Manchester United earned a second successive Women’s Super League game by a four-goal margin as they condemned newly promoted London City Lionesses to another heavy defeat.
Lionesses’ first ever home game in the English top flight got off to the worst possible start as they conceded a penalty inside two minutes, with United captain Maya Le Tissier slamming home after Jana Fernandez fouled Melvine Malard.
The hosts responded well and threatened through set-pieces, with away keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce forced into saves including a particularly good close-range stop from Alanna Kennedy.
But United doubled their lead before half-time when full-back Jayde Riviere smashed past home stopper Elene Lete from a tight angle.
And the win was sealed within five minutes of the restart through a double by Malard, who has now scored four goals in two league games.
First, Jess Park fed the French striker who – despite apparently being narrowly offside – struck first time past Lete. Shortly after, she headed in from close range following Celin Bizet’s cross.
Lionesses scored a consolation as Nikita Parris netted from close range against her former side, but Park sealed a great win for United by claiming her first goal for the club via a long-range curler that left Lete stranded.
United, who beat Leicester 4-0 on the opening day, are top of the WSL on goal difference, while Lionesses are bottom.