Manchester City's achievement of the double is just the start of what they hope will be a very successful period for the club, with Khadija Shaw playing a central role. In recent weeks, Shaw's name has dominated the news, with his future looking uncertain at City. However, last Monday, in front of 19,000 fans at the club's celebratory parade, the 29-year-old striker announced a shock U-turn by deciding to sign a new four-year contract. Fans roared with joy in the Co-op Live arena as shirts bearing his name invaded Wembley Way ahead of Sunday's FA Cup final. Shaw proved why his signing was the club's biggest deal this summer, scoring the opening goal in the 4-0 win over Brighton and later setting up Aoba Fujino for City's third goal. That FA Cup victory - their first since 2020 - came three weeks after City broke Chelsea's six-year dominance in the Women's Super League. It was another sign of his desire to continue to be successful, which coach Andree Jeglertz emphasized afterward. For that to happen, they need Shaw.
"First of all, it's amazing that she thinks our program is the best way to become a better soccer player and that this is the right place to win titles," Jeglertz said. "We're happy about it and a lot of credit has to go to the people who were involved in making this possible. We have Bunny Shaw on our team and we play a certain way to get the best out of her, to get her into those scoring situations. She stays and that's what we want to keep doing with her." Shaw said after the Wembley win that she was “a bit nervous” announcing her new contract. Fans have been through an emotional rollercoaster over his potential departure, with Chelsea set to take advantage of the situation. But after a long season, in which Shaw won several individual awards, including the WSL Player of the Year Award and the Golden Boot, she was delighted to obtain another trophy.
“Getting the double is a really good feeling,” Shaw said. "I've always said that Manchester is my home. It took some time, but we finally got [the contract agreement]." At Wembley, his opening goal was crucial, coming after Brighton had dominated the first 30 minutes and with City struggling to gain a foothold in the match. One moment - a cross to Shaw in the 38th minute - changed the game, as the Jamaican forward rose to head the ball over goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. This broke Brighton's momentum and Alex Greenwood's goal before half-time gave City a comfortable lead. Jeglertz agreed that Shaw's goal brought “relief” to his team, and his assist to Fujino in the second half secured the victory. A late goal from substitute Vivianne Miedema sealed the victory. Despite the speculation of the last month, Shaw remained their star player. She played an important role in the final, was the decision-maker in the semi-finals and finished the WSL season with a double on the final day, scoring 21 goals in 22 games. "I'm very impressed with how she handled it [the speculation]," Jeglertz said. "She has never shown any mood that would affect her performance. Of course, she is aware of the news. But at the same time, she has been so professional, has always stood out and has always been a good person. The challenge now for City is to build on their solid foundations and deliver trophies regularly.
"Winning the WSL was big for the club, but it was one thing to get the title, and then, just a few weeks later, win another title," said Jeglertz. "We want to continue to have that hunger and dedication to want more and not settle. That's going to be really important for us so that we don't think anything can be taken for granted. We need to keep that going to the next level." City have dominated at domestic level this year, but they have managed to do so without the distractions of Champions League football. The depth of their squad, which has improved in recent years, has young talent but is yet to be fully tested. Former City striker Ellen White believes the club needs to be proactive to build the dynasty it wants. "Manchester City want to be dominant on all fronts, so they have to keep evolving. They have to bring in more players," White told TNT Sports. "They've felt [the success] now - and they'll want to come back here next season. It's been a long wait for them to win this, their 10th trophy since turning pro in 2014. It's not done in vain. But they need to keep evolving, progressing and finding consistency." Former England player Sue Smith echoed that sentiment, stating that next season presents a “different test” for Jeglertz and his team. "They have managed to focus at national level but now they have to balance European football and using the squad. They will have to adapt," Smith told BBC Radio 5 Live. "That's where they want to be - testing themselves against the best teams."