The Women's Super League (WSL) will be treated to the first Manchester derby of the 2024/25 season this Sunday as City host United at the Etihad Stadium.
History precedes this derby's competitive reputation and Sunday is sure to be no exception. Like Gareth Taylor people prepare to go into battle without star forwards Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw and Lauren Hemp, Marc Skinner's Red Devils will be keen to exploit the weaknesses of their injured rivals.
Only two points separate the two Mancunian teams in WSL league standings, and a win for united will see them overtake their WSL rivals. Skinner's side will be keen to add a blow to their derby tally, having reigned victorious just once in nine league meetings.
90 min takes a look at the best WSL Manchester derbies ahead of Sunday's epic clash…
Caroline Weir's Puskas Nominated Derby Racket 🚀 pic.twitter.com/n6YmoHaOVW
— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) January 15, 2025
Although this encounter did not produce an abundance of goals, it marked a historic moment in the WSL. Since United's start in 2018, this match was the first top-flight derby between the two teams.
It was Caroline Weir who broke the deadlock for City with a wonder strike. Puskas' nominated goal rattled the net from long range, bringing derby day delight to Manchester's blue side.
WHAT A GOAL. 🤯@TobinHeath just lit up the manchester derby! 🔥Women's #Football weekend pic.twitter.com/q0ThgoBoCg
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) November 14, 2020
Closing out football at its best, this match was a sight to behold. Some of the world's biggest stars turned out on the bitter November afternoon, including Tobin Heath, Sam Mewis, Lucy Bronze and Georgia Stanway.
The Cityzens took the lead early in the first half 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 shot into the top of the net from distance. United managed to grab a point in the 74th minute as Kirsty Hanson capitalized on a scramble inside the box to bring the final score to 2-2.
A straight red card for Georgia Stanwaypic.twitter.com/RB72QZPfy3
– BBC Sport Manchester (@BBCRMsport) October 9, 2021
Another 2-2 draw enters the shortlist at Leigh Sports Village in what was an extremely heated derby encounter.
Georgia Stanway saw red in the 35th minute after what was a poorly timed challenge on Leah Galton. The Cityzens managed to score a goal despite being down to 10 men as Bunny Shaw headed home a well-weighted cross from Demi Stokes.
Another goal from close range allowed the Red Devils to equalize thanks to a Lucy Staniforth strike just moments before Alessia Russo took the lead just three minutes later. A brilliant finish from Russo sparked a roar from the home fans, but the excitement was short-lived.
Just four minutes later, City went forward on the counter-attack and forced Mary Earps into a top-shelf save. Despite her best efforts, Ellen White was there to steal the glory as she thundered home to level the sides at 2-2.
A sensational conclusion from @lauren__hemp to put us ahead at Old Trafford! 💫 pic.twitter.com/cKLZ65TlPs
— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 20, 2023
The Theater of Dreams hosted a four-goal thriller in the closing stages of 2024 as City once again claimed Manchester bragging rights.
Katie Zelem would get her name on the scoresheet first as Alex Greenwood's handball gave United a penalty. The former captain scored the opener despite a good effort from Khiara Keating to get a palm in the shot.
Jill Roord scored the equalizer into the bottom left corner soon after, and from there, City took it home. A lovely finish from Lauren Hemp saw her nod into the top corner, before Shaw sealed the deal by capitalizing on a Mary Earps error in the closing stages.
The rivalry, the atmosphere, the world-class finishes – this game had it all.
In overtime, @LuciaGarcia17 keeps @ManUtdWomen in the race for the title! 🤩#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 sides of Manchester. United were keen to continue their chase to win the league, while the Cityzens were looking for third place and a spot in the UEFA Women's Champions League.
An early opener from Hayley Ladd stunned the Red Devils fans, before Filippa Angeldal equalized in the 68th minute.
A dramatic finish was written into the history books as Hannah Blundell flew a cross into the area. Headed by Vilde Boe Risa, Lucia Garcia collected the scraps and fired home the winner to put Manchester in red in the 91st minute.
The winner kept United in the title race until the final day and meant City would ultimately miss out on European qualification.