The Lionesses star had some nice moments on Sunday but it was her more defensive-minded team-mate who chipped in with a goal and two assists
Dominique Janssen was Manchester United's unlikely hero in Sunday's 4-0 win over Liverpool, scoring a goal and providing two assists from her defensive midfield position to help the Red Devils move into the European places in the Women's Super League. The Reds did the double over United last season, meaning they finished above them for the first time in the top-flight, but Marc Skinner's side got some revenge this time around to boost their chances of a Champions League return.
Despite the eventual scoreline, it took United some time to get going in this affair. The first half an hour lacked chances, while errors at the back threatened to let Liverpool take an early lead. However, once Elisabeth Terland broke the deadlock with 33 minutes on the clock, the hosts didn't look back.
It took just 80 seconds for Leah Galton to double that advantage with an emphatic finish after a nice ball over the top by Janssen, who made it three just before the hour with a precise strike from the edge of the box. Despite coming into this game without a direct goal involvement through her first eight games of the WSL season, the Netherlands international would add another assist before the day was out too, picking out substitute Melvine Malard at the back post as she confidently made it four.
GOAL rates Man Utd's players from Leigh Sports Village…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (6/10):
Distribution was generally good and, while she didn't have too much to do, she dealt with what Liverpool threw at her.
Jayde Riviere (7/10):
Got forward well and created a number of chances with her crosses, while keeping Smith quiet in a lively duel.
Maya Le Tissier (6/10):
Had a couple of sloppy moments when United were under pressure. In possession, though, she was influential, as usual.
Millie Turner (7/10):
Made a bit of an untidy start, though improved as the game went on.
Gabby George (6/10):
Was much more prominent in the second half in an attacking sense, after a quiet first 45.
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Dominique Janssen (8/10):
Delivered a brilliant ball in behind for Galton's goal, netted a great strike of her own and then added another assist late on, as Malard made it four. Quite the performance.
Grace Clinton (7/10):
Was quietly impressive with some classy touches and delicate passes, before becoming a more central figure in the second half especially. Worked hard off the ball, too, winning it back more than any other player.
Hinata Miyazawa (6/10):
Saw a fair bit of the ball, just not in the attacking areas where she could've made more of a difference.
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Geyse (5/10):
Lacked end product and could've made better decisions on a number of occasions in the final third.
Elisabeth Terland (7/10):
Movement and anticipation were good throughout, and she took her first big chance brilliantly to give United the lead. Could have, and probably should have, had a few more.
Leah Galton (7/10):
Showed her pace to get on the end of Janssen's pass and then plenty of confidence with the finish. Returned the favour when she set the midfielder up nicely for United's third.
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Melvine Malard (7/10):
Made an immediate impact, creating a great chance for Terland within seconds of coming on. That positive and direct attitude helped add fresh energy to the attack and earned her a goal late on.
Celin Bizet (6/10):
Was another good introduction who helped United stay on top through the latter stages.
Rachel Williams (N/A):
Came on in the latter stages to give Terland a deserved rest and help United see the game out.
Emma Watson (N/A):
Introduced for the final few minutes, taking up a place out wide.
Simi Awujo (N/A):
Another late sub who ensured the levels didn't drop in midfield.
Marc Skinner (7/10):
Decision to bring Galton back into the XI paid dividends and his substitutions made an impact. United were by no means at their best, but they didn't need to be.