Masterclass 2 min read

Casey Stoney II

Casey Stoney II
Photography by Paul Cooper
Author
Tony Hodson
Published on
August 25 2022

fa women's super league, november 14 2020

Manchester United 2Manchester City 2

Heath (54)
Hanson (74)

Kelly (8)
Coombs (45+1)

In the second of three exclusive Coaches’ Voice Masterclasses, Casey Stoney looks back on a hard-fought 2-2 draw between her then Manchester United team and their powerful local rivals in November 2020. They faced a Manchester City team whose starting XI featured no fewer than seven members of the England Women squad that would go on to win Euro 2022, including a front three of Ellen White, Georgia Stanway and final hero Chloe Kelly.

The fixture came hot on the heels of an important victory against another WSL powerhouse in Arsenal, which was the subject of Stoney’s first Masterclass with us. Here, she reveals the tactical approach she adopted in a bid to stop City’s influential playmakers ­– centre-back Steph Houghton and midfield pivot Keira Walsh – from dictating play, and explains why the plan failed in a first half that saw her team fall 2-0 behind.

She goes on to describe the tactical adjustments she made ahead of the second half, and how one of those led directly to the goal that kicked off the United fightback. It’s another great insight from an articulate coach having an impressive first season with San Diego Wave in the NWSL.

Starting line-ups
Manchester United WomenManchester City Women
2711214171412777924262062732422718910
Manchester United Women4-2-3-1
Manchester City Women4-3-3
27Mary Earps
26Ellie Roebuck
11Leah Galton
20Lucy Bronze
21Millie Turner
6Steph Houghton
4Amy Turner
27Alex Greenwood
17Ona Batlle
3Demi Stokes
14Jackie Groenen
24Keira Walsh
12Hayley Ladd
22Sam Mewis
77Tobin Heath
7Laura Coombs
7Ella Toone
9Chloe Kelly
9Jess Sigsworth
18Ellen White
24Christen Press
10Georgia Stanway
Match stats
Man Utd WomenMan City Women

13/7

SHOTS / ON TARGET

21/5

43.9%

POSSESSION

56.1%

14

ATTACKS INTO AREA

28

2.38

EXPECTED GOALS (XG)

3.59