Manchester United 0-3 Lyon: Marc Skinner's side outclassed

Manchester United were outclassed by a dominant Lyon to leave them facing an uphill task to automatically qualify for the quarter-finals of the Women's Champions League.

Tabitha Chawinga's first-half diving header and a late double from Melchie Dumornay proved to be enough at Leigh Sports Village, as Marc Skinner's side failed to lay a glove on the eight-time European champions.

United came into the contest knowing that an upset would not only see them leapfrog their opponents in the league phase standings, but leave them inside the top four going into their final game, a position that would hand them an automatic route to the final eight.

Skinner opted to make several bold changes to his line-up, including the exclusions of Ella Toone and Jess Park to give his side greater physical edge, but they were punished for their lack of quality before long.

Moments after an incredible block from Jayde Riviere to deny Ada Hegerberg, Chawinga swooped in with a deft header that Phallon Tullis-Joyce couldn't keep out.

The hosts struggled to string any real momentum together, but still should've levelled with their only real chance of the game as Melvine Malard squandered a chance to score against her former club by heading over from close range.

Skinner would introduce his more technical players at the start of the second half, but they offered little inspiration before Dumornay wrapped up the three points with a well deserved late double.

The result means that United slip down to ninth, which would be enough for an unseeded spot in the play-off round. Any hope of a top-four finish has all but vanished though, as they will need to rely on results from elsewhere to secure a place.

As for Lyon, they have all but confirmed their place in the quarter-finals as they move level on points with leaders Barcelona but sit second on goal difference.

More to follow.