Manchester United’s women’s team were given a masterclass by European champions Lyon on Wednesday night, suffering a 3-0 defeat at Leigh Sports Village. Despite the heavy loss, manager Marc Skinner remains optimistic that his side can learn from the experience and continue progressing in the Women’s Champions League.

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Lyon’s Dominance on Display

Eight-time Women’s Champions League winners Lyon were far superior on the night, controlling possession and exploiting their squad depth. Haiti international Melchie Dumornay scored twice late in the match, highlighting Lyon’s attacking threat, while Unai Simón’s counterpart ensured United could not find the breakthrough.

Skinner acknowledged the gulf in experience:

“In the first half we gave them too much respect. They’ve got a cheat code, [Dumornay] just presses a button and wraps it into the top corner.”

United’s physical approach in the first half, which involved resting key players like Ella Toone, Jess Park, and Julia Zigiotti, was intended to manage energy across a congested fixture schedule. However, Lyon’s quality and experience meant the plan fell short.

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Learning from Defeat

Despite no shots on target in the first half and limited penetration in the box, Skinner praised his players’ mentality:

“I am proud of the players. There was a lot of learning. Every one of our biggest defeats, we will always come back better.”

The United boss rotated his squad, bringing on key players at half-time, which improved possession and attacking threat, though Lyon ultimately confirmed their win with late goals from Dumornay.

Skinner added:

“The plan was to be physical and then always adapt it and change it in the second half. But don’t forget, we are playing a team that is expected to win the Champions League.”

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The Challenge of Europe’s Elite

Lyon’s squad featured multiple elite players, including Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg, World Cup winner Lindsey Heaps, and top forwards Kadidiatou Diani and Marie-Antoinette Katoto, emphasizing the level United are competing against.

Skinner highlighted the importance of experience and preparation at the highest level:

“They pay for it. They have grown in experience and have built that team over a long period of time. The reality is you have to be at your game in every moment because if not, they can take their opportunities.”

Lyon boss Jonatan Giraldez described United’s season so far as “super positive,” noting that progress comes from building a mentality of constant improvement.

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United’s Road Ahead

Despite the loss, Manchester United had already secured a play-off spot for the knockout stages, marking a significant achievement in their first European main draw. Currently ninth in the 18-team league table, United aim to climb at least one place to earn a seeded position and potentially face less formidable opposition in the knockout rounds.

Their final league phase match against sixth-placed Juventus on 17 December will provide another test and an opportunity to carry momentum into the play-offs. Skinner emphasized:

“Our objective was always to qualify and we have done that. Where we finish is a bonus.”

The experience gained against Lyon, the reigning European champions, provides United with a benchmark for the standards required to compete with the continent’s elite.