Grace Clinton made 14 WSL appearances for Everton before joining Manchester United in 2022
Grace Clinton continued her excellent start to the season with the winner against former club Everton as Manchester United ground out a narrow victory.
The 21-year-old is establishing herself as a vital player for United after impressing on loan at Tottenham last season and her fourth-minute strike meant she became the first player to score in her first two WSL games for the club.
Everton recovered from that poor start well and were twice denied by good saves from United's new first-choice goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
But Brian Sorensen's side were unable to build up any concerted pressure and they remain without a win against United in 11 WSL meetings.
Clinton won a place in the England side with her displays for Spurs last year and looked confident and powerful in the number 10 role for Marc Skinner's team.
She struck early against the club where she started her career, cutting out a poor pass from Justine Vanhaevermaet, driving into the area and finishing powerfully.
Karoline Olesen and Inma Gabarro were both denied in quick succession by Tullis-Joyce, before a lengthy delay as Spaniard Gabarro needed treatment for an injury.
She fell awkwardly in the corner and was comforted by team-mates before leaving the pitch on a stretcher.
Everton will hope for good news after already losing midfielder Aurora Galli to an anterior cruciate ligament injury in week one of the season.
United striker Elisabeth Terland stabbed wide after a strong run down the right from Geyse but struggled to get into the game, having just 12 touches.
United join Chelsea on maximum points in the early table, while Everton are yet to score or pick up a point.
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