“We are top of the league,” echoed the celebratory chant from one corner of Old Trafford at the end of the Women’s Super League Manchester derby.
Manchester City, on the verge of their first league title in 10 years, dominated the day with a commanding 3-0 victory, leaving Manchester United in the shadows.
Kerstin Casparij kissed and clutched the City badge after scoring the third goal, racing to the away end, while Alex Greenwood received enthusiastic applause for every second-half corner she delivered to the traveling fans.
The returning Japanese stars, fresh from winning the Women’s Asian Cup, were hailed one by one post-match as celebrations continued well after the final whistle.
Manchester City didn’t just win at Old Trafford—they humiliated Manchester United and reveled in every moment.
With one hand on the WSL trophy, their joy was justified. Two more wins from their remaining three matches will secure the title, unless rivals falter, potentially allowing an early coronation.
Manchester City Women Win Derby to Close in on WSL Title
Manager Praises ‘One of the Best’ First Halves
The manager joked about the unhelpful weather of swirling wind and rain as he began his news conference.
Having witnessed what he called “one of the best” first halves from his side—leading 2-0 at the break—he admitted enjoying the spectacle.
He described it as “amazing to watch and be a part of,” with players executing the gameplan with “confidence and big belief.”
“Definitely, I enjoyed that,” he added. “It wasn’t relaxing, because it never is for a coach, but I felt we had control of the game. The players were enjoying finding solutions to a lot of things. They created chances. It was a fantastic game.”
City’s Unbeaten Run and Star Power Fuels Belief
Manchester City have been champions elect throughout much of the season, with a slow countdown to glory.
A 13-match unbeaten run from September to February propelled them to the top, and they’ve scored in 17 of 19 WSL games.
Top-scorer Khadija Shaw has been prolific, though Vivianne Miedema’s brace put City in control at halftime at Old Trafford. Casparij’s second-half strike rewarded her standout campaign.
With England winger Lauren Hemp, Japan’s Yui Hasegawa, and January signing Sam Coffey, City possess a formidable lineup.
Manchester United, second before kickoff, faced a grueling schedule including a Women’s Champions League quarter-final second leg in Munich, trailing 3-2 from the first leg, with fatigue hitting their thin squad.
The gap proved vast—United had no answers in a one-sided contest.
“I really believe in my group of players, that no matter what team we play. If we play with this confidence, then many teams will struggle against us,” the manager said.
“Things can still happen in the three games left and we need to keep performing but I can’t see that pressure being too much because we are so open with it. The players have been very good at handling it.”
“Winning a game is one thing, but winning in the way we win—by making a statement—of course, that brings confidence.”
Handling Pressure: City’s Key to Success
Manchester City’s performances confirm them as the season’s best team.
Factors include tactical adaptations, squad depth, and no Champions League distractions.
After near-misses, like goal difference in 2023-24, they’ve silenced doubters, racking up points amid growing pressure—which seems to fuel them further.
As the noise intensified, so did their lead.
The manager noted it “shouldn’t be like that” but City have embraced it.
“They are believing so much in what we are doing and the capacity of each team-mate, that it gives them belief in the game that we will find a way to win,” he added.
“We talk about how good we are as coaches but we have shown now that when we are at our highest level, few teams are on that same level.”
“We all have a little bit of pressure on the group. We have talked about it and it’s natural. But we can still do the things we’re good at and if you can handle that, and also feel you have great players around you, it’s easier to deal with.”
“That’s what we’ve done all time. Of course, it means something to be able to handle that. To still perform, shows something about the group.”
For the latest match updates and Resultados Futbol Hoy, stay tuned to track Manchester City’s path to WSL glory and all your favorite football results.