Groenen: United unlucky to lose derby
New signing Jackie Groenen believes Manchester United Women were unfortunate to lose 1-0 to Manchester City in our opening Women’s Super League game.
The Reds were arguably the better side in the first half at the Etihad Stadium but Caroline Weir’s superb long-range strike shortly after the break ensured the hosts took all three points.
“We got a bit unlucky a couple of times,” said Groenen, who impressed on what was her competitive debut for Casey Stoney's side after joining from 1. FFC Frankfurt in the summer.
Highlights: Man City Women 1 United Women 0
Watch the best of the action from our first match in the Women's Super League against local rivals Manchester City...
“I think we did really well in the first half, we put them under pressure and we got four or five big chances to score a goal. That was the difference, they got one big chance and they scored it.
"That was the one time we didn’t get pressure on [Weir]. We know she has a long-distance shot and I think we have to step out a bit sooner there so she can’t get that shot off.”
The Netherlands international almost found an equaliser five minutes from time, but her effort rebounded off the post and into the grateful arms of City keeper Ellie Roebuck.
Groenen is confident that, despite the defeat, our performance proved that we have the ability to quickly adjust to life in the top flight.
“I think we did well today, we showed that we can compete at this level,” said the 24-year-old.
“I hit the post and in the first half we got a couple of good chances, so get more clinical and there’s nothing stopping us from beating them.”
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