Manchester United manager Marc Skinner feels that if his squad performs well this season, few teams will be able to compete with them.
On Sunday, October 15, United will host top of the Women’s Super League Leicester at Leigh Sports Village. It’s the Red’s fourth game since the season began on October 1, with four points from two league games so far.
The Reds began their 2023/24 season with a 2-1 win over Aston Villa and a two-all draw with Arsenal earlier in the month, before drawing one-all with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday evening in United’s maiden Champions League campaign.
United were placed under constant pressure in the first 45 minutes, but came out firing after the interval, keeping possession of the ball, bringing the tie back to level terms, and taking the game to the French heavyweights. Skinner has now explained how the group has reached a new level of performance, which he intends to maintain: “PSG were physically superior in the first half. They [United players] felt how severe it was in the first half, and then they swiftly repaired it in the second half.
“So, if we can get back to the level and quality of ball that we had in the second half, I don’t think many teams will be able to compete with us.”
“With no disrespect to Leicester, who are top of the league and have won three games in a row, but what I’m going to be referring to [to the players] is the [PSG] performance, that level, that speed, that intensity, and if we can do that, Leicester will have a very difficult opponent to play against.”
“If you’ve established that standard, why not pursue it again?” The opponent will be different, but [Leicester] will put pressure on us with their great energy and high push.
“If we can consistently play at that level in the second half, there will be many, many teams that can’t deal with what we’ve got.” I’m going to ask them to climb up to that level in the next two days and stay there for as much of the game as feasible.”
Skinner made two changes to the starting lineup for the Champions League match, bringing in Lisa Naalsund and Jayde Riviere, something the United manager was hesitant to do last season, saying: “I’m sure you’ll see some changes.” They’re in good physical shape because we’ve just played four games, but you’ll see a difference in this game.
“As you can see, I’ve gone to the bench quite quickly to change games, and they’ve done very well in doing so, with three or four substitutions scoring.” We have a game plan in place to make use of everyone in this game.
“We haven’t seen Nikita Parris yet and she’s chomping at the bit to go,” Skinner said. “But, only Aoife [Mannion] is unavailable for Sunday’s game.”
Manchester United are presently fourth in the league table rankings, with four points, even with local rivals City and Chelsea and separated by only one goal difference, while Leicester City are first, two points ahead of the weekend hosts United.
Leicester began their season with three wins in three games across all competitions. With a 4-2 victory over Bristol City, a 1-0 victory over Everton at home, and a 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the Continental Cup midweek, they arrive at Leigh Sports Village with plenty of energy.
“There’s no fear for the defensive transition; they’re much more on the attacking phase, and that shows confidence,” Skinner said. That is already evident in their performances. And we know Willie’s [Kirk’s] personality is to attack, but it will help us locate those gaps and maybe three points.”
