Deployed in a central attacking role, Macario produced an outstanding back-heeled assist for Wieke Kaptein's goal against United, which opened the scoring in Friday's contest. The USWNT forward then put in an unselfish performance before being replaced by Sam Kerr in the 78th minute.

Macario fashioned four chances during the game – the most of any Chelsea player – and reclaimed possession on four separate occasions. Only Johanna Rytting Kaneryd completed more dribbles (six) than the American's five, and Bompastor praised her display in the 1-1 draw.

‘Cat had a good performance,’ said the Blues head coach. ‘I knew that because she was playing as a forward, she already had the experience; she plays in that role with the national team and has the technical ability to hold the ball up higher on the pitch.

‘She showed how much individual quality she has and what she can bring to the team. She didn’t score tonight, but she created a lot for the team. That's also really important in my mind.’

Another member of the squad who received praise from the coach was Nusken. The 24-year-old was brought on as a 77th-minute substitute and went close to scoring the winner with a curling effort not long after her introduction.

As well as registering two shots on goal in just 16 minutes of action, Nusken created two chances for her team-mates and won the ball back twice. She also completed every pass she played.

‘Sio is a great player for us, an important player,’ Bompastor explained. ‘At the beginning of the season, I just felt maybe some of the individuals were better suited to what we wanted to achieve. But as I tell my players, even when they are not selected, it doesn't mean they are not good enough to play.

‘I have different player profiles, different individuals and sometimes when you want to connect them, to see what they can bring together.

'I was happy that Sio was finally able to come in because she deserved that. She works hard, and she has the right mentality. She also had a small problem with her calf, which is why she had been missing from the squad.

‘Sometimes when you are at Chelsea, you have one opportunity, and you need to take your chance. Hopefully for her, she will play in the next game, maybe as a starter, and then she will take her place in the team.’