Manchester United Miss Chance to Close on WSL Top Three in Everton 2026

Manchester United missed a chance to close on the WSL top three after a drab goalless draw at Everton on Sunday. The visitors lacked creativity and failed to test goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan until late on, leaving them frustrated in their pursuit of the Champions League places.

The match, played in front of a Halloween-themed crowd, was short on treats for the neutral. United dominated possession but struggled to break down a resilient Everton side, who earned their first point against the Red Devils in 15 WSL meetings.

What happened: United's attacking woes continue

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner made changes to his forward line, but the visitors were blunt for long stretches. Elisabeth Terland, who has five WSL goals against Everton, had the best chance of the first half but was denied by Brosnan after a through ball from Jess Park.

Everton, winless in all previous WSL encounters with United, grew in confidence as the game wore on. Former United full-back Hannah Blundell went close with a hooked left-footed effort that was saved by Phallon Tullis-Joyce, while Ornella Vignola also tested the United keeper.

The Toffees will feel they could have taken all three points, but a point keeps them within touching distance of their opponents in the race for fourth place.

Why it matters: Top-three hopes dented

United came into the game knowing a win would move them closer to the top three, but the draw leaves them playing catch-up. With Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City setting a relentless pace, dropped points against mid-table sides could prove costly.

The lack of creativity is a concern for Skinner, whose future at the club has been under scrutiny. United have now failed to score in two of their last three WSL matches, and the reliance on individual brilliance rather than cohesive attacking play is becoming a recurring theme.

For Everton, the performance was a positive step. They showed tactical discipline and defensive solidity, and with a bit more quality in the final third, they could have climbed above United into fourth.

Key takeaways

• Manchester United failed to close the gap on the WSL top three with a goalless draw at Everton.
• United lacked creativity and tested Courtney Brosnan only sporadically.
• Everton earned their first-ever WSL point against United and will be the happier side.
• Elisabeth Terland had United's best chance but was denied by Brosnan.
• The result leaves United playing catch-up in the race for Champions League qualification.

Match stats: United's attacking struggles in numbers

The stats underline United's dominance of the ball but also their inability to turn possession into clear-cut chances. Everton, by contrast, were more efficient with their limited opportunities.

What to watch next

Manchester United will need to find a solution to their attacking problems quickly. With tough fixtures against top-three sides on the horizon, Skinner must find a way to get the best out of his forward players.

Everton, meanwhile, will look to build on this performance. They have shown they can compete with the league's better teams, and if they can add goals to their solid defensive foundation, they could yet challenge for a European spot.

The WSL title race is far from over, but United's hopes of breaking into the top three are fading. They will need to rediscover their cutting edge soon to keep pace with the leaders.

As the WSL season progresses, the pressure on Manchester United to deliver results is mounting. The recent Marc Skinner Manchester United exit: budget constraints and WSL debate has only intensified after another frustrating afternoon.

United's attacking issues are not isolated. The WSL talking points: Arsenal's attack struggles and Goodwin's England piece highlights how even the top teams are grappling with consistency in front of goal.

For Everton, the draw is a sign of progress. The WSL roundup: Arsenal drop points in Crystal Palace draw shows that the league is full of surprises, and Everton will take confidence from holding a top-four rival.

The broader context of the WSL transfer market also looms large. The Barcelona sign Kerolin for record £1.25m: WSL transfer impact demonstrates how top clubs are investing, and United may need to strengthen their squad to keep up.

Finally, the WSL transfer data: key insights for women's football business reveals the financial disparities that could hinder United's ability to compete at the very top.