Man Utd Women beat Everton in first Old Trafford game in front of record crowd

Manchester United defeated Everton 3-1 in the Women's Super League (WSL) on Sunday afternoon and made history in the first game the Red Devils have played in front of fans at Old Trafford.

Marc Skinner's side faced West Ham at Old Trafford in March 2021, yet spectators were not allowed to attend due to Covid restrictions. United's CEO Richard Arnold and director of football John Murtough both watched the 3-1 triumph on Sunday where 20,421 were in attendance - the highest crowd in the WSL this season.

Everton's Claire Emslie opened the scoring early on before Alessia Russo leapt above the defence to equalise in the 34th minute. A penalty from Katie Zelem made it 2-1 to the hosts shortly after the break, with Russo completing her brace six minutes from time.

The result leaves United third in the WSL, three points ahead of local rivals Manchester City having played a game more. Everton remain in ninth - 13 points above the relegation zone. United have never been crowned champions of England.

The top three teams in the WSL qualify for the Champions League. United haven't competed in Europe's biggest competition since they became a professional outfit in May 2018. They've finished an agonising fourth in each of the last two seasons.

Everton, meanwhile, have won one league title (in 1997-98) and two FA Cups. Chelsea are the reigning WSL champions, while Arsenal have won the most league titles (14) since the national competition was established in 1991. The WSL was founded in 2011.

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Skinner's side play most of their games at Leigh Sports Village, the home of Rugby League outfit Leigh Centurions and United's reserves. The ground holds 12,000 fans. Old Trafford was available this weekend due to the men's international break.

The highest attendance in WSL history was recorded in November 2019, when 38,262 fans watched Arsenal's 2-0 win against Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. High attendances are often recorded in the WSL when Premier League grounds are available.

"Almost the best thing Everton did was to score," said Skinner at full-time. "For the first 20 to 25 minutes we didn't really arrive. When Everton scored it woke us up and it felt like a slap of cold water on the face. We're still fighting to finish in the top three.

"I saw us grow today so much. We don't go behind often, especially in the first half, and [it was good] for us to show that resilience and grit. We have to keep the noise moving. I hope the fans that were here today come to Leigh."

Everton boss Chris Roberts added: "I'm very disappointed. We wanted to come here and get a result. Just towards the end of the first half I felt we were soaking up too much pressure. We have conceded too many goals from corners and we have to do better.

"We have conceded too many goals from corners and we have to do better. Claire [Emslie] is a very dangerous attacking player and if you give her space in and around the box, she will punish you. It's just a shame we didn't capitalise."