Skinner: The two sets of fans were a highlight
Marc Skinner was delighted with Manchester United Women's performance in Sunday's 5-0 win against Newcastle United in the Adobe FA Cup.
Ella Toone, Nikita Parris (twice), Rachel Williams and Melvine Malard all got themselves on the scoresheet once again and the Reds’ boss is impressed with the depth in his forward line.
United fielded a strong line-up against the National League side, with the big Chelsea meeting in the WSL to come next weekend.
Speaking to the press after the game, Skinner discussed his side's victory, the passion shown by both sets of supporters, and several United players.
Skinner: We have the best fans in the league
Marc Skinner shares his thoughts on a resounding FA Cup win and an incredible atmosphere at Leigh Sports Village...
IMPORTANT WIN
"I thought it was a really, really good game. I looked at the other teams in the WSL who played and they have all gone strong [with their line-ups] as well because we need to. We have not had any games [recently]. I think Newcastle thought we might rotate but actually it’s about getting through. We were in the final last year and we want to go one step further. I think it was a professional performance."
IMPRESSIVE CROWD
"The rivalry of the fans was really, really great. We were here to win but to see those two sets of passionate fans was a real highlight. Credit to Newcastle, I don’t think it will be long before they are in the WSL. They came at us, they were fit, they didn’t drop off until the very end."
TOONE NEEDED A BREAK
“Ella has taken a lot of criticism, a lot she didn’t deserve but everyone has high standards. If you don’t always match that then there is a crisis. What Ella has been doing really well is simplifying her game. When she draws pressure, she releases with quality and moves again. Her attitude to her own development is right back where it needs to be so it’s only a good sign.
“I tried to give all the players a proper switch off time over the break and I think she was able to get away and refresh. Tooney wants to play every minute of every match forever but it’s common that people don’t always know what’s best for them, especially players. Sometimes you have to take it out of their hands and force them to have a break.”
PARRIS SUBSTITUTION
“To leave her on [to try and get a hat-trick] would have been reckless with the games we have coming up. Also the quality of the players coming in means we have that chance. It was always the plan to rotate, you just want that cushion in the game. I think she will score more and more as the season goes on. She is in top, top form at the minute.”
DEPTH IN THE FORWARD LINE
“It’s nice to have, I am really happy with our forward-line depth. We have different types of goalscorers. I mean. how many players do you know who can one-two with the crossbar and still score? Rachel Williams did that. I don’t think I have ever seen a goal like that in my life. It’s her aerial threat. Melvine [Malard] and Geyse have unpredictability, Lucia [Garcia] has directness, Leah [Galton] comes into any game [ready] and that’s without talking about Keets {Nikita Parris]. I am really happy with that part.”
GUERRERO HAS GREAT VISION
“It was exactly what I wanted to see for Irene today. I think people may get confused and think she can do that in every game but football is not like that. You have to have balance in your team. What Ire will do, and we will have to be patient, is she sees what is ahead before she even has the ball. She exploits players and spaces so well.”
The Adobe Women's FA Cup fifth-round draw will take place at 19:30 GMT this evening (Monday) on BBC Radio 5 Live.