Manchester United opened their Women’s Super League (WSL) campaign with a 4-0 win over Leicester as Melvine Malard scored twice in the second half at the Leigh Sports Village Stadium.
Ella Toone had an early effort saved by Foxes goalkeeper Janina Leitzig before putting United ahead in the 13th minute.
Malard charged down the left before cutting the ball back to Elisabeth Terland, who stabbed it on to Toone for the England forward to clip a low effort past Leitzig.
Before Leicester, who saw Ruby Mace leave for Everton ahead of the transfer deadline, could regroup, they fell further behind when Terland headed in a cross from Jayde Riviere.
Just after the half-hour mark, Leitzig needed treatment following a challenge with Malard before carrying on after a bandage was wrapped around her head.
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United remained on the front foot following the restart, with Julia Zigiotti sending her effort wide from Anna Sandberg’s ball in.
In the 57th minute, United sent on England midfielder Jess Park, signed from rivals Manchester City, for her debut as she replaced Dominique Janssen.
United continued to press and Malard made it 3-0 in the 73rd minute when she turned in a cross from Janssen.
And there was still time for the France forward to cap a fine individual display with another goal.
With three minutes left, Malard collected the ball on the left side of the Leicester area and cut back inside before clipping her shot into the corner.
Marc Skinner’s side will now head into the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying-round tie against Norwegian side Brann full of confidence following an impressive performance to lay down an early domestic marker.
