Aston Villa 1-2 Man Utd: Visitors come from behind against 10-player hosts
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WSL highlights: Manchester United score late to win WSL opener against Aston Villa
Manchester United came from behind to beat an Aston Villa side who lost Kirsty Hanson to a red card in an enthralling match to start the Women's Super League season.
Scotland winger Hanson was sent off for a high tackle on midfielder Hayley Ladd in the second half at Villa Park.
But the hosts took a shock lead minutes later when England's Rachel Daly drilled into the bottom corner.
Villa's celebrations were short-lived as United found an immediate response - Spain forward Lucia Garcia pouncing on a loose ball in the box from a corner to make it 1-1.
And United completed the comeback to win the WSL season opener in dramatic fashion when substitute Rachel Williams headed in Nikita Parris' cross in stoppage time.
Despite defeat, Villa showed their credentials as a side who hope to break up the WSL's usual top four this season, while United used their squad to great effect and found a way to win.
Alisha Lehmann fired over before the break, and Villa striker Daly hit the crossbar early in the second half with one of their best chances.
Brazilian forward Geyse, United's summer signing from Barcelona, was a standout performer, causing problems with her pace and forcing a save from debutant Daphne van Domselaar early on, while Parris later stung the fingertips of the Netherlands goalkeeper.
On the whole, it was a hugely entertaining spectacle at Villa Park in front of 12,533 fans - a WSL record crowd for Villa.
Villa show capability but Man Utd depth pays off
Villa enjoyed success at home against Manchester City on the opening weekend of last season and started strongly again here.
Buoyed by the additions of summer signings Van Domselaar in goal and midfielder Lucy Parker, Villa were well organised and carried a threat.
Hanson, who joined from United in a permanent deal having spent last season on loan at Villa, created the first real opening when she raced away on the left and picked out Lehmann, only for Lucy Staniforth's eventual strike to be saved by England goalkeeper Mary Earps.
The Villa winger was in tears as she left the field following her sending off, no doubt fearing the worst for her team-mates against a United side who were starting to build momentum.
Hanson later apologised on social media, saying: "I would never hurt anyone intentionally. It was accidental. I'm sorry to Hayley [Ladd] and I'm sorry to the fans and the team. I feel like I let you all down today."
United took control of the midfield in the first half and Geyse was a constant threat, using her pace to get in behind Villa's defence.
It was the Brazilian who had United's first big opportunity as she took down a long pass from Millie Turner but was denied by a smart save from Van Domselaar.
Geyse continued to combine nicely with team-mates Leah Galton and Garcia to create further chances as United's momentum built as the half wore on.
Lehmann missed a golden opportunity when she fizzed it over the bar but Daly - last season's WSL Player of the Year - was largely an isolated figure up front.
However, changes at the break helped Villa impose themselves more. Ebony Salmon, returning to the club this summer, made an impact and teed up Daly to clip the crossbar.
Aston Villa deserve more - Carla Ward calls for change in WSL
There was frustration for manager Carla Ward, who said "the big calls went against us" as she referred to a body-check from defender Maya le Tissier on striker Salmon on the edge of the box.
"As soon as I saw it back, I winced. It's a red card and it's just on the edge of the box," Ward said.
"I will never blame the officials because I do believe the powers-that-be need to help them. The powers-that-be need to make our officials in this league full-time, so it's not on them. I'm bored of talking about it.
"It is what it is. I'm unbelievably proud of my players. We showed heart and that's what we're about."
Villa certainly showed character and resilience when they took a shock lead after Hanson's sending off but United - who have strengthened their squad in the transfer window - were able to introduce Parris and Williams, who both made a difference.
Hosts Villa will feel they missed an opportunity to lay a glove on United's title challenge but it was a display which will give hope to plenty following them this season.