Liverpool Women beat Manchester United Women 2-1 in a pre-season fixture at Carrington on Sunday, with Ceri Holland scoring the winner after Ella Toone's second-half equaliser. The behind-closed-doors match marked Liverpool's fourth straight pre-season victory as they prepare for the upcoming Women's Super League season.
An own goal gave Liverpool the early lead in the second half when Maya Le Tissier's backpass was deflected by substitute Aurelie Csillag past goalkeeper Janina Leitzig, who had replaced Phallon Tullis-Joyce at halftime. Toone responded a minute later to level the score, but Holland restored Liverpool's advantage in the 61st minute after a move involving Fuka Nagano and Vivien Endemann.
The first half saw limited chances, with Jayde Riviere dragging an effort wide after Khiara Keating parried Toone's corner, while Toone also sent an acrobatic effort off target from Riviere's cross. At the other end, Le Tissier made a key block to deny Marie Höbinger, and Elisabeth Terland's one-on-one chance drifted wide. Tullis-Joyce also saved from Cornelia Kapocs at the edge of the box.
Head coach Eva Olid continued squad rotation, giving minutes to 18 different players as United maintained their pre-season preparations. Le Tissier captained the side, with Olid using the match to implement tactics following the club's training camp in La Manga.
Liverpool later came close to a third goal through Csillag, but United remained in contention until the final stages. Lea Schuller had United's best late opportunity to equalise, but her effort flew over the crossbar as Liverpool saw out the game. United's season opener is scheduled for 4 September away to London City Lionesses.
This result adds to Liverpool Women's strong pre-season form as they build momentum ahead of the WSL campaign, with upcoming fixtures available on our fixtures page and squad details accessible via our squad hub.
