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A historic night! Rebeca Bernal scores twice in her first start for Manchester United

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A historic night! Rebeca Bernal scores twice in her first start for Manchester United

It took Rebeca Bernal just three games to begin making her mark with Manchester United, as the captain of the Mexican national team scored two headers in her first start with the Red Devils and played a starring role in the spectacular 10-1 rout of Sheffield United. The match, played on Wednesday, September 23, marked United’s debut in the 2026–27 Subway Players Cup and also represented the team’s first home victory of the season.

For Bernal, it was a particularly meaningful night. She had come off the bench in her previous two Women’s Super League matches, but coach Eva Olid decided to start her for the first time. The Mexican player made an immediate impact.

Two headers for an unforgettable night

Manchester United opened the scoring in the 15th minute on a penalty kick converted by Maya Le Tissier.

Bernal showed up shortly afterward.

A corner kick taken by Jess Simpson found the Mexican player inside the box, and she rose to connect with a powerful header that made it 2-0 and marked her first goal for Manchester United.

United went into halftime with a commanding 5-0 lead, thanks in part to goals by Mared Griffiths, Lea Schüller, and Ella Toone.

Bernal still had one more trick up his sleeve.

In the second half, Ella Toone sent a cross into the box, and the Mexican player once again outjumped the defense.

He scored another header to briefly make it 7-0.

Manchester United ended up winning 10-1, with six different goal scorers.

Griffiths scored a hat trick; Bernal and Schüller each scored twice.

Meanwhile, Le Tissier, Toone, and Simpson rounded out the rout. Amy Andrews scored Sheffield United’s goal (Filed under: Rebeca Bernal scores historic two-goal performance).

Rebeca Bernal Makes History in England

The double victory marks another important milestone in a career that has taken Rebeca Bernal through Mexico, the United States, and now England.

Manchester United officially signed the soccer player on September 2, 2026, from the Washington Spirit.

The U.S. club received an undisclosed amount for the transfer, in addition to potential contingent payments.

The movement also had historical significance:

The Washington Spirit confirmed that Bernal became the first Mexican woman to join a club in England’s Women’s Super League.

Before crossing the Atlantic, the Mexican player had arrived in Washington in 2025 from Rayadas de Monterrey.

With the Spirit, she won the 2025 Challenge Cup and helped the team reach its second consecutive NWSL final.

Manchester United also highlights her impressive career in Mexico:

Bernal played more than 200 games for Monterrey between 2017 and 2025 before making the leap to the NWSL (Filed as: Rebeca Bernal scores historic two-goal performance).

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