Boe Risa features in Women's World Cup opener

The 28-year-old came on in the 74th minute to replace Frida Maanum but could not help her country avoid a shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of New Zealand.

Hannah Wilkinson finished off a fine move in the 48th minute to score the only goal past former United keeper Aurora Mikalsen and give the co-hosts victory in Auckland.

It could have been better for New Zealand - in front of 42,317 fans at Eden Park, a record for a football match in the country - but Ria Percival struck a penalty against the crossbar late on after Tuva Hansen was penalised for handball.

Boe Risa made her senior debut for Norway in 2016 and was a key part of the squad that reached the quarter-finals of the last Women’s World Cup in France in 2019.

United's representation continued on day two of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, with our Canadian Reds both starting their nation's 0-0 draw with Nigeria in Group B.

Adriana Leon and Jayde Riviere were each named in the starting XI, playing 64 and 71 minutes respectively in the encounter at AAMI Park in Melbourne.

Canada were denied the chance to score a decisive goal from the penalty spot early in the second half, when Christine Sinclair's kick was saved, while their opponents finished the stalemate with a player less after Deborah Abiodun was sent off late on.

There were starts for @JaydeRiviere and @LeonAdriana9 in Canada's first #FIFAWWC group-stage game 🇨🇦

We know there's more to come from you, Reds! 💪#MUWomen || #CAN https://t.co/zuIQrkD3HN

— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) July 21, 2023

COMING UP AT THE WORLD CUP...

With Canada and Norway now under way at the tournament, European champions England will be the third and final country to kick off the campaign with at least one United player in their ranks.

Mary Earps, Ella Toone and Katie Zelem may be involved when the Lionesses play their first match against Haiti in Group D on Saturday (kick-off 10:30 BST).