Manchester United advanced to the Women's Champions League league phase after delivering a huge 3-0 victory over Brann at Leigh Sports Village with Elisabeth Terland scoring all three goals.
After falling 1-0 behind during their visit to Norway in the first leg of the qualifying tie, all eyes were on Marc Skinner's Red Devils as they looked to secure a spot among Europe's top sides in the group stage, and it took just eight minutes for Terland to bring the sides level on aggregate, reacting to a perfect cross to stun her former team.
Man Utd worked hard for their opening goal, dominating possession and demonstrating impeccable levels of control as they boxed Brann into a corner they could not escape from. A second goal came just minutes later for Terland as she nodded the ball into the back of the net after a swift corner from Julia Zigiotti Olme.
The atmosphere inside the stadium lifted in favour of the hosts as they continued to block their opponents, rarely giving Brann the chance to breathe and work the ball towards their box.
Glimmers of hope came for Brann when play resumed after the break. Unfortunately, United's complete dominance meant they could neither push on to attack or sit back to defend without being taken advantage of.
Terland's third goal came with ease just after the hour mark, breaking into space after spotting a fast Melvine Malard charging down the pitch with the ball. The French forward glided the ball towards the Norwegian and she made light work of sealing her hat-trick and ending the hopes of Brann.
It was an almost flawless performance from United who looked like a completely different side to the one that travelled to Bergen last week. Thrashings of Leicester City and London City Lionesses in the league gifted them a deserved confidence that they rightfully took into this game.
As for Brann, the Toppserien side failed to qualify for the Women's Champions League group phase after last competing against Europe's giants in 2023/24. They sit comfortably atop Norway's top-flight table after appointing former Crystal Palace boss Leif Smerud.
What next for Man Utd Women?
Manchester United face a quick turnaround before their next fixture against Arsenal on September 21, with both sides level on points at the top of the WSL table.
Before then, attention turns to Europe with the draw for the UEFA Women’s Champions League league phase taking place on Friday at 12:00 BST, where Skinner’s side will discover their opponents ahead of the club’s first appearance at that stage.
