Manchester United 0 – 1 Chelsea
By Boh Blythin (30/4/25)
Above: Chelsea celebrate their sixth successive league win. Photo: @ChelseaFCW on X.
Ahead of the game, Arsenal lost to Aston Villa, meaning that Chelsea would be crowned champions with two games to spare if they avoided a loss to Manchester United. In a tight duel that could have gone either way, Lucy bronze secured Chelsea’s sixth consecutive Women’s Super League title by scoring from a corner.
During the first 20 minutes, Manchester United were bold, with the hosts playing aggressively and without fear. Dutch midfielder Dominique Janssen made a daring opening challenge on Bronze which the crowd enjoyed. Both teams had early chances, but neither side managed to reach the back of the net.
Chelsea striker Mayra Ramirez went down after a race with United captain Maya Le Tissier, who had covered the backline exceptionally. Determined to continue, she returned to the pitch. However she didn’t last long.
Rytting Kaneryd was subbed on and took her place, whilst Beever-Jones moved further inside to the position of a number nine. Chelsea’s players easily adapted and the substitute had an immediate impact.
Many more opportunities came as the game continued with a fast pace. Nothing could make it past Phallon Tullis-Joyce or Hannah Hampton, proving how crucial each goalkeeper has been to their team this season.
Manchester United once again started the second half on the front foot. They had the better of the chances, however couldn’t find the goal.
The Red Devils carried on the way they finished the first half with Melvine Malard immediately taking a chance, attempting to set the tone for the rest of the game. Manchester United really pushed Chelsea all the way with their intense gameplay, trying to find a point to break through.
By the 70th minute changes were made to United’s side, with Toone, Terland and Sandberg coming on to replace Malard, Clinton and George. This suggested head coach Marc Skinner’s gameplan: get to the hour mark without conceding, then bring on the impact substitutions.
With only 15 minutes to go, Lucy Bronze jumped highest, meeting the ball from a corner and headed into the net to give Chelsea the lead. Seven minutes were added to the game but despite chances Manchester United were unable to turn it around .
Manchester United came across as the better side tonight at Leigh Sports Village, showing a strong and passionate performance but it was just not enough. The final whistle blew and Chelsea were crowned champions, for the sixth time straight! This is an incredible achievement for Sonia Bompastor, who has only been managing the side for a year since Emma Hayes’ departure.
When the teams next meet at Wembley, will Chelsea be able to take the win against the reds and crown themselves FA Cup champions and treble winners, or will Manchester United retain the trophy? The FA Cup final is on Sunday 18th May.
Teams: MANCHESTER UNITED (4-3-2-1): Tullis-Joyce, Rivière, Le Tissier (c), Turner, George, Miyazawa, Janssen, Bizet, Clinton, Galton, Malard. Substitutes: Middleton-Patel, Rendell, Mannion, Sandberg, Awujo, Griffiths, Naalsund, Toone, Terland.
CHELSEA (4-4-2): Hampton, Bronze, Bright (c), Girma, Charles, Walsh; Kaptein, Cuthbert, Baltimore, Beever-Jones, Ramirez. Substitutes: Spencer, Nusken, Macario, Reiten, Lawrence, Rytting Kaneryd, Hamano, Mpome, Jean-Francois.
Scorer: Bronze 74′
Referee: Abigail Byrne
Attendance: 4,029.
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