Manchester City defeated Manchester United 3-0 in the Women's Super League at Old Trafford, a result that puts them on the verge of their first league title since 2016. Vivianne Miedema scored two goals in quick succession, finding the net in the 17th and 19th minutes, before Kerstin Casparij added a third in the 49th minute.
According to multiple reports, Manchester City are top of the WSL table with an eight-point lead over Manchester United after 18 matches. Major media reports indicate that two more wins from their remaining three matches will guarantee the title unless rivals drop points. The victory extended City's unbeaten run to 13 matches between September and February, as reported by major media, and they have scored in 17 of their 19 league games this season.
The weather wasn't helping.
Manchester United, meanwhile, are struggling with a thin squad and fatigue due to a gruelling schedule, including a Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich, according to multiple reports. United lost the first leg of that tie 3-2, as reported by major media. The defeat to City further compounds their challenges.
Bayern Munich, United's Champions League opponents, are dealing with their own injury concerns. Major media reports that winger Klara Bühl is sidelined with a calf injury and will not be available for the match on Wednesday. Bühl has provided the largest number of Champions League assists this season, with eight, according to major media. Only Barcelona and Olympique Lyonnais have a better passing accuracy percentage in the Champions League this season than Bayern Munich, as reported by major media.
Definitely, I enjoyed that. It wasn't relaxing, because it never is for a coach, but I felt we had control of the game. The players were enjoying finding solutions to a lot of things. They created chances. It was a fantastic game.
Manchester City manager Andrée Jeglertz described the first half as 'one of the best' from his side, according to major media. According to multiple reports, Hanna Lundkvist started for Manchester United, Fridolina Rolfö came on as a substitute, while Anna Sandberg and Julia Zigiotti Olme were not in the match squad. Therese Sjögran is the sporting director of Manchester City, according to multiple reports.
Manchester City's next match is against Brighton & Hove Albion. According to multiple reports, early in the match, they led 1-0 after five minutes with a goal by Kerolin. The exact injury status of Klara Bühl and when she is expected to return remain unclear. It is also unknown whether Manchester United's fatigue will affect their performance in the Champions League second leg, and how many points Manchester City need to mathematically secure the title.
Amazing to watch and be a part of.