Marc Skinner: Pressure is because everybody wants to do well

A late winner from Rachel Williams on the opening day of the season secured us three points against our opponents in our last meeting.

United are currently waiting for a decision from the FA regarding the Continental Tyres League Cup and Skinner is hopefully the decision won’t be detrimental to us.

Villa allegedly fielded an illegible player in their game against Sunderland on Wednesday and the FA’s decision could determine whether we are through to the quarter-finals.

He spoke to the press ahead of the game against the Villans on Sunday about this very subject, as well as providing the latest injury news.

I WOULD HOPE IT'S A PRIORITY

"It’s not to throw blame at anyone, but I just hope it’s common sense prevails and we’re not the team that has to suffer for this situation. All I understand so far is it’s been sourced to a sports tribunal. I think that’s all we know and I actually don’t think we have a say in it, even though it could directly affect us. I hope the right decision is made and that that’s not at the detriment of Manchester United because we’ve done everything we can to qualify from the most difficult group.

"I don’t know how fast these tribunals can work. I would hope it’s a priority. I’ve not heard from any of the parties involved – obviously we see Aston Villa at the weekend. It’s pretty clear what’s happened but we haven’t seen or heard anything and, honestly, I don’t think we will. I think we’ll just find out the result. I don’t know if you’re allowed to [put a case forward]. Of course, the legal team will be looking at that, but I don’t think that’s the rules of the case. But I think the reason it’s gone to a tribunal is because the situation is what it is, so I’m hoping it’s taken to that serious extent."

WE HAVE TO USE PRESSURE TO FUEL US

“I think we have to remember that we are all human but there is no problem with pressure. Pressure is part of this job. It amplifies at Manchester United but so does the support, you can have it both sides. Pressure is because everybody wants to do well but you can use pressure in certain ways – you can fear it and run from it or you can go into it and fight. If you look at how my team performed the other night, the result was not what we wanted but we made seven changes and Manchester City made zero.

“Manchester City’s front line has been together for three-and-a-half years plus and have played many years together. Mine are just starting to learn how to connect together. I am more than happy with where my team are at the moment, with their attitude and their energy. Pressure is a choice. It’s obviously not nice but we have to use it as fuel not to run away."

INJURY UPDATE

"We need to assess them today, they had the day off yesterday for recovery. I think the only one I need to check in on is Jayde Riviere. She missed out on Wednesday with a knock from the Chelsea game. I don’t think there is anyone else we need to be worried about."

IT’S AN EAGERNESS TO SCORE GOALS

“I don’t think [the fact we aren’t scoring our chances] is a confidence thing. If we weren’t confident then we wouldn’t get those chances. If you are low in confidence, you don’t attack, you don’t create the chances. It’s an eagerness to try and get those goals. There aren’t that many teams who go to Manchester City and create those chances, especially making seven changes.

“There is stuff we can do, we will identify how we can create chances against Aston Villa and we will put players in those positions. We know we can’t replicate the game and the intensity but we can get into the mindset and into the practice positions and that is what we will do over the next few games. We know how we can exploit Aston Villa and then I think it’s about taking those chances.”

HOME GAMES 2023/24

Make sure you come down to Leigh Sports Village, and Old Trafford on 18 May, to support United Women in our remaining WSL home games this season.

Sun 28 Jan: Aston Villa (12:00 GMT)
Sun 4 Feb: Brighton (12:00 GMT)
Sun 17 Mar: Bristol City (12:00 GMT)*
Sun 31 Mar: Everton (14:00 BST)*
Sun 21 Apr: Tottenham (12:00 BST)*
Sun 18 May: Chelsea (15:00 BST)**

*Times and dates TBC
**This game is being played at Old Trafford

You can buy tickets for all of these games here.