Casey Stoney deep in thought.

Stoney proud following derby day defeat

Saturday 07 September 2019 19:47

Casey Stoney was full of pride as Manchester United Women battled to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Manchester City in our first match in the Women's Super League.

The Reds had the best chance of closely contested opening 45 minutes, with Jane Ross forcing a fingertip save from Ellie Roebuck in the City goal, but fell behind three minutes after the interval. Caroline Weir pounced on a clearance and rocketed in a stunner from 25 yards, which ultimately proved to be the winner. Jackie Groenen did come close late on, however, with the Dutch international's effort hitting the post before being caught by Roebuck.

Speaking to MUTV after the game, Casey reflected on our first 90 minutes of WSL football, how the new signings have settled into the group, and looked ahead to our upcoming test against reigning champions Arsenal at Leigh Sports Village on 16 September.

I CAN'T FAULT THE PLAYERS

"We've had three, maybe four really good chances and we've obviously not taken them. Their keeper's made an outstanding save as well, we can't hide away from that, and they've obviously scored a great goal. We didn't dominate the ball, we didn't control the ball but we definitely had the better chances in the game. I can't fault the players. I'm extremely proud of what they've done today, how they've acquitted themselves and how far we've come in such a short space of time."

Video
Watch the highlights from our opening match in the Women's Super League against Manchester City.

CAPITALISING ON CHANCES

"Going in at half-time I was really happy, I thought we were the better team. We'd created the better chances. Obviously in the second half they showed their quality and their class in terms of what they did, in terms of how they controlled the ball. But saying that, we still had chances. We've got to make sure we capitalise on those."

ADAPTING TO GOING BEHIND

"This was a new experience for the players, playing in front of over 30,000. To go 1-0 down, we obviously then changed the system a little bit and adapted and then changed it again. They adapted very well to that and we still had chances I think to take points out of the game. But we were playing against a very good Manchester City team so I can't fault the players today, I think they did brilliantly."

GROENEN & MCMANUS WERE OUTSTANDING TODAY

"Obviously it's going to take time for certain players to bed in. Someone like Lotta [Okvist] has only had five [training] sessions with us. When you put it it like that, it's not a lot. I thought Jackie [Groenen] was outstanding today. Hayley [Ladd] did a job for us at full-back as well and Jane [Ross] came in and if it's not for the great save, she gets a goal. And I have to say I thought Abbie [McManus] was outstanding at the back today, I really do. They've all acquitted themselves well. We're still building partnerships, still building cohesion through the team. I'm really pleased with what I saw today but obviously, ultimately we're disappointed we didn't get anything out of the game."

LOOKING AHEAD TO ARSENAL

"This is just the start. That's what we said. We said today wouldn't define our season. We know that, it's not a one-off. Obviously we need to recover right now and start preparing and make sure that when we do play against Arsenal we are ready because they are the champions and they're the champions for a reason, another good side so two really tough tests in our first games but I think we can build confidence from today."

NEXT HOME MATCH

United Women are next in action on Monday 16 September, as WSL champions Arsenal Women pay a visit to Leigh Sports Village. Kick off is at 19:30 BST and match tickets are on sale at www.manutd.com/womenstickets.

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