Delve into the details of United’s impressive 6-0 win against Wolves in the FA Cup, featuring Mared Griffiths’ standout display. Get match highlights and expert commentary.
Manchester United Storm Into FA Cup Quarter-Finals
Manchester United’s women side booked their place in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup quarterfinals with an emphatic 6-0 win over a hapless Wolves side in this fifth round at New Bucks Head. It will be their third successive quarter final appearance in this competition, though they are to play under floodlights tonight to take on this lower division team.
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United’s Early Dominance
Wolves entered the match with an impressive attacking record in this season’s FA Cup, having netted 31 goals across the previous four rounds. However, against United, they faced an entirely different level of competition. The hosts made a spirited start, pressing high and working hard to close the gap in quality, but they struggled to create meaningful chances against United’s well-drilled defense.
United, wearing their white third kit, camped in the Wolves half for most of the opening period. The visitors’ first real warning sign came when Grace Clinton’s volley forced an excellent save from Wolves’ goalkeeper Bec Thomas. Shortly after, Ella Toone’s effort bounced awkwardly in front of Thomas, but she reacted well to gather the ball.
Terland and Galton Put United in Control
United’s persistent pressure eventually paid off midway through the first half. Melvine Malard, a livewire in attack, played a well-placed cross from the right side of the penalty area, which found Elisabeth Terland at the far post. The Norwegian made no mistake, slotting home to open the scoring.
Celebrating her 150th appearance for the club, Galton doubled the lead on the stroke of halftime. Composed, forward showed great skill to cut in from the left to beat Thomas to a low shot to the near post with that goal the fitting way for this landmark appearance: she now forms part of a very small, elite club to reach it; Ella Toone, Millie Turner and Katie Zelem the others that join her, Katie Zelem also a former United captain.
United Turn Up the Heat After the Break
United wasted no time in the second half, scoring twice in quick succession to kill off any lingering hopes of a Wolves comeback. Aoife Mannion registered her first goal for the club just six minutes after the restart. A precise long ball from Turner was knocked down into the six-yard box by Terland, and Mannion was in the right place to turn it home with a simple finish. See also: James Maddison’s Inspires Spurs to 1-0 Victory Against United
Just after, Toone netted United’s fourth, continuing her excellent scoring form. From outside the box, she struck a low shot that squeezed just inside the post, leaving Thomas with no chance. Maya Le Tissier also came close, trying her luck from distance with a powerful drive, but the Wolves goalkeeper produced a fine save.
Mared Griffiths Dream Debut
And while it was very close to running away with in its final quarter, United simply didn’t wind down. In agony, Clinton could only witness how her driven shot hit a post and its corresponding crossbar. The middle was still always in the frame as she once more created space, this time with a weak attempt that managed only to edge out of this end.
Veteran forward Rachel Williams was inches away from scoring after latching onto a through ball from Malard, while Turner had the ball in the net but was denied by an offside flag. However, the breakthrough eventually came, and it was a moment to remember for 17-year-old debutant Mared Griffiths.
Griffiths’ first goal came when Thomas, who made several good saves, fumbled Turner’s powerful header. The youngster was alert to pounce on the loose ball and fire it home. Deep into stoppage time, she capped off her debut in style, volleying home after another fumble from Thomas to seal United’s emphatic 6-0 victory.
Braves Wolves’ effort not enough
Despite the heavy defeat, Wolves showed commendable resilience throughout the match. Thomas made several impressive saves, while their defensive organization frustrated United in the early exchanges. However, the gulf in quality between the two teams ultimately proved too great, with United’s experience and attacking firepower overwhelming the hosts.
United’s Cup Journey Continues
This victory sees Manchester United advance into the quarter-finals, keeping their hopes alive for back-to-back FA Cup titles. Gareth Taylor’s side have been in excellent form across all competitions, and this commanding performance further solidifies their credentials as one of the tournament favorites.
The quarter-final draw is on Tuesday evening, and United being in such ruthless form, they will fancy their chances regardless of the opposition. The team will now face the challenge of sustaining this momentum as they continue to pursue silverware on multiple fronts.
Key Performers:
Elisabeth Terland – Opened the scoring and assisted Mannion’s goal.
Leah Galton – Marked her 150th appearance with a crucial goal.
Mared Griffiths – Memorable debut with two late goals.
Bec Thomas (Wolves) – Despite the score line, made several key saves.
Manchester United now await their next FA Cup challenge as they look to continue their strong campaign and defend their title.