Manchester United Women beat Reading 4-0 in the opening fixture of the Women's Super League on Saturday and you can read a recap of the action below.
Manchester United Women player ratings as Le Tissier and Batlle impress against Reading
Maya Le Tissier was the standout performer for Manchester United, but check out how the rest of the squad faired against a Reading side that didn't offer much of a threat on the day.
Four minutes added time
United have quite noticeably taken their foot off the peddle in this half, hence the lack of updates. They are still creating chances due to the difference in quality but this has been a half where you can tell the game was already over.
Parris has looked bright off the bench, but that is the only real notable comment I can make. United's job was done by half time, now they are just happy to keep a clean sheet and conserve as much energy as possible.
Triple Substitution
Goalscorer Alessia Russo, Ella Toone and Hayley Ladd depart the field and are replaced by Martha Thomas, Vilde Boe Risa and Jade Moore
United still in control but taking their time
United are slowing down the tempo in this second half, as they should seeing they are 4-0 up against Reading. They are still creating chances and you'd expect at least a few more goals, but they are making the most of their lead.
New signing Garcia has been much more involved in these early stages of the second half, however. When United have gone forward, it has usually been through her; her runs in behind have been a problem for Reading but she is yet to find Russo in the box.
Chance for United
Galton's shot is blocked and ricochets up into the air. Russo is able to get her head to it but is unable to direct it into the net as it goes just wide.
Still 4-0.
Half Time Ratings
It's been a good performance for United so far and they have got four goals for their efforts. The ratings reflect this:
Earps
Not had much to do at all - 6
Batlle
A constant threat down the right-hand side and got a well-deserved assist - 8
Turner
Hasn't had much to do in these early stages much like her goalkeeper - 6
Le Tissier
Two goals so far on her debut and no problems at the back - 9
Blundell
Has looked secure on the flank but hasn't been as adventurous going forward as her opposite full-back - 6
Zelem
Converted United's penalty and her corner delivery has been on point throughout the match - 8
Ladd
Cut out a number of Reading attacks high and allowed the team to continue exerting pressure on their opponents - 7
Galton
A quiet first half for the winger, but could get more involved in the second half - 6
Garcia
Like Galton, a quiet half from United's new signing - 6
Toone
Showed a lot of energy and could have easily been on the score sheet herself late in the half - 7
Russo
A quintessential number nine performance from Russo, menacing the defenders and getting a goal to show for it - 8
Overall a solid performance from every player and there are still another 45 minutes to go.
35' GOAL - Alessia Russo
United 4-0 Reading
Russo get's onto the end of a cross from Ona Batlle and put's it firmly into the back of the net.
Can the Men's team borrow a set-piece coach?
United 3-0 Reading
Manchester United Men's team's inability to score from corners has been well documented and much maligned, but that doesn't seem to be a problem for their counterparts.
The Women's side has constantly looked threatening from set pieces and have two goals to show for it so far. Maya Le Tissier is having a debut to remember and if United keep putting in corners of this quality, there is no reason she can't get a hattrick.
Chance for United
A good shot by Hayley Ladd looks bound for the goal but is headed away for a corner.
It's all United...
Though Reading have had the odd chance, Mary Earps has not had much to do in this opening 20 minutes. United are fully in control of this game and have a well-deserved 2-0 lead.
Ladd and Zelem have been excellent in midfield so far, winning the ball back high and then quickly playing it out wide to United's wingers. You can expect even more chances coming from these areas as the game continues
14' GOAL - Katie Zelem (penalty)
Katie Zelem doesn't flinch as she converts the resulting penalty
Penalty to Manchester United
Alessia Russo is brought down in the box and the referee points to the spot. Katie Zelem to take...
More on the goal...
An early lead for United in the 4th minute. Maya Le Tissier gets on the end of the corner and everyone including the goalkeeper thinks her attempt is going over.
However, when the Reading goalkeeper casually turns around she sees that it has in fact nestled in the back of the net and she falls to the ground annoyed at her misfortune. United looking good here, I don't think this goal will be their last.
United strong early on
United have had most of the possession in these early stages and are getting the ball in lots of space down the wings. Marc Skinner has deployed his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation and this hopefully will create more openings and therefore chances as the game goes on.
100 not out
Captain Katie Zelem will be honoured before kick-off as she becomes the first player in Manchester United Women's history to reach 100 appearances for the club.
Where can I watch it?
For those of you unable to make the journey down to Leigh Sports Village today, coverage will be shown on the FA Player while highlights will be available later on BBC IPlayer.
Kick-off is at 12pm.
A strong team for the opener
Reading may have finished 8th in the WSL table last season, but Marc Skinner is not pulling his punches. A strong team for the start of the season with Euro 2022 winners Mary Earps, Ella Toone and Alessia Russo all making the starting XI.
New signing Lucia Garcia also makes the starting XI after her move from Athletic Bilbao in the summer, while fellow incoming Nikita Parris is also on the bench.
With such a wealth of forward options, United will be hoping to get the first goal and set the tone for what is shaping up tobe a good match.
Team News
Here is Manchester United's first lineup of the new WSL season!
Starting XI | Earps, Blundell, Toone, Zelem (C), Galton, Ladd, Le Tissier, L. Garcia, Turner and Russo
Subs| Baggaley, Thorisdottir, Tounkara, Boe Risa, Moore, Staniforth, Leon, Parris, Thomas
Early Team News
Marc Skinner's side is in good shape ahead of Reading, with the manager confirming earlier this week that only two players were unavailable through injury.
He told club media: “The only one that will be missing this weekend will be Rachel Williams [who recently picked up a knee injury in training] and of course Aoife Mannion. They’ll be the only ones. Rach is probably three weeks away before she then hits the ground running. She took a knock in training. Everyone else is fine and ready to go.”
Full team news will be dropping shortly.
