Manchester United’s victory over Brighton not only secured a 3-0 win but also catapulted them to second place in the Women’s Super League standings. The match showcased the team’s stellar form in 2025, following a triumphant win against Manchester City in the derby.
Ella Toone emerged as the shining star of the game, extending her scoring streak by netting another goal early on. Collecting Elisabeth Terland’s precise through ball, Toone expertly evaded Brighton’s defense to score in the second minute of the match. Her goal set the tone for Manchester United’s dominance throughout the game.
Hinata Miyazawa further solidified United’s lead with a left-footed strike just nine minutes after Toone’s opener. Celin Bizet sealed the victory with a spectacular goal in the second half, showcasing her skill by nutmegging Maisie Symonds before beating the Brighton goalkeeper from range.
Despite maintaining the best defensive record in the league, Manchester United has faced criticism for a perceived over-cautious approach. However, their recent goal-scoring spree, with 14 goals across four games, demonstrates a newfound attacking prowess under Coach Marc Skinner’s guidance.
Brighton, though still in fifth place, suffered back-to-back defeats at the hands of United. The team conceded a total of five goals in these matches, highlighting areas for improvement as they navigate the rest of the season.
Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter commended Skinner for United’s remarkable transformation, noting the team’s solid defensive foundation and newfound creativity in their gameplay. Ella Toone’s exceptional performance, including a hat-trick in the Manchester derby, signifies the team’s upward trajectory and consistent output on the field.
Coach Skinner praised his team’s energy and collective effort in securing the win against Brighton. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between caution and aggression while commending standout players like Toone and Miyazawa for their contributions to the team’s success.
In contrast, Brighton’s coach, Dario Vidosic, acknowledged his team’s shortcomings, expressing disappointment in their performance and technical errors that led to United’s goals. He emphasized the need to improve and regroup as they face future challenges in the league.
As Manchester United celebrates their climb to second place in the standings, both teams will continue to strive for success in upcoming fixtures, with fans eagerly anticipating more thrilling matches in the Women’s Super League.
