Manchester United moved up to second in the Women’s Super League table with a 3-0 win over Brighton as their positive start to 2025 continues.
Mark Skinner’s side beat rivals Manchester City in the derby last weekend before another dominant display saw the Seagulls fail to get a single shot on target.
Ella Toon extended her goalscoring exploits with another goal to add to the impressive treble she scored against City, collecting Elizabeth Thurland’s through ball in her stride and slotting beyond Sophie Bagaly in the second minute.
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Ella Toon continued her good form in the WSL by scoring in the second minute to put Manchester United ahead against Brighton.
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Hinata Miyazawa doubles Manchester United’s lead against Brighton
Skinner has had to fend off criticism of his team’s overly cautious approach this season; United maintain the worst defense in the league, but they are also improving at the top, scoring 14 goals in four games in all competitions since the start of the season.
Hinata Miyazawa rifled home a second left-footed nine minutes after Toon’s opener, while Celine Bizet added a classic third midway through the second half when she nutmeged Maisie Symonds to beat Bagaly from range.
Brighton are still well placed in fifth place but have started the year on a losing streak, conceding five times.
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Celine Bizen beats Maisie Symonds and follows up with a superb finish to seal victory over Brighton.
Analysis: Manchester United continues to respond to critics
Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter.
“You have to give credit to Skinner for the way his team has met the challenge at the start of the season. Building a solid foundation has always been a priority. It makes sense, but it means United lack creativity, being overly cautious to be.fans moaned about the poor entertainment value.
“Now the goals are flowing, but the fundamentals are still being handled carefully. They boast the best defensive record in the league and have won four WSL games with a total of 12-2 clean sheets.
“Ella Toon epitomizes the rise, becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a Manchester derby before setting up the breakthrough goal against Brighton. It’s hard to argue with the consistency of the result.”
Skinner is fascinated by the Toone way
Celine Bizet capped off a great Manchester United performance
Manchester United head coach Mark Skinner:
“We got exactly what we wanted, three points and high energy. I wanted us to be a bit more ruthless in the first half, with more goals, but I’m really happy. There were some special performances, but as collective very good too.
“We are a team. We have high competition and I want the players who come in to make a real difference. I want us to stay in this real safe space but also try to push forward.”
On Toone’s performance. “Scoring goals and smiling, showing that love for the game. It’s good for football, good for Manchester United. He plays with freedom, but I want him to keep it. this is his pitch.”
About Miyazawa’s performance. “It took a while but his intelligence in defense and set-up is excellent and he took his goal well. We think he has more goals in him.”
Hinata Miyazawa was named Man of the Match for her all-action display and classy goal
Critical video of errors
Brighton head coach Dario Vidosic:
“In the first 20 minutes we were not on level terms and we scored two goals. At the moment the luck is a bit against us, but we know we have to be better. They were at a higher level than us.
“Two too many technical mistakes and it turns the game into transitions, that’s how they like to play and we can’t compete. When you’re not in control against United, you’re going to have a long night.
“That’s been the theme this week, shooting ourselves in the foot. I thought we were a little disorganized and a little off in all areas.”
