United Women add Bale to backroom staff

Bale arrived from Nottingham Forest's youth system and has already started working alongside Marc Skinner, being spotted alongside the United Women boss in the first-ever WSL Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Previously Lead Youth Development Phase Coach at Forest, Bale brings a lot of experience into the Reds set-up and will assist Skinner and the rest of the United staff with the day-to-day coaching of our women's players.

In his press conference on Tuesday, previewing Wednesday's Continental Cup clash with Liverpool, Skinner was asked to identify the 'mystery man' who was seen working alongside him at the Theatre of Dreams at the weekend.

"It's one of my new assistants, Dan Bale," he replied.

"He is a fantastic guy who I have known a long time. He has come in from Nottingham Forest Academy, where he has been working in the youth phases and is fantastic at working with players individually.

"He will be a really welcome addition. He is a great guy and has fitted in really well with the staff.

"It's important that when you get an assistant in that they have the ability to help gel others as well and I think Dan has got that perfect balance and is a really welcome addition for us."