Skinner: We're ready for the challenge of Arsenal

United beat the Gunners twice in last season's Women’s Super League and will take them on in front of a sell-out crowd at Leigh Sports Village, in our first home game of the season.

After beating Aston Villa 2-1 with a late Rachel Williams goal on Sunday, the Reds are looking to continue the positive start. 

CONFIDENCE IN THE CAMP

"I am confident in every game," says Skinner. "I am always confident, I believe in this team, I believe in what they can do.

"I believe that we can beat any opponent on any day, we have proven that.

"You want to capitalise on that but you also have to be aware of your opponent and what they can do. Arsenal have been one of the top teams in the country for many, many years.

"My players don’t need a psychological edge, they already want to beat every single team that they play. It will be a very difficult game."

AN EARLY CHALLENGE

"The magnitude of the game comes from the magnitude of the performance," says Marc.

"We have added the quality of mind, as well as the quality of the player. We will do everything to win the game and that’s all we can ask.

"I prepare for every game to be a must win. I am here to give it my all.

"We always prepare to be the very best version of ourselves. Arsenal have invested a lot over the years so we have to prepare to beat the opponent that we face."

"We have to match them and go above that. We’re at home, we’re in front of our sold out fans so the venue will be rocking.

"We want to make it a fortress again. Our players know that and are in the right mindset.

"Being Manchester United players it means that it doesn’t matter that Arsenal have got a historic record of winning the league.

"We can prepare for these games. We won’t stop until that final whistle and I think that’s scary to play against. We are going to come to you, we are relentless to the end."

INJURY NEWS

"Everyone is fit for selection expect Aoife [Mannion] and Emma [Watson]," says Skinner. "It’s important to be able to pick from the whole squad.

"The games are coming quickly, there will be adaptations going into the next three games. I have to see how my squad react.

"We have a really good medical team here, they will let me know which players are ready. There will be a rotation of players at some point."

Listen to our live radio commentary of United Women v Arsenal from 19:30 BST on Friday.

SUPPORT UNITED WOMEN

Tickets for Friday's WSL match against Arsenal are completely sold out, but tickets for next Tuesday's Champions League blockbuster with Paris Saint-Germain are still available to buy.

Kick-off at Leigh Sports Village is scheduled for 20:00 BST - secure your seat here.