Manchester United maintained their 100 per cent record in the UEFA Women’s Champions League with a 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford.
Goals from Melvin Mallard and Fridrina Rolfo ensured United won their first competitive Champions League match at the Theater of Dreams and returned to the top four of the league phase.
‘Theatre’ was an apt word for this night as Mallard’s superb curling effort and Rolfo’s header which capped off a great team move made them the heroes, while the returning Mary Earps became the pantomime villain.
Every touch the former United keeper, who left the club on a free transfer to PSG in 2024, was met with boos from the Old Trafford faithful.
Mixed with the pouring rain, there was a slightly cold atmosphere in the stands, making for a tense start for both teams. Jennifer Echezzini’s hopeful shot hit the post in the second minute, but it was the only chance of the game for 30 minutes.
Mary Earps was booed by some on her return to Old Trafford
However, Mallard, who started as a centre-forward, scored the opening goal with some excellent striker play. She ran in to a forward ball from Jade Riviere and waved off Gridge Mbok before being sent off. The goal put the team on track to bounce back from their first domestic defeat of the season, which came against Aston Villa last time out.
But the well-earned goals didn’t end there as Olga Carmona wrapped her leg around the ball and fired home the equalizer from long range into the top corner before the break.
PSG gained momentum with a goal just before the end of the first half, with Safia Middleton-Patel replacing the injured Fallon Tallis-Joyce, blocking Echesini’s attack with a brilliant reaction stop.
But drastic moves, starting with the back line of Maya Le Tissier and Middleton-Patel and ending with Jess Park, Anna Sandberg and goalscorer Rolfo, ensured United’s result. Mark Skinner’s side currently sit third in the league phase table, ahead of fourth-placed Chelsea, and are currently on track to qualify for the knockout stages.
Park: ‘I feel like a kid again at United’
Jess Park was in great form against PSG
Park was an integral part of United’s positive play and was constantly causing problems for PSG.
Speaking to the BBC after the match, she said being at United was like being a kid again after completing her move from Manchester City in the summer when Grace Clinton went the other way.
“It’s unbelievable,” she said.
“The support from the fans and the way we played together showed great character.
“I feel like I’ve gained a lot of confidence and freedom. I’m just enjoying my football.
“My role is just to find space and be creative. Nothing is set in stone. I feel like a kid again and just go out and have fun.”
