The Red Devils have been dealt another blow after losing 1-0 to SK Brann

Manchester United’s hopes of advancing to the UEFA Women’s Champions League league phase took a hit after a narrow 1-0 defeat to SK Brann in Bergen.

Ingrid Stenevik’s late strike proved decisive in the first leg of their third qualifying round tie, giving Manchester United fans something new to worry about.

Missed chances haunt the Red Devils in Bergen

Despite losing their boots before the match, Manchester United almost made the perfect start when Elisabeth Terland narrowly failed to hit the target with a header, while Maya Le Tissier was alert at the other end to prevent SK Brann from taking the lead.

Ella Toone looked lively throughout the first half, but she was twice denied by home goalkeeper Selma Panengstuen, while Terland also squandered another opportunity.

The hosts carried a threat of their own, with Signe Gaupset testing Phallon Tullis-Joyce just before the break.

United pressed after the restart, as Melvine Malard and Dominique Janssen both went close, but once again, the final touch was lacking.

Stenevik strikes late to seal Brann’s advantage

The game’s only goal arrived 13 minutes from time, when Gaupset’s well-delivered set piece found Ingrid Stenevik, who tucked the ball into the net to send the home fans into celebration.

Manchester United pushed for an equaliser, with Toone going close again late on, but they could not find a breakthrough.

The result leaves Marc Skinner’s side with work to do when the two teams meet again at Leigh Sports Village next Thursday.

An emphatic win will be needed on home soil if Manchester United are to keep their Champions League hopes alive, even as the men’s side battle on a diferent front this weekend aganst rivals Manchester City.