The England star profited from the Frenchwoman's great work as Marc Skinner's side moved to within one point of the Women's Super League's top three
Manchester United fans have wanted to see Melvine Malard spearheading their team's attack for a while and her devastating display in the 4-0 win at Tottenham on Sunday showed exactly why. A tap-in from close range, a wonderful pass for England star Ella Toone to double the lead and a superb finish from the edge of the box saw the Frenchwoman steal the show as the Red Devils did all they could to keep up with those setting the pace at the top of the Women's Super League.
Things might've been different if not for Mary Earps' excellent reflex save and Maya Le Tissier's brilliant block on the line that kept Spurs out in the early stages on Sunday evening. Instead, it was United who took the lead just before the half hour mark, with Malard getting the faintest touch on Hannah Blundell's inch-perfect cross.
Despite being ahead, the visitors lacked tempo to their play in the first half, but they came out after the break with greater impetus and got their rewards early on. Malard turned provider when her excellent pass set up Toone to make it two, then the Lyon loanee got her second with a beautifully-placed strike from the edge of the Spurs' box just before the hour. Hayley Ladd rounded the scoring off late on with her first of the season.
United weren't at their best in this game, that much is for sure, but that they hardly had to get out of second gear to record such a convincing victory is a real positive as they closed the gap to Manchester City, in the final Champions League spot, to one point and moved to within four of pace-setting Chelsea with just one round of WSL fixtures to go before the Christmas break.
GOAL rates Man Utd's players from Brisbane Road…
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Mary Earps (7/10):
Called into action early on by Thomas and reacted well. Quick off her line to stop Ayane having a good chance in the second half.
Jayde Riviere (7/10):
Fantastic ball to give Galton a good chance in the first half. Got forward well and showcased her pace to cover herself defensively.
Maya Le Tissier (7/10):
Made a huge block to deny England a goal in the opening minutes.
Millie Turner (6/10):
Near-flawless in possession.
Hannah Blundell (7/10):
A wonderful delivery to Malard for her to open the scoring was just one example of her excellence in the attacking third.
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Katie Zelem (6/10):
Safe in possession but not much more. Showed good energy to press.
Hayley Ladd (7/10):
Showed wonderful determination with the run that led to Malard's second goal and netted late on to make it 4-0.
Ella Toone (8/10):
Covered a lot of ground to get involved and try to up the team's tempo. Great finish to double Man Utd's lead.
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Nikita Parris (5/10):
Couldn't get involved.
Melvine Malard (9/10):
Excellent movement to get on the end of Blundell's delivery and break the deadlock, and a gorgeous finish to make it 3-0. Played a perfect pass to set up Toone for her goal, too.
Leah Galton (7/10):
Lively. Could've opened the scoring in the first half but just got under a great chance after a clever run. Pressed well, winning the ball back plenty.
Subs & Manager
Lucia Garcia (6/10):
Replaced Parris with over 20 minutes to go. Her mazy dribble created the space for Ladd to net United's fourth late on.
Geyse (5/10):
Came on at the same time as Garcia, for Malard, but didn't have too much of an impact.
Rachel Williams (N/A):
On for the final 10 minutes or so.
Lisa Naalsund (N/A):
Got on for the last few minutes of the game.
Gemma Evans (N/A):
Came on at the same time at Naalsund.
Marc Skinner (7/10):
Put Malard in the position that suits her best and reaped the rewards extensively. Tempo of the entire performance needs to be higher, though.