A method of manufacturing a composite element. A stack of plies is assembled on a lay-up table, each ply comprising a plurality of reinforcement elements such as dry-fibers. A first part of the stack of plies is bound to form a partially bound stack of plies, a second part of the stack of plies remaining unbound. The partially bound stack of plies is press-formed in a mold cavity between a pair of mold tools to form a shaped pre-form, plies in the second part of the stack sliding against each other during the press-forming. A liquid matrix material is injected into the shaped pre-form in the mold cavity and subsequently cured.