Manchester United continued the upward trajectory they have been building under their new manager, Eva Olid, as Julia Zigiotti Olme delivered a decisive early chip that secured a narrow 1-0 triumph against Liverpool. The win marked United’s second consecutive victory and demonstrated that the team is beginning to find its footing after a turbulent start to the season. Olid’s tenure began with a rocky opening, as United suffered defeats in their first two matches and then endured a humiliating 5-0 loss to Chelsea. However, the recent run of form – three points from each of the last three fixtures – suggests that the squad is finally adapting to Olid’s tactics and regaining confidence.
The latest match at Leigh Sports Village offered a perfect platform for the team to showcase this newfound resilience, and they did not disappoint. The decisive moment arrived just six minutes into the game.
Liverpool’s defender Khiara Keating attempted a clearance that fell short, allowing Zigiotti to pounce. Positioned just outside the penalty area, she executed a perfectly weighted chip that floated over the goalkeeper and into the net.
"We wanted to start the game quickly and hope they were not prepared, and that's what happened today," Zigiotti told BBC Sport after the match. Her early strike set the tone for the rest of the encounter and ultimately proved to be the only goal of the night. Despite the early lead, United were constantly under pressure from Gareth Taylor’s Liverpool side, who have enjoyed their best start to a Women's Super League campaign in almost a decade.
The visitors created several chances, coming close to equalising on multiple occasions. In the 40th minute, Jess Park made a remarkable run from her own half, broke through the defense, and unleashed a powerful shot that clanged off the crossbar, narrowly missing the equaliser. Liverpool also had opportunities to level the score; Beata Olsson struck the woodwork twice, first with a free‑kick that ricocheted onto the near post and then with a follow‑up attempt that was denied by a spectacular double save from goalkeeper Phallon Tullis‑Joyce. Tullis‑Joyce’s performance was a highlight for Liverpool, as she made a series of crucial interventions, including a double save at the 21st minute that kept United’s lead intact.
Her reflexes were on full display when she parried a curling effort from Liverpool’s forward Terland in the 80th minute, ensuring that the United defense remained unbreached. United’s defensive discipline was equally important. Midfielder Ella Toone described the team’s collective effort, noting that the intensity they displayed in the first half helped them withstand Liverpool’s sustained attacks.
"We had energy today and I do not think in the first half they could deal with the intensity with how we started the game and good goal from Ziggy and then some really good defending kept us in it," Toone said. Liverpool’s midfielder Grace Fisk expressed disappointment after the match, acknowledging that the team had been dominant earlier in the season but failed to find its rhythm on the day. "We couldn't really find our feet today. Credit to them, they were really aggressive and direct," she remarked, adding that manager Gareth Taylor would be understandably upset with the performance.
The win also has broader implications for the league table. With the three points, Manchester United matched Liverpool on points heading into the international break, positioning themselves as serious contenders for a top‑four finish.
The result also marked United’s first back‑to‑back victories since February, a milestone that reflects the gradual improvement under Olid’s leadership. Beyond the match report, the game featured several notable moments that captured the excitement of the fans.
At the 6th minute, Zigiotti’s chip was celebrated as a moment of individual brilliance. The 21st minute saw Tullis‑Joyce’s double save, a display of goalkeeping prowess that earned applause from both sets of supporters. The 37th minute highlighted Park’s near‑miss, as her shot struck the bar, while the 40th minute saw Olsson’s effort rebound off the post, only to be denied again by Tullis‑Joyce.
In the second half, United’s midfield continued to press, with Jenna Clark’s header from a corner at the 69th minute narrowly missing the target, and Toone’s defensive interception at 45+3 minutes preventing a potential Liverpool equaliser. These moments underscored the tight nature of the contest and the fine margins that often decide matches at this level. After the final whistle, Zigiotti was named player of the match and praised for her decisive contribution.
"I'm so happy with the three points. Very important win for us but it was a hard game. We want to start the game quick and hope they are not prepared and that's what happened today, so very happy about that," she said.
She also highlighted the growing confidence within the squad, attributing it to the training sessions and the increased playing time afforded by recent cup fixtures. Overall, the match illustrated Manchester United’s evolving identity under Eva Olid: a side that combines attacking flair with defensive solidity, capable of producing moments of individual magic while maintaining a collective work ethic.
As the team heads into the international break, they will look to build on this momentum, refine their tactics, and aim for consistency in the remaining fixtures of the season. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m!
Enter for free.