Manchester United endured a second consecutive Champions League defeat as they were second best against the French giants OL Lyonnes, whose attacking midfielder Melchie Dumornay capped off a fine display with two sumptuous late goals.
Dumornay’s superb efforts produced a margin of victory that was no less than Lyonnes deserved, on a night when United failed to lay a glove on their opponents.
The defeat greatly reduced United’s chances of securing a top-four spot, which guarantees a quarter-final place. Lyonnes are now all but guaranteed of their place in that quartet and they demonstrated a gulf in quality between themselves and the Women’s Super League side.
Marc Skinner’s team selection raised eyebrows, not least because of the surprise inclusion of Rachel Williams as the central striker. The 37-year-old veteran’s involvement suggested the hosts would be playing a more direct, physical style, while creative midfielders such as Ella Toone and Jess Park were left on the substitutes bench.
It is a busy run of fixtures for United, who host Tottenham on Sunday and – like OL Lyonnes – have already guaranteed themselves at least a place in the playoff round of the knockout phase.
