Maya Le Tissier lauds Man Utd's 'mini Modric' after Red Devils beat Brighton to move second in WSL table

Japan international Miyazawa, who claimed Golden Boot honours at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, was on target in a 3-0 victory over Brighton. Her effort doubled United’s lead on the day, as they burst out of the blocks and scored twice in the opening 11 minutes.

Marc Skinner’s side controlled proceedings from there, with Miyazawa pulling strings in the middle of the park. Her class shone through in a comprehensive win, with the diminutive 25-year-old becoming a key cog in United’s well-oiled machine.

Miyazawa is considered to boast similar qualities to a Ballon d-Or winner at Real Madrid, with team-mate Le Tissier saying after witnessing another midfield masterclass: “She's a fantastic player and a fantastic person. She's magic. She's like a mini Modric. Sometimes her work on the ball and off the ball goes unnoticed, and she's had to work hard to get into the team. Now she's cemented her spot and she's one of our best players every week. What a great player.”

United have picked up four successive wins in WSL competition, allowing them to rise into second place. They are, however, some way back on defending champions Chelsea, with the unbeaten Blues boasting a seven-point lead at the summit.