Manchester United player ratings as Reds miss out on WSL title despite win vs Liverpool

Manchester United narrowly missed out on the Women's Super League title despite recording a final day victory over Liverpool at Prenton Park.

The Reds travelled to Merseyside off the back of last weekend's late Manchester derby win, knowing beating their famous rivals would only be enough to keep their title hopes alive should league leaders Chelsea slip up against bottom-of-the table Reading. Marc Skinner made just one change to the side that started against Manchester City, with Vilde Boe Risa coming in for Hayley Ladd.

The first real chance of the game fell to the hosts; the pacy Shanice van de Sanden rifling a dangerous ball across the face of goal that just evaded Taylor Hinds at the back post. United responded well, patiently working their way through the gears, with Nikita Parris forcing Rachael Laws into her first save of the day with a tame header from inside the six-yard box.

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Parris came close again after bringing down Katie Zelem's sublime lofted pass but her well-struck half volley was tipped onto the post by Laws to keep the scores level heading into the break. The United duo almost carved out an opener shortly after the interval, with Zelem nearly rolling the ball into the path of Parris inside the penalty area.

Liverpool did well to frustrate their visitors, though, and Emma Kovisto forced Mary Earps into a fine save with a smart strike just after the hour mark. But Matt Beard's side were soon made to pay for the spurned opportunity, with substitute Lucia Garcia's excellent left-footed effort putting United 1-0 up inside 72 minutes.

Martha Thomas came close to doubling the visitors' advantage late on, but Chelsea's 3-0