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Man Utd women's player ratings vs Chelsea: Grace Clinton crowded out as Phallon Tullis-Joyce pays the penalty in Red Devils' first WSL defeat of the season

Manchester United's unbeaten start to the Women's Super League season came to an end on Sunday as Marc Skinner's side slipped to a 1-0 defeat away at leaders Chelsea.

After a pretty even start, Chelsea found the breakthrough after 17 minutes as United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce felled Mayra Ramirez inside the penalty area, and Guro Reiten converted from the spot.

The Red Devils failed to muster a shot on target in the first half, but went close to equalising shortly after the break as Geyse's deflected effort from 20 yards was clawed away by England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton as it looked destined for the top corner.

Chelsea dominated much of the second period, with Tullis-Joyce forced into fine saves to deny Ramirez and Erin Cuthbert, before United almost stole a point as substitute Melvine Malard worked space for herself inside the penalty area, only to see her powerful effort smack against the crossbar with Hampton beaten.

GOAL rates United's players from Kingsmeadow...

  • Chelsea v Manchester United - Barclays Women's Super LeagueGetty Images Sport

    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Phallon Tullis-Joyce (6/10):

    Couldn't do much about conceding the penalty and almost got a hand to Reiten's spot-kick. Made good second-half saves from Ramirez and Cuthbert and dealt well with crosses.

    Jayde Riviere (5/10):

    Was up against it, especially in the first half, but acquitted herself well for the most part. Couldn't force much going the other way, however.

    Maya Le Tissier (6/10):

    Struggled with Ramirez's pace and power at times. Did make a couple of vital clearances - including to deny Rytting Kaneryd in the second half - and always looked comfortable in possession.

    Millie Turner (6/10):

    As always, a commanding presence in the air, and made a key block to deny Bjorn in the second half.

    Gabby George (7/10):

    Defended well down the United left as Chelsea struggled to create much down her flank in open play. Showed why she has earned an England recall.

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  • Chelsea v Manchester United - Barclays Women's Super LeagueGetty Images Sport

    Midfield

    Simi Awujo (3/10):

    Gave the ball away far too easily inside her own half in the build-up to the penalty. Put herself about physically, but lacked quality in possession.

    Dominique Janssen (4/10):

    Was pressed incessantly whenever she got the ball in her own half and didn't deal with it all that well.

    Grace Clinton (5/10):

    Had a couple of nice touches in the final third, but saw far too little of the ball. Booking for delaying a free-kick summed up her frustration.

  • Geyse Manchester United 2024-25Getty Images

    Attack

    Celin Bizet (4/10):

    Spent most of her hour on the pitch chasing back to deal with Baltimore's forays forwards down her flank. Couldn't produce anything of note in attack.

    Rachel Williams (4/10):

    Her physical presence caused problems at times, but the striker couldn't have any influence on the rare occasion she did get on the ball.

    Geyse (6/10):

    United's biggest threat, the winger just lacked the final ball or composure to really hurt Chelsea despite causing problems with her pace. Forced Hampton into a fine save early in the second half with a deflected effort.

  • Subs & Manager

    Melvine Malard (6/10):

    Replaced Williams for the final half-hour, and almost stole an equaliser later on when she cracked the crossbar.

    Leah Galton (5/10):

    Still working her way back from injury, as thus remains rusty.

    Hayley Ladd (N/A):

    Thrown on in the closing minutes.

    Anna Sandberg (N/A):

    On for George in stoppage-time.

    Marc Skinner (5/10):

    Injuries meant he had limited options, but he will be disappointed with how few chances his side created. By no means a disastrous display, but not the result he was looking for.