Nick Cushing believes that the prospect of City’s historic Women’s Super League 2019/20 opener at home to Manchester United will serve as the perfect pre-season incentive for his squad.

City will break new ground when we bring the curtain up on the 2019/20 season by hosting our first-ever professional Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, September 7th (kick-off 3pm).

As part of their growing commitment to women’s football, PUMA have joined forces with City to present the Manchester Derby.

Fans can expect a number of exciting activations to come in celebration of the landmark fixture and kids* are invited to attend FREE of charge.

This game will mark the only the second time City’s women’s team will have played in the Etihad Stadium.

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And Cushing, who will welcome his players back for pre-season training later this month, believes the lure of the derby will act as the perfect summer motivator for the City squad.

“We are so excited that it is the first game of the season,” said the City manager.

“We’ve all been excited and looked forward to that first derby ever since Manchester United were accepted into the Championship last year.

“It will drive our whole pre-season making sure that we are ready for that game and putting on a performance that our fans deserve and which they have become accustomed to seeing at the Etihad.

“We will work hard and make sure we are ready. We can’t wait for July 29 when we get all our players back and get down to work again.”

A host of City’s players have been action at the Women’s World Cup over the past few weeks and have all played their part in helping serve up a wonderful spectacle which has also served to help inspire the next generation back home.

And in seeking to build on that feel-good factor, Cushing believes the kudos of playing at the Etihad against United can serve as the perfect domestic showcase not just for City but for the strength of the English women’s game as a whole.

“We play at the CFA and it’s our home and we enjoy playing there but we know the Etihad is our football club’s home and is the place where we go and watch the majority of our fans who create an incredible atmosphere,” Cushing added.

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“We just want to replicate that and get as many fans in as possible so that they enjoy the day and, just as importantly, we put on a performance that not only shows the strength and quality of our women’s team but also shows what Manchester has to offer women’s football.

“The exposure of the World Cup has been brilliant they players have been able to showcase their ability and desire to become even better.

“It’s another great opportunity at the Etihad and we just want to put on a good performance and get the three points.”

Tickets and Seasoncards for Manchester City’s women’s team are on sale now. For more information and to get yours now, visit: tickets.mancity.com/subscriptions

Exclusive hospitality packages will also be available over the phone.