Manchester United Women cruised to victory over the Wolves, securing their spot in the next round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup with a resounding 6-0 triumph on February 8, 2025. The match, played at the SEAH Stadium, drew a record crowd for Wolves Women, highlighting the growing interest and support for women’s football.
The scoring opened just before the half-hour mark, with Elisabeth Terland finding the net after 26 minutes, courtesy of a cross from Melvine Malard. Leah Galton, marking her 150th appearance for the club, doubled the lead just ten minutes later with a clever shot curving past Wolves’ goalkeeper Bec Thomas at the near post.
After the halftime break, Aoife Mannion extended the lead to 3-0 with her first goal for Manchester United, skillfully finishing from close range shortly after the restart. The onslaught continued, as Ella Toone delivered the fourth goal just two minutes later with a powerful shot from 20 yards, which went under Thomas.
All hope seemed lost for Wolves, who had entered the match with impressive form, being unbeaten through their last eleven games. They struggled to contain United's offensive prowess as they had yet to penetrate the visitor's defenses adequately.
Mared Griffiths, making her debut as a substitute, added her name to the score sheet late in the match. She tapped the ball home after Thomas fumbled it, bringing the score to 5-0. Griffiths capped off her remarkable debut by sealing the 6-0 victory with another goal, showcasing her prowess as she volleyed through the Wolves’ keeper to conclude the scoring.
Manchester United’s head coach Marc Skinner praised his team’s performance, stating, “We know people would expect us to win this game but for us, it’s about attitude. We want to get back to the final. We know we have tougher tasks coming, but tonight we acquitted ourselves fantastically.” His outlook reflects both the team’s ambitions to advance far within the tournament and the acknowledgment of the effort required against tougher opposition.
The match was characterized by Manchester United’s dominance from the start, combining effective teamwork and individual brilliance. Wolves’ goalkeeper Thomas was instrumental, though her efforts weren’t enough to stem the tide of United’s goals. She made several key saves early, but the pressure was relentless, as Wolves struggled with injuries and lost momentum as the match progressed.
Wolves’ focus now shifts to their league aspirations, aiming for promotion from the National League North, with their next match against Nottingham Forest looming on the horizon. Dan McNamara, Wolves' coach, understood the challenge presented by the higher-tier Manchester United side, but the experience gained from the Cup will certainly bolster their resolve as they push for league success.
Highlighting some of the best performances from the game, Mannion excelled defensively as well as scoring, showing her capabilities to impact both ends of the pitch. Galton’s tactical intelligence and Terland’s finishing were notes of excellence on established players who shined brightly.
The draw for the quarter-finals will take place on Tuesday, February 11, and is set to be streamed live on the Adobe Women’s FA Cup YouTube channel, generating additional excitement and anticipation among clubs and fans alike. The upcoming matches will feature tightly contested battles as teams including Manchester United aim to solidify their positions and push toward lifting the coveted trophy once more.
This victory not only marks Manchester United's progress but also reflects the club's aspiring presence within women's football, aiming to reclaim their status as cup holders and compete at the highest levels. Fans will be watching closely as their favorites aim for glory, all fueled by their impressive showing against Wolves.