Teen Sensation Drury Ignites United's Stoppage-Time Thriller Over Everton
Manchester United women edged Everton 2-1 in a stoppage-time thriller, with teen sub Layla Drury winning the decisive corner for Melvine Malard's winner. Boss Marc Skinner hailed Drury's potential and the team's grit after a gruelling week, while eyeing massive clashes with Bayern Munich and Man City. Injury updates include doubts over Dom Janssen and Ellen Wangerheim, but returns for key players loom.
Drury's Corner-Kick Heroics Seal Dramatic United Victory
Picture this: Manchester United staring down the barrel of yet another WSL draw, hearts sinking as Everton snatch a 90th-minute leveller. But no, not on Marc Skinner's watch. His young gun Layla Drury, all of 16 years old, whipped in a corner that turned agony into ecstasy, allowing Melvine Malard to nod home the winner in stoppage time. Final score: United 2-1 Everton. What a rollercoaster.
Elisabeth Terland had put the Reds ahead just before half-time, only for Inma Gabarro to head Everton level late on. It smelled like deja vu after a brutal week – cup final heartbreak, a midweek draw at West Ham, and barely any recovery time. Yet United fought back, with Drury's sub appearance proving the spark. As reported by The Peoples Person, Skinner's side climbed back to second in the WSL, a point clear of Chelsea and eight behind leaders Man City.
Skinner Goes Big on Drury's Potential
Post-match, Skinner was like a proud dad at the pub, singling out Drury for grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck. "She took the ball, ran at them, and created the corner we scored from," he beamed. The gaffer warned against the British habit of hyping kids too soon, insisting the teen's at the perfect spot to develop without skipping steps.
"She can be fantastic, but properly," Skinner added. It's classic coach speak, but you sense he's got a gem here. Drury's fearlessness off the bench? Pure box-to-box magic that had Everton defenders scrambling.
Skinner didn't stop there. He lauded Malard for terrorising the right-back, keeping things lively down the flank. And Simi Awujo? The Canadian midfielder's transition from US college ball to WSL stardom has been seamless. "She's adapting brilliantly," Skinner noted, predicting even bigger things.
Epic Context and Injury Worries
Context is king, and boy did Skinner hammer it home. After that gut-wrenching cup final loss, a Thursday morning return from West Ham, and a squad-stretching training session, this win felt monumental. "Epic," he called it, crediting the players for outrunning a fresh Everton side despite limited chances.
United weren't clinical enough at times – too fancy when simple would do – but the grit shone through. "Can't be prouder," Skinner grinned, adding you must factor in the fatigue.
Looking ahead, it's blockbuster central. Bayern Munich rock up at Old Trafford for the UWCL quarter-final first leg, sandwiched with a derby against Man City. "Great challenges," Skinner relished. Injury news? Dom Janssen's nursing a knock, Ellen Wangerheim sidelined a couple of weeks with a shin issue. Boosters incoming though: Jayde Riviere back midweek, and Hina Miyazawa post-Asian Cup triumph.
Why This Matters for United's Season
This wasn't just three points; it was a statement. United's resilience after setbacks screams title challengers, even if City's shadow looms large. Drury's emergence adds excitement – imagine her bossing midfields come May?
Skinner's squad depth is tested, but with Awujo settling and internationals returning, they've got firepower. Everton? Solid goal, but toothless otherwise. United fans, crack open the tins – your Reds are buzzing back to form. Next up, Bayern. Bring it on.