Former Manchester United captain Alex Greenwood says her decision to join rivals City has sparked a backlash on social media.

Greenwood has been called a ‘snake’, ‘disgraceful’ and told her lack of loyalty is ‘inexcusable’.

And she believes the response shows the environment surrounding men’s football is spreading into the women’s game.

"For sure I think it's heading in that direction. I think it's part of that rivalry between clubs. That's what it's all about. When you wake up on a derby day it's about the pride of the club that you play for. 

“It’s no different in the women's game, I think the fans will take that for the league and show that’s what it’s about. I think it's brilliant. I think the rivalry is important, and I think the bigger fan bases get the more that improves.”

And the defender, who moved to City from French giants Lyon, says she understands why the fans have reacted the way that they have.

"I'm completely aware of the situation. I'm not stupid, I think, yesterday when it came out, and I see it, I understand why people are frustrated, disappointed and absolutely entitled to their opinions, of course. That's absolutely fine, it's just football, but for me, it's about my ambitions as a footballer and what I want to achieve. 

"My ambition met this club's, and that's to be successful. I think when I got a taste of winning in Lyon, it's something I just wanted to continue. To be truly honest with you, did it [United] play a part[in my decision to sign for City]?  No, I wouldn't say I questioned my decision, but I'm also aware of where I was previously. 

"I gave 100% for that football club and no one can ever take that away from me. But now my focus is Manchester City and being successful here.”

Alongside Greenwood, City have made an abundance of signings this summer including Lucy Bronze, Rose Lavelle and Sam Mewis.

The club now boasts 11 England players which will see Greenwood having to compete for her place in the side against the likes of Demi Stokes.

"That’s part and parcel of football, if you want to play for the top clubs you can't expect to walk in and not have competition. It's how you win football matches, you improve the squad and that's important.  

"I think at Lyon the squad spoke for itself, it was unbelievable. It's the same here. We've been competing for the same position for four or five years now and you know that's a healthy competition. 

“We're [Demi and I] good friends, we get on, we push each other. If anything it's going to improve the team and if that helps us win then that's all that matters.”

After not picking up any silverware last season, City are fully focused on winning trophies this season, says their new signing.

"I think that's kind of the main conversation a lot of the time when we speak about football. It's what we want to achieve, but we take each game as it comes. We're not stupid, this league is improving drastically, we've seen over the last couple of weeks with the signings. 

"At a football club like this, that's got to be the conversation and we've got to be comfortable having that conversation that we want to win the titles and the cups and the Champions League. Why not? 

“If you can't be confident enough to say it, then it's never going to happen. I truly believe that with the players you've got in this dressing room, we're capable of doing those things.”

City’s next game is in the WSL at home against Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.