United Women players celebrate against West Ham

Who was United Women's Player of the Match against West Ham?

Saturday 21 September 2024 15:00

Manchester United Women began the 2024/25 season with a strong 3-0 victory over West Ham at Old Trafford.

The WSL encounter, at the Theatre of Dreams, was sealed with goals from Geyse, Leah Galton and Grace Clinton, but every member of Marc Skinner's side impressed.

We ran a poll after the victory, allowing fans to vote for which Red they thought stood out the most.

Read on to find out which player got the most picks...

United Women 3 West Ham 0

 Article

We got our 2024/25 WSL campaign started in style at Old Trafford.

Geyse scored the first goal of the afternoon inside the opening half hour. It was a strike of her own making, chasing down a long pass forward and using strength to win the ball just inside the West Ham area, before composing herself for the finish.

The Brazilian, who took 21 per cent of the poll, caused problems for the Hammers down our right flank and struck up a promising understanding with Clinton.

Geyse had a brilliant game but, overall, it was Grace who just edged it in the eyes of supporters with her debut performance, claiming 26 per cent of the final vote.

Wearing her new no.8 shirt, Clinton produced an all-action display. Following an invaluable loan at Tottenham last season, she took the Old Trafford stage brilliantly, being tenacious out of possession and progressive with the ball at her feet.

A debut goal just a few minutes into the second half was just reward for the 21-year-old England international. United capitalised on a short clearance from the West Ham defence, with Lisa Naalsund picking up the loose ball just outside the penalty area and immediately floating a cross towards the far post.

Clinton had cleverly ghosted into space in the box and all it was needed was a glance of her head to take the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Kinga Szemik.

Clinton scores on her debut Video

Clinton scores on her debut

MATCH MOMENT | Watch Grace Clinton's first United goal, as she heads the Reds into a 3-0 lead at Old Trafford...

With 16 per cent of the vote, fans also enjoyed what Ella Toone gave in a game dedicated to the memory of her late father, who passed away recently at the age of 59.

Our new vice-captain operated from the left flank but drifted into different attacking areas to good effect and was only denied a late breakaway goal by a strong save.

It was an emotional day for everyone associated with the Toone family and Clinton - like her team-mates celebrated with a heart facing up to the sky in tribute.

Well done on a standout debut, Grace.

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