Women's Super League: Mannion shines for Red Devils

Manchester United 1-0 Arsenal

Republic of Ireland defender Aoife Mannion produced an impressive performance as Manchester United edged past Arsenal in a crunch Women's Super League clash at Leigh Sports Village on Wednesday night.

Mannion made her Ireland debut against China in February, and subsequently shone in this month’s friendly against the USA in Austin.

She looks certain to make the squad for this summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand but her club career has been derailed by a bad ACL unjury sustained over a year ago.

Her opportunities at the Red Devils have been limited as a result of that setback, but Mannion returned to the side for this top-of-the-table showdown and delivered a very assured display. It was her first start of the season for United.

A very tight contest was settled just before the break when Alessia Russo converted a fine Nikita Parris cross.

Arsenal's frustrating night was worsened when England captain Leah Williamson limped out of the action with an injury.

Williamson collapsed in pain in the 12th minute against the table toppers, appearing the catch her studs in the turf and appearing to damage her knee.

She immediately signalled to the bench for treatment, eventually being helped from the field as she disappeared down the tunnel.

With less than 100 days to go before the World Cup begins that could spell bad news for a Lionesses side who have already lost Beth Mead to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in November

Irish captain Katie McCabe missed the game for the Gunners due to suspension.