Manchester United have qualified for the Women's Champions League group stage for the first time after a hat-trick from Elisabeth Terland secured a 3-0 win over Norwegian side Brann in the second leg of the third qualifying round. The victory overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit, sending United through 3-1 on aggregate.
Terland scored a perfect hat-trick, netting with her right foot, left foot, and a header. The Norway striker opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a first-time strike, then headed in from a difficult angle to put United ahead on aggregate. She completed her treble after the break with a low finish on the counterattack, combining with Melvine Malard.
Manager Marc Skinner praised Terland, calling her 'one of the best finishers I've ever worked with' and highlighting her intelligence in the box. The hat-trick was Terland's second in the competition this season, following a treble against PSV in August, taking her European tally to seven goals in four games.
United dominated the match at Leigh Sports Village, with Jess Park lively and full-backs Anna Sandberg and Jayde Riviere in strong form. The only concern was Riviere hobbling off with 12 minutes remaining. United will join Chelsea and Arsenal in Friday's draw for the new 18-team league phase.
Skinner said the team must not just make up the numbers, adding: 'I hope any teams that get us see they actually didn't really want to play Manchester United.' Brann, managed by former Crystal Palace boss Leif Smerud, drop into the new secondary Europa Cup competition.
