Manchester Derby Pivotal for Women’s European Qualification

MANCHESTER, England – The women’s teams of Manchester United and Manchester City will clash at Old Trafford this Sunday, with European qualification at stake. If Manchester United avoids defeat, they will secure a place in the Women’s Champions League for only the second time.

Moreover, a United victory would result in Manchester City finishing fourth, missing out on Champions League football entirely. The match, kicking off at noon, is deemed critical for both teams’ future ambitions in the Women’s Super League (WSL).

United coach Marc Skinner emphasized the importance of focusing on the game rather than the occasion. “I absolutely love Old Trafford, but we have to win the game regardless,” he said. “It doesn’t matter where we’re playing. Both teams aim to win the game, so it’s more important than any venue.”

Skinner’s squad has a chance to achieve a feat yet to occur in club history: a league double over City, after winning 4-2 earlier this season at the Etihad Stadium. A win on Sunday would create lasting memories for the team.

At home, United has secured five victories in seven WSL matches, with challenges against traditional top teams. They have lost consecutive matches to top-four opponents Chelsea and last year’s rivals, City. In contrast, City holds a strong record, with only two losses in 10 WSL Manchester derbies.

The City squad is bolstered by the recent return of key players, including Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood, from injury. Interim coach Nick Cushing noted, “It’s nice to get players back. They are key international players and have provided a huge lift.”

Despite their talent, City faces an uphill battle. They must win both remaining league matches and hope for a United loss against Arsenal on May 10 to secure a top-three finish. Skinner remarked on the significance of European qualification for United: “It’d be huge…especially in terms of recruitment.”

United’s defense has impressed this season, allowing just three goals in ten home league games. Their goal is to move into second place, ahead of Arsenal, who play Brighton on Monday.

Cushing expressed disappointment at the possibility of finishing fourth. “Not being in contention for the Champions League is very disappointing,” he said. “It’s still possible, and we must ensure we do everything to get there.”