Malard the hero as Manchester United come from two goals down to seal European qualification in dramatic derby draw
Old Trafford, under the Saturday afternoon sun, witnessed a story of resilience, redemption and a bit of chaos as Manchester United Women clinched Champions League football for next season with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against bitter rivals Manchester City.
Marc Skinner’s side knew they only needed a point to guarantee qualification and, despite a nightmare first half, they clawed their way back from 2-0 down thanks to goals from Grace Clinton and Melvine Malard—the latter grabbing the headlines with a dramatic second-half equaliser.
City, who had to win and hope United slipped up again in their final fixture, now watch their European hopes vanish along with a season that promised so much but delivered little. For United, the result marks another step forward in their steady climb, as they prepare to test themselves against the continent’s best for just the second time in their history.
From Despair to Delight at the Theatre of Dreams
There’s something poetic about securing a Champions League place at Old Trafford. Even more so when it comes via a comeback against your fiercest rivals.
For long spells in the first half, though, it looked like United’s European dream might be slipping away. They were second best early on, sluggish in possession and lacking urgency, while City came out with purpose and poise.
With England stars Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp returning from injury layoffs to boost City’s starting XI, the visitors asserted control. And they made it count.
First, Laia Aleixandri broke the deadlock with a composed finish after Kerolin—who was excellent throughout—peeled off Millie Turner to start the move. Minutes later, it was Rebecca Knaak who rose highest to head home a second. At 2-0, United looked stunned. Shellshocked, even.
But football has a funny way of flipping the script.
Clinton Turns the Tide, Malard Delivers the Moment
With United in desperate need of a spark, Grace Clinton stepped up. Her header, just under three minutes after Knaak’s, shifted the mood entirely. Timing her run perfectly, Clinton outjumped Kerstin Casparij and nodded home to bring her side back into it. The goal breathed new life into the hosts, who finished the half with renewed belief.
The second half began with United pressing higher and more aggressively. Skinner’s tactical tweaks began to take hold, and it was clear the team understood the stakes. But the breakthrough still felt elusive—until Melvine Malard entered the pitch.
Introduced on 61 minutes, the French forward needed just five to make her mark. She found herself in space inside the box and finished with composure, before charging toward the Stretford End with her arms aloft, soaking in the noise of 20,000 fans erupting in unison.
It felt like a winner. The noise, the relief, the significance—it all pointed to a season-defining moment.
Chaos and Character: United Hold On with Ten
But United’s joy was short-lived in some ways. Just five minutes after Malard’s equaliser, substitute Aoife Mannion—who had earlier come on for the injured Jayde Riviere—picked up a second yellow card and was sent off.
Now, with 20 minutes to go and down to ten players, United had to dig deep. City smelled blood. They threw everything forward, even sending goalkeeper Khiara Keating into the box late on and using Jill Roord as an emergency centre-forward.
But this was United’s night. They weren’t going to let it slip.
The crowd, sensing their team needed help, raised the volume. Every clearance was cheered like a goal. Every tackle drew roars of approval. And slowly, minute by minute, United edged toward the finish line.
The final whistle sparked scenes of celebration on and off the pitch. The players knew what it meant—not just in terms of qualification, but in validating their progress and resilience.
City’s Season to Forget Ends Without Reward
For City, the draw will sting. Nick Cushing’s side, still dealing with the aftershocks of injury setbacks and inconsistency, needed this win to keep their season alive. Instead, they end the campaign without silverware or European football.
It wasn’t for lack of effort. Kerolin was lively and dangerous. Greenwood delivered dangerous crosses. Hemp showed flashes of her old self. But it wasn’t enough—not against a United side with more fight and, crucially, something to protect.
Cushing, who has overseen an interim period defined by turbulence, now faces a critical summer of reflection and rebuild. There is talent in this City squad, but there are holes too. Holes that were exposed on the biggest stage of their season.
Looking Ahead: A Summer of Ambition for United
As for United, the journey doesn’t stop here. Skinner has made no secret of his ambition to build a squad capable of competing in Europe—not just qualifying, but advancing. Their first Champions League outing in 2023 ended in the qualifying rounds. Next season, they’ll want more.
Recruitment will be key. Depth, experience, and European know-how are all on the summer shopping list. But the core is in place. Clinton continues to grow into a top-tier midfielder. Malard has proven herself a match-winner. And behind them, players like Tullis-Joyce, who made a key first-half save from Kerolin, provide reliability.
This was a night when the result told one story, but the journey told another. United aren’t the finished product, but they’re moving in the right direction—and doing so with spirit and belief.
