Manchester United have finished the year giving Sheffield United a game to forget in the Continental Cup - despite showing a lack of desire themselves.
Marc Skinner’s side started the game with high intensity as if they wanted to end the year with nothing left in the tank. Their high press to box in Sheffield meant the visitors were ball-chasing for the majority of the game, although had threatening spells peppered throughout the first half.
Adriana Leon and Martha Thomas netted two each at Leigh Sports Village to give United the victory for their final game of 2022.
Early chances came for the Reds until Leon broke the stalemate in the 12th minute of play with a backheel after she capitalised on Aissatou Tounkara’s strike.
She scored again at the end of the half to double United’s lead with a simple instep finish as Rachel Williams carried the ball and nudged it into the bath of Lucia Garcia on the left flank, who squared it on the deck for Leon to tap home.
Despite a scrappy second half, a Martha Thomas cross from the edge of the box on the right flank beat goalkeeper Bethan Davies and Garcia.
Sheffield United defender Ellie Wilson won't be happy with herself after she ran into the ball and knocked it into the net in the 51st minute giving United a comfortable 3-0 lead.
Thomas made it four-nil with a low shot that rolled under Davies, almost in slow motion just past the hour mark.
The hosts had plenty of opportunities to increase their lead but suffered spells of miscommunication, lack of desire to get in front of the player and scuffed finishes, especially in the second half which looked disorganised for both sides, however, Sheffield persisted in the chase. They didn't have a single shot or corner kick, compared to United’s 14 and nine respectively.
Manchester United head into the Christmas break and return on January 15 to host Liverpool in their first WSL action of the new year.
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