If Manchester United’s women avoid defeat against Manchester City, they will secure a place in Europe for only the second time, relegating City to fourth and missing out on the Women’s Champions League. This pivotal WSL match at Old Trafford is crucial for both teams’ futures. Marc Skinner emphasizes the need to focus on winning, regardless of the venue, while aiming for a league double over City. United, having performed well at home, hope to move into second place. Meanwhile, City, bolstered by returning players, face disappointment if they miss European competition for the first time in years.
If Manchester United’s women avoid a loss on Sunday, they will secure a spot in Europe for only the second time. To make it even more thrilling, they would do so at the expense of Manchester City, who would drop to fourth place and face a season without Women’s Champions League football.
With City visiting Old Trafford for Sunday’s midday kick-off, this game becomes one of the most crucial moments of the WSL season and a defining factor for both clubs’ future paths.
Celebrating a victory over City in front of the Stretford End would be a significant achievement for a team on the rise. However, Marc Skinner emphasizes the need to block out the venue’s impact. “I absolutely love Old Trafford, but the reality is I have to remove the stadium from consideration and focus on winning the game,” he stated.
“The location doesn’t matter. Both teams aim to win. They [City] want to secure a Champions League spot, and so do we; thus, the game’s outcome holds more weight. If it’s at Old Trafford in front of our supporters, that’s fantastic.”
Skinner’s squad also has a chance to achieve something United’s women have never done: complete a league double over City, having won 4-2 at the Etihad Stadium in January, and secure victory at Old Trafford for the first time. A win would mark the women’s team’s most significant moment at Old Trafford.
United has claimed five victories in their seven WSL matches there, but those include three wins against West Ham, alongside victories over Aston Villa and Everton, while they have lost both encounters with top-four opponents, Chelsea and Manchester City last season.
However, United’s record against City is less than impressive. City have lost just two of the 10 WSL Manchester derbies and have been bolstered by the return of England players Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood, who made their first appearances of 2025 in last Sunday’s 1-0 victory at Leicester.
Interim City head coach, Nick Cushing, remarked: “It was always our plan to have them come off the bench in that match to provide the best chance of returning for this game. We are fortunate to have Laura Blindkilde Brown and Aoba Fujino back in training this week. Having three or four players return significantly changes our team dynamics. They are key, international players, which is a tremendous boost. Their participation in training means they are in contention.”
Nonetheless, City faces a tough challenge, needing wins in both of their remaining league matches while hoping United does not triumph against Arsenal on 10 May’s final day if they wish to secure a top-three finish.
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“It would be massive,” Skinner stated regarding the potential of United qualifying for Europe. “We aim to progress further than before, but first, we must qualify to reach those knockout rounds. This would significantly enhance our recruitment efforts, as I believe people want to join Manchester United, but we might miss out if we’re not in the Champions League.”
At home, United has shown strong defensive capabilities this season, allowing only three goals across 10 WSL matches. They aim to move into second place ahead of Arsenal, who play Brighton on Monday, and then head to the Emirates with an opportunity to claim the runners-up position.
Cushing expressed disappointment over a potential fourth-place finish, stating about City’s aspirations for European qualification: “It reflects on our team’s status. Over the last 10-15 years, we have worked hard to ensure our football club meets the standards I expect from Manchester City. Not being in contention for the Champions League is particularly disappointing and something beyond our contemplation. It’s still feasible, so we have to pursue it and do everything we can to achieve it.”