Manchester United Women ended their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 defeat against Manchester City in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the Joie Stadium.
Khadija Shaw opened the scoring for City before Iman Beney added the second after half-time, leaving Eva Olid with areas to address before United turn their attention to competitive action.
United had opportunities of their own, with Elisabeth Terland forcing a strong save during the second half, but City carried the greater threat across the contest.
Man City punish Man Utd Women in final friendly
City made the stronger start and threatened repeatedly during the opening stages.
Shaw went close twice inside the opening 20 minutes before Mary Fowler saw an effort cleared off the line.
The breakthrough eventually arrived when Shaw pressured United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce and forced the ball home.
United improved after the interval.
Terland created their clearest opportunity when her effort was tipped wide by Ayaka Yamashita, while Tullis-Joyce then produced an excellent save of her own to divert Lauren Hemp’s low strike onto the post.
City nevertheless doubled their advantage shortly afterwards.
Beth Mead found Beney outside the area and the Switzerland international’s left-footed effort from around 20 yards beat Tullis-Joyce to make it 2-0.
Manchester City’s official match report confirms City largely controlled proceedings, although United did provide more of a threat during the second half.
Eva Olid now turns attention to competitive action
The result concludes Olid’s first pre-season programme since taking charge of United.
United have already used the summer to introduce a new playing style and integrate several new faces, including the recently completed signing of Monica Jusu Bah.
ReadManUtd reported on Friday that United had completed the Jusu Bah signing from BK Hacken, adding another attacking option to Olid’s squad.
United’s lack of cutting edge against City also follows an issue Olid identified earlier in pre-season.
After the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle, Olid challenged United to become more clinical in front of goal.
Saturday’s derby provided another useful test against strong WSL opposition.
The scoreline will matter far less than the lessons Olid takes from the performance, but United will want greater attacking efficiency once competitive football begins.
United’s next fixture is away to London City Lionesses in the Women’s Super League, according to the club’s official fixture page.
