Elisabeth Terland continued her impressive scoring run against Leicester City as Manchester United closed the gap on Women’s Super League leaders Manchester City to eight points.
The Norway international came off the bench to net in the 88th minute for her fifth goal in as many games against the Foxes.
Terland’s strike sealed second-placed United’s success – moving them four points clear of Chelsea – following a 13th-minute opener from Julia Zigiotti Olme.
For Leicester, it was a ninth loss in their 14 league games as they continue to struggle at the bottom end of the table.
The hosts had started brightly, with former United forward Rachel Williams testing keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce from the edge of the area.
But United quickly took control and led when January signing Lea Schuller tried to meet a Zigiotti Olme cross, but the sheer power of the Swede’s ball meant it flew past the German striker and into the net.
The Foxes rallied in the second half, with French forward Noemie Mouchon lively and causing problems after coming off the bench.
But Rick Passmoor’s side did not test Tullis-Joyce and Leicester keeper Olivia Clark had to be alert to turn away a Simi Awujo half-volley around the post.
Terland, though, made sure of United’s victory when she showed great footwork before sending a low finish into the corner.