Manchester City delivered a dominant derby performance at the Etihad, sweeping Manchester United aside 3-0 to strengthen their position at the top of the Women’s Super League. Goals from Rebecca Knaak, Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp sealed a commanding victory that showcased City’s growing title credentials.
United, coming off a historic Champions League win over PSG, looked fatigued and were punished repeatedly during City’s devastating 21-minute first-half burst. Despite several lineup changes aimed at injecting energy, Marc Skinner’s side struggled to keep pace and slipped to back-to-back league defeats for the first time since May 2024.
City controlled possession, stretched United’s defensive structure, and exploited the right flank relentlessly through the returning Hemp. After near-misses from Vivianne Miedema and Yui Hasegawa, City broke through when Shaw headed a corner across goal for Knaak to nod in. Shaw then finished a low cross to double the lead before Hemp struck from distance to make it three.
United failed to register a shot on target, with substitute Melvine Malard unable to shift momentum. Jess Park hit the post in a rare close call, but City remained in full control and could have added more.
With victories now over both Arsenal and United, Andrée Jeglertz’s side sit four points clear and look like serious title contenders. Skinner, meanwhile, acknowledged United must strengthen in January if they are to stay in the race.
