Manchester United aim as Man City get injury boost and derby day date confirmed

Everything could come down to the penultimate day of the WSL season during the Manchester derby at Old Trafford

Laura Hartley Sport audience and content editor

17:00, 24 Apr 2025

Gabby George of Manchester United Women runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Kerstin Casparij of Manchester City Women during The Adobe Women's FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester City and Manchester United

Manchester United have taken a small step towards securing a place in next season's Champions League, but it is still further away than they'd hoped. A draw at the weekend with West Ham saw the qualification edge further away, however they aren't out of the running yet.

It could all come down to the penultimate day of the season - in the Manchester derby no less. While United fight for the place, City are hot on their heels and have been boosted by the return of Lauren Hemp.We take a look at the latest Man City and Man United Women news.

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United aim

Marc Skinner’s side are just three points away from securing Champions League qualification, with the possibility of it going down to the wire with all to play for against rivals City.

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While the 0-0 draw against West Ham didn’t give United the win, it still put them on the cusp of Champions League qualification after results went United’s way over the Easter weekend.

All that stands in their way is the WSL fixture against Chelsea next Wednesday, where if they do win, they will be playing Champions League football next season.

A worst case scenario however could see Skinner’s side qualify in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on May 4. For this to happen, City would have to draw or win against Leicester on Sunday.

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Sevens tournament confirmed

After reports last week of United participating in a sevens tournament, the news has now been confirmed.

United will be one of eight teams from around the world competing to become the first W7F champions. They will compete in a series of fast-paced seven-a-side games at the Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota in Estoril Portugal, from May 21-23, just 11 days after the WSL season finishes.

United will take a group of first-team players to the tournament, which will involve up to five 30-minute games, depending on progress through a two-day group phase, and one-day knockout stage, culminating in a Championship decider.

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City injury boost

Nick Cushing confirmed after the 1-1 draw with Everton that Hemp will be back in contention against Leicester following almost six months out with a knee injury.

City were at the top of the WSL table when Hemp sustained a knee injury in November, but a mix of poor form, injuries and a managerial shuffle has seen the club drop to fourth - 12 points off leaders Chelsea and behind rivals United.

The return of Hemp comes at a vital time as City try and qualify for the Champions League next season. However Cushing is still without captain Alex Greenwood, along with top scorer Khadija Shaw plus Vivianne Miedema, Aoba Fujino, Jill Roord and Mary Fowler.

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Derby day

A date has now been confirmed for the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, with City making the short trip across town on Sunday May 4.

25,000 tickets have currently been sold, and it may be that everything is up for grabs. City and United are both fighting for a spot in next year’s Champions League.