Manchester United returned to winning ways with a 2-0 win at struggling Bristol City thanks to second half goals from Hinata Miyazawa and Nikita Parris.

Eager to bounce back from last week’s 3-1 derby day defeat at home to Manchester City, United were foiled in the first half by inspired City goalkeeper Olivia Clark, who denied Parris, Leah Galton and Millie Turner.

However, Marc Skinner’s side broke the deadlock five minutes after the break through Japanese international Miyazawa before Parris added a second as United clinched a comfortable three Women’s Super League points.

The visitors came close to an opening goal in the 10th minute when Brazilian Geyse pulled the ball back for Parris, who was denied by the diving Clark in front of a crowd of more than 14,000 at Ashton Gate.

Galton’s swift snapshot inside the area was then turned behind by Clark, before soon after a poor clearance landed at the feet of Turner, who lashed an effort towards goal only to see Clark save again.

Bottom club City had a rare venture forward when Amy Rodgers headed Abi Harrison’s cross goalwards but England goalkeeper Mary Earps got down well to turn the ball behind for a corner.

The visitors took the lead in the 51st minute in fortunate fashion when Miyazawa’s long range effort deflected off substitute Chloe Mustaki and beyond Clark.

Four minutes later it was 2-0 when Ella Toone’s perfect cross was headed home by her England team-mate Parris.

The visitors had two further goals ruled out. Toone was adjudged to be offside when she slammed home from inside the area, before Parris poked home – only to see the assistant referee’s flag go up once again.

United came close to a third late on when Katie Zelem’s cross found Rachel Williams at the back post, but Clark pushed the ball behind to keep the deficit at two.