Manchester United will look to come from behind in their Champions League third round qualifying clash on Thursday night, and here we give our preview and prediction for Manchester United vs Brann.
Manchester United vs Brann match facts
- ⚽️Women’s Champions League third qualifying round second-leg
- 🏟️Leigh Sports Village
- ⏱️Thursday, September 18th – 7pm (BST) (shown live on MUTV)
Manchester United vs Brann preview
The Red Devils will have to come from behind if they are to qualify for the new phase of the Women’s Champions League.
Marc Skinner’s side were left frustrated in Norway last week, after losing their third-round qualifying clash to Brann 1-0, despite dominating the game.
Ella Toone, Elisabeth Terland and in-form Melvine Malard all came close to scoring for the Red Devils.
However, Brann took a 1-0 win thanks to defender Ingrid Stenevik’s 76th-minute winner and an inspired performance from goalkeeper Selma Panengstuen.
A big night at @LSVStadium 🔜💪
Get your tickets 👇
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) September 16, 2025
The winner of the tie will go into the draw on Friday for the league phase of the Women’s Champions League.
Should United fail to overcome the deficit to Brann, they will instead drop into the draw for the second qualifying round of the inaugural Women’s Europa Cup.
United can take some confidence from their excellent start to the Women’s Super League, with big victories over Leicester City and London City Lionesses.
Malard, who made our Team of the Week for Gameweek 2, has scored four goals in her opening two WSL games.
If United can carry this form over to the Champions League, then it will be tough for Brann to stop the Red Devils at Leigh Sports Village on Thursday.
However, Brann have solid European experience, reaching the quarter-finals of this competition just two seasons ago.
Manchester United team news
Manchester United are awaiting an update on Millie Turner, who was taken off on a stretcher during the second-half of their 5-1 victory over the London City Lionesses.
Fridolina Rolfo will be pushing for her first start, after making her debut against the Lionesses.
The Swedish international set up Jess Park who scored her first goal since swapping sides with Grace Clinton, who left for Manchester City.
Gabby George also returned as a late substitute, while Rachel Williams made the bench.
Simi Awujo, Leah Galton and Hannah Blundell are all expected to miss out.
Predicted lineups
Manchester United: Tullis-Joyce; Riviere, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg; Olme, Miyazawa; Park, Toone, Rolfo; Malard
Brann: Panengstuen; Stenevik, Authen, Tynnila, Lehtola; Haugland, Bogere, Gauspet; Davidson, Eikeland, Zomers
Manchester United vs Brann prediction
Brann could play a defensive game on Thursday and protect their 1-0 advantage.
Should the Norwegian side score first, then it would create a huge uphill task for Marc Skinner’s side to make the league phase.
However, with players like Melvine Malard in form, and the return to fitness of Fridolina Rolfo, we predict a 3-1 victory for Manchester United in the second-leg.
Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Brann (Manchester United advance 3-2 on aggregate)
