Nikita Parris returns to haunt Everton for rampant Manchester United

A five-star performance by Manchester United saw Nikita Parris and substitute Rachel Williams both net a brace in a fitting tribute to the late Sir Bobby Charlton, writes Alex Richardson at Walton Hall Park.

The opening 10 minutes of the afternoon at Walton Hall Park saw half-chances as both sides looked to find their feet, with Marc Skinners’ side retaining possession impressively.

The deadlock was soon broken however when Katie Zelem delivered the first corner of the game, causing a scramble in the Everton box. Failing to clear the danger, Melvine Malard was the quickest to respond to nod in past helpless goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan on the 14-minute mark.

Although a goal down early on, the hosts searched for an equaliser with Nicoline Sorensen getting in-behind The Reds’ defence on more than one occasion, but struggled to find a way past Mary Earps.

Katja Snoeijs, in her first start of the season, and Bennison also tested the visitors’ goal – with the latter seeing her effort from distance tipped over, and the other failing to steer her glancing header on target.

Brosnan was called upon just before the break when Hinata Miyazawa found herself in a dangerous position before guiding her header goalwards, but only managed to force an impressive save from The Blues’ goalkeeper.

The second half then opened up for a breathtaking display from the Red Devils. Ella Toone started with the chances, seeing her effort sail over the woodwork from 12-yards out.

Hannah Blundell went close from long range, as the ball fell to her invitingly, forced a good save.

United doubled their lead on the hour mark with a comfortable passage of play, seeing Zelem receive the ball in a deep position and picking out Parris for her first of the game, nodding in from yards out.

Everton then had a flurry of chances, almost finding an instant response when they had two consecutive chances agonisingly cleared off the line by Blundell.

Brian Sorensen’s centre-half partnership both had opportunities, with Katrine Veje having a desperately close effort dragged wide of Earps’ goal and Megan Finnigan sending in a solid header from a corner.

The floodgates then opened with Parris ruthlessly punishing Veje, dispossessing the defender in her own box before putting it on a plate for Williams who made no mistake.

Eight minutes later, Williams netted again. This time with Jayde Riviere cutting inside from the right and bending her effort into the six-yard box for the 35-year old to score from close range once more.

Parris then secured her own brace after being threaded in behind the depleted Everton backline and scrambling it home with 90 minutes on the clock.

A rampant end to the game by United saw the display went some way to putting the recent poor form remarks to bed.

The win moves them to fourth in the table with eight points after the opening four games going into the international break.

Following and impressive performance at Anfield last week, the Toffees failed to make home advantage count here and are tenth in the table.