With the men away on international duty, attention turned to the Women’s Super League as Manchester United picked up a massive 4-0 win against West Ham to take them top of the league.

United went into the game knowing that a win would see them overtake Chelsea, even though Emma Hayes’ side would have two games in hand over the reds at the time. The pressure was definitely on and for the first 45 minutes, United looked as though they were feeling it.

West Ham did well at denying United’s wide players any room, with Leah Galton – who made her 100th appearance for the club – struggling to find space and resulting in a frustrating first half for United. The best chance came within the opening ten minutes after Alessia Russo squandered a chance set up after a marauding run from full-back Ona Batlle.

But similar to the men’s side this season, United was much better in the second half. Hawa Cissoko caught Alessia Russo with a sliding tackle and the referee gave a penalty. Captain Katie Zelem stepped up and eased the pressure with a fine finish. From there United took control and finished the game with three more goals.

Lucia Garcia was brought on in the second half and scored shortly after her introduction, finishing after a great lofted pass from Ella Toone. Hayley Ladd then made it 3-0 before Garcia made it a brace and wrapped up the scoring in stoppage time.

Ona Batlle was a standout for United, as the Spanish fullback flew up and down the flanks, even grabbing the assist for Ladd. She’s been a fan favourite but with interest from Barcelona and her contract expiring in the summer, United could lose her for next season.

She isn’t the only one who may depart on a free transfer as Russo’s contract also expires. United received a world-record bid from Arsenal for the English international earlier in the season but if they don’t reach an agreement, their current top scorer this season could leave for nothing in the summer. Although manager Marc Skinner insists contract negotiations are ongoing.

However right now both are crucial to United’s title hopes and with Chelsea losing 2-0 against Manchester City on Sunday, the race at the top is closer than ever. United recently lost 1-0 to Chelsea and Emma Haye’s team still has a game in hand on United along with Arsenal.

But with six games left to play in the WSL, there's every chance it could come down to the wire and with two crucial games against City and Arsenal left to play it’s important that United stay in the race up until the end. Having placed fourth in the last three seasons in the league, Skinner will be hoping to make a push for the club’s first WSL title.

And they certainly aren’t short of fans. Their usual home at Leigh Sports Village has an attendance of 12 thousand but on Saturday over 27 thousand attended Old Trafford to watch United. There’s clearly growing support and with the prospect of new ownership at Old Trafford, perhaps one day they’ll have their own stadium to call home.

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