Story byManchester City’s rise to the top of the WSL: New manager and a mentality shiftMegan FeringaTue, December 16, 2025 at 5:16 AM UTC·5 min readAlex Greenwood is leaning forward, the England and Manchester City defender scrolling excitedly through Spotify. “It’s this one, isn’t it?” she asks The Athletic as Mariah Carey tells the world in no uncertain terms precisely what she wants for Christmas.“That’s a good one,” Greenwood declares. “My favourite’s Mistletoe, by Justin Bieber.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“Driving home for Christmas,” team-mate Lily Murphy offers beside her, igniting an impromptu sing-along on the couch between the pair. Greenwood and Murphy are taking a break from Jenga and spontaneous hallway kickabouts with families and patients from the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, part of the club’s City Onside programme and Christmas Together campaign, to speak to The Athletic.“I’m injured, which is frustrating, but I come here, and I say this with the greatest respect, I feel like I’m really lucky,” says Greenwood, who sustained a minor knock during England’s November international break.“Coming here reminds me that my injury is so small compared to what these kids are going through,” adds Murphy, who injured her shoulder in September.