Manchester United Women lost 1-0 to Newcastle United in a pre‑season friendly in La Manga. The match, played in Spain, saw United dominate but be punished in the final minutes when Kathleen McGovern volleyed home from close range.
Dominant but unlucky
United controlled the game for most of the 90 minutes, with several chances created by the likes of Elisabeth Terland, Lea Schuller, Hinata Miyazawa and Ellen Wangerheim. Terland almost opened the scoring after meeting Anna Sandberg’s cross, but Newcastle’s goalkeeper tipped the header over the bar. Jess Park was particularly influential, creating chances for Mared Griffiths and Miyazawa, and Terland struck the woodwork after Schuller released the Norway international.
Squad rotation and assessment
Manager Eva Olid used the friendly to give minutes to 21 players as the Women’s Super League season approaches. Summer signings Janina Leitzig and Andrea Medina featured, while several younger players were introduced in the second half. Leitzig started in goal before Phallon Tullis‑Joyce replaced her at half‑time, allowing Olid to gauge competition for the No.1 spot. Medina logged 45 minutes at left‑back and produced a notable defensive moment, recovering a long distance to make a sliding challenge before showing confidence in possession.
Late punishment
United’s dominance was undone in the final six minutes when McGovern struck a volley from close range to give Newcastle the win. Olid’s side finished the contest with a highly inexperienced squad, including only four players aged over 22 during the final 15 minutes. The late winner was frustrating rather than alarming, as United had largely controlled the match and created clearer opportunities before Newcastle struck.
Ahead of the WSL
With only two weeks remaining before the WSL campaign begins, United will also benefit from six guaranteed Players Cup fixtures after missing out on European qualification. Olid’s next assessment opportunity comes quickly: United return from Spain on Wednesday before facing Liverpool on Sunday at midday, with the friendly available live on MUTV.
