Preview: Manchester United (A).

City return to action as they make the trip to Manchester United on Sunday, March 17th (12pm).

Lauren Smith will be keen for her side to bounce back from two defeats in a row, whilst taking confidence from City’s performances away from home this season, with all of their points coming on the road.

Goals haven't been a problem for The Robins this season, and that continued last time out, but the three goals scored against Brighton & Hove Albion were not enough as Smith’s side fell to defeat at Ashton Gate.

Skipper Megan Connolly scored a beauty of a free-kick against The Seagulls, and Brooke Aspin headed home, before Amalie Thestrup scored her ninth of the season, with The Dane looking to hit the double figure mark against The Red Devils.

OUR OPPONENTS: MANCHESTER UNITED

Founded: 2018
Stadium: Leigh Sports Village
Nickname: The Red Devils
Manager: Marc Skinner
Finish Last Season: 2nd

In 2018, Manchester United announced plans to reintroduce a women’s team after over a decade without one, and they were implemented into the Championship ahead of the 2018/19 season. United marked their maiden season with a title, as they were promoted to the Barclays Women’s Super League at the first attempt.

The Red Devils have gone from strength to strength since promotion, establishing themselves as a mainstay in the top six of the WSL. Marc Skinner was appointed as manager in July 2021, and has proved to be a success, missing out on the title by two points on the final day of last season, and also losing out to Chelsea in the final of the FA Cup.

United have had a mixed season, finding themselves fourth in the league and 12 points adrift of Chelsea at the top. Skinner’s side are through to the semi-final of the FA Cup however, where they will face up against Emma Hayes’ Blues in a replay of last year's final.

MATCH DETAILS

When: Sunday, March 17th (12pm)
Where: Leigh Sports Village
Competition: Barclays Womens Super League

Referee: Jane Simms
Assistant Referee: Aimee Keir
Assistant Referee: Aaron Ford
Fourth Official: Phoebe Cross

Words: Kory Cook