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Our Barclays Women's Super League season resumes this weekend with no less than a Manchester derby against City at the Etihad Stadium.

United returned from the mid-season winter break in style last Saturday, defeating West Bromwich Albion 7-0 in the fourth round of the Adobe Women's FA Cup, and now attentions turn back to the league.

Sunday's crosstown clash will be our first WSL outing since a victory away to Crystal Palace on 15 December, and the first of two back-to-back clashes with the Blues, as the teams are due to meet again in the Subway Women's League Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday.

But, for now, it is all focus on this weekend's trip to the Etihad Stadium, and, below, you can find everything you need to know ahead of the 18:45 GMT kick-off...

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HOW TO WATCH AND FOLLOW

Tickets in the away section for Sunday's game are available to United supporters here. We were allocated a total of 3,131 safe-standing tickets for the fixture, including 21 wheelchair pairs.

If you cannot make it to the Etihad, you can keep across the action via MUTV's live radio commentary and rolling match blog in the United App and on ManUtd.com.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports will be televising the derby for supporters in the UK, with the broadcast coverage due to begin on Sky Sports Premier League at 18:30 GMT.

TEAM NEWS

United head coach Marc Skinner is set to provide a fresh update on his squad when he addresses the media in his pre-match press conference later this week.

Goalkeeper Kayla Rendell, who joined the Reds from Southampton on Saturday, could be included in our matchday squad for the first time, while Ella Toone may be poised to continue building up her minutes after scoring on her return from injury at the weekend.

Skinner told reporters that it is expected to be a few weeks before long-term absentee Lisa Naalsund is back on the grass following a foot injury, while Evie Rabjohn is continuing her rehabilitation after rupturing her anterior-cruciate ligament with England Under-19s last July.

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For City, the Blues were boosted by the return of the WSL's all-time top goalscorer to their ranks last time out, with Vivianne Miedema netting in her first appearance since October, during Sunday's 3-0 victory at home to Ipswich Town.

Recent injury absentees Lauren Hemp, Tara O'Hanlon, Khadija Shaw and Risa Shimizu were all missing for the cup win but did travel to Abu Dhabi for a recent warm-weather camp and, speaking last week, head coach Gareth Taylor seemed particularly hopeful that primary goal-getter Shaw would be able to return soon, saying: “'Bunny' was with us last week, she was training separately. From what I saw, she looks really good. Hopefully, she can be back sooner rather than later.”

The home side look set to be without their captain and former United defender Alex Greenwood however, after she underwent successful surgery on a knee injury in December.

Highlights: United Women v West Brom Video

Highlights: United Women v West Brom

OPPOSITION REPORT

Like United, City made a successful return from the international break last weekend with victory in the FA Cup, defeating third-tier side Ipswich 3-0 at the Joie Stadium.

Taylor's team only missed out on the WSL title to Chelsea on goal difference in 2023/24, and have made a strong start to their pursuit of the trophy again, taking 22 points from their opening 10 matches.

Occupying second position, the Blues are six points behind the champions, who lead the way, and one ahead of United, who are level on points with third-placed Arsenal heading into the upcoming round of games.

Top-scorer Shaw has 14 goals across all competitions so far this season - nine more than her closest team-mate's tally - so the question mark over her availability will be a big topic in the build-up to the game.

Jamaica international Shaw scored in last season's Etihad derby, but has missed City's last four games.

WHO ELSE IS PLAYING?

Our game is the last of six on this weekend's top-flight schedule, which kicks off with a Friday night clash at the Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens.

FRIDAY 17 JANUARY

Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion (19:00)

SATURDAY 18 JANUARY

Everton v Aston Villa (17:30)

SUNDAY 19 JANUARY

Tottenham v Leicester City (12:30)

Arsenal v Crystal Palace (14:00)

West Ham v Chelsea (15:00)

Man City v UNITED (18:45)

All kick-off times are listed in GMT.

Marc Skinner says Sunday’s victory in the Manchester derby ranks among the finest in his tenure so far.

The Reds powered past our neighbours at the Etihad Stadium, racing into a three-goal lead after 36 minutes, with Ella Toone scoring twice, either side of Leah Galton’s goal

City worked their way back into the contest with two strikes before the break, before Toone capitalised on an error in the home side’s backline to complete her hat-trick in the opening minute of the second half.

It’s the first time we’ve ever beaten the Blues on their own patch and Skinner believes the result is up there with our 3-2 win at Arsenal, in November 2022 and last season’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup success over Chelsea.

