When Hinata Miyazawa, Japan international and forward for Manchester United Women struck in the fourth minute, the atmosphere at St Helens Stadium (also known as Totally Wicked Stadium) shifted from nervous anticipation to outright confidence. Two goals later – a stoppage‑time finish by Ella Toone – secured a 2‑0 win over Liverpool Women and kept United unbeaten in the Women's Super League (WSL).
Match Overview
The Sunday afternoon clash on 28 September 2025 was more than just three points; it was a statement of intent. United entered the game having drawn 1‑1 with Arsenal the previous week, while Liverpool, under new boss Gareth Taylor, were yet to register a win in their first three league outings. The stadium, packed with a mix of Liverpool faithful singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and United supporters chanting “Red Devils”, set the stage for an emotionally charged encounter.
Key Moments and Record‑Breaking Feats
It didn’t take long for United to break the deadlock. A looping cross from Jess Park found Miyazawa at the edge of the box. She rifled the ball past Liverpool keeper Phallon Tullis‑Joyce with a clinical side‑foot finish. The goal, registered at 4’, ignited the home side and forced Liverpool to chase the game.
First‑half stoppage time brought the second blow. Elisabeth Terland slipped a clever cut‑back into the path of Toone, who slotted it cleanly into the bottom corner. The goal, recorded at 45+2’, was more than a tally – it marked the 300th goal scored by United under manager Marc Skinner since he took charge in 2021.
While the scoreline read 2‑0, the match produced another milestone. Defender Maya Le Tissier took to the field for her 70th consecutive WSL appearance, equalling the league record for uninterrupted starts. A win against Chelsea next week could see her break that benchmark.
Tributes to Matt Beard
The fixture was tinged with solemnity. Former Liverpool manager Matt Beard had passed away just days earlier at the age of 47. Beard, who lifted two WSL titles with Liverpool in 2021 and 2023, was honoured before kickoff. A minute’s applause was followed by a banner draped across the stadium read “In memory of Matt Beard – a true champion”.
Beard’s widow, Debbie Beard, sat in the stands with a single red rose. Her presence reminded both sets of players that football is, at its core, a community of people who share triumphs and grief.
Tactical Shifts and Player Returns
Skinner made two notable changes from the Arsenal draw: Jayde Riviere returned from a minor hamstring issue, and Terland was back in the starting XI, replacing Celin Bizet Donnum. Riviere’s defensive solidity allowed United to press higher without leaving gaps.
On the Liverpool side, Taylor’s four adjustments aimed to restore balance after a 5‑0 League Cup win over Sunderland. Captain Grace Fisk re‑established herself at right‑back, freeing Lily Woodham to return to left‑back. Defensively, veteran Gemma Bonner slotted into centre‑back ahead of Jenna Clark.
Despite the reshuffle, Liverpool struggled to create clear-cut chances. Miyazawa’s effort that clipped the post and a denied penalty for Cornelia Kapocs were the closest brushes with an equaliser.
Impact on the League Table
United’s win propelled them to within a point of league leaders Chelsea Women, while also positioning them as the top‑scoring side – six different players have now contributed to United’s goal tally. The club’s offensive diversity contrasted sharply with Liverpool’s ongoing woes; the Merseyside side have now suffered three straight defeats and remain winless alongside West Ham.
Defensively, Liverpool have now conceded at least two goals in each of their last five home WSL matches, a total of 12. The trend highlights a pressing need for tactical tightening if they hope to climb out of the bottom‑two.
Looking Ahead: Next Fixtures
United’s calendar remains packed. They head to Leigh on Friday for a showdown with Chelsea, where Maya Le Tissier could finally break the consecutive‑appearance record. Later, the team will host Aston Villa Women at Old Trafford on 8 November 2025 – a rare chance for the women’s side to showcase the iconic venue.
Beyond domestic duties, United will welcome Paris Saint‑Germain Women for a UEFA Women’s Champions League tie on 12 November, marking the first occasion Old Trafford hosts more than two women’s matches in a single season.
For Liverpool, the next challenge is a home fixture against West Ham Women on 5 October. A win could halt the slide, but they will need to tighten at the back and find a reliable goal‑scorer.
Key Facts
- Final score: Manchester United Women 2‑0 Liverpool Women.
- Goal scorers: Hinata Miyazawa (4') and Ella Toone (45+2').
- Record: Ella Toone’s strike – 300th goal under Marc Skinner.
- Consecutive starts: Maya Le Tissier matched the WSL record with 70.
- Tributes: Match preceded by a memorial to former Liverpool manager Matt Beard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does United’s win affect the title race?
United moved to within a single point of league leaders Chelsea, tightening a three‑way battle at the top. Their surge in goals scored – six different players have now found the net – puts pressure on rivals to improve both offensively and defensively.
What significance does the 300th goal have for Marc Skinner?
The milestone underscores Skinner’s impact since taking the helm in 2021. It highlights a period of sustained attacking success and suggests that United’s style under his leadership is maturing into a championship‑winning formula.
Can Maya Le Tissier break the consecutive‑starts record?
If she starts against Chelsea on 2 October and stays injury‑free, she will set a new WSL benchmark with 71 straight appearances – a testament to her fitness and the trust placed in her by the coaching staff.
What were the main reasons for Liverpool’s continued slump?
Defensive frailties have been glaring – the side has let in two or more goals in each of its last five home matches. Coupled with a lack of clinical finishing, Liverpool’s inability to convert chances, evident in missed penalties and shots hitting the woodwork, has kept them winless.
How will the tribute to Matt Beard affect the Liverpool squad?
The emotional tribute provided a unifying moment for the players and staff, reminding them of Beard’s legacy. While the match itself didn’t shift the result, the shared grief could foster a stronger team spirit moving forward.
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