In challenging weather at the newly renamed Progress With Unity Stadium, Wieke Kaptein put the Blues ahead early in the contest, before Anna Sandberg's first United goal not long afterwards ultimately proved decisive in the final result.
Marc Skinner had made a single change to the team that beat Liverpool last Sunday, with Sandberg returning after a brief illness, pushing Friodlina Rolfo higher up the left flank and Melvine Malard moving to the bench. After sitting out last season while pregnant and on maternity leave, Hannah Blundell made a welcome return to the matchday squad.
Prior to kick-off, a moment's silence was observed in tribute to the victims of Thursday's Heaton Park Synagogue attack.