Man Utd women's player ratings vs Arsenal: Red Devils drop first points of 2025-26 amid defensive selection headache as Melvine Malard & Jess Park fall flat on emotional afternoon of WSL action

Manchester United dropped their first WSL points of the season when being held to a goalless draw by Arsenal, who had also opened the 2025-26 campaign with back-to-back wins. An emotional afternoon saw tears shed before kick-off as tributes were paid to former Liverpool manager Matt Beard, who passed away on September 20 at 47 years of age.

There were less than 40 seconds on the clock when United fashioned the first sight of goal, with in-form striker Melvine Malard forcing a smart save with a low snapshot. The France international also went close after Daphne van Domselaar spilled the ball at her feet.

Malard was unable to turn home from close range, with Ella Toone and Jess Park also being denied before Arsenal eventually scrambled clear. At the other end of the field, Phallon Tullis-Joyce saw her reflexes tested on a couple of occasions.

Malard failed to scamper clear shortly after the restart, as the Gunners dug in, before Julia Zigiotti Olme flashed a well-struck effort from the edge of the box narrowly over the crossbar. The usual flurry of second-half substitutions did little to alter the course of proceedings as both sides struggled to find an attacking spark.

GOAL rates Manchester United's players from Leigh Sports Village...

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Goalkeeper & Defence
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (7/10):
Wasn’t given credit for one fingertip save onto the crossbar, as a goal kick was awarded, but was there when United needed her to be.
Celin Bizet Donnum (6/10):
Found herself being pushed back after United started on the front foot, with crosses raining in from the flanks, and had to be replaced in the second half as defensive injuries mount.
Maya Le Tissier (6/10):
Looked a little uncomfortable at times, but is always willing to put her body on the line and led by example again as captain.
Dominique Janssen (6/10):
Survived a couple of heavy touches and wanting more time on the ball than she was ever going to get, with Arsenal pressing high.
Anna Sandberg (7/10):
Had her hands full trying to contain the threat of USWNT star Emily Fox and Lionesses hero Chloe Kelly, but fared admirably and got away with one very loose pass.

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Midfield
Jess Park (6/10):
Not at her best, with few opportunities to influence proceedings coming her way - with the best of those being blocked early in the opening 45 minutes.
Julia Zigiotti Olme (6/10):
Fired a second-half shot narrowly over, with the Red Devils’ midfield spending more time running backwards than it would have liked.
Hinata Miyazawa (6/10):
Always full of energy and prepared to put pressure on opponents, while showing a willingness to sit deep, but saw little of the ball.
Fridolina Rolfo (6/10):
United needed a bit more from their attacking department, with not enough creativity being provided in the final third of the field.
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Attack
Ella Toone (6/10):
Wanted to get on the ball and take advantage of Arsenal’s high defensive line, but was unable to pick that lock and was largely contained.
Melvine Malard (6/10):
Full of confidence and goals at the moment, but drew a blank after seemingly leaving her shooting boots at home - with half-chances passing her by.

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Subs & Manager
Elisabeth Terland (6/10):
Was barely given a sniff after replacing Malard, with sights of goal proving to be few and far between late on.
Lisa Naalsund (6/10):
Helped to ensure that United picked up a clean sheet, with there positives to be taken from keeping the Gunners at bay.
Gabby George (N/A)
Rachel Williams (N/A)
Marc Skinner (6/10):
Knows that a point against Arsenal is not to be sniffed at, but will feel that his team are capable of much more.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Midfield

Attack

Subs & Manager