Manchester United 3-0 Brighton: Ella Toone scores once more as Marc Skinner’s aspect rise to second in WSL

Manchester United rose to second within the Girls’s Tremendous League desk with a rousing 3-0 win over Brighton as their constructive begin to 2025 continues.

Marc Skinner’s aspect thumped rivals Manchester Metropolis within the derby final weekend earlier than producing one other dominant show to see off the Seagulls, who did not register a single shot heading in the right direction.

Ella Toone prolonged her scoring exploits with one other aim so as to add to the spectacular treble she scored in opposition to Metropolis, accumulating Elisabeth Terland’s by ball in her stride and sweeping past Sophie Baggaley contained in the second minute.

Skinner has needed to fend off criticism of his aspect’s over-cautious strategy this season – United keep the meanest defence within the league – however they’re enhancing on the prime finish too, scoring 14 occasions throughout 4 video games in all competitions for the reason that flip of the yr.

Hinata Miyazawa rifled dwelling a second along with her left foot 9 minutes after Toone’s opener, whereas Celin Bizet added a cultured third halfway by the second half when nutmegging Maisie Symonds and beating Baggaley from vary.

Brighton are nonetheless effectively positioned in fifth however have began the yr with back-to-back defeats, conceding 5 occasions.

Evaluation: Man Utd proceed to reply critics

Sky Sports activities’ Laura Hunter:

“Credit must be given to Skinner for the way his side has risen to the challenge set earlier this season. Building a solid foundation was always priority number one. Makes sense, but it meant United lacked creativity, drawing criticism for being too cautious, while fans moaned about poor entertainment value.

“Now the targets are flowing, however the fundamentals are nonetheless basic. Each facet of efficiency is handled with care. They boast the most effective defensive document within the league and have gained 4 WSL video games on the spin by an mixture rating of 12-2, together with three clear sheets.

“Ella Toone epitomises the uptick, becoming the first player to score a Manchester derby hat-trick before setting the tone with the breakthrough goal against Brighton. It’s becoming hard to argue with the consistency of output.”

Skinner delighted with Toone type

Man Utd head coach Marc Skinner:

“We got exactly what we wanted – three points and high energy. I wanted us to be a bit more ruthless first half with more goals but I’m really happy. There were some standout individual performances but as a collective really good too.

“We’re a group. We have now excessive competitors and I would like gamers who are available in to make an actual distinction. I would like us to maintain on this actual protected house but in addition attempt to push on.”

On the performance of Toone: “Scoring targets and smiling, exhibiting that love for the sport. It is good for soccer and it is good for Ella and Manchester United. She’s taking part in with freedom, however I would like her to maintain that – that is her pitch.”

On the performance of Miyazawa: “It took some time, however her intelligence within the defensive section and build-up section is superb, and he or she took her aim beautifully. We predict she’s obtained extra targets in her. She’s a category act.”

Vidosic vital of errors

Brighton head coach Dario Vidosic:

“We weren’t at the level in the first 20 minutes and gifted two goals. The luck is against us a little bit at the moment but we know we need to be better. They were levels above us.

“Two many technical errors and it turns the sport into transitions – that is how they prefer to play – and we will not compete. When you do not management the sport in opposition to United you are going to have a protracted night time.

“That’s been the theme of this week, shooting ourselves in the foot. I thought we were a bit disorganised and a bit off in all areas.”

The match in stats

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