Manchester United Women Triumph Over PSG with 2-1 Win in Historic Champions League Clash at Old Trafford

Manchester United Women Make It Three Wins from Three in Europe

Manchester United Women extended their perfect start to the Champions League with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain – their first-ever European fixture at Old Trafford.

In front of a lively 14,667-strong crowd, Melvine Malard fired United ahead before Olga Carmona’s thunderous equaliser brought PSG level. But on a rain-soaked Manchester night, Fridolina Rolfö’s superb header sealed the win and ensured United joined Barcelona and Lyon at the top of the group with nine points from three games.

First Half – Two Stunning Strikes

Manager Marc Skinner made five changes following the weekend’s defeat to Aston Villa, handing first starts of the season to goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel and midfielder Simi Awujo.

United were nearly caught cold early on when PSG’s Joe Echegini struck the post, but the near miss jolted the hosts into life. Malard, sharp and determined throughout, linked neatly with Jess Park before the French striker broke the deadlock in style.

Chasing a lofted pass from Jayde Riviere, Malard muscled past Griedge Mbock, shifted onto her left foot and curled past Mary Earps – who was making her return to Old Trafford – to send the crowd into raptures.

PSG grew into the half through the lively Rasheedat Ajibade, forcing Middleton-Patel into a pair of smart saves. Just when it seemed United would hold firm until the break, Carmona unleashed a fierce long-range strike that flew into the top corner, leaving Middleton-Patel helpless and levelling the match on the stroke of half-time.

Second Half – Rolfö’s Decisive Header

The Parisians started the second half brightly, with Anais Ebayilin forcing an outstanding stop from Middleton-Patel. But United soon regained control, and their pressure told just before the hour mark.

A crisp passing move between Park and Awujo sliced through PSG’s midfield before Park released Anna Sandberg on the left. Her inch-perfect cross found compatriot Rolfö, who rose highest to glance her header into the far corner.

Earps denied Malard a second goal and later gathered well from Awujo, as United continued to push forward in search of a third. PSG, desperate to salvage a result, made several late substitutions and came close through substitute Lea Morissaint and Tara Elimbi Gilbert – the latter seeing her effort bravely blocked by Riviere.

Despite six minutes of added time, United’s composure and resilience saw them safely over the line, sparking joyous celebrations at the final whistle. Players and staff huddled together before saluting the stands, soaking in the atmosphere of a historic night at Old Trafford.

Match Details

Manchester United: Middleton-Patel; Riviere, Le Tissier, George, Sandberg; Miyazawa, Zigiotti Olme; Park (Williams 90), Awujo (Toone 69), Rolfö (Galton 75); Malard (Terland 75).
Subs not used: Rendell, Blundell, Naalsund, Griffiths.
Goals: Malard (31), Rolfö (58).
Booked: Malard, Le Tissier.

Paris Saint-Germain: Earps; Isabela Chagas (Morissaint 84), De Almeida, Mbock Bathy, Olga Carmona; Ebayilin, Groenen (Elimbi Gilbert 73), Karchaoui (c); Ajibade (Diakite 73), Leuchter, Echegini (Kanjinga 64).
Subs not used: Kiedrzynek, Toussaint, Samoura, Dorsin, Gaetino, Graziani, Fatier, Benera.
Goal: Carmona (45+3).
Booked: Karchaoui.

Attendance: 14,667.