It was a momentous occasion for the FA WSL and settled by a sumptuous strike from Caroline Weir, which left the watching journalists only to praise both the performance and the occasion.
So, let’s see what their verdict was…
Opinion
CNN: City earns bragging rights in first women’s Manchester Derby
Writes Matias Grez: “More than 31,000 fans -- a huge Women’s Super League (WSL) record by over 25,000 -- were present for the historic meeting, a match that will be remembered in particular for a moment of individual brilliance courtesy of Caroline Weir.
“The City midfielder’s stunning long-range strike at the start of the second half was enough to give her side a narrow victory and write her name in derby day folklore.”
BBC: Record crowd watch City beat United in WSL derby
Writes Emma Sanders: “With the women playing at the men’s ground for the first time since 2014 off the back of England’s World Cup exploits, there was a buzz of excitement around the Etihad beforehand.
“Less than 1,500 had watched that Continental Cup tie against Everton five years ago, but this game had all the usual aspects you would expect from a local derby.”
Manchester Evening News: Caroline Weir wonderstrike gives City victory against United in first women’s Manchester derby
Writes Charlotte Duncker: “The opening game of the new Women’s Super League season, played out in front of a record breaking crowd of 31,213 , did not disappoint as the FA looked for an advert to continue to push the women’s game after this summer’s World Cup.”
The Guardian: Caroline Weir fires Manchester City to opening-day win over United in WSL
Writes Suzanne Wrack: “It was a crushing blow to the visitors who had the better first half, but this is a Manchester City side that is brutally efficient and their experience and patience finally told.”
