PREVIEW: Can Manchester City get back to their winning ways? | OneFootball

After a turbulent campaign marred by injuries and missed opportunities, Manchester City are back with a vengeance. Now nearly at full strength, and under the guidance of a new manager, The Citizens are gearing up for a fresh assault on the Women’s Super League title. The question isn’t just whether City can return to their winning ways, it’s whether they can reclaim their place as one of England’s strongest sides.

It’s easy to forget just how dominant City have been over the past decade. Ten straight top-four finishes. A squad packed with international stars. A style of football admired across the league. But last season saw a dip: injuries to key players, a squad stretched thin, and ultimately, a disappointing fourth-place finish, just behind cross-town rivals Manchester United, meant no European football for the first time in years.

Injuries no longer the excuse

City’s slide last season wasn’t for lack of quality, it was simply a case of bad luck. It started with marquee signing Vivianne Miedema re-aggravating a knee injury. Soon after, Lauren Hemp and Khadija Shaw were also sidelined. Then, right before the winter break, captain Alex Greenwood went down, and things only got worse from there.

But that was last season. Now, the treatment room has mostly cleared, the stars are back, and the squad is hungry. With a full-strength lineup and a strong preseason under their belt, City open their campaign with a blockbuster fixture against champions Chelsea.

New Manager, New Ambitions

The club has appointed Andrée Jeglertz as the team’s new manager. The 53-year-old Swedish tactician brings over two decades of experience in both club and international football. He has officially taken up the role after leading the Denmark national team at the 2025 Euros in Switzerland

Jeglertz began his career as a player in Sweden. He transitioned into coaching with Gimonäs CK, where he served as a player-coach, before moving into women’s football full-time with Umeå IK. During his time there between 2004 to 2008, he won five major trophies, including the UEFA Women’s Cup in 2004, and developed world-class talent like Marta.

Internationally, he managed Finland’s Women’s Team from 2010 to 2016, guiding them to Euro 2013. In 2023, he was appointed head coach of Denmark Women, leading them to qualification for Euro 2025 and a near miss in the Nations League finals.

Jeglertz becomes Manchester City Women’s third permanent head coach since the club’s professional relaunch in 2014. He takes over from interim head coach Nick Cushing, who returned to the club after the departure of Gareth Taylor.

Player to watch: Yui Hasegawa

Yui Hasegawa is unquestionably the player to watch for The Citizens this season. Since arriving in 2022, the Japanese international has become the heartbeat of City’s midfield, combining intelligence, creativity, and composure to dictate play with authority. A two-time PFA WSL Team of the Year selection and a 2023 Ballon d’Or nominee, Hasegawa’s individual brilliance continues to shine, even in challenging campaigns. Despite the team’s frustrating season, she stood out as a consistent performer and was deservedly named Etihad Player of the Season for 2024-2025. If she carries that same level of influence and form into the new campaign, she could be the key to driving City back into title contention and help them get back to European football.

Signing to watch: Iman Beney

The signing to watch this season is the 19-year-old Switzerland International, Iman Beney. Fresh off helping BSC Young Boys Frauen to their first league title in 14 years, and a breakout performance at Euro 2025, Beney brings youthful energy, raw pace, and positional versatility. Whether leading the line or dropping into defense for her national team, her impact is immediate.

She made her debut for the Swiss national team at 16 years old in 2023. Occasionally, she takes on the right-back position for her home country.

The young signing was one of Switzerland’s standout performers during her nation’s home Euros this summer, and helped them write history by qualifying for the knockout stages for the first time.

Final thoughts

All factors considered, Manchester City can get themselves back into contention for European football this season. With the league becoming more competitive every year, the challenge will be tough, but with the experience of the squad, their new signings, and a new manager, things are looking better than they did last season.