Manchester United Women return to WSL action on Sunday looking to end a two-game losing streak when they host struggling West Ham United at Leigh Sports Village.

Sunday’s 12:00 GMT kick-off marks United’s first league fixture since the November international break, following back-to-back defeats to Manchester City (3-0) and Wolfsburg (5-2 in the Champions League). Marc Skinner’s side sit third in the WSL table but will be desperate to get back to winning ways before a congested December schedule.

West Ham arrive second from bottom with just one win all season, a 3-1 victory over Everton before the break. Manager Rehanne Skinner’s side have yet to keep a clean sheet this campaign, while their recent 2-0 League Cup defeat to Portsmouth suggests defensive fragility remains a major concern.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester United Women (4-2-3-1): Tullis-Joyce; Riviere, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg; Miyazawa, Toone; Park, Zigiotti Olme, Terland; Rolfo

West Ham United Women (4-3-3): Musovic; Patten, Fisk, Houssein, Shimizu; Atkinson, Gorry, Smith; Asseyi, Stengel, Kapi

Tullis-Joyce Returns as Skinner Demands Improvement

The major team news sees Phallon Tullis-Joyce available for selection after missing three matches with a fractured eye socket. “Phallon is ready. Phallon has been training the last few days, so Phallon will be available for selection,” Skinner confirmed Friday.

Millie Turner remains unavailable but could return later this month before the winter pause. Celin Bizet Donnum has announced she’s expecting her first child in 2026, with Skinner offering his congratulations.

Skinner’s Tactical Message

The United boss has challenged his players to improve in both penalty areas after consecutive defeats without scoring. “I want us to be better in both boxes, the little details; defend effectively, are we in the right positions at the right times with the right aggression and then I want to see the front-line invading,” Skinner said.

He acknowledged West Ham’s attacking threat despite their league position, highlighting their dangerous front three. “Their front-three can unpick any defence. They have such quality in the way that they interact, so you’ve got to be really focused when defending against them.”

Kick-off: 12:00 PM Sunday, December 7, 2025
Venue: Leigh Sports Village
TV: Sky Sports Mix (UK)

Also read: Manchester United Skipper Continues Impressive England Run With Commanding Display Against Ghana

Manchester United captain Maya Le Tissier delivered another solid performance for England in Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over Ghana at St Mary’s Stadium, completing the full 90 minutes as the Lionesses closed out 2025 with consecutive clean sheets.

The 23-year-old centre-back completed 96% of her 102 passes while making three clearances and blocking one goal-bound effort in Southampton.

Defensive Statistics Highlight Dominance

Le Tissier won three of four aerial duels against Ghana and made six recoveries throughout the contest, demonstrating her growing comfort at international level.

Maya Le Tissier registered one interception and was not dribbled past during the entire match, maintaining the defensive solidity Sarina Wiegman demanded from her back line. The Manchester United defender partnered with Lotte Wubben-Moy in central defence for the friendly.

Starting Position Under Scrutiny

The clean sheet represented Le Tissier’s second consecutive start at centre-back for England following Saturday’s 8-0 demolition of China at Wembley. However, her long-term position remains uncertain with Leah Williamson, Alex Greenwood and Jess Carter all absent from this camp through injury or rest.

Wiegman has previously stated she views Le Tissier primarily as a right-back rather than a centre-back, creating doubt about her role when all defenders return to fitness.

Question Marks Over 2026 Role

England face a potential selection dilemma when World Cup qualifying begins in the New Year. Le Tissier has seized her opportunity during the injury absences, keeping consecutive clean sheets and displaying composure on the ball.

Yet the return of Williamson, Carter and Greenwood could force her back to full-back or onto the bench despite recent form suggesting she deserves to retain the starting centre-back role alongside one of England’s established defenders.

Also read: Manchester United Star A Bit Wasteful Amid Slight Slump in Form as Norway Held to Frustrating Draw by Denmark

Manchester United striker Elisabeth Terland endured a frustrating evening as Norway were held to a goalless draw by Denmark in Monday’s international friendly.

The 24-year-old squandered a big chance and registered three shots without finding the net, continuing her recent struggle for goals at international level despite maintaining excellent defensive work rate throughout the contest.

Terland Fails to Convert Golden Opportunity

Terland’s most significant moment came when she missed what was classified as a big chance, one of three shots she registered during the 90 minutes.

One effort tested Danish goalkeeper Maja Bay Ostergaard directly, while another was blocked by the resolute backline. The Norway international completed zero dribbles from her attempts and managed just six successful passes from 10 attempts, reflecting a disjointed attacking performance.

Defensive Contributions Provide Small Consolation

Despite the attacking frustrations, Terland demonstrated commitment to the defensive side of her game. She won 100% of her tackle attempts and made one clearance, while also completing three ground duels and winning one aerial battle. The physical presence she provided helped Norway maintain their defensive solidity, even if the final product in attack proved elusive.

Naalsund Completes Full 90 Minutes

United teammate Lisa Naalsund played the entire match in midfield but similarly struggled to impose herself creatively. The 30-year-old completed just 67% of her passes and failed to register a single key pass throughout the encounter. Her one shot on goal was well blocked by the Danish defence. Naalsund fared better defensively, winning three of four tackle attempts and coming out on top in four ground duels.

Context of Recent Form

The result came just days after Norway’s impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil, making the stalemate against Denmark particularly disappointing. Terland started the season in red-hot form for United, scoring numerous goals during Champions League qualifying that prompted discussions about a new contract to keep her at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future. However, translating that club form to the international stage has proven more challenging in recent fixtures.

Both players will return to Manchester United ahead of Saturday’s WSL clash with West Ham at Old Trafford, where Terland will hope to rediscover the goalscoring touch that made her such a threat earlier in the campaign.

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