The Lionessses winger shone on her first start of 2025, but it proved to be a costly day for Nick Cushing's side at Old Trafford

Manchester City threw away Champions League qualification in a costly 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Sunday at Old Trafford despite taking a two-goal lead in their Women's Super League encounter.

The visitors suffered an early blow when Leila Ouahabi was forced off injured in the opening 10 minutes and replaced by Rebecca Knaak, but coped well with the setback and went on to take the lead as Khiara Keating's long ball forward allowed Kerolin to run through on goal and City to work the ball out to the left. Lauren Hemp then picked out Laia Aleixandri, who took a great touch before curling the ball past Phallon Tullis-Joyce in the United goal.

Four minutes later, City had doubled their lead through Knaak. The substitute met Yui Hasegawa's corner powerfully at the near post and directed a bullet header home for 2-0. Yet the response was fast and effective by United, as Aoife Mannion sent in a teasing ball to the back post for Grace Clinton to head past Keating in the City goal just before half-time.

City were second-best straight after the break and conceded an equaliser with 20 minutes left when substitute Melvine Malard latched onto Elisabeth Terland's header and poked the ball past Keating.

However, City were given hope again minutes later when Mannion saw red for a reckless challenge, leaving United down to 10 for the closing stages. City pressed hard for a late winner, but couldn't score again, ensuring it's rivals United who take the final spot inside the WSL's top three instead.

GOAL rates City's players from Old Trafford…

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Khiara Keating (6/10):

A good ball out helped set up City for the opener, but seemed hesitant coming off her line throughout the game.

Kerstin Casparij (6/10):

Almost scored with a brilliant effort from a corner that flew just inches past the post.

Gracie Prior (6/10):

Should have done better for the second goal. Didn't even seem to want to jump with Terland.

Alex Greenwood (6/10):

Back after a long spell out and seemed to be targeted by United. Grew frustrated as the game wore on and was eventually booked.

Leila Ouahabi (N/A):

Picked up an early knock and had to be replaced before the 10-minute mark.

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Yui Hasegawa (7/10):

Put in a superb corner for City to make it 2-1. Enjoyed a good battle with Japan team-mate Miyazawa.

Laura Coombs (6/10):

Found it really tough going in the second half as United began to dominate until the hosts went down to 10.

Laia Aleixandri (8/10):

A dominant showing in midfield. Also scored her first goal of the season in some style with a brilliant touch and curling finish to make it 1-0.

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Jess Park (6/10):

Some good moments but needed to be more involved, especially when City had the player advantage.

Kerolin (7/10):

Her direct running caused problems. Played a key role in the opening goal and went close late on with a shot.

Lauren Hemp (8/10):

Made her 100th league start after returning from injury and looked like she'd never been away. Set up the first goal and was a cut above.

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Rebecca Knaak (7/10):

Replaced Ouhabi early on and scored the second goal at the near post with a bullet header.

Jill Roord (6/10):

Arrived on the hour for Hemp. Had a late chance blocked.

Aoba Fujino (N/A):

Late sub but couldn't conjure up a winner.

Laura Blindkilde Brown (N/A):

Another late sub with little time to make an impact.

Nick Cushing (5/10):

Will be frustrated after seeing his team throw away a 2-0 lead. City were also handed a good chance to go on and win it after United went down to 10 but couldn't take advantage and now miss out on a European spot to their rivals.