Reds react to late win at Reading

Monday 23 January 2023 11:24

Marc Skinner and Rachel Williams were both thrilled with Manchester United Women’s late win against Reading on Sunday, as the Reds moved to the summit of the WSL table.

The sides looked to be heading for a stalemate after Reading had frustrated United throughout, but second-half substitute Rachel Williams struck two minutes from time to clinch all three points for Skinner’s side.

Following the hard-fought victory, the United Women head coach spoke to MUTV, heaping praise on his players and the opposition.

Skinner: We found a way to win Video

Skinner: We found a way to win

Marc Skinner praises the determination of United Women after the Reds defeated Reading in the WSL...

“That is an amazing win,” he said. “[It was] not as pretty as we would have liked.

“Reading, in my opinion, are always one of the hardest teams to play. Their league position doesn’t reflect the qualities of the coaches and the team, so for us it was a game we had to overcome, and we found a way.

“When Rachel takes that opportunity, that’s the whole reason we brought Rachel to this team. For any doubters, there’s the whole reason. She can step up in that moment and make that moment for us.

“For us, it’s a magnificent moment to say ‘look at how concentrated we can be until the very end and we are never going to give up.’ That is more important for me than any of the 6-0s or [other results]. That is a resilience win today.”

Williams was delighted to clinch the three points for the Reds in the closing stages, and stating that wins such as the one over Reading are all valuable learning experiences for the side.

“I’m so happy I got the goal,” she said. “In this league you can’t take any game for granted.

“A few of the [Reading] girls said to me that I broke their hearts, but it’s all in a day’s work, I’m just doing my job!

“They’re the [matches] we learn from. Whether it’s 4-0, 6-0, or 1-0 today, you have to keep grinding out results if you want to keep pushing at the top. 

Williams: I'm just doing my job! Video

Williams: I'm just doing my job!

Rachel Williams reflects on her late winner against Reading, as United Women go top of the WSL table...

“[We have to] keep on the teams around us, [and continue] keeping them on their toes because they’re going to be keeping us on our toes. For us, we concentrate on the next game now.”

The next fixture for United Women is a Vitality Women’s FA Cup clash with Championship side Sunderland, on Wearside.

That match will be played on Sunday 29 January, and Skinner will no doubt be looking for further strides to be made by his players in that one.

United Women return to Old Trafford

 Article

Marc Skinner's Reds are set to play another WSL fixture at the Theatre of Dreams.

UNITED WOMEN AT OLD TRAFFORD

The Reds are set to return to the Theatre of Dreams to play another WSL fixture later this season, with West Ham United the visitors to M16 on Saturday 25 March (subject to change). 

Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s - click here to buy yours. All Women’s Season Ticket holders will be contacted today with instructions on how to claim their ticket. 

Hospitality is also available to purchase from today. Prices start from £20pp (dependent on package) - more information is available here.

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