Aston Villa Women 1-2 Manchester United report: Red Devils grab deserved win over valiant Villans

The new Women’s Super League season kicked off with Manchester United grabbing a last-gasp win over ten-player Aston Villa.

Veteran striker Rachel Williams secured the points for United in stoppage time, sending a header just beyond the reach of debutant Daphne van Domselaar. It came following a breathless final 20 minutes at Villa Park, which saw three goals and a red card.

It was a first half that was largely short on quality, with the visitors looking the stronger of the two sides. Marc Skinner’s side controlled the majority of possession, though they were unable to break down a very organised Villa side.

The first chance of the match did fall to the hosts, though it was against the run of play, as a ball came into Alisha Lehmann in the third minute of the game. The Swiss star needed any sort of clean strike to put Villa ahead, but her effort was scuffed, and the chance went begging.

It was not long before United had a chance of their own, with debutant Geyse firing an effort across van Domselaar and forcing a great save from the Dutch ‘keeper.

United controlled the ball from here, finishing the half with 60% possession, but Villa’s defence held firm as they looked to be aggressive on the counter. Lehmann did have one more chance before half-time, with Hannah Blundell just doing enough to put her off as she scooped an effort over the bar.

Villa started the second half much stronger than the first. Ebony Salmon, making her second Villa debut, was introduced from the bench and provided a much-needed link between Rachel Daly and the Villa midfield.

The early exchanges of the second half were again light on chances, though there was a notably higher tempo to the game. Kirsty Hanson had the only half chance, curling a shot high and wide from outside the box.

There was a late flurry of activity, starting with a 74th minute red card for Hanson. The Scottish international went up for a loose ball with Hayley Ladd, but her high boot caught her opponent in the chest, and she was given her marching orders.

Despite this blow, Villa went on to take the lead just three minutes later through Daly. Former Manchester United forward Adriana Leon drilled a pass into the England international, who controlled and fired it into the bottom corner to give Villa a surprise lead.

However, their lead disappeared just as soon as it arrived, with United equalising three minutes later. There was a scramble in the Villa box following a corner and Lucia Garcia was there to stab it home.

It was a valiant effort from Villa and there were plenty of positives for the hosts, but it was a deserved win for Manchester United as they look to launch another title challenge.