Talking points after a hard WSL derby defeat

MORE HISTORY FOR LAYLA

Already United’s youngest ever participant, Layla Drury’s seventh senior look, changing Jayde Riviere off the bench for the ultimate 20 minutes, made her the youngest to play in a WSL Manchester derby – aged 16 years, 289 days.

Pitted towards seasoned internationals like Kerstin Casparij and Jade Rose on the right-hand facet of Metropolis’s again 4, she tried to make issues occur within the attacking third and confirmed spectacular endeavour in defending her personal aim as properly.

Total, {the teenager} has had a optimistic impression since her debut in January, marking that event with a aim within the FA Cup towards Burnley. Final weekend, the fledgling winger got here off the bench and received the late nook that in the end delivered the stoppage-time winner towards Everton. There’s a fearlessness to Drury’s sport, but additionally a humility, and her grounded nature, set alongside immense pure expertise, is mixture that may serve her very properly for a few years.

The Academy – for each women and boys – is a key a part of United’s coronary heart and soul and there was a second very notable achievement for one more of its graduates right now, with Jess Anderson additionally making her WSL debut.

50 UP FOR GABBY

For Gabby George, this was a milestone fiftieth United look, ending the sport within the centre of defence after changing Millie Turner with 13 minutes to play.

Born and raised in Manchester, George began her profession in United’s Centre of Excellence, earlier than making her method in senior soccer with Everton – their first ever full-time skilled participant – and ultimately returning house to the Reds in 2023.

An extended-term knee harm suffered simply 4 video games into her United profession has cruelly prevented Gabby from taking part in greater than she has. However the versatile England worldwide made 26 appearances final season upon regaining health, whereas right now was a twentieth outing of 2025/26.