Manchester City have announced the Etihad Stadium will host the Barclays Women's Super League derby against Manchester United later this year.
Back in 2019, the club set a then-WSL attendance record of 31,213 on a day full of enthralling entertainment. Caroline Weir's stunning winning goal was the highlight, but some acrobatic saves from Ellie Roebuck and midfield mastery from Keira Walsh capped off a fantastic day for the club.
That record still stands at City, but they will be hoping to break that when their local rivals come to town on the weekend of December 10th/11th. The club have confirmed a specific kick-off time and ticket details will be released in due course, but fans can book their spot over the phone from today.
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Speaking in the wake of today's announcement, City's head coach Gareth Taylor said: “This is amazing news and something to look forward to for the new season. For the derby at the Academy Stadium earlier this year, it was amazing to see a sell-out crowd there and the demand for tickets was unbelievable.
“A Manchester derby always has a little added spice, but to bring it back to the Etihad again – especially with the growth of the league over the last few seasons - will bring it to another level.”
The England women's national team has brought the country together this summer and their efforts have booked a spot in Sunday's UEFA Women's Championship final against Germany. There will be multiple City stars on show - including Ellen White, who leads the line for the Lionesses.
Also giving her reaction to the WSL derby, club captain Steph Houghton said: “Playing the derby in front of over 31,000 people back in 2019 is one of my favourite moments of my City career, without a doubt. The atmosphere that the fans created was just amazing and it was a day to remember for all of us who were involved.
“As much as the Academy Stadium is our home and it was just incredible to see it sold out for the derby last season, having a bigger venue such as the Etihad Stadium will hopefully allow people who missed out last time to experience our Manchester derby in all its glory.”
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