
Man Utd Women’s Player Ratings vs London City Lionesses: Melvine Malard Looks Unstoppable While Jess Park Scores Stunner Ahead of Must-Win Champions League Clash
United’s Ruthless Form Continues in WSL
Manchester United Women could not have scripted a better start to the 2025/26 Women’s Super League season. After sweeping aside Leicester City on opening weekend, the Red Devils produced another statement performance in London, dismantling the London City Lionesses 5-1 to make it two wins from two.
While much of the pre-match discussion revolved around United’s uphill task in Europe—they trail Brann 1-0 heading into Thursday’s decisive Champions League qualifier—this fixture served as the perfect tonic. Marc Skinner’s side looked sharp, hungry, and full of goals.
The headlines will understandably focus on Melvine Malard, whose double either side of half-time underlined her lethal form, but this was also an afternoon when Jess Park stole the show late on with a thunderbolt and Maya Le Tissier marked her 100th appearance in style. Even full-back Jayde Riviere joined the party with her first goal for the club.
In short: United’s attack looks unstoppable, and their confidence is surging at just the right time.
Early Penalty and Riviere’s Rocket
United wasted no time in asserting themselves. Within three minutes, Malard was bundled over in the box by Jana Fernandez, leaving referee no choice but to point to the spot. Up stepped Maya Le Tissier, calmness personified, drilling the penalty straight down the middle to give her side an early lead on her milestone day.
If that set the tone, the second goal ignited the traveling fans. On 33 minutes, Jayde Riviere surged forward and fired a vicious cross-shot from the tightest of angles. The ball sailed into the roof of the net, leaving the Lionesses’ keeper stranded. Whether she meant it or not, Riviere won’t care—it was a stunning way to open her United account.
Malard Turns the Game Into a Rout
The second half began exactly as Skinner would’ve hoped: fast, clinical, ruthless. Melvine Malard, already proving to be the signing of the season, struck twice in five minutes.
Her first looked marginally offside, but with no flag raised she made no mistake, rifling the ball across the goalkeeper. Moments later, she showed another side of her game, timing her run perfectly to nod home a delightful Anna Sandberg cross.
That brace made it four goals in just two league appearances for the French international. Confidence is coursing through her veins, and she looks unstoppable at the moment—a nightmare for defenders, and a dream for Skinner.
Parris Strikes Back, but Park Has the Final Word
London City did have their moment of joy when Nikita Parris—once a Red Devil herself—pulled one back in the 76th minute. A well-taken goal, and for a brief moment, the hosts threatened to make it interesting.
But United’s superiority was never in doubt, and the final flourish belonged to Jess Park. Collecting the ball at the edge of the area, she unleashed an unstoppable effort into the top corner, a goal of the highest quality that put an exclamation mark on the result.
Park has long been tipped as one of England’s brightest talents, and with strikes like this, it’s easy to see why.
Man Utd Women’s Player Ratings vs London City Lionesses
Goalkeeper & Defence

Jayde Riviere Manchester United 2025-26
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (7/10):
Made a crucial save early on to deny Alanna Kennedy and ensure United stayed in control after taking the lead. Not overworked, but steady and reliable.
Jayde Riviere (7/10):
Her thunderous strike—cross or shot, who cares?—was a highlight of the match. Defensively alert, and always a willing runner up the flank.
Maya Le Tissier (7/10):
Cool under pressure to slot home the early penalty on her 100th appearance. Marshaled the backline well and oozed leadership.
Millie Turner (6/10):
Solid in the air and strong in the tackle, but United did wobble on a few deliveries into the box. Unfortunate to be stretchered off in the second half.
Anna Sandberg (8/10):
An excellent performance from the full-back. Dangerous going forward, testing the keeper from a free-kick before assisting Malard’s second with a peach of a cross.
Midfield

Ella Toone Manchester United 2025-26-WSL
Julia Zigiotti Olme (7/10):
Kept the midfield ticking with intelligent passing and positioning. Not flashy, but effective.
Hinata Miyazawa (7/10):
All energy and industry. Closed down opponents tirelessly and gave United an edge in midfield battles.
Ella Toone (7/10):
A few touches of class, including a cheeky chip that nearly dropped in. Didn’t need to dominate, but still showed her quality.
Attack

Jess Park Manchester United 2025-26 WSL
Celin Bizet (7/10):
Unselfish display, willing to let Sandberg overlap while contributing both in attack and defensively.
Jess Park (8/10):
A complete performance. Provided the assist for Malard before capping her afternoon with a jaw-dropping goal. A player growing in confidence.
Melvine Malard (9/10):
Simply unstoppable. Won the penalty, then struck twice after the break with clinical finishes. United’s talisman right now.
Subs & Manager

Marc Skinner Manchester United
Dominique Janssen (6/10):
Steady after replacing Turner but couldn’t help secure a clean sheet.
Fridolina Rolfo (6/10):
Lively and kept the tempo up, though occasionally caught out of position.
Elisabeth Terland (6/10):
A safe cameo, helping Toone get a rest before the European clash.
Lisa Naalsund (N/A):
Too little time to influence proceedings.
Gabby George (N/A):
Made her first appearance of the season late on.
Marc Skinner (8/10):
Another strong showing from his side. The only frustration will be conceding, but five goals away from home is ideal preparation for Thursday’s must-win.
Champions League Looms Large
The final whistle in London may have sparked celebrations, but thoughts immediately turned to Europe. United must overturn a 1-0 deficit against Brann if they are to secure their first-ever group stage appearance in the Women’s Champions League.
On the evidence of this WSL performance, they have every chance. Malard is red-hot, Park is delivering end product, and there are goals all across the pitch.
Defensive frailties remain a concern—better sides than London City will punish those lapses—but the attacking arsenal at Skinner’s disposal could carry them through.
Conclusion: Malard and Park Lead the Charge
The story of this match can be summed up by its headline: Man Utd Women’s Player Ratings vs London City Lionesses: Melvine Malard Looks Unstoppable While Jess Park Scores Stunner Ahead of Must-Win Champions League Clash.
Malard’s ruthlessness, Park’s brilliance, Le Tissier’s composure, and Riviere’s rocket all combined to give United a perfect domestic platform ahead of their European challenge.
If they can bottle this form and reproduce it on Thursday, history might just beckon for the Red Devils.
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