Manchester City delivered a commanding performance at the Etihad, defeating Manchester United 3-0 in a derby that underlined their Women’s Super League title ambitions. Goals from Rebecca Knaak, Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp sealed a dominant win that keeps City four points clear at the top of the table.
United, fresh from their historic Champions League win over PSG, looked fatigued and disjointed. The defeat marked their second consecutive WSL loss — the first time that has happened since May 2024 — and leaves them seven points behind the league leaders.
Manager Marc Skinner admitted his side gifted City their goals and stressed the need to reinforce the squad in January, saying the team can still catch the leaders but must strengthen to stay competitive.
City, by contrast, appeared fresh and fluid. With Lauren Hemp back in the starting lineup, they tore through United’s usually solid defence, scoring all three goals in a 21-minute first-half blitz. Vivianne Miedema, Aoba Fujino, and Yui Hasegawa were among those who caused constant problems for United’s back line.
United offered little threat going forward and failed to register a single shot on target, with substitute Melvine Malard unable to swing the momentum. Jess Park came closest when she struck the post, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.
City could have added more — Shaw missed a late chance from a Miedema long pass — but the win firmly establishes them as early favourites for the WSL crown, having already beaten both Arsenal and United this season.
