Man Utd Women Suffer Costly Defeat Against Man City in WSL Derby

Manchester United women’s player ratings took a hit as they were outclassed by Manchester City in a pivotal WSL clash that has left their title ambitions in serious doubt. The highly anticipated Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium saw United’s hopes unravel after conceding three first-half goals, with City moving seven points clear in the league.

Manchester United Women’s Player Ratings vs Man City

Manchester United women began the match with optimism but were soon overwhelmed by a relentless Manchester City attack. The defensive line was under pressure from the outset, struggling to contain City’s dynamic forwards. Safia Middleton-Patel, United’s goalkeeper, could do little to prevent the goals but did make a notable save against Shaw in the second half to keep the scoreline from worsening.

Jayde Riviere was tested repeatedly by Lauren Hemp’s pace, while Dominique Janssen faltered in key moments, particularly allowing Bunny Shaw the space for City’s second. Maya Le Tissier battled hard but could not shore up a porous defense that has otherwise been reliable this season. Anna Sandberg was also exposed by Kerstin Casparij’s attacking runs, failing to close down crosses that led to dangerous City chances.

Midfield Battle: City Dominate, United Falter

The midfield, anchored by Julia Zigiotti Olme and Hinata Miyazawa, was unable to stem the tide. Zigiotti Olme lost crucial duels, giving Hemp the time to unleash a devastating third goal. Miyazawa struggled with her passing, leaving United chasing shadows as City controlled possession and tempo.

Ella Toone, usually a creative force, was stifled by City’s disciplined defensive shape. Despite her best efforts and some bright moments on the ball, she could not impose herself in the derby, reflecting United’s overall frustrations in attack.

United’s Attack: Blunted and Frustrated

Jess Park and Elisabeth Terland led the line but found openings hard to come by. Park linked up well with Toone on occasion and struck the post with United’s closest effort, yet her former City teammates kept her chances to a minimum. Terland endured a difficult afternoon, struggling aerially and failing to impact the game before being substituted at halftime for Melvine Malard.

Leah Galton, not yet at full fitness, was unable to deliver her usual attacking threat, and her end product was lacking. Malard, introduced after the break, brought increased energy but could not alter the course of a match already lost.

Key Moments: City’s Ruthless First Half

The breakthrough came after a competitive start when Shaw rose above Terland to assist Rebecca Knaak, who headed home her third Manchester derby goal. City’s confidence surged, and just before halftime, Shaw capitalized on defensive lapses to double the lead, netting her sixth WSL goal of the season. Moments later, Hemp was given too much space and drove in a ferocious shot, effectively sealing the contest before the break.

Second-Half Substitutions and Continued Struggles

Marc Skinner attempted to change United’s fortunes after halftime, bringing on Malard and later Fridolina Rolfo and Hannah Blundell. However, City’s control was unrelenting, and United failed to register a shot on target throughout the match. Other substitutes, including Rachel Williams and Simi Awujo, had little opportunity to make a difference with the outcome all but decided.

Manchester United Women’s Player Ratings Recap

• Safia Middleton-Patel (6/10): Helpless for the goals, made one crucial save.
• Jayde Riviere (5/10): Struggled to contain Hemp; delivery suffered.
• Dominique Janssen (4/10): Lacked alertness for Shaw’s goal.
• Maya Le Tissier (5/10): Could not stem the City tide.
• Anna Sandberg (5/10): Overwhelmed by Casparij’s runs.
• Julia Zigiotti Olme (4/10): Lost the midfield battle; slow to react.
• Hinata Miyazawa (5/10): Passing let her down; City dominated possession.
• Ella Toone (6/10): Bright in flashes but could not turn the tide.
• Jess Park (5/10): Isolated up front; struck the post with best chance.
• Elisabeth Terland (3/10): Ineffective and replaced at halftime.
• Leah Galton (5/10): Rusty and unable to make an impact.
• Melvine Malard (6/10): Showed threat but came on with game already lost.
• Fridolina Rolfo, Hannah Blundell, Rachel Williams, Simi Awujo: All 5/10 or N/A; limited impact off the bench.
• Marc Skinner (4/10): Tactics backfired; key changes did not pay off.

WSL Title Hopes in Jeopardy

This defeat leaves Manchester United women with a mountain to climb in the WSL title race. With only nine matches played, City’s seven-point advantage looks daunting, and Skinner’s decisions—especially starting Terland over Malard—will face scrutiny in the coming weeks. The lack of attacking threat and defensive lapses need urgent addressing if United are to revive their season.

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Opinion: Urgent Response Needed From United

Manchester United women must show resilience and learn from this heavy defeat. The talent is there, but they need sharper tactical execution and greater belief to stay in the WSL race. The derby exposed both defensive weaknesses and creative limitations; only a strong, united response will keep their season alive.