Ladd and Ladies lose late

Hayley Ladd screens off Arsenal's Jill Roord

(Photo: Getty Images)

Manchester United's women's side suffered another narrow defeat on Monday night, going down 1-0 to Arsenal in their first home game of the season. Casey Stoney's side held firm for most of the game against the side where she spent much of her professional career, but they were eventually beaten by Daniëlle van de Donk's late winner.


Wales' Hayley Ladd, who had played at right-back in the opening game at Manchester City, slid into midfield alongside captain Katie Zelem to accommodate the return of Amy Turner in defence. The game saw fine performances from both goalkeepers, particularly Mary Earps in the United net, who managed to deal with all but one of Arsenal's 11 shots on target.

However, that one missed save proved crucial, as United were unable to score at the other end, leaving them still goalless after two games – a disappointing record after they managed 98 goals in the Championship the previous season.

The result meant United had lost consecutive games for the first time in their history, and also leaves them bottom of the Women's Super League table, although being level on points and goal difference with both Birmingham City and Liverpool means they are only bottom by virtue of alphabetical order.

Manchester United's next match is at home to rivals and fellow strugglers Liverpool at midday on 28 September.