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90 in 20: Man City v United Women Video

90 in 20: Man City v United Women

“It's one of the very best,” Skinner admitted, in his post-match press conference.

“Of course, I think it probably ranks up with the Emirates game, and the semi-final against Chelsea, just for the magnitude of the game.”

The boss recalled how our rivals celebrated following their own big derby win last season and he wanted his own players to do the same.

There is though, the small matter of a return derby – the League Cup quarter-final at Leigh on Wednesday – and a tricky home clash with Brighton on Sunday coming up.

Skinner wants the Reds to keep the focus as we continue to push on all three domestic fronts.

“The reality was I remember when we played City at home at Old Trafford and you know, they really enjoyed themselves after the game,” he added.

“So I think it was important for us too, for the players to enjoy it, but also realise… the players know it's great to get that win but not if you don’t learn and take that forward.

“So we’ve got to take that into the next two games.

“I want to be very clear: I'm buzzing for the team. I'm buzzing for all of our fans. It's three points and we've got to play them again on Wednesday. So it’s straight back down to earth and work.”

Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone says her hat-trick in Sunday’s WSL win at Man City was an indicator of just how much she is enjoying her football at the minute.

Our no.7 was the star of the show in an instant derby classic at the Etihad Stadium, as her three goals helped United to triumph 4-2, and record our first-ever win away at City Women.

It may come as little surprise therefore that Ella, who was named the Barclays Player of the Match for her efforts, also scooped our own prize with an enormous 87 per cent of the fan vote

Player of the Match | Who gets your vote after United Women's thrilling derby win?poll

Phallon Tullis-Joyce1%Jayde Riviere2%Maya Le Tissier2%Millie Turner1%Gabby George1%Dominique Janssen1%Ella Toone87%Hinata Miyazawa2%Celin Bizet1%Elisabeth Terland1%Leah Galton1%Anna Sandberg (on 65 mins)0%Melvine Malard (on 65 mins)0%Grace Clinton (on 77 mins)0%Rachel Williams (on 85 mins)0%

the poll has ended

Our supporters saw an individual performance that our midfielder says was her happy self, performing to the best of her abilities on the pitch.

“I am [enjoying my football],” Ella told MUTV’s Ben Ibson after the game. “It was tough the first half of the season for me, and I probably wasn’t loving it as much as I should have been. I took the time away to make sure I was physically ready but more importantly mentally ready, and that I missed the game.

“Today just sums it up. I’m so happy, I’m enjoying my football, and I know that’s what I can do when I’m enjoying it.

“To score against City as a United fan means a lot. I haven’t scored against City before, so it was nice to get a hat-trick – I’m buzzing and want to continue performing like this with that positivity and that freedom. Hopefully I can keep helping the team.”

After making 96 successive league starts for United, our all-time top appearance-maker and goalscorer missed our final six matches before the recent winter break due to injury.

But she returned to action in brilliant fashion during our first game of 2025 just over a week ago, by netting a stunning goal off the bench in the 7-0 FA Cup victory over West Brom, and has now backed up that strike with three more in our maiden league outing of the new year.

While she was pleased with the way she was able to contribute at the Etihad Stadium, make no mistake about it, Tooney sees our latest result as another all-round team effort.

Toone: I'm enjoying my football Video

Toone: I'm enjoying my football

“I thought we stuck to the gameplan really well tonight,” the England international explained, in her MUTV interview. “We put pressure on them high up, won the ball back in high areas and managed to put it to bed.

“There were times in the game where they really dominated the ball and controlled the ball, but defensively I thought we were solid. All of us gave it our all, stuck together and worked hard – it shows the personality of this team.

“And to win a Manchester derby? It means a lot.”

Tooney and co will now be targeting another Manchester derby victory on Wednesday, when the teams meet again in the Subway Women’s League Cup quarter-final. You can get your tickets for that Leigh Sports Village clash here.

Enjoy the extended cut of our first WSL win at the Etihad Stadium, inspired by Ella Toone's electric hat-trick...

Marc Skinner has hinted that he may rotate his side slightly ahead of Wednesday's meeting with Manchester City.

United performed valiantly to beat Gareth Taylor's side 4-2 at the Etihad Stadium, thanks largely to a superb hat-trick from Ella Toone in the WSL.

However, with our attention quickly turning to a midweek Subway Women's League Cup clash at Leigh Sports Village, anticipation remains high.

