Just as Storm Claudia tore through the north-west the previous evening, Manchester City blew Manchester United away at the Etihad. It was a statement 3-0 victory for Andrée Jeglertz’s side thanks to goals from Rebecca Knaak, Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp. It was one that truly announced their title credentials as they consolidated their place at the top of the table.
It was a result that signalled back-to-back WSL defeats for Marc Skinner’s side for the first time since May 2024, leaving them seven points off the league leaders with their title hopes hanging by a thread.
United’s ability to juggle domestic and European football with a thin squad has been a hotly discussed topic since they qualified for the Champions League. Looking at the calendar, it always felt like this was the week that would truly test this capability. Unfortunately for the visitors, they looked fatigued throughout, the historic win against PSG clearly having taken a toll.
Skinner had tried to freshen things up with a handful of changes. Ella Toone, Elisabeth Terland, Dominique Janssen and Leah Galton all added energy, although the dropping of the in-form Melvine Malard to the bench raised a few eyebrows.
Manchester City, in contrast, have no such loading worries. Jeglertz made one change from last week’s win over Everton with Lauren Hemp making her first start since recovering from injury.
