In the north-east of England, Rebeca Bernal’s growing influence at Manchester United continued in cup football, even as the Red Devils were unable to protect an early advantage against Durham Women in the Women’s League Cup.
Key takeaways
- Bernal scored Manchester United’s opening goal in the second group-stage match.
- The Mexican defender found the net in the 11th minute after a corner was not cleared properly.
- It was her third goal for United, with all three coming in the League Cup.
- She had struck twice in United’s 10-1 win over Sheffield the previous week.
- Manchester United did not manage to hold on to their lead against Durham Women.
Bernal makes another set-piece impact
United had barely settled into the contest when Bernal again showed her threat from dead-ball situations. A corner caused trouble in the Durham area, the home defence failed to deal decisively with the delivery, and Bernal reacted to put the visitors 1-0 ahead.
The goal underlined an encouraging cup run for the Mexico international, who has quickly made the competition her own scoring ground. Her earlier brace against Sheffield had arrived during a commanding 10-1 victory, and this latest finish took her League Cup tally to three.
A lead that did not last
Bernal’s strike gave Manchester United the initiative in the Group Stage encounter, but Durham Women found a way back and United could not preserve the margin established in the opening stages.
For Bernal, though, another goal offered further evidence that she is making the most of her chances in Manchester, particularly when United’s corners and second balls create uncertainty inside the penalty area.
