Manchester United Women marked their debut in the Women’s Champions League with a 1-0 victory over Norwegian side Valerenga at Leigh Sports Village on Wednesday evening.
Man United made a lightning start, creating the game’s first chance inside the first minute as Jayde Riviere delivered a precise cross for Elisabeth Terland, who missed the target.
United continued to dominate proceedings and registered their first shot on target in the 14th minute as goalkeeper Tove Enblom saved Hinata Miyazawa’s effort.
The visitors’ first sight of goal came in the 23rd minute, when goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce saved Olaug Tvedten’s right-footed attempt.
Melvine Malard had two opportunities to give United the lead, but could not find the back of the net.
Just before the hour mark, Valerenga’s Arna Eiriksdottir was deemed to have committed a handball in the box, and the referee awarded a penalty to United.
Maya Le Tissier stepped up to convert the spot kick, scoring United’s first-ever goal in the competition.
The visitors had Enblom to thank, preventing Ella Toone from giving United a two-goal lead before halftime.
Enblom continued to impress in Valerenga’s goal, denying Jessica Park and Julia Zigiotti Olme after the restart.
Malard missed another chance to get on the scoresheet in the 50th minute, heading Riviere’s cross away from goal.
Four minutes after the hour mark, Terland squandered another opportunity for the hosts, firing a right-footed shot wide of the goal.
United continued to push for the second goal but could not get the breakthrough, missing several chances.
Marc Skinner’s side almost ruined their missed chances as Valerenga created two goal-scoring opportunities late on, but could not maximise them.
The result means United are the only English side to win on the opening day of the Women’s Champions League league phase.
