Lionesses Star Shines as Manchester United Start World Sevens Football Tournament with Thrilling Victory
In a week already packed with excitement, it was Grace Clinton who stole the spotlight with a composed and clinical finish that gave Manchester United Women a hard-fought 3-2 win over Roma in their opening match at the inaugural World Sevens Football tournament. A moment of sheer class from the Lionesses midfielder saw her sit the goalkeeper down before coolly slotting home the winner – a goal that not only sealed the result but also sparked scenes of celebration among her teammates.
A Promising Start at World Sevens Football
Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner brought a strong 20-player squad to Estoril, Portugal for this new seven-a-side competition, with the club looking to make an impression on a global stage. Alongside Grace Clinton, the United squad features U.S. shot-stopper Phallon Tullis-Joyce and England teammates Ella Toone and Maya Le Tissier.
Grouped with Roma, Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica in Group 2, United needed a strong start, and they got just that. Goals flowed in an open, attacking match, but it was Grace Clinton’s composed moment of magic that made the difference. Her late strike ensured the Red Devils took all three points and sent a strong signal of intent to their tournament rivals.
“It’s such a fun format,” Grace Clinton said after the match. “You get lots of touches on the ball, lots of space to run into. It’s a great environment.”
Fun, Fast and Fierce: World Sevens Brings a New Energy
The World Sevens Football tournament is offering something truly unique: eight of Europe’s top women’s clubs competing in a fast-paced, seven-a-side format. With a whopping $5 million (£3.7m) prize pool up for grabs – including $2.5 million for the winner and $1 million for the runners-up – the stakes are high, even if the atmosphere feels a little more relaxed.
“It’s competitive, but it’s also about enjoying yourself,” Grace Clinton added. “Me and Celin [Bizet] have a deal that if we win the whole thing, we’re jumping on the DJ decks for the celebration.”
That combination of competitiveness and camaraderie was clear to see in United’s performance. Despite the pressure, the players looked free, expressive, and energized – perhaps a welcome change from the grinding regular season.
The Bigger Picture: Injury Concerns vs. Fitness Benefits
However, not everyone has been entirely sold on the timing of the tournament. With the domestic season just concluded, some voices in the women’s game have raised questions about whether a new competition so close to the off-season might add undue physical strain.
Given that England will soon begin their defense of the European Championship, the risk of injury to key Lionesses players such as Grace Clinton, Toone and Le Tissier is a genuine concern. But for Grace Clinton, it’s a matter of perspective.
“We talked about it,” she admitted. “But the reality is, we would be doing these kinds of sessions in training anyway, and sometimes those are even more intense. This is a chance to get fitter and have a good time.”
Her comments highlight a growing conversation in elite women’s football: how to balance load management with competitive edge and player enjoyment. So far, the World Sevens seems to be striking that balance quite well.
What Comes Next: Benfica, PSG & a Shot at the Semis
United still have work to do in the group stage, with clashes against Benfica and PSG scheduled for Thursday. Wins in those matches would all but confirm their place in Friday’s semi-finals and possibly the final. There is no doubt that the squad has their eyes on the $2.5 million top prize—and maybe even that post-tournament DJ set.
As for Grace Clinton, this tournament is yet another chapter in what’s shaping up to be a breakout year. The 21-year-old midfielder continues to grow in confidence and composure, with performances that suggest she’s ready to play a bigger role for both club and country.
All Eyes on the Lionesses
Once the tournament wraps up, attention will shift quickly back to international duty. Grace Clinton, Toone, and Le Tissier will all link up with the England national team at the end of May, as Sarina Wiegman’s squad prepares for their final two UEFA Nations League group stage matches.
England face Portugal on May 31, followed by a tough test away to world champions Spain on June 3. Those matches will serve as final tune-ups before England’s bid to retain their European crown begins in earnest later this summer.
For Grace Clinton, the momentum she’s building in Portugal could prove vital. “It’s been a long season, but opportunities like this – to play, to grow, and to enjoy football – are so important. I feel good, and I want to carry that into the summer.”
Final Thoughts
The World Sevens Football tournament is already proving to be a refreshing, fast-paced spectacle that gives players like Grace Clinton the space to shine. Her winning goal against Roma was not just a highlight reel moment – it was a statement.
With more games to come and the knockout rounds looming, United look like a team capable of going all the way. And for Grace Clinton, this week could mark another major step forward in an already impressive young career. If she keeps performing like this, expect to see her starring both in Portugal this week and for the Lionesses this summer.
And if that DJ set actually happens? Well, we’ll be tuning in for that too.
