Talking points after a hard WSL derby defeat

Two quickfire goals from Vivianne Miedema in the first half gave City a commanding lead, with Kerstin Casparij netting a third shortly after half-time.

United rallied and finished the game well, creating more and racking up a number of shots, but there was unfortunately no way back.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Defeat is never easy, especially in a derby, but United fans stayed behind the team – loud and proud – until the very end.

With plenty also staying in the stands after the final whistle, the players and staff circled the pitch to express their heartfelt gratitude.

An attendance of 24,983 was one of our biggest, surpassed by only a handful of games over the past eight years, and that support, whether at Old Trafford, the Progress With Unity Stadium, or any ground up and down the country, is never taken for granted.

SPECIAL MOMENT FOR HINI

Just before kick-off, Hinata Miyazawa’s recent achievements with Japan were recognised with a special pitchside presentation from CEO Omar Berrada.

Our no.20 helped her country to the Asian Cup title last weekend, beating host nation Australia in the final shortly before her club-mates claimed victory over Everton in the WSL.

Hini has been such an influential figure in midfield this season, forming a brilliant partnership with summer signing Julia Zigiotti that has underpinned so much of the team’s success.

Forever humble, she is also hugely popular behind the scenes, as evidenced by the celebratory scenes at Carrington on her first day back in training following the tournament.

MORE HISTORY FOR LAYLA

Already United’s youngest ever player, Layla Drury’s seventh senior appearance, replacing Jayde Riviere off the bench for the final 20 minutes, made her the youngest to play in a WSL Manchester derby – aged 16 years, 289 days.

Pitted against seasoned internationals like Kerstin Casparij and Jade Rose on the right-hand side of City’s back four, she tried to make things happen in the attacking third and showed impressive endeavour in defending her own goal as well.

Overall, the teenager has had a positive impact since her debut in January, marking that occasion with a goal in the FA Cup against Burnley. Last weekend, the fledgling winger came off the bench and won the late corner that ultimately delivered the stoppage-time winner against Everton. There is a fearlessness to Drury’s game, but also a humility, and her grounded nature, set alongside immense natural talent, is combination that will serve her very well for many years.

The Academy – for both girls and boys – is a key part of United’s heart and soul and there was a second very notable achievement for another of its graduates today, with Jess Anderson also making her WSL debut.

50 UP FOR GABBY

For Gabby George, this was a milestone 50th United appearance, finishing the game in the centre of defence after replacing Millie Turner with 13 minutes to play.

Born and raised in Manchester, George started her career in United’s Centre of Excellence, before making her way in senior football with Everton – their first ever full-time professional player – and eventually returning home to the Reds in 2023.

A long-term knee injury suffered just four games into her United career has cruelly prevented Gabby from playing more than she has. But the versatile England international made 26 appearances last season upon regaining fitness, while today was a 20th outing of 2025/26.

UNITED’S MARATHON SEASON

United have broken new ground over the past eight months and made history for the club by progressing to the last eight of the Champions League in our first time in the main draw of the competition. The Reds also made a maiden appearance in the League Cup final.

But the squad has been tested to an extreme on a physical level as well, such is the consequence of being successful and juggling four different competitions for the first time.

Today marked a 37th game for United across all competitions – the previous most in a single season before this one was 33 from 2023/24 – and will reach a minimum of 41 by the end of the campaign. It was also a fifth game in the space of 14 days, which will become six in 18 days by the time the Reds face Bayern in Munich on Wednesday night. By comparison, City came into the derby having played 11 games fewer so far this season and it has to be acknowledged as a factor.

The more United compete at these levels, the more normal the demands will become.