London City Lionesses started their star-studded era and the new Women's Super League season with a comfortable 2-1 win over Manchester United.

Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas made her debut for the club but despite the Spain international drawing a sell-out crowd at Hayes Lane, it was an own goal from Julia Zigiotti that opened the scoring. The midfielder wrestled with Alanna Kennedy in the box before inadvertently guiding a header into the back of her own net to score the first goal of the 2026/27 campaign.

London City cruised into control of the fixture from there on, keeping United at arm's length throughout, before a moment of magic from Danielle van de Donk with a neat flick doubled the lead and sealed all three points for the hosts with under 10 minutes to go. United substitute Simi Awujo tucked away a late consolation goal with virtually the last kick of the game and their only shot on target.

Rosa Kafaji, Mapi Leon, Putellas and Janni Thomsen were the fresh faces included and impressed - while Mary Earps and Kadidiatou Diani were unused on the bench - as an exciting new era got off to the perfect start while owner Michele Kang watched from the stands. Boss Eder Maestre said: "Starting with a win is very important to keep building confidence. I think we were very dominant through the whole game."