Manchester City issued a major title statement with a dominant 3–0 derby win over Manchester United at the Etihad, strengthening their position at the top of the Women’s Super League.
Goals from Rebecca Knaak, Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp sealed a comprehensive victory for Andrée Jeglertz’s side, who now sit four points clear. City were relentless in a blistering first-half spell, scoring all three goals within 21 minutes and dismantling a United defence that had conceded only six league goals all season.
United, meanwhile, suffered back-to-back league defeats for the first time since 2024. Their thin squad looked drained after their historic Champions League win over PSG earlier in the week, and manager Marc Skinner admitted his team needed reinforcements. “We gave City those goals,” he said. “We can still catch them, but we must use the winter window.”
City, refreshed and largely injury-free, controlled the match from the outset. Hemp’s return to the starting XI was pivotal as she repeatedly tore through United’s right flank. Shaw assisted Knaak’s opener, finished a flowing move for City’s second, and Hemp capped the dominant half with a powerful strike from distance.
United offered little threat going forward and failed to record a single shot on target. Substitute Melvine Malard struck the post, but by then the contest was effectively over.
With signature wins over both Arsenal and United already this season, City look firmly positioned as frontrunners in this year’s WSL title race.
