While the Wanderers will be sweating on the fitness of reigning Julie Dolan medallist Sophie Harding, United can finish the round as high as fourth after flexing their muscles at Ironbark Fields.
Also on Friday, Chelsie Dawber scored in the final minute to launch Adelaide to a thrilling 3-2 win over Sydney FC.
Western Sydney's Harding left the field in tears with a suspected left hip injury just two minutes into the second half against United.
The striker did not appear to suffer a physical knock, going to ground a distance outside of the contest.
Western Sydney had endured a horror start to their match when goalkeeper Sham Khamis gave away a penalty kick in the second minute.
Kahli Johnson was poised to take the game's first shot before Khamis left her line and dived at the United striker's feet.
Matildas star Chloe Logarzo took the kick and slotted with ease before Melissa Taranto sliced through the traffic after a rebounding corner kick to pile on the pain four minutes later.
It was then Sara Eggesvik's turn to add her name to the scoresheet in the 36th minute, the Philippines international scoring with a header.
Sienna Saveska reduced the deficit in the 39th minute but a Kiara de Domizio header in the 79th minute restored the ground Western United had lost.
Western Sydney (1-3-10) remain last in the league.
.— Ninja A-League (@aleaguewomen) @wufcofficial are off to an absolute flyer! ���CommBank Matildas star Chloe Logarzo opened the scoring from the penalty spot, before Mel Taranto scored an absolute stunner 🔥 📺 Watch #WUNvWSW live NOW on Paramount+ & 10 Play pic.twitter.com/uHQ7YOjbGeJanuary 31, 2025
At Leichhardt Oval, the 11th-placed Sky Blues fought back from two goals down to bring themselves within reach of a point.
Millie Farrow had levelled the score three minutes into added time, but Chelsie Dawber drove a dagger in the reigning champions' hearts with a sensational strike with seconds to go.
The third-placed Reds extend their undefeated streak to a club record seven matches.
A double by Emily Condon had put Adelaide on the front foot.
Sydney goalkeeper Brianna Edwards and Margaux Chauveau lost their footing after stopping a Condon attack, allowing the Reds attacker to regather and draw first blood in the 23rd minute.
Condon found her second after picking up the crumbs of teammate Erin Healy's failed attempt in the 54th minute.
Teen sensation Indiana Dos Santos reduced the buffer in the 65th minute before Farrow momentarily kept Sydney alive.
It is the first time the Reds have defeated the Sky Blues in Sydney.
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