Hanson signs new contract with Manchester United Women but suffers derby defeat

Kirsty Hanson. Picture: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

It has been a mixed couple of weeks for Halifax-born footballer Kirsty Hanson, who signed a new contract at Manchester United Women but then saw her team fall to a 3-0 loss to rivals Manchester City Women on Friday.

There was great news off the pitch when forward Hanson signed a new contract, which will keep her at United until June 2024, with the option to extend for a further year.

The 22-year-old Scotland international previously played for Sheffield FC and Doncaster Rovers Belles before going on to join United in July 2018, and she has scored 11 goals for the Reds so far.

However, back on the pitch on Friday evening, she was unable to stop United from suffering a 3-0 loss to Manchester City, who climbed above their rivals into second place in the Women’s Super League.

Lucy Bronze put the hosts ahead in the first half before Lauren Hemp and Caroline Weir wrapped up victory with second-half strikes as City recorded a seventh successive league win.

Hanson came on as a substitute on the stroke of half-time, to replace the injured Leah Galton, and threatened to get behind the stubborn City defence on occasions, only for the hosts to stand firm and claim the points.

United are now one point behind City and three adrift of leaders Chelsea.