Le Tissier gives Man Utd debut Champions League win

Manchester United's Melvine Malard battles for possession with Ylinn Tennebo of Valerenga

Manchester United made a winning Women's Champions League debut as Maya le Tissier's first-half penalty proved enough to see off Norwegian side Valerenga at Leigh.

Making their first appearance in Europe's most prestigious club competition, Marc Skinner's side dominated for long periods but struggled to open up a compact Valerenga side who were happy to defend their own penalty area.

With Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Wolfsburg and French heavyweights Paris St-Germain and Lyon to face in the six-match opening stage, United needed a win to give them a realistic chance of securing a top-12 berth, which would earn at least a play-off next year for a quarter-final spot.

Le Tissier delivered it, keeping her nerve to send Tove Enblom the wrong way from the spot after Arna Eiriksdottir was harshly ruled to have handled a pass from Julia Zigiotti Olme that was intended for Elisabeth Terland.

United's Melvine Malard wasted a couple of opportunities before Le Tissier struck, and Jess Park had a shot saved at the start of the second half before setting up Terland, whose effort was blocked.

Valerenga finished the game strongly and United survived a scare in the final stages when substitute Elise Thorsnes burst to the edge of the penalty area, only to drag her shot wide.

Man Utd analysis: Skinner's side look tired already

Head coach Skinner has repeatedly stressed the need for new signings in January and this was an example of why he feels that way.

While United deserved their win, the performance was laboured as they were sucked into playing in too narrow an area, which allowed Valerenga's defence to keep them at arm's length.

Most of the shots United did have were from long distance and Terland has now gone four games without a goal after her sparkling early season form.

This was Skinner's side's 10th game of the campaign. While they have secured some notable results in that time – and lost only once – in Norway to Brann in the first leg of the final Champions League qualifier – they are starting to look tired.

They only had eight substitutes, including two goalkeepers, while their opponents were able to name the full complement of 11.

It was Valerenga who ended the game strongly, and if Thorsnes had kept her composure as Le Tissier had done earlier, they might have snatched a draw. As it was, nerve failed her.

However, Skinner needs to find a way of injecting energy into his squad to maintain their momentum, then, having done so well so far, he needs assistance from the transfer market when the window opens in January.

What's next?

Manchester United visit Everton in the Women's Super League on Sunday, 12 October (12:00 BST) before travelling to Spain to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Thursday, 16 October (17:45 BST).

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