Casey Stoney praised the “mature performance” and workrate of Lauren James after the 19-year-old scored the opening goal in a 2-0 defeat of West Ham as Manchester United’s women’s team made their historic bow at Old Trafford.
The day was not so memorable for the visitors, who finished with 10 players. But while there may have been no fans, the Barmy Army banners may have been dwarfed in the huge ground and coverage limited to the FA Player and radio, it is hard to overstate the presence of Stoney’s team at the Theatre of Dreams. This was confirmation by one of the world’s most-followed clubs that the women’s game matters.
