Manchester United Women embrace Old Trafford atmosphere in Champions League pursuit

Old Trafford hasn't been full of feel-good stories this season, so the sight of Manchester United fan Alessia Russo spearheading a crucial victory for United Women on a landmark day for the club was one to lift the spirits.

Russo scored two outstanding headers to give United a vital victory in the Women's Super League, making sure their historic first appearance in front of fans at Old Trafford was one to remember.

United had beaten West Ham here last season but that game was in front of empty stands, a marked contrast to the 30,000 who enjoyed the spring sunshine on Sunday.

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While this was a history-making afternoon for United, it was also a vital one as they seek to hold off the challenge of a resurgent Manchester City to secure a first Champions League campaign since the club was formed four years ago.

The men's team have found it hard going at home this season and their chances of appearing in Europe's elite competition next season look to be over, but Marc Skinner's side embraced the switch from Leigh Sports Village, playing with confidence as the game progressed.

That was all the more impressive given the big day got off to the worst possible start. There were only three minutes on the clock when Maria Thorisdottir's loose pass gave Everton possession and Kenza Dali's perfectly-weighted ball sent Claire Emslie away down the right, firing a perfectly-angled drive from 10 yards across Mary Earps and into the corner of the Stretford End goal.

If United were shaken by that they didn't show it. They regained their composure quickly and while the Toffees were an occasional threat on the break, they never looked like hurting United again.

Russo