Beckie, Walsh Speak About Manchester Derby Fixture

It’s Derby Week! Manchester City face Manchester United in the derby and the opener of the FA WSL. Two more players spoke about the game and, like us, are just as excited for he game.

Starting with Janine Beckie who believes “City and United’s rivalry extending into the FA WSL can only be good for the women’s game.” Beckie also added “Growing up in the US, the hype is different around European football so to be part of it and to see how much it means to people is really cool,” she said.

“There are a lot of girls on our team – me included – who are happy to have the opportunity to be part of history in the first professional game against United.”

“It’s a hometown rivalry that runs deep with the men’s team, so to be able to create that with the women’s team is really good.”

Beckie concluded saying “I think women’s football is in a place that it’s never been,” she added.

“Obviously England did quite well at the World Cup, so in this country specifically there is more interest in women’s football than ever.

“The Club is paying attention and to give us a game in the Etihad is unreal. We’re really excited to kick off the season.”

Photo by Grant Halverson/International Champions Cup via Getty Images

Keira Walsh meanwhile, wants to ‘lead by example’ and show her mates what’s expected of them in a Manchester derby when City face United on Saturday.

Walsh who has been at City since her debut, named Vincent Kompany and Nigel De Jong as two players she loved to see throw themselves into clashes with the other side of the city and now she’s aiming to be the “standard bearer in the women’s team.”

A lofty goal, indeed. Walsh added:

“I’ve been brought up not liking United,” she said ahead of the game at the Etihad Stadium.

“I’ve been brought up as Blue and even when times weren’t so great for City, I’ve always supported them.

“I can’t wait to get going and I’m hoping my energy and excitement will rub off on some of the girls who aren’t Mancunians.

“I’m hoping I can show them what it means to play in a derby.”

The hype for this derby might be one of the biggest for a City side who has found success in the FAWSL. Let’s hope the fans show the same passion and intensity Sunday.

Lastly, please watch this video and get hyped for the game:

WATCH THE GAME ON THE MAN CITY APP OR THE FA APP.