The best Manchester derbies in WSL history

The Women’s Super League (WSL) will be treated to the first Manchester derby of the 2024/25 season on Sunday as City host United at the Etihad Stadium.

History precedes this derby’s competitive reputation, and Sunday will certainly be no exception to that rule. Like Gareth Taylor City residents Heading into the fray without superstars Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw and Lauren Hemp, Mark Skinner’s Red Devils will be keen to capitalize on the weaknesses of their injured rivals.

Only two points separate the two Mancunian teams WSL League standings and victory united We will see them outpace their WSL rivals. Skinner’s side will be keen to add a goal to their derby tally, having won just once in nine league meetings.

90min We take a look at the best Manchester derbies in the WSL ahead of Sunday’s epic showdown…

Although this encounter did not result in a large number of goals, it was a historic moment in the WSL. Since United’s founding in 2018, this match was the first Premier League derby between the two sides.

It was Caroline Weir who broke the deadlock for City with a stunning strike. Puskas’ goal slotted home from long range, bringing derby joy to the blue side of Manchester.

It was closed-door football at its best, and this match was a see-saw of events. Some of the world’s greatest stars appeared on the bitter November afternoon, including the likes of Tobin Heath, Sam Mewis, Lucy Bronze and Georgia Stanway.

The Cityzens took an early lead on the stroke of half-time thanks to early goals from Chloe Kelly and Laura Coombs.

It was USWNT legend Heath who scored first for the Red Devils, the midfielder sending a powerful strike into the top of the net from distance. United were able to snatch a point in the 74th minute, as Kirsty Hanson took advantage of a scuffle inside the box to make the final score 2-2.

Another 2-2 draw leaves Leigh Sports Village shortlisted for a hotly contested derby encounter.

Georgia Stanway saw red in the 35th minute after a poorly timed challenge on Leah Galton. Cityzens managed to score despite being down to 10 men, as Bunny Shaw headed home a fine cross from Demi Stokes.

Another close-range goal allowed the Red Devils to level the score thanks to a pass from Lucy Staniforth, just moments before Alessia Russo went ahead after just three minutes. Rousseau’s brilliant finish sparked a roar from the home crowd, but the euphoria was short-lived.

Just four minutes later, City launched a counter-attack and forced a powerful save from Mary Earps. Despite her best efforts, Ellen White was there to steal the glory as she rattled off the Shrapnel to draw the teams to a 2-2 draw.

The Theater of Dreams hosted a four-goal thriller in the closing stages of 2024, as City claimed Manchester’s bragging rights once again.

Katie Zelem would get her name on the scoresheet first, after Alex Greenwood’s handball earned United a penalty. The former captain scored the first goal despite a good effort from Khiara Keating to slot the ball into the net.

Jill Roord scored the equalizer into the bottom left corner shortly after, and from there, City slotted the ball home. A lovely finish from Lauren Hemp saw her curl into the top corner, before Shaw sealed the deal by capitalizing on Mary Earps’ blunder in the closing stages.

The competition, the atmosphere, the world-class finishes – this game had it all.

The penultimate weekend of the 2022/23 season brought high stakes for both sides in Manchester. United were keen to continue their chase to win the league, while the Citizens were chasing third place and qualification for the Women’s Champions League.

Hayley Ladd opened the match early, delighting the Red Devils fans, before Filippa Angeldahl equalized in the 68th minute.

A dramatic end that wrote itself in the history books, as Hannah Blundell sent a cross into the area. Lucia Garcia headed in a header from Field Boy Risa, picked up the pieces and scored the winning goal to give Manchester Red in the 91st minute.

The winner kept United in the title race until the final day, and meant City would ultimately be unable to qualify for Europe.

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