The pair have both broken into the senior side in 2024/25 and each made their debuts in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, the former against Paris FC and the latter against St Polten.
Born just down the road from the Joie Stadium in Ashton-under-Lyne, Murphy says signing for the Club she’s supported all her life adds an extra element to an already incredible achievement.
But to do so alongside her ‘best friends’ in Thomas and other youngsters such as Gracie Prior and Eve O’Carroll is the ultimate honour.
Asked who had made the biggest impact on her City journey to date, the England Under-19 international said: “I think my team-mates, specifically Codie [Thomas]. Doing this journey together has been really special.
“Doing it with my best friends, it’s a different feeling.
“It’s an amazing feeling for me and my family as well. It’s a really proud moment.
“Growing up supporting City, it’s a different feeling to [if I signed with] another club.
“They [the Club] have been so supportive and given me so much advice. I’ve learned a lot, they’ve really helped me in my journey.”
Despite making just five senior appearances so far in her young career, Murphy has already fulfilled every City fans’ dream of representing the Club at the Etihad Stadium.
The 18-year-old was a late substitute in our 4-0 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur in November 2024, which was secured thanks to a Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw hat-trick and Jill Roord strike.
She even went close to getting on the scoresheet herself, firing an effort into the side netting from distance after cutting inside from the left wing.
For Murphy, the opportunity to play for City at the Etihad will stay with her for a long time.
“Making my debut was so special and playing at the Etihad,” the forward responded when asked for a highlight so far at City.
“That was a big moment for me. I’ve watched them when I was growing up playing at the stadium so to play there was unreal.
“I was so nervous but when I got on my adrenaline kicked in and I just wanted to do my best.”
