Malard header earns Manchester United draw against Arsenal after Russo opener
Manchester United struck late to maintain their unbeaten start to the Women’s Super League campaign as Melvine Malard’s header earned them a point at home against an improving Arsenal side.
The France forward’s goal eight minutes from time denied Arsenal what had looked set to be their third win from three games under interim head coach Renée Slegers on a day when the visitors had the better of the chances.
Earlier, the former United striker Alessia Russo had haunted her old club as her second-half goal put the visitors in front. That was only the second goal that United had conceded so far this season. Russo was booed by the home supporters on her second appearance back at Leigh Sports Village since her 2023 free transfer to Arsenal.
With the game goalless, the United goalkeeper, Phallon Tullis-Joyce, had produced two strong saves to keep Arsenal at bay, before Lia Wälti’s fizzing strike clipped the outside of the post. It felt like an Arsenal goal was coming before it eventually arrived when Russo’s clinical low finish across goal brought the 1,200 travelling fans to their feet.
It had been the introduction of England forward Beth Mead as a half-time substitute that shifted the balance of the game in Arsenal’s favour. Yet, later in the game, it was the hosts’ substitutes who were key to finding the leveller, as Rachel Williams flicked on for Malard to head in.
Watched by Sarina Wiegman, neither side produced their best football in the opening 45 minutes, but the England head coach may well have been impressed by the passing range displayed by Millie Turner, who was making her 150th appearance for United. The centre-back was presented with a framed shirt before the game by the United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, who similarly made a presentation to head coach Marc Skinner on the occasion of his 100th game in charge.
The result saw United miss the chance to move top of the WSL, but kept them unbeaten from their first five league games, and they remain two points better off than Arsenal.
