Manchester United secured a late draw to preserve their unbeaten start in the Women’s Super League, as Melvine Malard’s header ensured a point against a resurgent Arsenal side at home. The French forward’s goal, scored eight minutes before the final whistle, thwarted Arsenal’s bid for their third consecutive victory under interim head coach Renée Slegers, who had seen her team dominate the chances on the day.
Earlier, former United striker Alessia Russo had given Arsenal the lead with a second-half goal, marking only the second time United had conceded this season. Russo faced jeers from the home crowd during her second appearance at Leigh Sports Village since her 2023 free transfer to Arsenal. With the match still scoreless, United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce made two crucial saves to keep Arsenal at bay, before Lia Wälti’s shot narrowly missed the post, hinting at an impending Arsenal goal.
The introduction of England forward Beth Mead at halftime tilted the game in Arsenal’s favor, but it was United’s substitutes who ultimately found the equalizer. Rachel Williams’ header set up Malard for the crucial goal. The match, watched by England head coach Sarina Wiegman, saw neither team at their best in the first half, though Millie Turner’s passing range, in her 150th appearance for United, may have caught Wiegman’s eye. Turner was presented with a framed shirt by United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, who also honored head coach Marc Skinner on his 100th game in charge.
The result prevented United from moving to the top of the WSL but maintained their unbeaten record in the first five league games, leaving them two points ahead of Arsenal.
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