Despite having a very different starting XI from their previous two winning Champions League games, Manchester United managed to extend their lead in the table by winning 2-1 against Paris Saint-Germain denying the French side from claiming their first points in the competition.
Melvine Malard’s goal in the 31st minute made her the first female Manchester United player to score at Old Trafford in European competition, but a thunderbolt from Olga Carmona levelled the score right before half-time.
In the second half, though, Fridolina Rolfö scored a goal without Parisian reply to give United a big three points in the Champions League, taking them all the way up to third in the table.
As it happened
The visitors wasted no time in testing out United’s new face in goal. Safia Middleton-Patel started in place of Phallon Tullis-Joyce, and had to rely on the woodwork to deny a very shot from Jennifer Echegini.
It was a noticeably physical opening to the game. PSG started with much of the possession, missing crucial goal-scoring opportunities presented to them by some terrific deliveries by Rasheedat Ajidabe, with players failing to get in the box and convert from her crosses.
The game turned on its head when French international Malard scored one past former Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps after reviving an incredible long pass from Jayde Rivière.
PSG responded well to this pressure, holding the majority of the possession in the final 15 minutes of the game. Their hard work paid off when, in the third minute of added time, Carmona scored a screamer from outside the box. It was the first time United had conceded in the competition so far.
The second half started on an even playing field as both teams were desperate to claim the three points up for grabs.
Less than a minute into the second half Middleton-Patel made a game-changing save when Echegini, yet again, produced a dangerous effort.
In the 59th minute, it was the hosts who regained their lead; Rolfö put Manchester United 2-1 up with a header, putting pressure on Paulo César’s side.
There was no sign of United slowing down, as Malard took another shot on target which Earps just about pushed past the post.
In the final 30 minutes, PSG had a surge of energy as they were desperate to find an equaliser to keep them in the game to get even just one point on the table.
This theme continued into the game’s dying embers, as PSG kept the ball in Man United’s half but, as was the theme for much of the match, were unable to truly trouble the hosts.
Manchester United held out for three points, moving them to third in the table after three games.
The line-ups
MUN: Middleton-Patel; Riviere, Le Tissier, George, Sandberg; Miyazawa; Park, Olme, Awujo, Rolfö; Malard
PSG: Earps; Isabela, De Almeida, Mbock, Carmona; Ebayilin, Groenen; Ajibade, Echegini, Karchaoui; Leuchter