The East Midlands witnessed a compelling clash on February 6, 2026, as Manchester United Women traveled to face Leicester City in the Barclays Women’s Super League. The match, played in front of a lively crowd with a limited number of the 1,841 allocated away tickets still available, promised drama and didn’t disappoint. Both teams came into the fixture with plenty at stake—United looking to cement their place in the league’s top two, and Leicester desperate to put distance between themselves and the bottom of the table.
Leicester, refreshed after a two-week break due to the postponement of their previous match against Arsenal, started the encounter brightly. The Foxes’ new signing and former United forward, Rachel Williams, wasted no time reminding her old club of her threat. Early on, Williams tested United keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce with a stinging effort from the edge of the area, setting the tone for a feisty opening period.
However, it didn’t take long for Manchester United to assert their authority. The breakthrough came when Julia Zigiotti Olme, always a danger on the flank, whipped in a powerful cross. The ball was intended for January signing Lea Schuller, but the sheer force of Olme’s delivery meant it sailed past the Germany striker and straight into the net. It was a stroke of fortune for United, but one they were more than happy to accept as they seized a 1-0 lead.
The goal shifted the momentum firmly in United’s favor. The visitors, buoyed by recent returns from injury for Gabby George and Fridolina Rolfo, looked composed and purposeful. Rolfo, who had marked her comeback with a goal against Liverpool in the previous fixture, was once again a key presence, linking play and keeping the Leicester defense on their toes. Meanwhile, United fans following from home enjoyed live coverage on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR, while others tuned in to radio commentary on ManUtd.com—ensuring no fan missed a moment of the action.
Leicester, sitting 10th in the 12-team table and just two points above bottom-placed Liverpool, refused to capitulate. The Foxes had endured a tough start to the year, losing their first three matches, but manager Rick Passmoor had used the extended break to integrate five new winter signings, including Williams. As the first half wore on, Leicester’s resilience began to show. They pressed United in midfield and looked to exploit any gaps left by the visitors’ advancing full-backs.
United’s head coach, Marc Skinner, had spoken before the game about the importance of squad depth, especially with key players Leah Galton and Ella Toone still sidelined by injuries. “We’re hopeful for their return soon,” Skinner had noted during his pre-match media duties, but for now, his side would have to make do without them. Fortunately, the likes of Elisabeth Terland and Melvine Malard—both scorers in United’s 4-0 win over Leicester on the opening weekend of the season—were in fine form and eager to make an impact.
As the second half began, Leicester turned up the heat. French forward Noemie Mouchon came off the bench and immediately injected energy into the Foxes’ attack, causing problems for United’s back line. Fellow substitute Shannon O’Brien also made her presence felt, darting into the box and going down under a challenge from Anna Sandberg. The Leicester bench erupted in protest, convinced they should have been awarded a penalty. But referee Stacey Fullicks waved away the appeals, leaving the home crowd frustrated.
Leicester manager Rick Passmoor didn’t hide his disappointment after the match. “I am really proud of this team,” Passmoor said, reflecting on the performance. “If we play like that every week, we’ll be fine. We’re hurting but you wouldn’t want to be with any other group of players at this moment in time.” His words captured the mood in the Leicester camp—hurt by the result, but buoyed by the team’s fight and spirit.
Despite the Foxes’ rally, United’s class eventually told. Elisabeth Terland, always a handful for defenders, produced a moment of magic late in the game. With nimble footwork, she danced past her marker and finished clinically into the corner, doubling United’s lead and effectively sealing the contest. Terland’s goal capped a professional performance from the visitors and underscored her importance to Skinner’s plans.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-0 victory for Manchester United Women, a result that keeps them firmly in the hunt at the top of the Barclays Women’s Super League. For Leicester, it was another tough lesson, but there were positives to take—particularly the impact of their new signings and the fighting spirit shown against one of the league’s elite sides.
Looking back, the fixture had all the hallmarks of a classic league encounter. United’s early dominance, Leicester’s spirited response, and a dash of controversy with the penalty that never was—it kept fans on the edge of their seats, whether in the stadium or following along from afar. For United, the win not only consolidated their position among the league’s top two but also demonstrated the strength in depth Marc Skinner has at his disposal, even with key players still recovering from injury.
Leicester, meanwhile, will look to build on the positives. With nearly a fortnight of preparation behind them and five new faces in the squad, there’s a sense that the Foxes are just beginning to find their rhythm. Rachel Williams, facing her former club, showed glimpses of the quality that made her a fan favorite at United, while Mouchon and O’Brien’s cameos hinted at brighter days ahead.
The match was the only Barclays Women’s Super League fixture on Saturday, setting the stage for a packed Sunday schedule that included a top-of-the-table showdown between Arsenal and Manchester City. With the season heating up and every point at a premium, both United and Leicester know there’s little margin for error in the weeks ahead.
As the dust settles on a hard-fought contest, Manchester United Women march on with their sights set firmly on the league summit. Leicester, though disappointed, can take heart from their display and the encouraging words of their manager. The Foxes’ journey continues, and with performances like this, they’ll fancy their chances of climbing the table before season’s end.