Everton Women vs Manchester United: WSL Match Preview

03/29/2025 11:50 AM

Sorensen says squad in 'good place' ahead of clash against 'dynamic' United.

Brian Sorensen cut a very relaxed figure ahead of Everton Women's upcoming WSL clash with Manchester United, but conceded the Blues will be in for a stern test ahead of the trip to Leigh Sports Village.

The Toffees Head Coach confirmed that there are no fresh injury concerns ahead of the clash with Marc Skinner's side, although on-loan midfielder Emma Watson will be absent as she is ineligible to play against her parent club.

Sorensen felt that Everton were worthy of a result in September's reverse fixture - a game that feels like a long time ago to the Blues boss, particularly with the squad he has now.

"The squad is looking good – no sickness or anything this week so everyone is good to go.

"They are in good spirits and everyone is in a good place," he said.

"United have done really well. They have a great team so I am not surprised. Defensively, they have been really good.

"Lately, offensively, they have been even more dynamic and created more chances.

"Earlier on in the season, in the reverse game, we should have got something out of it. It feels like years ago with the squad we have now. We feel more prepared to take the teams above us on and also with different solutions.

"Overall, we are in a good place. We know it is going to be extremely hard. We need to be ready for the game, that is for sure.

"We have a game plan and we see opportunities where we can hurt them. We have to concentrate for 90 minutes, if we don't they will take advantage of it."

One consistent for Sorensen this season has been Courtney Brosnan, whose form has seen the Blues grind out a number of results this campaign.

The Republic of Ireland stopper tops the list for most saves made in the WSL and, along with the scintillating recent sisplays from Sara Holmgaard, has particularly pleased the head coach, who singled both out for praise in his pre-match press conference.

"Courtney [Brosnan] has been brilliant. I am very fortunate that I have two brilliant keepers in her and Emily Ramsey," said Sorensen. "Courtney has been outstanding, there is no doubts about that.

"Sara has been consistent for a long time. We know her qualities: she has a good engine, can go up and down, and has a really good left foot. Sara is in a good place at the minute."

The Opposition

Third in the WSL and with a Women's FA Cup semi-final with Manchester City to look forward to, Skinner's side have been one of the most consistent teams in this current campaign.

A 4-0 rout of Aston Villa followed a surprise reverse at the hands of Liverpool, which was only the Red Devils second league defeat of the season, as they vie to become the main competition to all-conquering Chelsea.

Skinner has confirmed that Celin Bizet and Anna Sandberg are expected to be back for Sunday's game against after both players were forced off with injuries in last weekend's win at Villa Park.

Though not as prolific as either Chelsea or Arsenal, United are dangerous in front of goal, with summer signing Elisabeth Terland the team's leading markswoman this season.

But it is at the back where the Red Devils have shown their real mettle, conceding just nine goals in 17 WSL game, a feat which makes them the league's meanest rearguard.

One Red who won't be available this weekend, though, is former Toffee Gabby George, who is set to serve a one-match suspension having picked up her fifth yellow card of the season against Villa.

But it is defence that is boosted by the return of Sandberg, as well as team captain Maya Le Tissier and the ever-reliable Millie Turner.

Previous Meetings

Everton are yet to penetrate United's resolute backline this season, with Skinner's team claiming victory in both encounters this season.

Grace Clinton's fourth minute strike was enough to claim the three points on Merseyside in September, but had goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce to thank for keeping her team in front, with two quick-fire stops from Karoline Olesen and Inma Gabarro showcasing her value to the side.

Everton Women conclude their March fixtures when they face Manchester United on Sunday, 30 March at 12pm (BST) at Leigh Sports Village.

The Toffees will then have to wait till Sunday, 20 April, for their next encounter, which will see Sorensen's side return to Manchester as they seek to complete a league double over City following their triumph over the Citizens in December.