Manchester United kicked off their Women’s Champions League qualifying campaign in style, cruising to a convincing 4-0 win over PSV in the second qualifying round semi-final. The star of the show was Elisabeth Terland, who netted an impressive hat-trick, while new signing Julia Zigiotti Olme made a strong debut, showcasing her midfield dominance.
Terland’s classy treble, complemented by a neat finish from Celin Bizet, puts Marc Skinner’s side firmly on course for European competition this season. Even if things don’t go perfectly, United are now guaranteed at least a spot in the new second-tier Women’s Europa Cup. But their real goal is to join Arsenal and Chelsea in the Champions League proper and after this performance, they look well on track.
Next up, United face either Hammarby from Sweden or Ukraine’s Metalist 1925 in the final match of this qualifying mini-tournament on Saturday at 6pm BST. These second-round ties are all being played this week in Stockholm’s 3Arena, with Hammarby hosting. A win there would see United through to a two-legged knockout tie in September, inching closer to the expanded Champions League group stage.
For United fans, the straightforward nature of this win was a relief, cutting through the often confusing qualifying format. The WSL side took command quickly, suffocating PSV with an intense high press that left their opponents little room to breathe. The opening goal came after just six minutes when midfielder Lisa Naalsund pounced on a loose ball, cutting off PSV’s defence before feeding Terland. With plenty of space, Terland calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner.
Zigiotti Olme, who impressed for Sweden during Euro 2025 and joins from Bayern Munich this summer, showed early promise too. She struck the post with a powerful left-footed shot and maintained strong control and energy throughout the match, driving United’s midfield forward with confidence.
The second goal came soon after halftime, with Anna Sandberg’s cross setting up Ella Toone for a shot saved only into Bizet’s path, who neatly lifted the rebound into the net. Terland then doubled her tally eight minutes after the break, expertly finishing off a pass from Toone. Her hat-trick was completed in the 63rd minute as she burst through the middle and fired home a slick finish.
United, competing in this stage due to their third-place finish in last season’s WSL, missed some key players including their second summer signing Fridolina Rolfö, who is sidelined for a few weeks with a minor knock. Rachel Williams, Leah Galton, and England midfielder Grace Clinton were also absent due to minor injuries. Still, none of that slowed down United as they took this first step confidently on their mission to join Europe’s elite.
With such a dominant display and Terland in top form, United’s Women’s Champions League adventure looks very promising indeed.
