Elisabeth Terland propelled Manchester United closer to the Women's Champions League after scoring the decisive goal against Hammarby in Stockholm. The narrow 1-0 victory in the second qualifying round tie showcased Terland's impressive form, marking her fourth goal in two games.
Terland's goal came in the 61st minute, a result of excellent play between Celin Bizet and Melvine Malard. Bizet's cross was cleverly flicked back by Malard, finding Terland who managed to squeeze the ball into the net. This goal was a significant moment of quality in what was a closely contested match.
The match against Hammarby was a far cry from their previous 4-0 win against PSV Eindhoven, where Terland scored a hat-trick. Hammarby, playing on their home ground with the backing of over 5,000 fans, proved to be a tough opponent. Despite the challenging atmosphere, Manchester United remained composed and patient.
Manchester United had opportunities to score earlier in the game, with Ella Toone having a chance in the third minute. In the second half, Celin Bizet Ildhusøy's shot was blocked, and Melvine Malard's rebound missed the target. Towards the end of the match, Ella Toone had another attempt, but it was pushed over the bar.
With this victory, Manchester United advances to the third qualifying round of the Women's Champions League. The draw for the next phase is scheduled to take place at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. The matches in the third qualifying round will be played in a two-legged format, home and away.
While the performance against Hammarby wasn't the most inspiring, it was enough to secure the win. The team will need to improve as they move forward in the competition, aiming to join fellow English teams Chelsea and Arsenal in the league phase.
In the 2024-25 Women's Super League (WSL) season, Manchester United had a strong showing. As of earlier in the season, they held third position in the league standings. Chelsea secured the title, finishing the season undefeated. In their WSL campaign, Manchester United played three games at Old Trafford. Maya Le Tissier was named club captain, succeeding Katie Zelem, with Ella Toone as vice-captain.
Looking ahead, Elisabeth Terland is optimistic about Manchester United's prospects for the season. After her hat-trick against PSV Eindhoven, she expressed her hope for a positive season, both for herself and the team. Her recent performances have been crucial in the Champions League qualifying rounds, and she will likely play a key role as Manchester United continues their campaign.
