Nikita Parris gets Man Utd back on track against Liverpool after derby humbling

22 November 2023 , 22:28

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Nikita Parris celebrates scoring the winner for Manchester United against Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)

Manchester United maintained their 100 per cent record in the Continental Cup this season after recording a narrow 1-0 win over Liverpool on Wednesday.

Nikita Parris scored the only goal of the game for Marc Skinner's side, as they ensured their second successive Group B victory, after beating Everton 7-0 in their first cup fixture. Manchester City currently sit top of the group, although they have played one more match than second-place United.

As for the game at Prenton Park, United started the brighter of the two sides and Parris had an opportunity within the opening stages. She ran through on goal after a neat pass from Lucia Garcia, but her strike flew just wide.

Several chances would follow for United, who dominated the first-half. Ella Toone was presented with an opportunity but she could only fire at goalkeeper Teagan Micah. England star Toone then set up Hannah Blundell down the left-hand side, but her cross was intercepted before it could reach Parris in the middle.

In the 20th minute, Garcia almost gave United the lead with a moment of brilliance. She brought the ball down, flicked it over Lucy Parry's head before bearing down on goal. However, Garcia's half volley fizzed inches past the post. Rachel Williams squandered another excellent chance for United, and Skinner may have been wondering whether they were going to pay for being wasteful in front of goal.

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But United eventually broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time. Parris picked the ball up on the edge of the area, before dribbling beyond her marker and firing an effort beyond Micah. It was an excellent finish from the 29-year-old, who now has seven goals in eight matches so far this season.

Manchester United ran out 1-0 winners over Liverpool in the Conti Cup (Getty Images)

The second-half proved to be a quieter one in terms of clear-cut chances, although Liverpool almost equalised as Sofie Lundgaard saw a shot blocked from inside the box. The Reds continued to pile on the pressure, with Missy Bo Kearns forcing goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce into a smart save.

United then came close to doubling their lead through Garcia, while Kearns had another opportunity to level for Liverpool towards the end of the game. But Matt Beard's side were unable to force a leveller, meaning United would come away with a narrow but deserved 1-0 win.

The result comes three days after United suffered a 3-1 defeat against Manchester City at Old Trafford. As for Liverpool, it's back-to-back defeats following their 5-1 thrashing at Chelsea on Saturday.

Kieran King