Manchester City issued a powerful title statement with a commanding 3-0 derby win over Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium. Goals from Rebecca Knaak, Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp sealed the victory, extending City’s lead at the top of the WSL to four points.
United, coming off a historic midweek win over PSG, looked fatigued and struggled to cope with City’s pace and precision. The defeat marked their second straight league loss — the first time they’ve suffered back-to-back WSL defeats since May 2024 — leaving them seven points off the top.
Marc Skinner lamented his side’s mistakes, insisting City did not dominate but were gifted opportunities. He admitted United must strengthen in the winter window if they are to stay in the title conversation.
City, meanwhile, looked sharp and well-rested. Lauren Hemp made her first start after injury and immediately caused havoc down United’s right side. City’s explosive 21-minute spell in the first half blew the game open, exploiting lapses in United’s defence — previously the second-best in the league.
Shaw set up Knaak’s opener, then scored one herself before Hemp fired in a long-range third just before halftime. United’s attempts to respond in the second half fell flat, failing to record a single shot on target.
City could have added more, with Shaw missing a late chance from a Vivianne Miedema long ball, but the damage was long done. With signature wins over Arsenal and United already this season, Andrée Jeglertz’s side have firmly established themselves as favourites in the title race.
