Gareth Taylor‘s side host our cross-city rivals at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday 11 December, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30 (UK).
Over 40,000 tickets have already been snapped up for the Barclays Women’s Super League encounter, which could have a huge significance on the rapidly developing title race this season.
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City and United are among the form teams in the top flight and, with the two sides boasting nine members of England’s Euro 2022-winning squad from the summer, it promises to be a captivating encounter.
The boss has highlighted the impact that our fans’ unwavering support has had on the team this season both at the Academy Stadium and on the road on several occasions across the campaign, and this weekend is sure to be no different.
Ahead of the encounter, we asked committee members Jayne Comer, Jude Morris-King and Dave Sheel to get their pre-match thoughts.
To find out more about the MCWFC Official Supporters Club, or your local supporters club, visit: supportersclubs.mancity.com
Favourite Derby moment?
Jayne: “One of my favourites has to be the last time we played at the Etihad, Caroline Weir’s goal was really special. To have such a huge crowd there to celebrate it as well, it was amazing. That has to be a real favourite moment.”
Jude: “Knocking United out of the FA Cup at Leigh in 2020. That was a real nail-biter, swinging backwards and forwards, but we came through in the end and went through. There’s been lots of special moments.”
Dave: “I think the one at the Etihad in 2019 is always special with Caroline’s goal but they’re all up there when we’ve won them! The game last year [City 1-0 United in February 2022] was crucial, and it was great to see the Academy full that day, hopefully the Etihad will be full for the next one!”
BARCLAYS WSL ETIHAD DERBY: BUY YOUR TICKETS
Excited to be back at the Etihad?
Jayne: “It really is. It’s amazing how many tickets have been sold, there’s a really good team here so we want to be able to showcase that in front of as many people as possible and get as many fans down there. We want people who haven’t necessarily been to a women’s game before to see what goes on and how the team plays. It’s in the City way: passing and exciting football!”
Jude: “It’s got a lot riding on it, but the fact that we’ve sold over 40,000 which is brilliant! Hopefully we can top that with lots of noise, support and people coming to watch the women for the first time as well. With the World Cup being on, lots of people have started dipping their toe in. I’m confident that the team will put on a good performance and that Manchester will still be blue!”
Dave: “I go to the men’s games as well and know that a lot of people are giving women’s football a go for the first time on Sunday. Hopefully they enjoy it as much as we do and they come back. That’s the long-term aim, to get those crowds. The team deserve it.”
City’s derby difference-maker?
Jayne: “You can’t underestimate the effect that Bunny Shaw’s had this year. She’s scored some fantastic goals and been there when we really needed her. I think she’ll be someone who’s exciting to watch and someone to look out for.”
Jude: “It’s so hard to single someone out because everyone’s working so well, but you’ve got to say Bunny. She’s top scorer in the league and has been scoring for fun, hopefully she can get another. But there’s others, Laia Aleixandri’s been playing out of her skin and Yui Hasegawa‘s come in and is playing like she’s been at City for years. There’s lots of quality in this team.”
This season’s unsung hero?
Jayne: “I’m a real fan of Laia Aleixandri. She reads the game really well, spots the problems before they happen and cuts them out. Sometimes you might not notice her because she goes about her business quietly, but she’s really impressed me this season.”
Jude: “I think Laia Aleixandri. She’s really impressed, whether she’s been in the back four or slotting into the midfield. She’s been pretty impressive for me.”
Dave: “Esme Morgan. It’s fantastic to see one of our own come through the academy. She had to miss out in the last Etihad derby because she was on loan at Everton so it’s going to be a big day for her. She’s a dyed in the wool blue, her family are all blues as well. Her performances this season have been excellent and they have gone a little bit under the radar, but it’s great to see her get called up for England.”
