The Women’s Super League (WSL) will be treated to the first Manchester derby of the 2024/25 season this Sunday as City welcome United to the Etihad Stadium.
History precedes the competitive reputation of this derby, and Sunday will certainly be no exception. As Gareth Taylor’s Cityzens prepare to enter battle without star strikers Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw and Lauren Hemp, Marc Skinner’s Red Devils will be eager to capitalize on their injured rivals’ vulnerabilities.
Just two points separate the two Manchester sides in the WSL league table, and a United victory will put them ahead of their WSL rivals. Skinner’s side will be eager to add a goal to their derby tally, having reigned victorious just once in nine league encounters.
90 minutes takes a look at the WSL’s best Manchester derbies ahead of Sunday’s epic showdown…
Caroline Weir’s Puska-nominated derby rocket 🚀 pic.twitter.com/n6YmoHaOVW
– Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) January 15, 2025
Even if this meeting did not bring a plethora of goals, it marked a historic moment for the WSL. Since United’s inception in 2018, this match was the first high-profile derby between the two teams.
It was Caroline Weir who broke the deadlock for City with a miraculous strike. The goal designated by Puskas shook the back of the net from afar, bringing the pleasure of the derby to the Manchester blues.
WHAT A GOAL. 🤯@TobinHeath just lit up the Manchester derby! 🔥#WomenFootballWeekend pic.twitter.com/q0ThgoBoCg
– Barclays Women’s Super League (@BarclaysWSL) November 14, 2020
Confined football at its best, this match was a seesaw of events. Some of the world’s biggest stars were in attendance on that bitter November afternoon, including Tobin Heath, Sam Mewis, Lucy Bronze and Georgia Stanway.
The Cityzens took an early lead at half-time, thanks to early goals from Chloe Kelly and Laura Coombs.
It was USWNT legend Heath who struck first for the Red Devils, as the midfielder sent a decisive strike into the top of the net from distance. United managed to grab a point in the 74th minute, as Kirsty Hanson capitalized on a tussle inside the box to make the final score 2-2.
A direct red card for Georgia Stanwaypic.twitter.com/RB72QZPfy3
– BBC Sport Manchester (@BBCRMSport) October 9, 2021
Another 2-2 draw makes the shortlist at Leigh Sports Village, in what was an extremely heated encounter on derby day.
Georgia Stanway saw red in the 35th minute, after a poorly timed challenge on Leah Galton. The Cityzens managed to score a goal despite being down to 10 players, as Bunny Shaw headed home a well-weighted cross from Demi Stokes.
Another close range goal saw the Red Devils level the scoreline thanks to a Lucy Staniforth strike, moments before Alessia Russo took the lead three minutes later. A brilliant finish from Russo drew a roar from the home fans, but the ecstasy did not last long.
Just four minutes later, City went on the counter-attack and forced a high-level save from Mary Earps. Despite her best efforts, Ellen White was there to steal the glory as she won the remainders to draw 2-2.
A sensational finish of @lauren__hemp to put us in the lead at Old Trafford! 💫 pic.twitter.com/cKLZ65TlPs
-Manchester City (@ManCity) November 20, 2023
The Theater of Dreams played host to a four-goal thriller in the latter stages of 2024, as City once again claimed bragging rights over Manchester.
Katie Zelem would write her name on the scoresheet first, after Alex Greenwood’s handball awarded United a penalty. The former captain scored the opener despite a good effort from Khiara Keating to get his hands on the strike.
Jill Roord slotted the equalizer into the bottom left corner shortly after, and from there City took it home. A fine finish from Lauren Hemp saw her shake the top corner, before Shaw sealed the deal by capitalizing on a Mary Earps error in the closing stages.
Rivalry, atmosphere, world-class finishing: this game had it all.
In added time, @LuciaGarcia17 guard @ManUtdWomen in the title race! 🤩#BarclaysWSL pic.twitter.com/KsnL3luCah
– Barclays Women’s Super League (@BarclaysWSL) May 21, 2023
The penultimate weekend of the 2022/23 season brought high stakes for both Manchester teams. United were eager to continue their quest for the title, while the Cityzens were aiming for third place and a place in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
An early opener from Hayley Ladd delighted Red Devils fans, before Filippa Angeldal equalized in the 68th minute.
A dramatic finale was written into the history books, as Hannah Blundell delivered a cross into the box. Headed by Vilde Boe Risa, Lucia Garcia collected the remains and headed home the winner to paint Manchester red in the 91st minute.
The winner kept United in the title race until the final day, meaning City would ultimately fail to qualify for Europe.
