Man Utd Player Ratings vs Brighton: Jess Park, That Is Brilliant!

Star Scores Best Goal of the Game as Marc Skinner’s Side Win Five-Goal Thriller After Elisabeth Terland and Lisa Naalsund Strikes to Continue Unbeaten Start to WSL Season

It was another dramatic afternoon for Manchester United Women as Marc Skinner’s in-form side edged out Brighton & Hove Albion in a five-goal thriller at Broadfield Stadium. Goals from Elisabeth Terland, Jess Park, and Lisa Naalsund ensured United maintained their unbeaten start to the 2025–26 Women’s Super League season, with a hard-fought 3–2 victory that keeps them firmly in the title race alongside Chelsea and Manchester City.

This was far from a comfortable win. Brighton, to their credit, made United work every inch for it, pressing high, breaking quickly, and showing real spirit in front of their home supporters. But the Red Devils’ quality eventually told — particularly through the dazzling footwork and composure of Jess Park, who once again underlined why she’s becoming one of the standout stars of the league.

United Grow Into the Game After Early Brighton Pressure

As expected, the hosts came flying out of the blocks. Brighton’s front line, led by the energetic Kiko Seike, pressed aggressively, trying to unsettle United’s back four. Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce was called into early action, but Brighton’s efforts lacked precision — most of their attempts flew harmlessly over or wide.

Once the initial storm settled, United began to assert themselves. Ella Toone and Julia Zigiotti Olme started dictating tempo in midfield, using neat combinations to stretch the Brighton defence. Elisabeth Terland, operating as the central striker, was lively throughout, constantly looking to run in behind.

The breakthrough came midway through the first half. A neat exchange between Toone and Park carved open the Brighton defence, and when the ball broke kindly for Terland, she made no mistake — curling a measured right-footed finish into the bottom corner. It was a striker’s goal: instinctive, clinical, and perfectly timed.

Jess Park Shines Once Again

If Terland’s opener steadied United, Jess Park’s strike after the break was the moment that truly swung the game in their favour. It was a goal worthy of winning any contest — a gorgeous left-footed drive from just outside the box that left Brighton keeper Megan Walsh with no chance.

Park, who’s been in scintillating form since being recalled to the starting lineup, has quickly become one of United’s most indispensable players. Her fourth league goal of the campaign showcased everything she brings to this side: direct running, confidence, and a touch of artistry.

“She’s just fearless,” Skinner said post-match. “Jess plays with freedom — she sees the game a second quicker than most, and that gives her an edge. That’s the type of player who can make the difference in tight games like this.”

Park was indeed the heartbeat of United’s attacking play. She linked beautifully with Toone and Terland, drove at defenders relentlessly, and completed more successful dribbles than anyone else on the pitch.

Brighton Refuse to Go Quietly

But Brighton weren’t about to roll over. Fran Kirby, the England international, was instrumental in dragging her side back into the contest. Just after the hour mark, she found herself unmarked on the edge of the area and coolly slotted home a precise finish to make it 2–1.

United briefly wobbled — their shape looked uncertain, and Brighton sensed opportunity. However, Skinner’s decision to bring on Lisa Naalsund proved decisive. Barely ten minutes after her introduction, the Norwegian midfielder restored United’s two-goal cushion with a delightful curling effort into the top corner — her first goal of the season, and what a time to score it.

Even then, Brighton wouldn’t go away quietly. Kiko Seike, whose movement caused problems all afternoon, pounced on a rare lapse from Maya Le Tissier to slot home Brighton’s second. At 3–2, with just minutes left, it was nervy stuff for the visitors. But Skinner’s side held their ground, seeing out the final moments with grit and composure to secure a vital win on the road.

Player Ratings

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Goalkeeper & Defence

Phallon Tullis-Joyce – 6/10
Faced a busy afternoon but wasn’t overly troubled by Brighton’s efforts, which were often off target. Commanded her area reasonably well but will be disappointed not to have come away with a clean sheet.

Jayde Riviere – 7/10
A typically dynamic display from the Canadian full-back. Always eager to push forward, Riviere delivered a series of low, teasing crosses that unsettled Brighton’s defence. Solid defensively, too.

Maya Le Tissier – 5/10
A mixed outing for the centre-back. Composed for most of the game but lost track of Seike in the buildup to Brighton’s second goal — a lapse that nearly cost United two points.

Dominique Janssen – 6/10
Positionally sound and strong in the air. While Brighton found the net twice, Janssen wasn’t directly at fault for either. Her leadership at the back remains a key asset.

Anna Sandberg – 6/10
Another steady performance from the Swedish defender. Made one crucial first-half tackle to deny Brighton’s Carla Camacho a clear scoring chance.

Midfield

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Hinata Miyazawa – 6/10
Tidy in possession and covered plenty of ground, though she lost track of Kirby for Brighton’s first goal. Otherwise, a solid outing from the Japanese international.

Julia Zigiotti Olme – 7/10
A bundle of energy, as always. Drove United forward with surging runs and clever one-touch play. Her understanding with Toone continues to be one of United’s key attacking outlets.

Attack

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Jess Park – 9/10
The standout performer. Scored a sensational second goal for United and dictated much of their attacking tempo. Completed the most dribbles, made key passes, and never stopped running. She’s becoming a genuine star in this league.

Ella Toone – 7/10
Another creative masterclass from United’s playmaker-in-chief. Registered yet another assist — her fifth of the campaign — and constantly looked to find space between Brighton’s lines.

Melvine Malard – 6/10
A rare quiet day for the league’s top scorer. Despite her hard work off the ball, she struggled to find openings. Just 30 touches in total and no shots on target.

Elisabeth Terland – 8/10
Clinical when it mattered. Took her goal beautifully and continues to demonstrate the value of a striker who can make an impact even with limited touches.

Substitutes & Manager

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Fridolina Rolfö – 7/10
Introduced in the second half and immediately threatened with her pace and power. Unlucky not to score when her deflected shot grazed the post.

Hannah Blundell – 6/10
Did exactly what was needed after coming on — solid, reliable, and composed under pressure.

Simi Awujo – 6/10
Brought fresh legs to the midfield, recycling possession effectively and helping United see out the result.

Lisa Naalsund – 7/10
What an impact! Scored a beauty to make it 3–1, sealing the points. Her first goal of the campaign and a timely reminder of her quality.

Gabby George – N/A
Came on too late to make an impression.

Marc Skinner – 7/10
Opted for minimal rotation following the Champions League win over Atletico Madrid, and it paid off. His decision to start Park and introduce Naalsund was spot-on. Tactical tweaks late in the game ensured United saw out a tense finish.

Final Thoughts

This was the kind of victory that defines potential title contenders. United weren’t perfect — far from it — but they showed resilience, character, and flashes of brilliance when it mattered most.

Jess Park’s performance will rightly grab the headlines. Her goal wasn’t just the highlight of the afternoon; it was a moment of individual excellence that lifted her entire team. Meanwhile, Terland and Naalsund offered the clinical edge that’s becoming characteristic of Marc Skinner’s evolving side.

With Chelsea and City both keeping up their relentless pace, United’s ability to grind out results like this could prove vital in the long run. They’re unbeaten, confident, and showing an increasing maturity in tight games.

For Brighton, there were plenty of positives too — particularly from Kirby and Seike — but they’ll rue defensive lapses that ultimately proved costly.

Next up for United is another tricky test, but if Park and company can maintain this level of intensity, they’ll remain right in the thick of the title conversation.

Because make no mistake: this team isn’t just unbeaten — they’re believing.