Key Highlights
- Aston Villa secured a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Women’s Super League on November 8, 2025.
- The match took place at Progress With Unity Stadium during Remembrance weekend, with a tribute to former United kitman Jon Humble.
- Meliaire Taylor scored the only goal for Aston Villa from a set-piece in the first half.
- Manchester United dominated possession but struggled to break through Villa’s disciplined defense.
Aston Villa Stays Perfect, Defeats Manchester United 1-0
Saturday’s Women’s Super League match at Progress With Unity Stadium saw Aston Villa record a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United. The match took place on Remembrance weekend, with the stadium honoring Jon Humble, a late former kitman of United.
Match Overview
The game kicked off under autumnal sunshine, with a moment of silence observed by players and fans alike as a mark of respect for Humble. Manchester United, seeking to maintain their undefeated record in the league, dominated possession throughout the first half but failed to find the back of the net despite several opportunities.
First Half
United’s Gabby George, Fridolina Rolfo, and Ella Toone combined well on the left flank, creating crossing chances. However, their attacking play was stifled by Villa’s disciplined 3-5-2 formation, which effectively minimized gaps in their defense. Kirsty Hanson created a decent chance for Georgia Mullett, but Phallon Tullis-Joyce saved the attempt with ease.
Meliaire Taylor broke the deadlock just before halftime from a set-piece. After Tullis-Joyce punched clear the initial corner delivery, Taylor adjusted her body position to guide the ball into the net, giving Villa an early lead.
Second Half
Manchester United brought on Leah Galton, Melvine Malard, and Anna Sandberg in a bid to find an equalizer. Despite increased pressure from United, their efforts were thwarted as Villa continued to dominate possession and maintain their defensive integrity.
A long ball remained the most dangerous outlet for Villa, with Missy Bo Kearns threatening goal on multiple occasions. However, Maya Le Tissier and other defenders managed to block her attempts effectively.
Final Moments
Rather than pressing for a second goal, Aston Villa focused on maintaining their lead. In the final stages of play, Rachel Williams entered the fray, adding another dimension to the defense. Manchester United’s efforts were met with strong resistance from Villa’s well-organized backline.
Stoppage time saw United’s last-ditch attempts, but they failed to find an equalizer as Aston Villa secured their first-ever victory over United in 14 meetings between the clubs.
Match Details
The match ended with a narrow scoreline of 1-0, with Phallon Tullis-Joyce and D’Angelo being the standout performers for their respective teams. The attendance was 3,434 fans who witnessed this crucial moment in Women’s Super League history.
Next up for Aston Villa is a historic Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, aiming to maintain their unbeaten start in Europe.
Expert Analysis
Natalia Arroyo of Manchester United had vowed to keep things tight after the previous home defeat by Aston Villa. This game demonstrated that her defensive strategy was effective against a strong United team. The match also highlighted the importance of maintaining discipline and focus in high-pressure situations.
Despite the loss, Manchester United showed resilience and continued dominance in possession. However, their inability to convert opportunities into goals remains a concern for manager Marc Skinner as he looks towards future matches.
