Skinner: We have to give absolutely everything

The Reds will be looking to extend our perfect start to the league campaign when we welcome the Blues to Leigh Sports Village this weekend, with last year's WSL champions also in good form themselves, going seven games unbeaten in all competitions.

United currently sit atop the league table after five matches, but Skinner believes Chelsea will provide a stern test for his side to overcome when the teams meet on Sunday (kick-off 18:45 GMT).

Ahead of the highly anticipated clash, the United Women head coach is urging his side to give "absolutely everything" to come away with the three points. 

"In these games, you have to try and take the result," Skinner told club media in an exclusive interview.

"But [performing well is] probably the most difficult task. We have to be ready, we have to give absolutely everything.

"In moments we're going to have a bit of fortune, but I want us to be prepared for that.I want to see that growth in in the psychology in managing moments because it's not going to be as smooth as we would like it to be.

"We have to be aggressive and ready to take our moments when they come."

United's togetherness on and off the pitch has been highlighted throughout our high-flying start to the season, and Skinner sees it being a difference-maker for his side.

"What I love about this team is they're willing to give to each other, they're willing to perform for each other," he said.

"And that's what we want to build here: a team that is collective, from goalkeeper all the way through to [the] forwards."

The boss also issued a team update. Ona Batlle's fitness is looking "positive" following her concussion, and the Spaniard is likely to return for the Reds on Sunday.

Aoife Mannion remains out, but Marc says the defender is now ready to "ramp up" her recovery from an ACL injury.

Find out who Skinner names in his starting XI when the line-ups are released at 17:45 GMT on Sunday, an hour before kick-off.