City have enjoyed life under new manager Jeglertz and were sat cosy at the top of the WSL table before kick-off, knowing a win at the Etihad would boost their position.
With new-found fluidity in the side and a welcome return to the starting XI for England winger Hemp – who played 40 minutes from the bench against Everton – City were favourites.
They did not waste any time in confirming their status as the WSL’s team to beat as Hemp announced her return with a sparkling display, causing United problems throughout.
Vivianne Miedema linked up superbly with Shaw in the early stages and Laura Blindkilde Brown outshone her United counterpart Jess Park – the former City midfielder returning to the Etihad for the first time since joining their rivals in the summer.
It was another brilliant display from full-back Casparij, whose fizzing cross set up Shaw’s goal to make it 2-0, before she teed up Hemp’s thunderous strike on the stroke of half-time.
Defender Knaak had expertly nodded in the opener when Shaw picked her out with a header across goal early on, capitalising on City’s instant dominance.
With a strong 3-0 lead, City were able to take their foot off the gas in the second half, conserving energy for what they hope will be a lengthy reign at the top of the table this season.
They have fallen short on too many occasions during Chelsea’s domestic dominance of late, but City have shown they have what it takes to win the WSL if they can maintain their high performances.