Women's Super League Manchester United 3 West Ham United 0 Full time

Manchester United began their Women's Super League season with a composed victory over West Ham at Old Trafford.

The hosts, looking to embark on an improved campaign after finishing fifth last year, were impressive on Saturday and produced fluid and creative final-third play from the beginning.

They did not, however, require anything special to provide the opening goal. West Ham's Camilla Saez failed to see out the ball at the byeline, Geyse snatched it from her feet and - after an initial moment of hesitation - powered it past Kinga Szemik.

The Red Devils' lead was deserved and they continued to assert their dominance with neat moves in the final third, leading to winger Leah Galton netting their second with a lovely curling effort after a good solo run into the middle.

United had other chances to beat Szemik, too. Elisabeth Terland had an effort cleared off the line, Galton hit the crossbar and an acrobatic Geyse effort also struck the frame of the goal.

Their control continued after the restart and another lapse of concentration in defence from West Ham left Grace Clinton completely unmarked to head home a Lisa Naalsund delivery.

Three relatively early goals assured victory for the hosts but, although they continued to frustrate West Ham, they couldn't further extend their advantage.

The teams paid tribute to Ella Toone's father, who passed away earlier this month, with a minute's applause before the game, with manager Marc Skinner saying it was "the least we could do".

Players also did Toone's trademark celebration after United scored, in his memory.

"There was just no question of anything else," said the Red Devils manager. "Not only was he a huge Manchester United fan but he has been a huge part of a player who is an exemplary character for this club and somebody who will go down in history for this club.

"I thought she was brave beyond belief today. It's a horrible thing to happen but we're here to show love, care and support for an iconic player for Manchester United."

New-look Red Devils impress at Old Trafford

Manchester United have won all three of their Women's Super League games against West Ham at Old Trafford

Manchester United are a relatively unknown quantity in the WSL this year but Saturday's performance went a way to showing they've improved over the summer.

Despite losing the likes of England goalkeeper Mary Earps and striker Nikita Parris, the hosts side were excellent against West Ham and victory never looked in doubt.

Terland, who will act as Parris' replacement, shone on her debut. She did not make many runs as a central striker but was in good positions when her team-mates found her. The only thing lacking was a final product.

It is only the first game of the season and there is still time for elements of rustiness - such as Dominique Janssen's few passes - to be ironed out. But on the whole, the performance augured well.

Midfielder Clinton spent last season on loan at Tottenham and was one of the league's best players. Now she's returned to the Red Devils she feels like a new signing and is a big boost to the side.

This was always going to be a tough test for West Ham and they weren't totally outclassed, but they were definitely second best.

Riko Ueki made some good runs but the hosts' goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce had little to deal with.

Irons boss Rehanne Skinner said she did not think the manner of her side's defeat was "worrying".

"I think if you actually look at the game itself, you can see how competitive we were throughout the course of the game," she said.

"Where we are, when everybody is available for the whole duration of games that then puts us with more depth in the squad. I think we will be in a better position moving forward."

Defender Maya le Tissier's work was notable for the hosts, with her vision and quality of delivery producing a number of opportunities. Her long balls were precise rather than speculative and West Ham found them tough to deal with.

This was, however, not a game that answered all questions for both teams.

Tullis-Joyce needs to face sterner tests to prove she can fill Earps' role, while West Ham's games against other sides who finished nearer the bottom of the table will shine a better light on their chances of staying up.

It was a good display from the Red Devils nevertheless and one which highlighted issues for West Ham. Two of the hosts' goals could easily have been dealt with - not having those lapses would have made things better for West Ham.