The Blues were hoping for a big bounce-back from the disappointment of losing the Conti Cup final against Arsenal before the international break, but allowed Manchester United to score without even a minute played of today’s game, with our opponents adding another goal before Lauren James scored what proved to only be a consolation in the 2-1 defeat.

It was the start to the contest on Man United’s home turf that frustrated Hayes especially.

‘It was a game we dominated, but you can’t give two goals so earlier in the game against top-level opponents,’ she stated.

‘The first was a mistake in the first minute and the second was from a throw-in. Man United had four entries into our box in the first half and scored two goals, we had 42 entries into the box and scored one goal.

‘As a team, we have to do better with that and we gave ourselves a lot to do as a result of it. Man United changed their game plan, they sat a little bit deeper because of it, we dominated the ball, but it was our turn to be on the receiving end of big referee calls today in the box.

‘That happens and I want to say congratulations to Man United. Their fans and their players put up a great fight and Mary Earps produced world-class saves.’

Hayes added that her team’s attacking decision-making in certain situations needed to be better, and she lamented that they did not score when on top during much of the second half before, in reference to a handball call and a challenge on Niamh Charles by Rachel Williams, she added:

‘Granted there were two clear penalties in that spell. I just can’t see how the officials can’t give those. We had VAR in a cup final and to help our officials we have to have technology in our games. Niamh said to me at the end, how did they not think it was a penalty.

‘To be fair, we have played at Kingsmeadow and Stamford Bridge and arguably Man United could have had theirs [a penalty]. It is not about the impact it has on us, it is about across the board. We have to have technology.’

Looking ahead to the remaining WSL and Champions League campaigns, Hayes had a simple message.

‘We have to go home, turnaround, and play again on Wednesday so we don’t get a choice. We have to get over this.’