Kirsty Hansen And Ona Butler aimed at either side of the intermission as Manchester United won their first game under the leadership of new coach Max Kinner, who was named Casey Stoneney in July. His successor has a two-year contract.
As Manchester United’s first competitive game under Skinner’s leadership, and the opening of the new top league season, this game is also the first WSL game to be broadcast live on Sky Sports as part of the department’s new broadcast agreement.
Before the kick-off, players from both teams knelt on one knee and aroused applause from the stadium crowd. Kelly Chambers’s Reading had a lively start, in which Brook Chapron scored a goal.
Manchester United’s first real opportunity came in the 22nd minute, when the visiting team made a mistake when trying to hit the ball into the penalty area. Grace Maloney’s attempt fell on Leah Galton, who was unable to Hit the target.
As the home team started to find some rhythm, Lucy Staniforth-who was given a yellow card for challenging Reading captain Natasha Harding-then shot wide of the goal from outside the penalty area.
Soon after, Ella Toone of England made a pleasant pass and Hanson scored into the corner of the net.
Reading then sought to tie the score and saw Chaprun shoot in the six minutes of the second half against Manchester United.
When the ball dropped from the crossbar and bounced, it looked like it might have crossed the line, but referee Abigail Byrne and her assistant allowed the game to continue.
Moments later, Manchester United doubled the advantage, Butler received the ball from Thun, a beautiful shot high over Moroni.
Manchester United may further expand the lead, as substitute Martha Thomas missed the goal twice.
Supplementary report by the Press Association.
