Man Utd Women’s Player Ratings vs Leicester City: Elisabeth Terland the Super Sub as Julia Zigiotti Runs the Show

Elisabeth Terland does the business from the bench while Julia Zigiotti Olme pulls the strings in Manchester United Women’s WSL win over Leicester City

Manchester United Women made it another step forward in their quietly impressive start to 2026, grinding out a deserved 2-0 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. It wasn’t flashy, it wasn’t ruthless, but it was controlled, professional and ultimately effective – exactly the kind of performance Marc Skinner will be pleased with as the season begins to take shape.

The headlines will rightly focus on Julia Zigiotti Olme, who dictated the tempo of the match from midfield and played a direct role in both goals, and on Elisabeth Terland, who once again proved her value as a game-changing substitute. The Norwegian forward’s late strike killed off any lingering Leicester hope and underlined her remarkable scoring record against the Foxes.

United dominated possession, territory and chances, even if the scoreline suggests a closer contest than it really was. Leicester defended deep and battled gamely, but they were second best for long stretches and relied heavily on goalkeeper Olivia Clark to keep the damage to a minimum.

Below, we break down the performance in detail, with full Man Utd women’s player ratings vs Leicester City and a closer look at how the game unfolded.

Fast Start Sets the Tone for Man Utd Women

United could hardly have asked for a better opening. From the first whistle, Skinner’s side played on the front foot, pressing high and pinning Leicester back inside their own half. The breakthrough arrived after just 13 minutes, and while there was a slice of fortune involved, it was no less than United deserved.

Julia Zigiotti Olme delivered a teasing cross from the right, aimed towards January signing Lea Schuller. The German forward just failed to make contact, but the ball bounced awkwardly, evaded Olivia Clark and crept in at the far post. It went down as a goal for Zigiotti Olme, and it felt like a moment that summed up United’s intent: aggressive, positive and willing to take risks.

With the lead secured early, United settled into a rhythm. They dominated possession, circulated the ball patiently and repeatedly found space in wide areas, particularly down the left where Anna Sandberg and Melvine Malard linked up effectively.

Missed Chances Keep Leicester Alive

Despite their control, United were unable to add a second goal before half-time, and that was the one frustration in an otherwise strong first-half display.

Malard was a constant thorn in Leicester’s side, making clever runs in behind and forcing Clark into two smart saves. Hanna Lundkvist also went close from a corner but couldn’t keep her header down, while Schuller’s movement caused problems even if she didn’t get on the scoresheet.

Leicester offered little going forward, but the fact the score remained at 1-0 meant they stayed in the game. That sense of danger lingered into the second half, even if United rarely looked like losing control.

Skinner Turns to the Bench – Terland the Super Sub Again

The pattern continued after the break: United pushing, Leicester defending. Marc Skinner responded by freshening things up, first introducing Fridolina Rolfö and then turning to Elisabeth Terland in search of a decisive second goal.

Terland made an immediate impact. She found space well, attacked the box aggressively and had the clearest chance of the game shortly after coming on, only to head wide at the far post from a well-worked corner.

Simi Awujo also came close, forcing Clark into another excellent save as the Leicester goalkeeper kept her side in contention almost single-handedly.

Eventually, though, the pressure told. With time running down, Zigiotti Olme once again made the difference, winning the ball high up the pitch and feeding Terland. The Norwegian showed quick feet, composure and confidence, shifting the ball out of her feet before firing a low shot across goal. Game over.

It was Terland’s fifth goal in five appearances against Leicester – a remarkable statistic that underlines how effective she has been in these fixtures.

Man Utd Women Player Ratings vs Leicester City

Goalkeeper & Defence

Manchester City v Manchester United – Barclays Women’s Super League

Phallon Tullis-Joyce – 7/10
Not overworked, but alert when called upon. Dealt calmly with crosses and looked assured throughout. A quiet but solid afternoon.

Hanna Lundkvist – 6/10
Came into the side for Jayde Riviere and did her job well. Defensively sound and unlucky not to score from a corner. Faded slightly before being replaced.

Maya Le Tissier – 7/10
Another commanding display from the captain. Read the game well, won her duels and ensured Leicester rarely threatened centrally.

Dominique Janssen – 7/10
Reliable and composed alongside Le Tissier. Rarely troubled and helped United maintain a high defensive line.

Anna Sandberg – 8/10
One of United’s standout performers. Energetic going forward, delivered dangerous balls into the box and linked up excellently with Malard. Rode her luck with a second-half penalty shout but otherwise excellent.

Midfield Control: Zigiotti Olme Pulls the Strings

Man Utd women celebrating Julia Zigiotti Olme goal

Hinata Miyazawa – 7/10
Continues to build a strong understanding with Zigiotti Olme. Intelligent in possession and instrumental in United’s control of midfield.

Julia Zigiotti Olme – 8/10
The heartbeat of the team. Scored the opener, assisted the second and dictated play throughout. Pressed aggressively, used the ball well and led by example.

Lisa Naalsund – 6/10
A quieter outing after her starring role against Liverpool. Worked hard but struggled to impose herself and was substituted just after the hour.

Attack: Threat Without Ruthlessness

Jess Park – 6/10
Not at her sharpest, though Leicester worked hard to limit her influence. Had one golden chance that got away from her.

Lea Schuller – 7/10
Didn’t get her first WSL goal but contributed with intelligent movement and physical presence. Played a role in unsettling the Leicester defence.

Melvine Malard – 8/10
A constant menace, especially in the first half. Her movement, pace and work rate caused real problems, even if she couldn’t find the net.

Subs & Manager

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Jayde Riviere – 7/10
Came on and immediately added defensive solidity. Excellent block on Alisha Lehmann late on.

Fridolina Rolfö – 6/10
Some tidy moments but didn’t quite change the game as Skinner might have hoped.

Elisabeth Terland – 8/10
A genuine super sub. Lively, direct and clinical when it mattered. Once again decisive against Leicester.

Simi Awujo – 7/10
Bright cameo and unlucky not to score, forcing Clark into a fine save.

Ellen Wangerheim – N/A
Late minutes for the new signing, too little time to assess.

Marc Skinner – 7/10
Another unbeaten game and a controlled performance. Will be pleased with the win, though the lack of ruthlessness in front of goal will be something to work on.

Final Thoughts: Professional, If Not Perfect

This wasn’t Manchester United Women at their absolute best, but it was a mature, disciplined performance that showed progress and depth. Zigiotti Olme’s influence and Terland’s impact from the bench were the defining factors, while the defensive unit once again looked solid.

As the unbeaten run continues, Skinner will know tougher tests lie ahead. But wins like this – hard-earned, controlled and efficient – often matter just as much as the spectacular ones.