Although goalkeeper Khiara Kheating endured a horrific derby, Gareth Taylor pointed out that the players in front of her didn’t do their job. United’s goals came from forced errors and they hurtled into a three-goal lead within 36 minutes.

With key players missing for Manchester City, it felt like the perfect chance for United to capitalise and get one over their rivals at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

United’s 3-1 defeat against Brighton on Sunday was their sixth in 12 Premier League games at Old Trafford this season and means they have now made their worst start to a league campaign since the 1893/94 campaign 131 years ago.

Crystal Palace were promoted to replace Bristol City in the top flight, while on a wider note, the league is now under the management and operation of a new organisation set up to lead women's football towards further growth and progression, with Nikki Doucet overseeing both the WSL and Championship in a new phase for the game.