Manchester United moved up to second in the Women's Super League after two early goals set them on their way to victory over Brighton at Leigh Sports Village.

United scored twice in the first 11 minutes through Ella Toone and Hinata Miyazawa, before Celin Bizet added a third with a long-range drive.

It continues United's good recent form, putting them seven points behind WSL leaders Chelsea, and maintains momentum from their derby win at Manchester City last weekend.

Brighton meanwhile stay fifth, eight points off the Champions League places.

United started with purpose and took the lead inside two minutes when former Brighton striker Elisabeth Terland - making her 50th WSL appearance - slid the ball into the box to Toone, who finished calmly past ex-United keeper Sophie Baggaley.

And it was two shortly after as Miyazawa, top scorer at the last World Cup, showed her finishing touch with a powerful strike into the bottom corner after her first effort was blocked.

The points were wrapped up in the 69th minute when Bizet slammed home from 25 yards, over the grounded Baggaley.

It was a dominant performance from United, who have now won their past four league games - their best run of form in the WSL since October 2023.

Brighton improved after half-time and came close when Nikita Parris fired over from close range, but they have failed to win in their past four league matches as Dario Vidosic's side fall back into mid-table following a promising start.

It might seem contrary to describe a calf injury as a blessing, but that seems to be the case for Toone.

Before suffering the injury in training last November, Toone had failed to score in six WSL appearances and her place in the England team - and potentially at Euro 2025 - was in danger.

Since returning Toone has been a player reborn, with performances that will surely have caught Sarina Wiegman's eye.

She has scored five goals in three appearances in all competitions in 2025, since returning from that injury.

Toone was instrumental in the 4-2 victory at Etihad Stadium last weekend with her hat-trick and was at the centre of events again as she orchestrated play, with 39 touches in the first half alone.

She could have had another on the half-hour mark when she volleyed straight at Baggaley, and has the body language of a player with the utmost confidence.

Leigh has never been a happy hunting ground for Brighton, who have now won just one of their past 12 meetings with United.

They never looked truly likely to get a result here after falling behind so early and were indebted to Baggaley who, while caught out for the third goal, had kept Brighton in the match to that point.

She made a superb full-length save from Terland in the first half, followed by a terrific double stop when the ball was given away inside her own area.

Vidosic made a triple change at half-time to try to inspire his team, but they have now lost four consecutive away league games for the first time since October 2022.

It will be interesting to see whether the arrival of the manager's father, Rado Vidosic, as head of women's coaching at Brighton will bring about an improvement in form and fortune.