Manchester United Lose First-Leg Women's Champions League Qualifier to Brann

Manchester United's women's team suffered a 1-0 defeat against SK Brann in the first leg of the UEFA Women's Champions League third qualifying round, with the Norwegian side scoring through Ingrid Stenevik's header from a Signe Gaupset free-kick. Despite dominating play and creating multiple chances, United were unable to score and will need to overturn the deficit in the second leg at Leigh Sports Village to reach the new 18-team league phase, a milestone they have not previously achieved. The match was marked by unusual logistical issues as some players' boots went missing during transit to Bergen, though replacements were secured in time for kickoff. Real Madrid and other clubs like Paris FC and Atletico Madrid had mixed results in the same qualifying round. United's manager Marc Skinner faces challenges with squad depth due to injuries and recent transfers, which may impact their ability to progress. The team must improve their clinical finishing to advance, as they have previously lost narrowly to strong opponents in the competition.