Manchester United started their debut campaign in the FA Women’s Championship in 2018/2019 with a thumping 12-0 victory at Aston Villa.
The season would be one to remember for Manchester United fans with the club going on to secure promotion to the Barclays FA Women’s Super League at the first attempt.
FA Women’s Super League Full-Time go back in time as we look at Manchester United’s first league fixture on home soil against another tier two newcomer in the form of Sheffield United.
History was made at The Leigh Sports Village after just 12 minutes as Manchester United netted their first home league goal. Lauren James drew a foul from Ellie Fletcher in the box and Katie Zelem successfully dispatched the resulting penalty kick.
To their credit, Sheffield United heads did not drop and they defended resolutely throughout the first half. The Blades did have to ride their luck when Kirsty Hanson took aim from distance. Her effort cannoned off the woodwork before Zelem was unable to take advantage with the rebound.
Danielle Cox then went close for the visitors after getting on the end of a corner kick before Hanson curled in a stunning second goal for Manchester United five minutes before the break.
That second goal killed off any hopes of a comeback from the away side and Lizzie Arnot swept in a third goal for Manchester United just after the hour mark.
Aimee Palmer’s long distance thunderbolt then had the Sheffield United goal frame rattling again before the hosts saw out the remaining minutes of the match with 10 players after Hanson was withdrawn through injury with all permitted substitutions used.
Casey Stoney’s side went on to complete a league double over Sheffield United on their way to winning the FA Women’s Championship title with a nine-point advantage.