Manchester United and Manchester City are set to have their first Manchester Derby of the 2025/26 Premier League season in two weeks time when the international break is over, clashing at the Etihad on Sunday 14th September.
Ruben Amorim is preparing for the matchup, with several key members of his squad who missed out on international call-ups, such as Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, joining new signing Senne Lammens in extra training.
Unfortunately for Amorim, there is concern around Diogo Dalot who has had to pull out of the Portugal national squad due to “muscle discomfort”.
However, whilst the men’s side are preparing for the clash, the women’s sides of the Manchester rivalry have been negotiating a mutually beneficial player-swap deal.
In an unexpected move, United and City have seemingly agreed to swap England international midfielders Grace Clinton and Jess Park.
Whilst it’s not a straight player-swap move, with both deals being for separate fees, Clinton has left The Red Devils to join City, whilst Park has now joined Marc Skinner’s side as they prepare to take on Leicester City in their first game of the season.
Taking to their official website, Manchester United have announced the signing of Jess Parks, saying: “Jess Park has signed for Manchester United on a contract until June 2029.”
The statement continued: “The attacking midfielder has joined from Manchester City, where she made 119 appearances and scored 22 goals, since 2017, in addition to a loan spell at Everton.
“She has 20 caps and three goals for England, and was part of the team that won the European Championship in 2025.”
Speaking for the first time as a Manchester United player, Jess Park commented: “I am really happy to be here and can’t wait to get started. I wanted to break out of the boundaries and push myself to take on a new challenge.”
She continued: “I’m the sort of person who wants to keep improving and pushing limits, and I think this is the perfect place for me to do that.
“I’m a player who wants the ball, and when I get it I like to look up and try and make things happen for my team-mates, so I think I can fit in really well here. I know the ambitions are very high and I want to help the team push towards them.”
The other way, Manchester City have taken to their official site, announcing: “Manchester City are delighted to announce the permanent transfer of England international and Euro 2025 winner Grace Clinton.”
The statement continues: “The midfielder joins the Club from Manchester United having helped the Lionesses to glory this summer, and signs until the summer of 2029.”
