Harley Young speaks with Manchester United Women ahead of their big fixture with hometown rivals Manchester City this Sunday
This weekend, Manchester United Women and Manchester City Women go head-to-head at Old Trafford. The game at the iconic red devils’ home ground will give fans the opportunity to come together as part of a passionate crowd and take in the buzzing atmosphere as women’s football makes history.
On Sunday, the red and blue girls will take to the pitch and battle for glory. Tickets for the game are still available - buy them now.
Ahead of the match, I spoke with Manchester United Women about the electric energy of derby day, their favourite Manchester restaurants, and which football chant has their heart.
Hayley Ladd, Midfielder
If you win this Derby and you could eat or drink anything, with no budget or consequence, what are you having?
I like this question. Maybe a big veggie burger with all the trimmings and chips. Then, I’m a sweet person, so a little dessert. Maybe a tart with some ice cream.
Your first match was a Manchester derby. What does this fixture mean to you?
It’s such an exciting fixture. I think there's really good rivalry across the two teams - obviously with the men's games, but also with the women's as well. I know they don't like playing us and I think we're always up for the game as well. It's always been quite an even fixture as well so yeah, it's gonna be super exciting getting out there and playing them at Old Trafford.
Is Manchester a ‘red city’?
Yeah, ‘course. I’ve got to be sticking up for United but, yeah, I live in South Manchester and I meet a lot of fans here.
Describe scoring in a Derby?
It’s a bit surreal to be fair. Last season when I scored, I think it was like two minutes into the game or something and the ball kind of just dropped and I hit it. So yeah, I’d say surreal. But just an amazing feeling. Obviously the crowd and energy on Derby days is something else. It’s a really nice feeling.
How does that buzz grow?
I think it starts in the week leading up to the game. There’s such a buzz around the training ground and then, when it gets to the game, the fans know it's an extra special day. The energy from start to finish is amazing.
What’s the best goal you’ve ever seen live and who was it by?
Because it’s fresh in my head, I’d say Millie Turner’s little top corner finish at the weekend was pretty nice. I’ll give Millie this one.
If you were to score again, what would your celebration be?
I’m not much of a dancer but, maybe if it was at Old Trafford or something like that with a big crowd there, I’d have to run to the Stretford End or something.
Where’s your favourite place to eat in Manchester?
Salt & Pepper in town. It’s comfort food and it’s just such a nice meal to eat.
What’s a food ‘ick’ you have?
Maybe if you’re with someone and they’re eating and they’re chamming a little bit. Or when they’re eating near your ears or something like that. My sister used to hang around the back of the sofa eating crisps.
What’s your favourite United chant?
My Christmas one’s quite special because it’s really long and annoys people. No, really, it’s nice to have a Christmas chant like that.
Where’s somewhere you want to go for Christmas dinner in Manchester, or are you more likely to stay home with family?
Probably stay at home for Christmas dinner. But I need to go out for a roast soon. I hear there’s some really good roasts in town. Someone said The Refuge is really good so I’ll have to try there soon.
Lucia Garcia, Forward
If you win this Derby and you could eat or drink anything, with no budget or consequence, what are you having?
If I had to go to dinner after the match I would say sushi, and then, if I’m on a night out, a spiced rum and apple juice maybe.
Which sushi restaurant would that be?
One in Wilmslow; Zumuku.
Is Manchester a ‘red city’?
100%, yeah. There’s no doubt about that.
Describe scoring in a Derby?
It’s a different feeling. It’s a nice feeling. It’s special scoring at those kinds of matches.
What’s the crowd like?
Last time we played at home we had so many people. It was so crowded but such a special feeling.
Where’s your favourite place to eat in Manchester?
I have a lot, but I think Mnky Hse.
What’s a food ‘ick’ you have?
When people eat soup and slurp it - I hate that.
What’s your favourite United chant?
Glory Glory Man United.
Where’s somewhere you want to go for Christmas dinner in Manchester, or are you more likely to stay home with family?
I usually spend it with my family because it’s a big day for us. Also the 31st December. We have a big New Year’s party with our friends and stuff.
Lisa Naalsund, Midfielder
If you win this Derby and you could eat or drink anything, with no budget or consequence, what are you having?
Sushi, probably.
Is Manchester a ‘red city’?
Yeah, I would say that.
What’s the atmosphere like on derby day?
It’s a little bit special. It’s like extra attention and such a great game. You really want to win. There’s lots of adrenaline.
What’s the best goal you’ve seen live and who was it by?
That’s got to be Millie’s goal from the last game. That was great.
If you were to score, what would your celebration be?
When I score I don’t think of anything. Just whatever happens in the moment.
Where’s your favourite place to eat in Manchester?
I like San Carlo. That’s a nice place.
What’s a food ‘ick’ you have?
Peanuts.
What’s your favourite United chant?
Probably Glory Glory Man United.
Where’s somewhere you want to go for Christmas dinner in Manchester, or are you more likely to stay home with family?
Stay at home with my family.
Safia Middleton-Patel, Goalkeeper
If you win this Derby and you could eat or drink anything, with no budget or consequence, what are you having?
A garlic bread.
Where from? Any particular Manchester restaurant?
Oh, I was just going to say Sainsbury’s.
Is Manchester a ‘red city’?
Yeah, definitely. Definitely red.
What’s the atmosphere like on derby day?
It’s very energetic. Very loud. But it’s really fun.
Where’s your favourite place to eat in Manchester?
We went to San Carlo the other day, so probably that.
What’s a food ‘ick’ you have?
People chewing really loud. STOP.
What’s your favourite United chant?
Oh, there’s a new one. Probably unheard of but it’s called ‘Lego Club’ or something like that. Because we founded a new Lego club. I can’t remember how it goes, I heard it at the game at West Ham, but I just love it because I love Lego.
Where’s somewhere you’d like to eat in Manchester?
Tickets for the derby match against Manchester City Women on Sunday 19 November are still available. Be a part of the big day with tickets available from £15 for adults and £7.50 for concessions. Buy your tickets now.
There’s still time to enter our competition to win four tickets for the Manchester United Women vs Manchester City Women match and a team signed shirt for a true VIP football experience. Click here for details of how to enter.
The winner will be announced on Friday 17th November and will be contacted by a member of our team at Confidentials. Good luck.
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