Manchester United returned to winning ways in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League as they ran out 2-0 victors over Birmingham City at The Leigh Sports Village earlier today.
The Red Devils needed to bounce back from their defeat at the hands of Chelsea last weekend, however, it was far from the easiest of tasks as they came up against a very resolute Birmingham City side who at times looked like they’d never be beaten. Yet, despite that, the home side were still able to get the better of their opponents and manager Casey Stoney was thoroughly pleased with the performance.
“We controlled the game, used the ball, had a lot more possession” Stoney said in the post-match press conference in which FAWSL Full-Time were present. “I still think we could have defended a little better in terms of the long ball.
“It was a thoroughly professional performance and we needed to bounce back.”
United had to record a victory without their influential American winger Tobin Heath who missed the match through injury and Stoney went on to offer an update on her condition.
“She just saw a consultant and she’s going to be out for a while now” said the United boss. That is a big blow for United who have turned to Heath on several occasions to provide a moment of brilliance when they’ve struggled to break sides down.
It was Martha Harris’ first start of the season after returning from a long time out with injury, however, the defender needed to be withdrawn in the first half after she injured herself whilst making a challenge.
Speaking about Harris, Stoney said “That’s Martha, she never pulls out and she goes into absolutely everything 100% and she got a knee to the ribs.
“We will probably have to X-ray it, it could potentially be a broken rib but we don’t know yet.”
Another player who has recently made their return from injury is Ivana Fuso and she cropped up with an impressive substitute appearance today. With United ahead, the German youth international gave her side a much needed injection of pace and energy to really keep the Birmingham City defence on their toes.
Commenting on the player’s performance, her manager said “I wanted to get her on today because she’s been so bright in training.
“It’s about building her confidence as well. She’s come from a different league, had injuries and is in a new team.
“She was really bright and showed a glimpse of what she is capable of.”
Stoney made only three substitutions out of a possible five today, leaving star forward Christen Press on the bench to the surprise of many. It could have been concluded that the manager was either managing players’ minutes or some of them might have been carrying knocks but that was not the case according to Stoney.
“It was the state of the game, I don’t make substitutions unless I feel it’s necessary” she said. “It was a tight game, that was the state of the game, and I didn’t want to change too much because sometimes I think it can unsettle.”
It is hard to argue with her given that her side were able to see the game out and come away with the win. The three points now mean that Stoney’s side return to the Barclays FA Women’s Super League summit but the manager is not getting carried away just yet.
“We’re very aware that we’re top because no one else has played” stated Stoney. “All we can control is winning the games we play in, control what we can control, and we did that today.”
All that United can really do at this stage is maintain pace with those around them and take their opportunities when they arrive. Therefore, if they continue to grind out results like they did today, they will still be in and amongst the title race come the end of the season.
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