The second Manchester Derby of the season falls on the penultimate game in the Women’s Super League. As if a local rivalry isn’t enough, both sides are grappling for points vital to their domestic success. United are brawling for points in the title race, while City are going toe-to-toe to lay claim to a Champions League qualification spot.
Last time out saw a 1-1 draw at the Etihad in front of 44,000 who saw Laura Coombs’ header bring the game back on level terms after Leah Galton's first-half goal had given put United ahead.
“I was absolutely gutted that we didn't beat United and we had so many fans there and I felt like we weren't our best version of ourselves in the first half. It was just a bit heart-wrenching to not be able to get over the line,” City's Esme Morgan told MEN Sport.
“I think they're going to come up against a tougher version they did, back then. We've got a lot more rhythm now, understanding the way we play, I think new players are really bedded in and I just think we've got a real good mentality now.”
Speaking of mentality, City have had two weeks to overcome their previous loss, 2-1 against Liverpool that arguably quashed any WSL title dreams, and prepare for the challenge of their local rivals United who suffered a loss at the hands of Chelsea at last weekend's FA Cup final.
Morgan said: “I don't think it was really a demoralising loss for them because it was such a tight game and arguably in the first half they probably should have been up, they were the better team. So I think they'll probably take a lot of confidence from that game and how close they pushed Chelsea.”
“They've got so much to play for that I think it'll be an intense, feisty game with both teams giving it everything [on Sunday] because we both need to win all of our remaining games. It's almost like a final itself.”
City fought back to level terms in front of the third biggest crowd the WSL has seen this season, just under 3,000 fans less than the record-breaking 47,367 North London derby crowd in September.
Leigh Sports Village is significantly smaller than the reverse fixture’s host. Its capacity is 12,000 - a fraction compared to Etihad’s hold. The home fans are renowned for being vocal and travel in numbers to support their Red Devils, but that won’t phase Morgan.
“I really like playing in atmospheres where there's a lot of people in the stadium. I really just enjoy playing in those games because it's just so much more of a thrill when you’re attacking and you hear just the ambient noise in the ground rise and if you get close to the goal and obviously then when you score the cheers are a hell of a lot louder.
“That might not be the case on Sunday, but hopefully we can silence the home crowd. They're quite vocal, but I think our away support is really good. We've got a massive group who travels the length and breadth of the country to follow us so I'm sure they'll make sure they're heard.”
United host City at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday, May 21 kicking off at 18:45 available to watch via Sky Sports or live audio commentary on the FA Player app.
NEW! Our Year: European Champions 2022 - The Official England Winners Book with a foreword by England manager Sarina Wiegman, this is the only official book of the historic triumph, reliving every kick of a thrilling tournament and telling the stories of the players who made it all happen.
Order now from: reachsportshop.com/https://reachsportshop.com/book/our-year-european-champion-2022/
