Manchester United Women suffered a frustrating 1-0 pre-season defeat against Newcastle United in La Manga despite dominating much of the contest and creating enough chances to win.
Eva Olid’s side repeatedly tested Newcastle’s goalkeeper in Spain, with Elisabeth Terland hitting the post and opportunities also falling to Lea Schuller, Hinata Miyazawa and Ellen Wangerheim.
United were eventually punished with just six minutes remaining when Kathleen McGovern volleyed home from close range.
The result was secondary to preparation, however, with Olid giving minutes to 21 players as the start of the Women’s Super League season moves closer.
Summer signings Janina Leitzig and Andrea Medina were among those involved, while several younger players were introduced during the second half.
Man Utd Women create chances but suffer late punishment
United made an encouraging start and Terland almost opened the scoring after meeting Anna Sandberg’s cross, only for Newcastle’s goalkeeper to tip her header over.
Jess Park was particularly influential.
She created chances for both Mared Griffiths and Miyazawa, while Terland struck the woodwork after Schuller helped release the Norway international.
Leitzig started in goal before Phallon Tullis-Joyce replaced her at half-time, providing Olid with another opportunity to assess the competition for her No.1 position.
Medina also received 45 minutes at left-back and produced one of the more eye-catching defensive moments of the second half, recovering over a long distance to make a sliding challenge before later displaying her confidence in possession.
Olid eventually finished the contest with a highly inexperienced team, including only four players aged over 22 during the final 15 minutes.
That made McGovern’s late winner frustrating rather than alarming.
United had largely controlled the match and created the clearer opportunities before Newcastle struck.
There are now only two weeks remaining before the WSL campaign begins, while United will also benefit from six guaranteed Players Cup fixtures after missing out on European qualification.
Olid’s next opportunity to assess her squad comes quickly.
United return from Spain on Wednesday before facing Liverpool on Sunday at midday, with the friendly available live on MUTV.
