m sure we’ll be fine after that,” Toone mused.

The pair played together in the academy before spending three years playing for United at senior level.

“She’s my best friend in football and away from football. We’ll always have that bond but people move on and people go on different journeys,” she said.

“Alessia has moved on and I wish her nothing but the best. It is hard when you’ve had her for three years by your side and then she gets off and goes and signs for a team you are fighting against.”

Toone has just arrived back from international duty with England but will be quickly switching focus to United’s next test against Brighton on Sunday.

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Manchester United’s Mary Earps has been named The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year.

It comes after Earps helped the Lionesses to European glory last year before playing a crucial role in the Lionesses journey to the World Cup Final this year.

On a personal level, Earps took home the Golden Glove award in the WSL last season as United recorded their highest finish in the league.

She also took home the Golden Glove in the World Cup, playing every minute for England and keeping three clean sheets, conceding just four goals in seven matches.

Most recently, Earps came fifth in the Ballon d’Or which was won by World Cup winner Bonmati.

Ben Taylor, the editor of The Sunday Times said: “Mary Earps’ performances at the 2023 World Cup cemented her spot as one of the game’s greatest goalkeepers.”

He continued: “Her and the rest of the Lionesses showed determination, skill and resilience to reach the finals and will continue to inspire many young girls for years to come.”

Earps was nominated alongside two-time heptathlon world champion, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, seven-time paralympic gold medallist Hannah Cockroft and cricketer, Tammy Beaumont.

Meanwhile, the Lionesses were voted Team of the Year whilst Cockroft won the Disability Sportswoman of the Year award for the third time.

Olympic cyclist Katie Archibald was awarded the Helen Rollason Award for Inspiration and snowboarder, Mia Brookes took the Young Sportswoman honour.

Earps will be back in action at the weekend as United travel to Brighton in the WSL.

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England Lionesses have lost 3-2 to Belgium in the Nations League, all but ending their hopes of qualifying for the Olympics next year.

The Lionesses are now third in their group having lost to the Netherlands and now Belgium.

England dominated the game seeing 73% of possession and having 17 attempts on goal compared to Belgium’s five but the hosts were more clinical.

The game was marred by the serious injury to Alex Greenwood which saw a 13 minute stoppage in play.

England started off brightly, controlling the ball well, but Belgium were sitting deep and the Lionesses had to be patient with their build up play.

Chloe Kelly gave away a free kick in a dangerous area early on, she was bullied off the ball and handled it when on the floor.

De Neve took it and Manchester United’s Mary Earps could not get across in time to keep it from nestling in the top corner.

After the delay following a nasty clash of heads between Greenwood and Blom, Bronze equalised with a looping header from a set piece before the returning Kirby put England ahead as Hemp pulled it back to her in the centre of the box.

Deep into stoppage time in the first half, Wullaert found herself through the middle of two England defenders and had the pace to shake them off, slotting it past Earps.

Earps had little to do in the first half. Except for the two goals they scored, Belgium had few chances.

Though England had dominated possession in the first half, they headed in all square at the break.

In the second half Belgium were much more organised and the game opened up. Wullaert came forward again and it took a superb save from Earps to keep the scores level.

England had chance after chance but they couldn’t find the target, former United star Alessia Russo dithered on a few occassions, afraid to shoot and when she did take a chance she found the side-netting, on more than one occassion.

A goal-line clearance denied the visitors in retaking the lead and though it seemed frantic in the box sometimes from Belgium they managed to clear their lines time after time and England were all out of ideas.

However, a chance for Belgium going forward saw a shot blocked by Stanway’s hand in the penalty area and the home side had an opportunity to take the lead.

Earps went the right way but Wullaert scored again.

For so long, under Sarina Wiegman, England have dominated with journalists and pundits viewing the side with rose tinted glasses but tonight they ran out of ideas of how to break Belgium down and let their guard down when their opponents had an opportunity to break.

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Two Manchester United Women’s players were in contention for the Ballon d’Or, goalkeeper Mary Earps and new signing and golden boot winner, Hinata Miyazawa.

Tonight, in a ceremony hosted in Paris, they learnt their positions in the race for the coveted trophy.

Earps, who helped England lift the European trophy last year and took them to the final of the World Cup, this year came fifth.

She has had a stellar couple of years after fighting her way back into the England side under Sarina Wiegman, lifting the trophy at the Euros and the Women’s Finalissima and saving a penalty in the World Cup final.

Domestically, she helped secure a place in Europe for United after they finished second in the league as Earps picked up the WSL’s Golden Glove award for most clean sheets.

She also is the current holder of the Women’s FIFA Best Goalkeeper Award.

Meanwhile, new signing Hinata Miyazawa, who won the Golden Boot at this year’s Women’s World Cup, came in 12th place.

The winner was Spain and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati, who is having a fantastic year after winning the World Cup with her country this summer.

Chelsea and Australian star Sam Kerr came second while Barcelona duo, Salma Paralluelo and Fridolina Rolfo, finished third and fourth respectively.

Earps’ Lionesses teammate Rachel Daly came 10th.

However, England’s Georgia Stanway and Millie Bright, and the Republic of Ireland’s Katie McCabe all missed out on the top 10.

Earps is currently in Belgium with the England Lionesses preparing for their match tomorrow night in the Nations League.

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“We’re surrounded by good vibes here,” Melvine Malard gushes as Manchester United women’s new number nine reflects on her first few weeks at the club.

The French striker has had a blistering start to the season, coming off the bench twice to rescue a result for the Reds.

She made history by scoring in the club’s first ever Champions League match against PSG earlier this month and she has become somewhat of a favourite amongst the fans.

Speaking to the club on her episode of TeamViewer’s Player Diaries, she said: “I’ve really hit the ground running in Manchester, which I’m very proud of.”

She attributed her strong start to the support of her teammates. “That’s partly down to my team-mates who helped me to put in the performances that I did in the first games, and it’s also partly down to the fans who give us a great atmosphere and a lot of love.”

After scoring her third goal in just five matches against Everton, Malard raced towards the Manchester United Women’s Supporters Club to high-five the fans.

“I really like it here, the people here are really cool,” she continued. “They’re smiley and super positive, so I like it here a lot.”

She heaped praise on United women captain Katie Zelem in particular. “My teammates talk to me a lot and the captain [Katie Zelem] really is behind me.

“If I need anything, she’s always there to help me. Not in French, but I’m adapting! Everyone’s involved though, and you can’t ask for more than that.”

Malard joined the club on loan from Lyon at the end of the summer transfer window.

United fans will be hoping the club can find a way to hold on to the 23-year-old striker long term as she has already become an integral part of Marc Skinner’s side.

Following the international break, United Women will return to action away at Brighton on Sunday 5 November.

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