Manchester City delivered a dominant derby performance at the Etihad, sweeping aside Manchester United 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 statement win that showcased City’s title credentials, while United suffered their second straight league defeat.
United, coming off a historic midweek win over PSG, looked fatigued and disjointed throughout. Marc Skinner’s thin squad struggled to cope with the schedule, and despite several lineup changes aimed at injecting energy, United were overwhelmed by City’s intensity.
City, with only one change to their XI, were sharp from the opening whistle. They tore through United during a devastating 21-minute first-half spell, scoring all three goals before the break. Hemp, making her first start since injury, was a constant threat down the left, repeatedly exploiting space and causing chaos in United’s back line.
Knaak opened the scoring from a Shaw-headed assist, Shaw added the second after a well-worked move down the right, and Hemp blasted home the third following a quick turnover.
United failed to record a shot on target and rarely troubled City’s defence. Jess Park struck the post late on, but the result never looked in doubt. City even had chances to extend their lead after the break, with Shaw missing a one-on-one.
The win puts City four points clear at the top after nine matches and marks a significant step forward under Andrée Jeglertz, with victories now over both Arsenal and United. United, meanwhile, sit seven points back, prompting Skinner to admit reinforcements are needed in the winter window despite insisting the title race isn’t over.
