Manchester United Women suffered a 2-1 defeat to London City Lionesses in Eva Olid’s first competitive match in charge as a late Simi Awujo goal proved only a consolation.
Julia Zigiotti Olme’s ninth-minute own goal gave London City an early advantage before Danielle van de Donk doubled the lead with eight minutes remaining.
Awujo pulled one back with virtually the final kick of the game, but there was no time for United to complete an unlikely comeback at the CopperJax Community Stadium.
The result leaves United without a point from their opening Women’s Super League fixture after a difficult evening in Bromley.
Man Utd Women make nightmare start against London City
United arrived in the capital beginning a new era under Olid, but they immediately found themselves under pressure from London City’s heavily strengthened side.
United had gone into the fixture looking to respond after ending pre-season with a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City, but their opening nine minutes could hardly have gone worse.
London City won a corner and Alanna Kennedy competed with Zigiotti Olme inside the penalty area, with the United midfielder inadvertently heading beyond Phallon Tullis-Joyce and into her own net.
The hosts increasingly controlled proceedings from there.
United struggled to establish sustained possession or create opportunities for Elisabeth Terland, Ella Toone and Jess Park, while London City’s new-look midfield dictated the tempo.
Olid was particularly unhappy with the opening period, telling Sky Sports after the game that United were “not us” during the first half.
She said the confidence to demand the ball and play the football United had worked on was missing before the break.
Tullis-Joyce keeps United in contention
United showed more intent after half-time but London City continued to create the clearer openings.
Tullis-Joyce produced an important save from Rosa Kafaji shortly after the restart as the hosts searched for a second.
Olid attempted to change the contest from the bench.
Summer signing Monica Jusu Bah was introduced for her competitive United debut after 62 minutes, while Awujo and Lea Schüller followed seven minutes later.
The changes could not significantly alter the balance of the game.
Sky Sports’ final statistics underline United’s attacking problems. London City had 60.2 per cent possession, 11 shots to United’s four and generated 1.21 expected goals compared with United’s 0.25.
United did not register a shot on target until their goal in stoppage time.
Van de Donk punishes Man Utd before Awujo consolation
London City eventually secured the breathing space their performance deserved in the 82nd minute.
Delphine Cascarino delivered a low ball into the area and Van de Donk produced a clever flick to beat Tullis-Joyce and make it 2-0.
United continued pushing through a lengthy period of stoppage time and finally found a breakthrough in the 100th minute.
Awujo found space inside the area and drove a low finish into the bottom corner to reduce the deficit.
It was United’s first shot on target of the evening, but the final whistle followed almost immediately afterwards.
For supporters who missed the match, Sky Sports has already published free highlights of London City’s 2-1 win.
Difficult start for Eva Olid
United knew this would be a difficult opener.
Our pre-match guide highlighted the scale of London City’s summer investment, with Alexia Putellas, Mapi León and Van de Donk among their high-profile recruits.
Putellas made her competitive debut and captained the hosts, while former United goalkeeper Mary Earps remained an unused substitute.
Olid can point towards the improvement after half-time, but United’s lack of threat is the more concerning takeaway.
Four shots, one effort on target and 0.25 xG is simply not enough for a side hoping to compete towards the top of the WSL.
United now have an immediate opportunity to respond when they face Chelsea at home in their next league fixture.