Marc spoke to journalists at Carrington earlier today to preview the game and below are some of the key takeaways from his media briefing.

Press conference: United Women v Man City Video

ROTATION COULD BE KEY

"There are not really any enforced [rotation] as everyone came through the game the other night. Obviously, there will be a few tired legs today, but they will be recovered before the game tomorrow. I am sure there will be adaptations [but I am not sure] whether that will be from the start or at the end of the game. Man City will be the same, as they play Aston Villa on Saturday, so they have quicker turnaround. There will be rotation but, more importantly for us, there will be players that deserve some minutes and there will be some but, again, it will be adapted throughout the game."

KEY POINTS TO CONSIDER

"Trying to stop crosses is really important. Man City are really good and there is a lot of underlapping and overlapping and also rotation from the no.10s in the pockets. We have to just tidy up that detail when we know it is coming and then really, in all honesty, the first goal [at the weekend] is really preventable from our perspective. Man City could probably say the same about the goals they conceded. We are in the right position, so we just need to tidy that up and be aggressive. Then, in reality, to concede a set-piece when we are usually, really good at them, was disappointing. Little details, stopping crosses and just being effective. Man City will bring that energy and commitment and we have to match it, and go above it, if we want to win this game."

TRANSFER NEWS

"I am sure you can expect my answer that we don't speak about other team's players. We have always said at Manchester United that, if it is the right person at the right time that fits this group, this collective, this unique group of team-mates, then we will look to try and do business. But if it isn't, and it is maybe not and the winter window is always notoriously a little bit difficult to do work in, but the reality is we are always on the lookout and Harvey is working hard and the team is working hard on recruiting. If we do, you will know but, if not, we are happy with the togetherness of this group."

DO UNITED HAVE AN EDGE?

"I think it is a great question as it can worth both ways. Manchester City will be fired up for this game, of course, because they have just lost the league game. I expect it to be a great learning for us and I spoke after the game about us being a different type of group that hasn't experienced big stadium games. I think it is a big growth moment and, even in this game, it could be another growth moment as can we follow up and be as aggressive, can we take it to Manchester City and then only then after those moments, can we talk then about us having a psychological edge because I want have us to have that and we have to put that into practice. That is our focus in these games."

Manchester United Women have a quickfire turnaround to contend with this week, as we host crosstown rivals Manchester City again on Wednesday.

Marc Skinner's side are looking to book a place in the semi-finals of the Subway Women's League Cup after a valiant display at the Etihad Stadium just days ago.

Ella Toone's hat-trick went a long way in helping the Reds secure three vital points in the WSL on Sunday with Leah Galton also on the scoresheet.

Following up our latest triumph is a firm objective, so, below, are all the details you need on how to attend and key elements to keep an eye on...

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HOW TO WATCH AND FOLLOW

You can still attend the game at Leigh Sports Village by clicking the link HERE with tickets starting at just £6, so make sure you do not miss out.

Alternatively, if you cannot make it, the encounter will be shown live on MUTV, with kick-off set for 19:00 GMT. Coverage begins five minutes before at 18:55 GMT.

Niall McCaughan will be reporting across our platforms, with Liam Bradford and Siobhan Chamberlain on radio commentary duties

Further analysis, reaction and updates will follow in the United App and on ManUtd.com across the evening.

TEAM NEWS

Skinner spoke to the media on Tuesday and insisted all of his players came through Sunday's win unscaved at the Etihad Stadium.

However, the boss didn't rule out further changes as we look for another famous win against the Sky Blues this week.

"Everybody came through the game the other night but of course there will be some tired legs," began the boss at Carrington.

"There will be adaptations whether that be at the start or the end of the game we will see but I am sure Manchester City will be the same.

"There will be rotation but more importantly for us, players that deserve some minutes and they will be adapted throughout the game."

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90 in 20: Man City v United Women Video

90 in 20: Man City v United Women

WHAT'S NEW AT CITY?

Gareth Taylor's side have hit something of a dip in recent weeks, having now lost three of their last four in all competitions.

The 2022 winners of this trophy have been hamstrung by injuries, as of late, and defender Alanna Kennedy has also departed over the past 24 hours.

Sandy MacIver has also left and thus ended her two-and-a-half year stay at the Joie Stadium. She has joined Washington Spirit in the NWSL.

It remains to be seen whether key striker Bunny Shaw will return after injury, with Taylor hoping the 27-year-old could be back soon.