Manchester United Women's inaugural UEFA Women's Champions League campaign suffered a significant setback, succumbing to a heavy 5-2 defeat away to the experienced German side, VfL Wolfsburg.
The match, played in front of 3,817 spectators at a chilly Volkswagen Arena, was a first-half goal fest that ultimately exposed the gulf in European pedigree between the two clubs.
First-Half Fireworks and a Costly Error
United started brightly and took an early lead in a move reminiscent of their previous European exploits. Melvine Malard broke down the left flank and delivered a sublime cross onto the head of Fridolina Rolfö, who nodded home against her former club.
The lead was devastatingly short-lived. A catastrophic error from young goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel, making only her fourth senior appearance, gifted Wolfsburg an immediate equaliser. Her attempted clearance went straight to Ella Peddemors, who fired into an empty net.
The game then exploded into life just before half-time with three goals in ten minutes. Peddemors drove in a low shot from distance for her second, before Lineth Beerensteyn rifled a stunning effort into the top corner.
United showed a flicker of resilience, with Malard expertly hooking in a goal with the last kick of the half to make it 3-2.
Wolfsburg's Dominant Second Half
Any hopes of a United comeback were extinguished after the break as Wolfsburg controlled the game. The electric Beerensteyn secured her brace, putting the home side 4-2 ahead.
As United visibly tired, Wolfsburg added a final layer of gloss to the scoreline in injury time, with Vivien Endemann slotting home the fifth goal to complete the thrashing.
Consequences and the Road Ahead
The result saw Wolfsburg leapfrog United into third place in Group A, underlining how tight the competition remains. For manager Marc Skinner, the match raised familiar questions about his squad's depth and its ability to maintain a high level of performance when fatigued.
Despite the disappointing nature of the defeat, United's Champions League destiny remains in their own hands when the tournament resumes next month, with everything still to play for in the final group stage matches.
