Manchester United kicked off their FAWSL season with a convincing 2-0 win against Reading Women at Leigh Sports Village to be at the top of the standings along with Manchester City, Brighton, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Arsenal who beat Chelsea as well in an entertaining game.
In this tactical analysis article, the analysis will include an extensive account of what happened in this game while focusing on Reading’s defensive performance and Manchester United attacking efficiency while analysing the team’s goals’ actions and their in-game tactics.
Lineups
Manchester United played according to the 4-2-3-1 formation relying on Mary Earps as a goalkeeper, Hannah Blundell, Aoife Mannion, Maria Thorisdottir and Ona Batlle in defence, Katie Zelem and Vilde Bøe Risa as central midfielders, Kirsty Hanson and Leah Galton as wingers with Lucy Staniforth as an advanced playmaker behind Ella Toone who played as a false nine.
On the other side, Reading started with the 4-2-3-1 as well with Grace Moloney as a goalkeeper, Faye Bryson, Deanna Cooper, Gemma Evans and Lily Woodham in defence, Rachel Rowe and Chloe Peplow as central midfielders with both Amalie Eikeland and Natasha Harding as wingers and Brooke Chaplen as an advanced playmaker behind the striker Emma Harries.
Keep Reading TFA With A Free 7 Day Trial
Try TFA Risk Free For 7 Days
![Lazio Vs Napoli [0–2] – Serie A 2025/2026: Maurizio Sarri Zonal Marking Weaknesses And Unsuccessful Attacking Choices – Tactical Analysis](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Lazio-Vs-Napoli-tactical-analysis--350x250.png "Lazio Vs Napoli [0–2] – Serie A 2025/2026: How Antonio Conte Tactics Exploited Structural Flaws – Tactical Analysis 3")
