Sam Mewis' 'dislike' for Manchester United music to ears of City teammate
By Ali Rampling
Manchester City defender Esme Morgan has revealed that USA international Sam Mewis has developed a dislike for rivals Manchester United since moving to the blue half of Manchester.
The Manchester derby is a relatively new phenomenon in the women's game, with the two rivals first clashing in the top flight during the 2019/20 season. However, it has quickly blossomed into one of the league's most intense rivalries.
World Cup winner Mewis is even newer to the rivalry, having joined City from North Carolina Courage in the summer of 2020. However, according to teammate Morgan - herself a lifelong Citizens fan - she has already been swept up in the City culture and everything that comes with it - including a natural dislike for United.
"It will be a shame not to have fans because Derby Days always bring out the best atmospheres," Morgan told the Manchester City club website ahead of Friday's Manchester derby.
"We've got a few City fans in the squad - true, die-hard Blues - and we'll certainly be rallying people up for the game. We want them to have the same level of desire to win so we'll be getting everyone else to jump on that passion we City fans have.
"I was talking to Sam Mewis and she said that since she's arrived at the Club, she's actually grown a dislike for United. I love to hear that! She's been here for six months and she already has that feeling. Clearly, we're rubbing off on her in the right way!
Well I tell you what, it's a fun day to be a blue @ManCity ?
— Esme Morgan (@_esmemorgan) February 7, 2021
"Keira Walsh has probably had some influence too but Sam experienced it for herself with how feisty the two away Derbies were. She realised what it meant there and then and it's grown since. I'm very proud!"
City and United have already met twice this season, playing out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the WSL in November, before United emerged victorious via spot kicks in the Continental Cup five days later.