The Manchester derby is back—and this time, there’s more than just bragging rights on the line. Manchester United Women host Manchester City Women at Old Trafford on Sunday in a clash that could shape the WSL’s race for European qualification. United sit third in the table with 13 wins, four draws and three losses from 20 matches, holding a four-point lead over City in fourth. But the gap has narrowed. City picked up a crucial 1-0 win over Leicester last weekend, closing the distance ahead of the final two games.
The Red Devils have also been going through a stuttering phase, claiming only two of their previous five league matches. They followed a defeat to Liverpool with consecutive wins over Aston Villa and Everton, but a disappointing 0-0 draw against West Ham brought them back down to earth. With both teams battling for a top-three position and a Champions League berth, Sunday's encounter is as high-stakes as they get.
Manchester United holds the Manchester derby bragging rights after overcoming Manchester City in January 2025, where they secured a 4-2 victory at the Etihad Stadium. The upcoming match at Old Trafford will kick off at 12:00 pm BST / 09:00 am ET on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Fans in many countries can catch the action live on the WSL YouTube channel, although geo-restrictions apply, particularly in the UK due to a broadcast deal with Sky Sports.
In the UK, the match will be televised by Sky Sports, starting at 12:00 pm BST. For those outside the country, using a VPN service like NordVPN can help fans access the game through their usual streaming services.
As for the teams, Manchester United will be without long-term absentee Evie Rabjohn, but Ella Toone is in line for a recall to the starting eleven after sitting out against Chelsea last week. Elisabeth Terland could also be handed a start at the tip of the attack. On the other side, Manchester City will be missing Risa Shimizu, Vivianne Miedema, Mary Fowler, and Bunny Shaw due to injury issues. However, Laura Blindkilde Brown and Aoba Fujino have returned to training and could play a role in the match.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams. Manchester United is currently third in the WSL table, four points ahead of Manchester City in fourth place. A win for United would mean they secure a spot in the Champions League next season, while City is pushing for a place in the Champions League second round. FourFourTwo predicts a 2-0 win for Manchester United, which would mark a significant step toward their European ambitions.
As the match approaches, both teams are under pressure to perform. United’s recent form has raised some eyebrows, and they’ll be looking to bounce back after their disappointing draw against West Ham. City, on the other hand, will be eager to capitalize on their recent victory to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
In terms of historical context, the rivalry between these two teams has grown immensely in recent years. The Manchester derby is not just a match; it’s a showcase of the rising profile of women’s football in England. The Women’s Super League has seen increasing viewership and support, and this match is expected to be no different.
Manchester United's previous performances this season have been a mix of highs and lows. They started strong but have faced challenges, including a tough loss to Liverpool that seemed to shake their confidence. However, they have managed to bounce back with wins over Aston Villa and Everton, showing resilience that they will need against City.
Manchester City, meanwhile, has had a frustrating season overall. Despite their talent, they have struggled at times, which has led to speculation about the future of interim boss Nick Cushing. A strong finish to the season could help secure his position and bring some much-needed positivity to the club.
As the teams prepare for the match, fans are gearing up for what promises to be an electrifying atmosphere at Old Trafford. The stakes are high, and the passion of the supporters will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the outcome of this derby.
In summary, the Manchester derby on May 4 is not just another game; it’s a pivotal moment in the Women’s Super League that could define the future for both clubs. With European qualification on the line and a fierce rivalry at play, this match is set to be a thrilling encounter.
