Match reportLiverpool FC Women suffer defeat at Manchester United

Matt Beard's side suffered defeat in their first outing of 2023, with goals from Lucia Garcia, Alessia Russo, Hayley Ladd putting United three goals up at half-time.

An unfortunate own goal from Emma Koivisto brought the hosts their fourth in the second half, as substitutes Martha Thomas and Rachel Williams then completed the scoring at Leigh Sports Village.

It took four minutes for a lead to be established. A cross from the right by Ona Batlle was directed towards goal by Garcia's sweeping effort, which found its way to the back of the net via a hefty deflection from Gemma Bonner.

Hannah Blundell nearly made it 2-0 two minutes later but dragged a shot just wide of Rachael Laws' left post.

However, United did double their lead midway through the first period after Ladd stole possession off Ceri Holland in a central area. That allowed Ella Toone to thread a through ball towards Russo, who directed an accurate finish into the far corner.

A quick response from Liverpool nearly came through Yana Daniels' strike from distance that went just over the crossbar.

It was 3-0, though, just before the break when Ladd headed past Laws at the back post from Maya Le Tissier's delivery.

The Reds made a better start to the second half, with substitute Missy Bo Kearns going close with a curled free-kick.

But United increased their lead not long past the hour mark. Millie Turner's shot from inside the penalty area cannoned off Koivisto and went in the net.

Sofie Lundgaard then came on to make her Liverpool debut, though United would continue to add to the scoreline.

Striker Thomas side-footed past Laws from Toone's whipped ball into the box, before Williams scored with a header in the aftermath of a free-kick six minutes before the end.

Liverpool FC Women: Laws, Koivisto, Bonner (Robe, 77), Fahey, Campbell, Hinds (Lundgaard, 65), Matthews, Holland (Humphrey, 85), Lawley, Daniels (Furness, 77), Van de Sanden (Kearns, 46).

Unused substitute: Kirby.