Man Utd comeback against Man City seals Europe spot
Manchester United secured their place in next season's Women's Champions League after coming from behind to draw with rivals Manchester City in a thrilling showdown at Old Trafford.Marc Skinner's side needed just a point to secure their spot in Europe and Melvine Malard delivered the crucial equalising goal after coming off the bench. United were 2-0 down after conceding goals from Laia Aleixandri and Rebecca Knaak in the first half but responded through Grace Clinton and Malard.France forward Malard, who scored five minutes after she was introduced in the second half, lapped up the adulation from home fans in the Stretford End as she ran off to celebrate, waving her arms in the air. It was a chaotic few minutes as fellow substitute Aoife Mannion - brought on for the injured Jayde Riviere in the first half - was sent off for a second booking, leaving United to finish the game with 10 players. But they held on to inflict a crushing blow to rivals City, who had to win at Old Trafford and hope United dropped points in their final game to stand a chance of qualifying for the Champions League themselves.Nick Cushing's side put up a fight, boosted by the return of England internationals Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp, who started their first games since undergoing knee surgeries - but it was not enough.It is just the second time United have secured a Champions League spot, though they failed to progress from the qualifying rounds in 2023 so will look to go one better in the competition next season.City's campaign has been one to forget and this rubs salt into the wounds of a season without a trophy. They face a rebuild this summer.More to follow.
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