Look at the table and you’ll see two teams at completely different ends of the spectrum. Manchester United W.F.C. is hunting for Champions League spots, while West Ham United Women are basically scrapping for every point just to keep their heads above water. But if you’ve actually watched their recent encounters, you know the scoreline rarely tells the whole story.
Soccer isn't played on paper.
Take their most recent clash on December 7, 2025. United won 2-1 at the Progress with Unity Stadium. On the surface? A routine win for the Red Devils. In reality? It was a chaotic, rain-slicked mess that almost saw the Hammers pull off a massive heist.
The match was even delayed by 15 minutes because West Ham’s bus got stuck in logistical limbo. You’d think that would rattle a team. Instead, they nearly frustrated one of the best attacking units in the league for 90 minutes. This rivalry—if we can call it that yet—is becoming a fascinating study in "possession vs. pragmatism."
The Gap Between Stats and Reality
United likes to dominate. They had 64% possession in that December game. They peppered Kinga Szemik’s goal with 22 shots. Elisabeth Terland, who has been absolutely clinical this season, finally broke the deadlock in the 37th minute after a gorgeous cross from Anna Sandberg.
Then things got weird.
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Early in the second half, a ball hit referee Melissa Burgin. Technically, United should have had a better chance to regain it, but West Ham took full advantage of the restart. Shekiera Martinez—remember that name—scored an outrageous bicycle kick that looped over Phallon Tullis-Joyce. Honestly, it’s a Goal of the Season contender.
"It’s a fantastic goal and was obviously a big plus for us," West Ham manager Rehanne Skinner said after the match. She wasn't wrong.
For about twenty minutes, United looked panicked. They hit the post through Julia Zigiotti Olme. They missed headers. It took a piece of individual brilliance from Dominique Janssen, a curled free-kick in the 71st minute, to save United’s skin.
Why Manchester United W.F.C. Is So Hard to Beat
Marc Skinner has built a team that is, frankly, annoying to play against. They don't just pass you to death; they "steal" the ball back the moment they lose it.
- Maya Le Tissier just hit her 100th consecutive start. That’s not just talent; that’s incredible durability.
- Elisabeth Terland is currently one of the most dangerous strikers in the WSL, having notched her 10th goal of the season against the Hammers.
- Phallon Tullis-Joyce provides a sense of security in goal that allows their full-backs, like Riviere and Sandberg, to basically play as wingers.
United’s weakness? They sometimes struggle to finish teams off. They let teams like West Ham stay in the game way longer than they should. If you don't kill the game at 1-0, you’re asking for a Shekiera Martinez bicycle kick to ruin your weekend.
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West Ham United Women: The Great Survivalists
West Ham is currently sitting in 11th place. It looks grim. But Rehanne Skinner has them playing with a "never say die" attitude that makes them a nightmare for the top four.
They don't have the budget of a Chelsea or a Man City. They rely on a low block and the individual brilliance of players like Viviane Asseyi and Katrina Gorry. Gorry, the Australian international, is basically the heartbeat of the team. She covers so much ground it’s sort of exhausting just to watch her.
The Martinez Factor
Shekiera Martinez has been a revelation. While the team struggles to create volume, she is incredibly efficient. She’s scored in three consecutive league matches recently. In a league where goals are expensive, she’s the Hammers' most valuable asset.
Defensive Grit
Kinga Szemik made six saves against United. Without her, that 2-1 loss is a 5-1 blowout. The Hammers' strategy is simple: let the big teams have the ball, stay compact, and pray for a moment of magic on the counter-attack. It worked against Liverpool (a 2-2 draw) and almost worked in Manchester.
Head-to-Head: A One-Sided History?
If you're a betting person, you've probably noticed United’s dominance. Out of the last 11 meetings, United has won seven and drawn three. West Ham has only managed one victory in their entire history against the Red Devils.
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But look closer. The draws usually happen at West Ham's home ground. The Hammers are much more comfortable at the Chigwell Construction Stadium. They manage to make the pitch feel smaller, the atmosphere more claustrophobic. United hates going there.
What to Watch for in the Next Match
The two sides meet again on March 15, 2026. If you're planning to watch, keep an eye on these specific tactical wrinkles:
- The Midfield Battle: Can Katrina Gorry disrupt Ella Toone? Toone is the creative engine for United. If Gorry can get under her skin early, United’s rhythm falls apart.
- Set Pieces: Dominique Janssen is lethal from dead balls. West Ham gave away a cheap foul on the edge of the box in December, and it cost them the game. They cannot afford to do that again.
- The "Ref" Factor: The controversy in the last game regarding the ball hitting the official is a reminder that in the WSL, small moments of confusion often lead to goals.
West Ham needs points desperately to avoid the drop. United needs points to keep pace with Arsenal and Chelsea. This isn't just another game on the calendar; it's a clash of survival vs. ambition.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're following West Ham United Women vs Manchester United W.F.C., pay attention to the first 15 minutes of the second half. That is consistently when the Hammers find their second wind and when United tends to lose focus.
For those looking at the technical side, watch the positioning of United’s Anna Sandberg. She’s essentially a playmaker from the left-back position. If West Ham can’t pin her back, she will eventually find Terland in the box.
Don't just look at the league table. Look at the "Expected Goals" (xG). In their last meeting, United had an xG of nearly 2.8, while West Ham was under 1.0. The fact that it finished 2-1 tells you everything you need to know about the resilience of this West Ham squad and the occasional wastefulness of the Manchester giants.
Keep an eye on the injury reports leading up to the March fixture. If Phallon Tullis-Joyce or Maya Le Tissier are missing, United’s defensive structure becomes significantly more vulnerable to the high-pressing style that West Ham occasionally triggers.