WSL: Chelsea rout Manchester United to retain title and see off Hayes in style

Mayra Ramirez's virtuoso performance set Chelsea on course for a 6-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday, securing a record fifth consecutive Women's Super League title in coach Emma Hayes' final game in charge.

Chelsea finished the season with 55 points, tied with Manchester City but seven points ahead on goal difference, and the final whistle elicited a burst of joy from the travelling fans as Hayes received the send-off she deserved.

"It's extra special to get it for Emma and the players who are leaving us," Chelsea captain Millie Bright, who returned from injury to play a key role in the final stretch, told Sky Sports.

"We've got the monster mentality, we've shown it season after season," she added.

Ramirez opened the scoring for Chelsea after 89 seconds, heading home a brilliant cross from Guro Reiten, and she set up Johanna Rytting Kaneryd for a second six minutes later as the hosts struggled a week after winning the FA Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur.

Colombian international Ramirez continued to dominate, setting up Sjoeke Nusken for the third in the 44th minute and slamming home her second in first-half stoppage time.

Chelsea's chances of being caught by Manchester City were effectively ended when Melanie Leupolz added a fifth two minutes after the break, turning the rest of the game into a victory parade.

United's players were unable to cope with their rampant opponents, failing to register a single shot on goal against the team they defeated in the FA Cup semi-finals as they suffered their worst league defeat to date.

In her final game for the club, substitute Fran Kirby came off the bench in the 72nd minute and scored the sixth, securing Hayes' seventh league title after 14 years in charge.

Hayes had conceded the title to Manchester City following a shock 4-3 loss at Liverpool on May 1, but City's defeat by Arsenal four days later put the Blues back in contention.

"We were given a second chance, they don't come around often but you have to take them, and we did. We beat Bristol City, beat Tottenham and we've come here and put on a five-star performance to take this title," a beaming Bright said before running off to raise the trophy together with Hayes.

SportsLigue