Key events
12 min: That was almost 1-0. Leah Galton, who has started the game brightly, powers past Yui Hasegawa as if she’s not there. Through on goal, the Manchester United forward smashes the ball into the side netting.
8 min: Fujino has seen the ball a great deal on the right. An intriguing battle is developing between the Manchester City forward and Manchester United fullback Gabrielle George.
4 min: Manchester City are finally getting a foothold in this game. Aoba Fujino makes progress down the right before passing the ball inside to Jessica Park. But it ultimately comes to nothing.
Kick off
1 min: And we’re off at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester United are immediately on the front foot, letting a shot off within the first few seconds. That’s an early warning sign for the home side.
There’s a moment of silence for former Manchester City player Tony Book and Manchester United and Manchester man Denis Law. Both of whom died in the past week.
Today’s WSL results
Both teams need three points with Chelsea and Arsenal winning 5-0. The pressure is on in the race for the title and Champions League qualification.
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Tottenham 1-0 Leicester City
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Arsenal 5-0 Crystal Palace
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West Ham United 0-5 Chelsea
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View the WSL table
Speaking to Sky Sports before the game, Gareth Taylor cited an “ankle problem” as the reason why Chloe Kelly is out of the Manchester City squad. No comment about a loan move to Manchester United.
Speaking before this evening’s game, the Manchester United manager Marc Skinner said: “What I want from these games, in basic language, is I want no regrets from the players. No regrets – don’t go in and fear it, then moan afterwards that you didn’t win.”
Suzanne Wrack
There is added spice to the tie too, with the teams meeting again three days later in the League Cup quarter-finals. “The draw in the League Cup is a difficult tie and route but that can happen,” said the City manager Gareth Taylor. “To win any competition you have to do that. For us it’s a good challenge.”
Even outside the transfer treachery, tonight’s derby is an enticing affair. Read Suzanne Wrack’s preview below.
Notably, Chloe Kelly is out of the Manchester City squad. There has been talk of the England international joining Manchester United since last summer. The latest news is that the forward, who is out of contract at the end of the season, could join United on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
Speaking before today’s game, the Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor said: “Chloe is here at this club. What she’s done for me and the team in the past, we have a good history together. Whilst she’s here, she is the same as every other player, she is considered and valued. Whether she plays or doesn’t play she is part of what we are doing.”
The teams
Manchester City: Keating, Aleixandri, Miedema, Fowler, Roord, Ouahabi, Park, Casparij, Fujino, Hasegawa, Knaak
Subs: Annets, Yamashita, Coombs, Blindkilde Brown, Prior, Oyama, Murphy, Davies
In the blue corner! 🩵
XI | Keating, Aleixandri (C), Miedema, Fowler, Roord, Ouahabi, Park, Casparij, Fujino, Hasegawa, Knaak
SUBS | Annets, Yamashita, Coombs, Blindkilde Brown, Prior, Oyama, Murphy, Davies#ManCity | @etihad pic.twitter.com/PB7rd4AXfI
— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) January 19, 2025
Manchester United: Tullis-Joyce, George, Le Tissier, Toone, Galton, Riviere, Bizet, Janssen, Terland, Miyazawa, Turner
Subs: Middleton-Patel, Mannion, Sandberg, Awujo, Clinton, Malard, Williams
Preamble
Hello and welcome to minute-by-minute coverage of the 10th Manchester derby in Women’s Super League history. The stakes are high for both teams, especially after Chelsea’s 5-0 win over West Ham earlier. A loss for either side could put the league title beyond reach.
Manchester City sit in second place but have lost two of their last three WSL matches. Gareth Taylor’s side are also without star players Khadija Shaw, Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood. Chloe Kelly, who has largely been frozen out this season, is unlikely to play amid transfer interest from Manchester United.
Manchester United are not far behind their noisy neighbours in fourth place. Marc Skinner’s side have the best defensive record in the league (only conceding three goals) but will need to offer more offensively if they’re to win away at City for the first time in the WSL. They’re without Evie Rabjohn and Lisa Naalsund through injury and Brazilian striker Geyse who has been given some personal leave.
Kick off is at 6:45pm. Keep refreshing this page for updates and email me with your thoughts.
