Liverpool won both WSL meetings against Manchester United last season
Manchester United wrapped up a comfortable victory over Liverpool in the Women's Super League as head coach Marc Skinner enthused about their performance.
Quick-fire goals from Elisabeth Terland and Leah Galton gave United a 2-0 lead before Dominique Janssen and Melvine Malard sealed the three points in the second half.
It was a routine win for Skinner's side, who have struggled for consistency in recent weeks and will not have forgotten their two defeats by Liverpool last season.
But Liverpool were not able to effectively compete at Leigh Sports Village this time around - impacted heavily by injuries to key players and a lack of creativity.
They struggled to respond when they went 2-0 down and despite a short period of momentum after the break, United looked at ease as they saw out victory.
Substitute Malard's goal was the pick of the bunch, volleying home at the back post before running to the corner to celebrate in front of supporters.
Skinner has faced criticism for his side's performances this season, but a 4-0 win over Liverpool was a good response.
"I thought we were good. When we don't meet our high standards, we face criticism, but when we do play well and we're dominant, we deserve the accolades and the credit," said Skinner afterwards.
"It was a pretty even game up until [the first two goals were scored]. The second half was much more comfortable."
Meanwhile, Liverpool's struggles continue. They have just two wins from nine in the WSL and will be without midfielder Marie Hobinger for four to six weeks with a groin injury sustained during the international break.
"It's frustrating. We know we have one of the smallest squads. We can only work with the resources we have budget-wise," said Liverpool manager Matt Beard.
"I thought we started the game quite well but we had a moment of madness that killed the game for us conceding two [quick] goals."
United provide fans with positives
The build-up to Sunday's game was dominated by the news that Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth would be leaving the club after just five months.
Ashworth has been an advocate for the women's team and his absence was notably felt at Leigh Sports Village as Skinner's side bounced back from their defeat by Chelsea.
Skinner said he was told the news on Sunday morning, before United kicked off against Liverpool.
"My job was to concentrate on how we are on the pitch. That's my focus. I'm not privy to those decisions," Skinner said afterwards.
"I think it's part of the professional game. You have to take situations and make the best of them. I can't let that creep into our performances."
The news of Ashworth's departure came during a week when club minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe once again said the men's team was his "main issue", causing some frustration for supporters.
Skinner would have been aware of the expectation for his side to deliver as scrutiny continues to grow, and this result - while there was still room for improvement - was much needed.
It was an even contest in the first half, though United looked more threatening and they capitalised when Terland curled her strike into the bottom corner.
Liverpool had barely regrouped when United made it 2-0, Janssen's ball over the top finding Galton who drilled powerfully through goalkeeper Teagan Micah's hands.
The away team offered very little and were frustrated by refereeing decisions going against them. They felt Olivia Smith should have had a free-kick in the build-up to a Terland chance minutes before the opening goal.
Their best chance fell to Fuka Nagano, who tested goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce with a strike from the edge of the box, but it was United who found the net once again when Janssen placed in a third goal midway through the second half.
Liverpool's lack of squad depth was obvious and Beard was unable to change things from the bench, with Malard's stunning volley completing a forgettable afternoon for the Merseyside club.
There was a positive for Liverpool, though, as teenager Zara Shaw made a strong impression on her first WSL start for the club.
"I thought she was our best player. She's got a mature head on her shoulders and is an exciting player for the future," added Beard.
"The winter break will come at the right time and will give us a rest. We know we can be in a better position than we are and that's the reality of it."
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