Manchester City delivered a dominant 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 capped a ruthless first-half display from Andrée Jeglertz’s side, who issued a clear statement of their title credentials.
United, meanwhile, suffered their second consecutive league defeat for the first time since May 2024. With a thin squad stretched by European commitments, Marc Skinner’s team looked fatigued after their historic midweek win over PSG.
“We gave City those goals,” Skinner said afterwards. “It wasn’t like they dominated us; that’s the scary thing. We still think we can catch them, but we need to use the winter window to strengthen.”
City made only one change, bringing Hemp back into the starting XI, and immediately took control. Their fluid attack repeatedly exposed United’s defence, which had conceded only six league goals before this match.
Shaw’s header set up Knaak for the opener from a corner. Soon after, Kerstin Casparij’s low cross allowed Shaw to force in the second. Hemp then made it 3-0, punishing a turnover with a powerful strike from distance.
United struggled to respond, failing to register a shot on target. Jess Park hit the post, but the visitors created little else, even after the introduction of Melvine Malard.
City could have added a fourth late on, but Shaw missed a chance from a Vivianne Miedema through ball. Still, the result puts City in a strong early-season position, with statement wins over Arsenal and United already secured.
