In a historic moment for Man City, Man United and women’s football in general, both of this year’s WSL Manchester derbies will be held at the Etihad Stadium and Old Trafford, respectively.
This isn’t just the first occasion that both derby fixtures will be played at each of the club’s main stadiums, but also the first time in history that United will have ever hosted a Women’s Super League derby at the Theatre of Dreams.
While this will be the second year running that City has held the derby over at the Etihad and not at the adjacent Academy Stadium, it marks just the fourth game to have ever been held in front of fans at Man United’s home ground since the women’s team restarted in 2018.
The female Red Devils play the majority of their games at Leigh Sports Village but with women’s football bigger than even both in the UK and globally, not to mention Marc Skinner’s side going so close to the title last season, it’s a better time than ever to play the derby in front of as many fans as possible.
👀 For the first time ever…
The Manchester derby comes to Old Trafford in 2023/24! ⚔️#MUWomen || #WSL
A historic match is coming in just a few months’ time.
More than 60,000 supporters bought tickets for the two games held at Old Trafford last year and both clubs will be hoping to break attendance figures this season, with a club record of 44,259 fans also turning up to watch the most recent meeting between the two at the Etihad.
ADVERTISEMENT
The last match between the two ended in a 1-1 draw in December and Man United Women’s last home derby saw a record crowd of 7,864 turn up to see the Reds get one over on the Blues at Leigh Sports Village, winning in a 2-1 blockbuster to keep their title hopes alive on the final day.
Both sides ultimately ended up missing out on the WSL trophy last season after a tightly-contested campaign, with United finishing just two points behind champions Chelsea who lifted their sixth title, the most of any team since the league began in 2010.
ADVERTISEMENT
After both teams went so close in the last campaign, you can expect the stadiums to be packed out and even greater attendances all season long, with the first round of fixtures getting underway on 1 October.
Speaking on the announcement, Skinner said, “These fixtures represent one of the biggest rivalries in world football and it is fitting that both games will take place in stadiums that provide more fans with the opportunity to attend and support us…
“Women’s football is again capturing the nation and playing these matches at grounds like Old Trafford and the Etihad can only add to the ever-increasing profile of the club, the WSL and the women’s game in general.”
ADVERTISEMENT
As for his opposite number, head coach Gareth Taylor said: “It’s fantastic news that we’ll be returning to the Etihad Stadium once again this coming season… We’ve seen so many new fans attending our games over the past year, and it will be brilliant to hopefully see many more joining us next March.”
The first WSL Manchester derby will be held at Old Trafford on Sunday, 19 November and the reverse fixture at the Etihad will take place on Sunday, 24 March 2024. Although City are yet to announce their full list of prices, United fans can secure their derby day seats now from just £15. The question is, can the two Manc teams push each other even closer to the title this season?
Featured Image — Manchester United/Manchester City
Sport
Southampton troll Manchester City after Ruben Dias’ frustrated interview
Danny Jones
Southampton FC have decided to respond to Manchester City star Ruben Dias with some casual trolling following his frustrated post-match interview this weekend.
In short, someone let the admin off the leash, and we’ll admit it caught us a little off guard.
Man City shared the points away at St Mary’s Stadium against the already relegated Saints – a fate which plays somewhat into the rather nonchalant nature of their social media this past Friday, 9 May.
Southampton hosted City for what turned out to be a beyond forgettable bore draw, although Dias himself was clearly still dwelling on it at least somewhat after the full-time whistle, claiming the home team put in very little effort. To which this was their reply…
While plenty of people online had already seen Ruben‘s review of their performance, the south coast side had no problem in drawing even more eyes to it by sharing the video above.
There’s one thing to disagree with/mock a single player’s response in a moment of tension, but putting together a mini blooper reel about last season’s Premier League champions and recent Treble winners to the rather out-of-tune flute version of ‘September’ by Earth, Wind & Fire felt pretty bold, to say the least.
Again, not that they’ll care one bit, given they won’t be even in the same division for at least another year.
It’s also just not all too often that you see football clubs’ official media channels memeing other teams, so it’s hard not to react when instances like this do happen.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola had a fair few of his own visibly frustrated feelings on the match as well, including some words for his own players, although stating that they should have been able to break down a team that’s already on their way to the Championship.
Pep’s post-match press conference following Southampton 0-0 City in full.
It’s also worth mentioning that while it may have felt like a bit of a damp rubber game, there was actually a lot more at stake in the grander scheme of things.
Not only did the draw rescue Southampton from setting a new record for the lowest points tally in the top-flight competition’s history, but much more importantly, it meant crucial points were dropped for the Blues in the race to secure Champions League football.
Most supporters would rightly assume Man City will be in UEFA’s premier continental competition next season, but it’s not a certainty just yet.
You can watch the highlights, or lack thereof, down below.
Who had more of a point, do you think – Ruben Dias or the Southampton admin?
Featured Images — Sky Sports (screenshots via YouTube)
Sport
London attraction The Curling Club is now expanding into Manchester
Thomas Melia
Well-reviewed winter attraction The Curling Club, which has already made a name for itself in London, is now making its way to Manchester.
Set to open in Manchester’s world-class skyscraper district, New Jackson, The Curling Club is keeping its stay short and sweet, with a three-month residency here in the city centre.
Curling Club will signal in the mid-winter season as it runs from late November right through until the end of February, giving you a lengthy period of time to sweep ’til your heart’s content.
This sports-themed pop-up opened in the capital last year, offering guests a wintery escape packed with food and drink choices, accommodating up to 600 people at a time, right next to The Shard.
The Curling Club is set to open in Manchester this November until February.Imagine a pint or two in this curling haven in Manchester this year.Credit: Justin De Souza
Now, Manchester’s latest activity bar destination is bringing its charm and competitiveness to Manchester for the first time ever, hoping to emulate the success of its capital predecessor while encouraging people to pick up the sport.
Just like the original London location, their Manc site will feature the iconic custom-built lanes and sustainably-made granite stones, which are set to improve your precision and control – fancy that.
We’re sure will still somehow manage to be the worst players in the room at any given time.
If that wasn’t enough curling expertise for you, there will also be on-site coaches helping guests perfect their technique and providing some top-notch advice.
There will even be an exclusive appearance from Olympic gold medallist Eve Muirhead and Team GB’s ‘Chef de Mission’, Mark England, who will be hosting select events across the two cities.
Manchester can expect a similar curling set-up this year.The glitter-ball dancers ready and waiting for this wintertime.Credit: Justin De Souza
New Jackson will be the ultimate backdrop for this innovative winter experience as the venue will be curating seasonal cocktails as well as being home to live DJS, glitter-ball dancers and some seriously good food.
You had us at booze and scran.
Keep this seasonal site in mind as they’re already marking themselves as a destination for work parties, events, group outings and Christmas party celebrations.
Trevor Bowers, Chairman of The Curling Club, said of the impending opening: “With this expansion and other plans, we’re accelerating our national rollout – all while staying focused on delivering exceptional, high-quality experiences for both guests and corporate clients during the winter season.”
Danny Jones -
7th August 2023 
