If United were feeling comfortable in this game, they have just had a reminder of why they need to stay switched on.

Lauren Hemp plays the ball to Bunny Shaw down the left and the striker shows all of her speed and strength to go past Maya Le Tissier and get into the box down the byline.

United recover and clear the resulting corner but that was a warning for them.

Lindsay Johnson
Ex-England defender on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

United have everything to play for in this game, and why no go for it?

It's a derby, they've just lost the FA Cup final, they're in with a shout to win the league.

You've just got to go for it, it's been a great start so far.

Image source, Getty Images

For the first time in the game, we're seeing a spell of controlled possession from United.

Prior to this they have just gone at City 100mph whenever they've got the ball - and it has worked. It seems to have frightened the life out of the away side.

A free-kick for City allows them some respite and - unsurprisingly - there are taking their time over it.

When Alex Greenwood does eventually take it, she overcooks it and the ball sails through to Mary Earps.

Jess Anderson
BBC Sport at Leigh Sports Village

Manchester United have started this game at some tempo.

The crowd are absolutely loving it, they know what's at stake here.

Every time United come forward the noice goes up a few notches.

Lindsay Johnson
Ex-England defender on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

City need to try to get some semblance of control in this game.

They are just taking their time, all within the rules of the game, the referee is keeping a close eye on them.

United have started so well and City just haven't been able to deal with it.

City are doing their best to gain some kind of foot hole in this game but United have been relentless.

The visitors are struggling to live with the ferocious pace being set by their rivals.

Lindsay Johnson
Ex-England defender on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

City are breathless at the moment.

They just haven't been able to handle that high press from Man Utd, and that is what is creating all of these early opportunities.

City are on the ropes here!

That early goal has rocked them and United are looking to punish them further.

The home side attack down the left and it takes a last-ditch block to deny Ella Toone. Nikita Parris then gets on the end of a cross and Ellie Roebuck is just able to hold it.

Jess Anderson
BBC Sport at Leigh Sports Village

WOW.

What a finish!

The whole stadium just held their breath when Hayley Ladd let fly on that shot and then erupted when they realised it had sailed into the back of the night.

I think Ellie Roebuck thought it was going wide she barely moved.

What a start for Manchester United!

Image source, Getty Images

Lindsay Johnson
Ex-England defender on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

A great high press from Man Utd created that opportunity for them.

What a great strike from Hayley Ladd, she picked it up from the press, and what a left foot, top corner.

Lindsay Johnson
Ex-England defender on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

This is a big game for Gareth Taylor.

If City don't make the Champions League then it is a big hit for them.

So there is something at stake for both managers tonight.

Away we go on a gorgeous May evening in the north-west!

Jess Anderson
BBC Sport at Leigh Sports Village

Well as title celebrations get under way on the blue side of Manchester for the men's team, can the women stop their city rivals having their own title celebrations?

There is certainly already a party atmosphere in Leigh, everyone's in a better mood when the sun's out, right?

Regardless of the result this evening these Manchester United fans know they have had a fantastic season and that this could just be the beginning of something quite special.

Final huddle in front of a home crowd done, we're ready to go...

Lindsay Johnson
Ex-England defender on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Marc Skinner made the point last week that normally the FA Cup final is the last game of the season, but instead this time around United have got this big game to play for.

It was their first time in the final and it was a big loss for them.

Today they have the chance to turn things around, there is always another game around the corner and they have the chance to bounce back today.

Tonight you will hopefully see the players that didn't perform so well last week step up.

Here we go then. The two teams come out to a great ovation from the fans at Leigh Sports Village.

Can United keep their title hopes alive for another week? Or can City hand it to Chelsea and boost their own Champions League chances in the process?

Image source, Getty Images

The title may have gone but that doesn't mean this isn't still an important match for Manchester City.

Arsenal's defeat at Chelsea means Gareth Taylor's are still in the hunt for a Champions League place - a win tonight would take them level on points with the Gunners.

“We want to be in the Champions League. I am here to deliver the best,” Taylor said.

"We know we need the three points and that’s what we’ll do.

“It’s about using what the game brings. There’s no need to instigate fire in their bellies in this one. That comes naturally.”

Lindsay Johnson
Ex-England defender on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

On the back of the FA Cup loss, it is just big game after big game for Manchester United. That's where they want to be every week isn't it?

To take Chelsea right down the wire is something they would have dreamed of at the start of the season. They'll want to win tonight to keep their title hopes alive but also it's a derby game.

It's a massive game tonight and it shows just how far this side have come.

Image source, Reuters

United may not have a WSL win over Gareth Taylor's side but they did beat City in the League Cup last season...

Image source, BBC Sport