How to watch and follow Reading v United
Manchester United Women are back in Women’s Super League action this weekend, when we take on Reading on Sunday (22 January).
Marc Skinner’s side registered a comprehensive victory over Merseyside rivals Liverpool in our first game of the calendar year last Sunday (15 January), beating Matt Beard’s side 6-0 in front of a record home crowd at Leigh Sports Village.
Results elsewhere – namely a 1-1 draw between Arsenal and Chelsea – meant that emphatic victory took us into second in the WSL table, having played one less fixture than Emma Hayes’ side above us.
With a view of putting three more points on the board, United travel south to take on Reading. Ahead of this match, here is everything you need to know…
Skinner: Fun and focused
Ahead of United Women's WSL clash with Reading, Marc Skinner outlines the culture he wants in the dressing room...
United Women's clash with the Royals will be aired live on The FA Player, with kick-off at the Select Car Leasing Stadium scheduled for 14:00 GMT.
We will also provide you with updates in the United App and on our designated Twitter platform for the women’s team; @ManUtdWomen, with a match report and images to follow after the full-time whistle.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
United and Reading have already faced one-another this season, with the Royals travelling to Leigh Sports Village for the league opener back in September. Skinner’s side wrapped the game up inside the first 45 minutes, scoring all four of our goals before half-time. Centre-back Maya Le Tissier, who arrived at the club in the summer, was the unlikely source of a brace that afternoon, as further goals from captain Katie Zelem and Alessia Russo ensured all three points for the Reds as we hit the ground running for the 2022/23 campaign.
Overall, the Red Devils and the Royals have met seven times in the WSL since our promotion in 2019. United side hold the upper hand, with five wins as opposed to Reading's one, with one clash ending in a draw. Last season, however, Skinner's side took maximum points off the Berkshire side.
Marc Skinner is expecting to have all of his team available for Sunday’s WSL clash, pending a late fitness test for winger Leah Galton.
The Reds midfielder picked up a knock prior to our winter training camp in Malta, but Skinner says she is making good progress. In his pre-match press conference, the United Women head coach said that should she not be available for Sunday, he is confident Galton will be able to make her return in our FA Cup game against Sunderland at the end of the month.
A familiar face could line up against us at the weekend, with former Red Diane Caldwell now representing the Royals after a short stint with United last season. Kelly Chambers’ side remain without Canadian Deanna Rose, who is still sidelined following an ACL injury.
Skinner’s update on Galton
ArticleMarc Skinner has provided the latest on the United Women winger’s availability for Sunday’s trip to Reading.
FORM GUIDE
After a memorable first half of the season, Skinner’s side started the year in ruthless fashion, dispatching rivals Liverpool 6-0. Three goals either side of the break made for an unforgettable afternoon, as a record number of fans descended on Leigh Sports Village to support us in full voice.
Three points against Reading will see us retain our current standing, second, or even move up to top spot depending on results elsewhere – as of right now, the Reds have the best goal difference of the top three with 24, one ahead of first-placed Chelsea.
Chambers will be hoping to guide the Royals closer to WSL survival with three points against United. It has been a difficult opening half of the season for Reading, who have managed just two wins in 11 games so far – losing eight and drawing one.
Victories over Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur see them sitting in 10th currently, with a win good enough to take them as high as eight depending on what Spurs and Liverpool achieve over the weekend.
Reading have shown that they are capable of going toe-to-toe with sides in the top half of the table, though, coming agonisingly close to taking points from both Chelsea and Everton, losing 3-2 on both occasions. This is something Skinner will be aware of heading into this fixture.
90 in 20: United Women v Reading
The extended highlights of United Women's clash with Reading are sure to keep you entertained...
RIVALS WATCH
Both sides will have a keen eye on what happens at the top and bottom of the league table ahead of kick-off on Sunday…
SATURDAY 21 JANUARY
Manchester City v Aston Villa (11:30 GMT)
SATURDAY 22 JANUARY
Chelsea v Liverpool (12:30 GMT)
Everton v West Ham (13:00 GMT)
Reading v UNITED (14:00 GMT)
Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City (14:00 GMT)
Brighton v Arsenal (18:45 GMT)