Marc Skinner’s side continued their unbeaten start to 2026 in the Women’s Super League with a deserved 2-0 victory over Leicester at the King Power Stadium. Swedish star Julia Zigiotti Olme was key to United’s win with a goal and an assist, while super sub Elisabeth Terland made the game safe late on.

United started brightly and were ahead after 13 minutes when Zigiotti Olme’s cross beat Olivia Clark and crept in at the far post. Melvine Malard was twice denied by Clark before halftime as United dominated but couldn’t extend their lead.

The pressure eventually told late on when Terland made the game safe. Zigiotti Olme won the ball back high up the pitch and fed Terland, who showed great footwork to fire a low shot across the goal to seal a deserved victory.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Phallon Tullis-Joyce (7/10): Called into action on several occasions but looked confident with no real scares.

Hanna Lundkvist (6/10): Did a good job filling in. Had a chance from a corner but couldn’t keep her header down.

Maya Le Tissier (7/10): Commanding performance from the captain who dealt comfortably with Leicester’s threat.

Dominique Janssen (7/10): Good shift alongside Le Tissier as Leicester struggled to cause problems.

Anna Sandberg (8/10): Strong showing from left back, always getting forward with good deliveries. Lucky to escape a penalty shout.

Midfield & Attack

Hinata Miyazawa (7/10): Great partnership with Zigiotti Olme on show again. Sent in an excellent ball for Schuller.

Julia Zigiotti Olme (8/10): United’s best player by a distance. Broke deadlock with cross that crept in before teeing up Terland. Absolutely outstanding.

Lisa Naalsund (6/10): Really quiet showing after starring against Liverpool. Hooked just after the hour.

Jess Park (6/10): Not at her best as Leicester kept her quiet. Engineered a chance, but the ball got stuck under her feet.

Lea Schuller (7/10): Her presence might have distracted the goalkeeper for the opener. Worked hard up front.

Melvine Malard (8/10): A real nuisance, making great runs. Had sights on the goal but couldn’t beat Clark.

Subs & Manager

Jayde Riviere (7/10): Solid showing off the bench. Good block on Alisha Lehmann late on.

Fridolina Rolfo (6/10): Had some good moments but couldn’t conjure up the second goal.

Elisabeth Terland (8/10): Loves scoring against Leicester. Five goals in five outings against the Foxes. Incredible record.

Simi Awujo (7/10): Forced Clark into a good save. Looked lively.

Marc Skinner (7/10): Happy with the win but disappointed by the margin. United dominated but needs more ruthlessness in front of the goal.

Also read: Manchester United WFC vs. Liverpool WFC : Predicted Lineups + Match Preview

Manchester United Women host bottom placed Liverpool at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday as Marc Skinner’s side look to extend their impressive seven game unbeaten run in all competitions. The Red Devils sit fourth in the WSL table, just one point behind third placed Arsenal, while the visitors are desperately fighting to avoid the relegation playoff.

United head into this derby clash in excellent form following their 4-1 thrashing of Aston Villa last weekend. Goals from Julia Zigiotti Olme, Elisabeth Terland, Jess Park and Hanna Lundkvist secured a dominant away victory that continued their momentum after beating Arsenal in the League Cup semi finals.

Kick-off: 11:55 GMT, Sunday, February 2, 2026
Venue: Leigh Sports Village, Manchester
TV: Sky Sports (UK)

United Chasing Champions League Qualification

This is a must win game for Manchester United if they want to maintain their push for UWCL qualification. Just four points separate Tottenham in fifth from Chelsea in second, making every match crucial in this tight battle for European places.

Skinner remains without Leah Galton and Ella Toone due to back and hip injuries respectively, though Gabby George and Fridolina Rolfo have returned to training. Elisabeth Terland and Hanna Lundkvist are pushing for starts after impressive substitute appearances against Villa.

Liverpool Boosted by First Win

Liverpool finally recorded their first WSL victory of the season last weekend, beating Tottenham with two stoppage time goals. Gareth Taylor has strengthened considerably in January, and several new arrivals featured in that crucial home win.

The Reds remain without Sam Kerr, Martha Thomas, Marie Hobinger and Zara Shaw, while January signing Anna Josendal is not ready to debut. Beata Olsson is back in full training and could feature.

Predicted Lineups:

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Tullis Joyce; Lundkvist, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg; Miyazawa, Zigiotti Olme; Wangerheim, Park, Malard; Terland

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Falk; Shimizu, Clark, Fisk, Woodham; Nagano, O’Sullivan; Bergstrom, Kapocs, Holland; Enderby

Also read: Arsenal WFC vs. Leicester City WFC: Predicted Lineups + Match Preview

Celin Bizet is pregnant with her first child, but the Manchester United forward is still remaining present at the team’s training ground. Bizet announced her pregnancy at the end of 2025, and one teammate in particular has motivated her through the experience so far, with Hannah Blundell providing crucial support.

The 24 year old played just five WSL games this season before her announcement in December. Speaking for the first time since withdrawing from the squad, Bizet revealed she is still showing face at Carrington despite not playing any competitive action. “It’s nice to feel fresher when I come into the gym, do things you normally do, go on the pitch, be a part of the group, not just disappear!”

Blundell Returns Just Eight Months After Giving Birth

Bizet discussed how Blundell, who gave birth in 2025, has helped her navigate pregnancy while remaining part of the squad. “It’s such a motivation seeing Han, what she’s been through, and seeing her smashing the fitness tests on the pitch now after having her baby.”

This is exactly the kind of support structure female footballers need. Blundell left United for Everton on loan in January, but her impact remains profound. “It gives me a lot of motivation. It shouldn’t be like, if you’re pregnant, that you shouldn’t be a part of the team. You see it is important, you will be back at some point. Yeah, it’s been great support from everyone, and Hannah’s been an inspiration.”

Young Age Should Not Stop Players Having Children

Bizet made an important point about having children while playing professional football. “There aren’t many of my age that are pregnant. Obviously, football is hard. I’m married, I have a great life outside of football, but I think having kids at a young age is healthy; you shouldn’t not do it because of football. And then coming back stronger, it’s exciting.”

The 2026-27 WSL season starts in seven months, but there is no telling how long it will take for Bizet to return to full fitness.

Also read: WSL Football Reports £8.2 Million Operating Loss in First Year as Independent Company Despite Tripling Revenue Since August 2024 Takeover