Manchester United 2-0 West Ham: Teen Lauren James scores in historic Old Trafford win

Teenager Lauren James scored as Manchester United claimed victory over West Ham on a historic day when Old Trafford hosted a women’s Super League match for the first time.

United States forward Christen Press jumped a second after Jackie Groenen dodged her six minutes later.

United, who usually play at Leigh Sports Village, ranks third in the table.

James, one of England’s most promising young ladies, was excellent in the first half and was rewarded for her excellent performance when she became the first woman to score at Old Trafford just five minutes after the restart.

He has now scored the first goal for Manchester United women in the Championship, the WSL, the FA Cup and now at Old Trafford.

James displayed skill, intelligence and rhythm throughout, closing in again in the second half when his curling punch flew inches off the right post.

Before their opener, the hosts were struggling to bring down West Ham, which remains at the bottom of the table and without a win in seven WSL matches.

Press had a chance to score and two balls bubbled into the six-yard box that eluded James and midfielder Ella Toone.

The negligence of possession almost proved costly for the hosts as well, as West Ham’s Martha Thomas, Kenza Dali and Dagny Brynjarsdottir all had opportunities to get behind the home defense in the first half after receiving the ball.

The Hammers had to pay not to risk it, as James and Press provided the clinical advantage Manchester United had longed for, before Laura Vetterlein’s second yellow card made life even more difficult for the visitors in the final stages.

The result leaves Casey Stoney’s team six points behind Arsenal, who will face North London Spurs at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium later on Saturday (15:30 GMT).

West Ham are one point behind Bristol City, who will face relegation rivals Birmingham City on Sunday (16:00 GMT).