Man Utd beat Leicester for seventh WSL win in a row

Manchester United kept up the pressure on Women’s Super League leaders Chelsea as they beat Leicester City on Sunday to secure their seventh consecutive league win.

First-half goals from Melvine Malard and Leah Galton were enough for the home side to continue their 100% start to 2025.

United dominated the opening stages without creating any clear-cut chances, passing up the opportunity to become the first team to score inside the opening 10 minutes in four consecutive WSL games.

Parity lasted 19 minutes until Malard ran on to Ella Toone’s through ball, sent Leicester goalkeeper Janina Leitzig to the ground with a drop of the shoulder and slotted into the empty goal.

A few minutes later United wanted a penalty when Sam Tierney appeared to handle in the box but referee Phoebe Cross waved play on.

Malard, making just her second WSL start of the season in place of the injured Elisabeth Terland, continued to impress and set up Galton to double United’s lead with a close-range finish in first-half injury time.

Leicester were much-improved following the half-time introduction of Nicole Momiki, with the Japan attacker forcing Phallon Tullis-Joyce into a routine stop with a low strike.

Tullis-Joyce was almost caught out when a sliced cross from Catherine Bott struck the crossbar, and was fortunate that both Sam Tierney and Asmita Ale blazed over when presented with good chances unmarked.

United failed to really gain control but claimed a 10th clean sheet of the season, one more than Chelsea.

Victory moves United within four points of league leaders Chelsea, who play Brighton & Hove Albion later on Sunday.

Leicester remain 10th in the table and are now winless in their last 13 WSL away games. Amandine Miquel’s side face the daunting prospect of a trip to London to face Chelsea on Wednesday.