FIRST HALF
City made the brighter start and ??c World Cupforced an early save from Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who did well to keep out Miedema’s first effort.
The visitors continued to apply pressure in the opening stages, with Aoba Fujino firing just wide, but United gradually settled into the contest. Simi Awujo registered our maiden attempt after 10 minutes, driving an effort narrowly off target from the left.
City came close to taking the lead midway through the half when Lauren Hemp struck the crossbar from the edge of the box, before the breakthrough arrived soon after. Miedema rose highest to head the ball home from a corner.
Despite the setback, Tullis-Joyce produced an excellent save to deny Bunny Shaw as City threatened again. The Blues had the ball at the back of the net once more moments later, when Rebecca Knaak headed in from a corner, but it was ruled out for a foul spotted by the referee in a crowded penalty area.
City enjoyed most of the possession, but United remained in the contest, and Tullis-Joyce was called into action once more to deal with Miedema’s latest low effort. Just before the break, Hemp created another opening, but Shaw was unable to convert.
SECOND HALF
United made a positive start to the second half, with Lea Schuller’s pass just missing Melvine Malard’s run in the middle.
However, City extended their lead shortly after, as Casparij converted from Hemp’s delivery, finishing the cross from the left at the back post.
In response, United began building a little bit of momentum, and Malard came close with a curling effort from the right that drifted narrowly wide, while Awujo had some positive involvements, including a strike from distance that was blocked.
United continued to push forward and Malard also headed on target during a sustained spell of pressure.
George produced an important last-ditch challenge to deny Shaw scoring a fourth for City late in the game, as the Reds continued to battle until the final whistle.
Despite an improved second-half display and several encouraging moments, the early goals ultimately left United with too much to do.
MATCH DETAILS
United:Tullis-Joyce; Riviere (Drury 70), Le Tissier (c), Turner (George 77), Lundkvist; Naalsund (Anderson 77), Miyazawa; Park, Awujo, Malard; Schuller (Rolfo 53).
Subs not used:Middleton-Patel, Rendell, Robinson.
Manchester City:Yamashita; Casparij, Rose, Knaak, Greenwood (c); Hasegawa, Coffey; Fujino, Miedema (Kerolin 70), Hemp (Fowler 86); Shaw.
Subs not used:Keating, Coombs, Leila Ouahabi, Blinkilde Brown, Lohmann, Beney, Prior.
Goals:Miedema 17, 19, Casparij 49.
Booked:Knaak.
Attendance:24,983.
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