Goals by Hinata Miyazawa and Ella Toone that bookended the first half were the difference at St Helens Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Reds were more competitive after half-time – following a first 45 minutes during which they were put under sustained pressure – but were unable to find a way back into the contest and remain in search of their first point in the top flight this season.
A wave of early pressure from the visitors had already resulted in Gemma Evans making a last-ditch block to thwart Elisabeth Terland before Miyazawa’s fourth-minute opener.
The ball sat up for Miyazawa to strike from 18 yards out and the Japan international caught it sweetly, with her half-volley crashing in off the post.
After Liverpool full-back Lily Woodham had been substituted due to injury, Miyazawa very nearly doubled United’s lead. This time, though, her left-footed drive hit the outside of the woodwork and rebounded to safety.
The Reds were being forced back and only a fine save by WSL debutant Rafaela Borggrafe prevented Marc Skinner’s side from going further ahead as the goalkeeper got down sharply to save another Terland effort.
A deflected Ceri Holland shot was tipped onto the post by United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce as Liverpool enjoyed their first spell in the visitors’ defensive third but, in first-half stoppage time, the visitors got their second goal.
Terland dispossessed Evans and unselfishly rolled the ball into the path of Toone, who had the simple task of slotting home.
