Melvine Malard scored twice and set up another to help Manchester United to a convincing 4-0 Super League victory over Tottenham at Brisbane Road.

The France international opened scored either side of teeing up Ella Toone, with Hayley Ladd completing an excellent evening for United late on.

The result moves Marc Skinner’s side to within four points of leaders Chelsea and Arsenal, following the Gunners’ 4-1 victory over their rivals earlier, while Spurs have now conceded 11 goals in two games against Manchester clubs after being hammered 7-0 by City last week.

They were boosted by the return from a hip injury of Bethany England, who had not played in a match since England’s World Cup final loss to Spain in August.

She came in as one of five changes, with the influential Grace Clinton unable to play against her parent club.

Skinner, meanwhile, brought in Malard and Ladd, with Geyse dropping to the bench and Hinata Miyazawa ruled out through injury.

It was Tottenham who created the first big chance of the game, with Mary Earps pushing a shot from Martha Thomas out to the feet of England, who saw her shot blocked by Maya Le Tissier.

Both teams struggled to find clear openings until the 29th minute, when Blundell’s ball to the far post found the back of the net for her first goal of the campaign.

Frenchwoman Malard created United’s second – six minutes after the break – as she lofted the ball over the top for Toone, who beat the offside trap and was left all alone to lob Becky Spencer in the Spurs goal.

Eight minutes later, United found a third, this time Ladd driving into the box from midfield. She may well have had a penalty but, after she went down under a challenge, the ball fell for Malard, who curled a shot confidently beyond Spencer.

Tottenham tried to find a response and Celin Bizet, who had looked their most dangerous attacker, set up Ria Percival for a shot that deflected behind off Millie Turner.

Substitute Geyse then shot wide for United but there was still time for a fourth, Lucia Garcia teeing up Ladd in the 84th minute for a shot guided over the head of the stranded Spencer.

United are now on the brink of the top three, just a point behind neighbours City, while Tottenham have faded after a bright start to the season and take on derby rivals Arsenal in cup and league action this week.