Marc Skinner has urged supporters to bring our “Manchester energy”
to Leigh next Thursday, as his United team bid to turn around a narrow deficit to advance to the league phase of the Champions League.
The Reds were beaten 1-0 by Brann in Thursday's away first leg of our third-round qualifier and, speaking to MUTV after the game - which set a new attendance record for women's football in Norway - the United head coach said:
Over 16,000 fans were in attendance as United stepped out in the Nordic nation and dominated for the majority of the game, creating the better chances and forcing goalkeeper Selma Panengstuen into some good saves.
However, against the run of play, from a set-piece, our hosts took the lead in the 76th minute. Skinner remained positive at full-time despite the result, buoyed by his team's performance.
“That [the crowd] was their extra player tonight, if we can do the same, then we'll get through this tie.”
Over 16,000 fans were in attendance as United stepped out in the Nordic nation and dominated for the majority of the game, creating the better chances and forcing goalkeeper Selma Panengstuen into some good saves.
However, against the run of play, from a set-piece, our hosts took the lead in the 76th minute. Skinner remained positive at full-time despite the result, buoyed by his team's performance.
“We were the better team but we didn't win the game. We lose from a set-piece which is something we've got to be more aggressive [with] in the box, and attack. When we've created chances we've not been clinical enough but let's be clear on this, it's half-time.”
Skinner has always had high praise for United's fans, a healthy number of which travelled to support the Reds in the second round of qualifiers in Stockholm last month. Another travelling contingent proudly cheered us on in Norway on Thursday, and now the boss feels our home crowd in Leigh can help make all the difference next week.
“We need to fill it [Leigh Sports Village], let's get this energy, we need to get our Manchester energy against an opponent in Europe because that's going to be needed.We'll have to be at our very best of course but come and fill the seats, come and get right behind us and let's get through to Europe together.“
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Skinner also sent a message to his players, who were disappointed at the full-time whistle of the first leg, having created so many chances and still lost the game: “I just said to the girls: 'Don't put your shoulders down, half-time means you can use all this energy that's been in this stadium against them next week.'”
United will host Brann in the second leg at Leigh Sports Village on Thursday 18 September (kick-off 19:00 BST). Tickets are on sale now.