Exclusive: Esme Morgan issues Man City warning ahead of Manchester Derby

The second Manchester Derby of the season falls on the penultimate game in the Women’s Super League. As if a local rivalry isn’t enough, both sides are grappling for points vital to their domestic success. United are brawling for points in the title race, while City are going toe-to-toe to lay claim to a Champions League qualification spot.

Last time out saw a 1-1 draw at the Etihad in front of 44,000 who saw Laura Coombs’ header bring the game back on level terms after Leah Galton's first-half goal had given put United ahead.

“I was absolutely gutted that we didn't beat United and we had so many fans there and I felt like we weren't our best version of ourselves in the first half. It was just a bit heart-wrenching to not be able to get over the line,” City's Esme Morgan told MEN Sport.

“I think they're going to come up against a tougher version they did, back then. We've got a lot more rhythm now, understanding the way we play, I think new players are really bedded in and I just think we've got a real good mentality now.”

Speaking of mentality, City have had two weeks to overcome their previous loss, 2-1 against Liverpool that arguably quashed any WSL title dreams, and prepare for the challenge of their local rivals United who suffered a loss at the hands of Chelsea at last weekend's FA Cup final.

Morgan said: “I don't think it was really a demoralising loss for them because it was such a tight game and arguably in the first half they probably should have been up, they were the better team. So I think they'll probably take a lot of confidence from that game and how close they pushed Chelsea.”

“They've got so much to play for that I think it'll be an intense, feisty game with both teams giving it everything [on