Manchester United 2-1 Everton Women: Match Recap | Late drama ends cruelly for Blues
Phelan has mixed emotions as WSL winning run ends
LEIGH, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Lisa Naalsund of Manchester United is challenged by Aurora Galli of Everton during the Barclays Women's Super League match between Manchester United and Everton at Progress with Unity Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Leigh, England. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall - WSL/WSL Football via Getty Images) | WSL Football via Getty Images Scott Phelan had mixed emotions after Everton Women’s winning run in the WSL came to a cruel end thanks to a last-gasp Melvine Malard goal at Progress with Unity Stadium. Elisabeth Terland had given Manchester United the lead in the first half, only for the battling Blues to have their fightback rewarded as substitute Inma Gabarro levelled proceedings in the last minute of normal time.
But the draw the Toffees deserved was not to be as Marc Skinner’s side struck with the last header of the game to lift the Red Devils into second place above Chelsea. And a reflective Phelan explained a mixture of emotions after experiencing his first league defeat since taking the Goodison hotset. “It’s a mixture of emotions, really.
We are definitely disappointed, more to do with the manner of the goal and the timing of the goal, which made it worse,” he said. “But that would feel a lot worse if we didn’t show a positive reaction, especially in the second half. “The fight, personality and bravery got us some momentum in the game, and when we scored it wasn’t a massive surprise.
“Then you think we are coming home with something, maybe deservedly based on the second half but not so much on the first, to lose on a set piece with the last head of the game, that is disappointing and it hurts. ” Issy Hobson was the only change in the starting XI, the academy graduate replacing Hannah Blundell, who was ineligible to face her parent club. United began on the front foot and looked to make their control count, but Julia Zigiotti failed to find the target after meeting Maya Le Tissier’s ball cross on 15 minutes.