"Melchie Dumornay's superb efforts produced a margin of victory that was no less than Lyonnes deserved, on a night when United failed to lay a glove on their opponents. The defeat greatly reduced United's chances of securing a top-four spot, which guarantees a quarter-final place. Lyonnes are now all but guaranteed of their place in that quartet and they demonstrated a gulf in quality between themselves and the Women's Super League side."
"The visitors grabbed the initiative and their goal was not one the keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, nor any of the United backline, will be eager to watch again. Ingrid Engen was afforded plenty of time and space to angle in a cross that was headed goalwards by Tabitha Chawinga. It was directed close to the centre of the goal but Tullis-Joyce, who has been having an excellent season, could only help the ball into the net."
Manchester United were comfortably beaten by OL Lyonnes as Melchie Dumornay scored two late goals to seal a deserved victory. United struggled to match Lyonnes' attacking quality and failed to exert control during the match. Marc Skinner selected veteran Rachel Williams as central striker, leaving creative players Ella Toone and Jess Park on the bench, suggesting a more direct approach that did not succeed. The defeat significantly harmed United's prospects of finishing in the top four and securing a quarter-final place. Lyonnes moved close to guaranteeing a top-four berth and exposed a clear gulf in quality. United now face Tottenham amid a congested fixture schedule, and the decision to rest players against strong opposition appeared to backfire.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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