Skinner looks ahead to City test

Tuesday 21 January 2025 16:38

Marc Skinner has hinted that he may rotate his side slightly ahead of Wednesday's meeting with Manchester City.

United performed valiantly to beat Gareth Taylor's side 4-2 at the Etihad Stadium, thanks largely to a superb hat-trick from Ella Toone in the WSL.

However, with our attention quickly turning to a midweek Subway Women's League Cup clash at Leigh Sports Village, anticipation remains high.

Marc spoke to journalists at Carrington earlier today to preview the game and below are some of the key takeaways from his media briefing.

Press conference: United Women v Man City Video

Press conference: United Women v Man City

See what Marc Skinner has had to say ahead of our second derby in the space of a few days...

ROTATION COULD BE KEY

"There are not really any enforced [rotation] as everyone came through the game the other night. Obviously, there will be a few tired legs today, but they will be recovered before the game tomorrow. I am sure there will be adaptations [but I am not sure] whether that will be from the start or at the end of the game. Man City will be the same, as they play Aston Villa on Saturday, so they have quicker turnaround. There will be rotation but, more importantly for us, there will be players that deserve some minutes and there will be some but, again, it will be adapted throughout the game."

KEY POINTS TO CONSIDER

"Trying to stop crosses is really important. Man City are really good and there is a lot of underlapping and overlapping and also rotation from the no.10s in the pockets. We have to just tidy up that detail when we know it is coming and then really, in all honesty, the first goal [at the weekend] is really preventable from our perspective. Man City could probably say the same about the goals they conceded. We are in the right position, so we just need to tidy that up and be aggressive. Then, in reality, to concede a set-piece when we are usually, really good at them, was disappointing. Little details, stopping crosses and just being effective. Man City will bring that energy and commitment and we have to match it, and go above it, if we want to win this game."
TRANSFER NEWS

"I am sure you can expect my answer that we don't speak about other team's players. We have always said at Manchester United that, if it is the right person at the right time that fits this group, this collective, this unique group of team-mates, then we will look to try and do business. But if it isn't, and it is maybe not and the winter window is always notoriously a little bit difficult to do work in, but the reality is we are always on the lookout and Harvey is working hard and the team is working hard on recruiting. If we do, you will know but, if not, we are happy with the togetherness of this group."

DO UNITED HAVE AN EDGE?

"I think it is a great question as it can worth both ways. Manchester City will be fired up for this game, of course, because they have just lost the league game. I expect it to be a great learning for us and I spoke after the game about us being a different type of group that hasn't experienced big stadium games. I think it is a big growth moment and, even in this game, it could be another growth moment as can we follow up and be as aggressive, can we take it to Manchester City and then only then after those moments, can we talk then about us having a psychological edge because I want have us to have that and we have to put that into practice. That is our focus in these games."

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