Malard rescues United as all eyes set on Paris

MANCHESTER UNITED came from behind to keep their Champions League dream alive in a lively clash with Paris Saint-Germain last night. Melvine Malard, on loan from PSG’s rivals Lyon, scored her second in two games to cancel out Tabitha Chawinga’s opener. The winners of this tie will progress to a 16-team group stage. Arsenal were knocked out in the first round of qualifying but Chelsea automatically qualified after winning the Women’s Super League. United, making their debut in the competition, were placed in the second round of qualifying after finishing as WSL runnersup. The club were given a difficult draw due to being unseeded and boss Marc Skinner said this tie had the feeling of a quarterfinal rather than a qualifier. In truth, they were lucky the tie was not over by half-time. Millie Turner had to clear a shot off the line after just 48 seconds before Mary Earps made two impressive saves to keep out Sandy Baltimore.

The introduction of Geyse at half-time briefly gave United a spark but it was dampened when PSG took the lead on 53 minutes. A delightful pass from Baltimore sent Chawinga through on goal and the forward flicked the ball in at the near post.

But United responded well and were nearly level when Leah Galton forced Constance Picaud into a fine save at her near post. The equaliser eventually came in the 70th minute when Katie Zelem’s corner was headed back across goal by Turner and nodded in by Malard from two yards out

United will travel to Paris for the second leg next Wednesday.