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Manchester United Women finished off their pre-season with a 2-2 draw with fierce rivals Liverpool.
The first half
The Red Devils named a strong starting line up with new signing Julia Zigiotti Olme playing in the middle of the park.
The three players named in the WSL Team of the Season were also all present from the beginning. Pleasingly, Millie Turner came on as a sub after injury at the end of last season.
United couldn’t have asked for a better start as Simi Awujo slipped in front of Kirsty Maclean to intercept goalkeeper Rafaela Borggrafe’s short pass into midfield before coolly finishing with her right foot.
The Red Devils continued to give Liverpool issues with their high press, a hallmark of last season as well.
Liverpool’s first effort came from a free kick when Sam Kerr headed on goal but Phallon Tullis-Joyce was equal to it.
United had some blocked efforts from Elisabeth Terland and Lisa Naalsund but it was the visitors to the Leigh Sports Village that struck next.
A long ball was played forward from Gemma Evans to Ceri Holland, who cut inside and fired into the top corner giving United’s American keeper no chance.
United’s Norwegians reacted almost instantly as Celin Bizet played in Terland, who was excellently denied by Borggrafe.
Zigiotti also came close with a header from a corner but was once again well denied by Liverpool’s new signing from Freiburg.
Second half
Despite an impressive first half effort, United Women fell behind early in the second half.
Cornelia Kapocs received the ball on the edge of the area and bent a fine effort into the corner to give Liverpool the lead on the night.
United pushed for an equaliser and Terland was once again frustrated as her goal-bound effort was cleared off the line.
It just wasn’t to be for United’s Norwegian striker as she had another effort cannon off the crossbar after a headed attempt.
Just as it looked Marc Skinner’s side’s efforts would be in vain, Keira Barry swung in a deep cross that was acrobatically volleyed in by Ella Toone to draw the sides level.
It was the type of magic that United fans have become accustomed to and will hope to see more of over the course of the new season.
The Red Devils’ attention now turns to a vital Champions League qualifier next Wednesday against PSV Eindhoven.
Feature image Molly Darlington via Getty Images
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