Skinner: So many ‘firsts’ I’m proud of

The Reds kicked off this season’s cup campaign with a thumping win at the Progress With Unity Stadium, marking the first home game of 2026.

Maya Le Tissier got the ball rolling with a screamer from distance inside the first couple of minutes, before Julia Zigiotti and Simi Awujo each scored in United colours for the first time with two more high-quality finishes.

After half-time, Lea Schuller also opened her account on her full debut, having come off the bench last weekend away at Arsenal. There was also a debut for new signing Ellen Wangerheim and a first senior appearance for 16-year-old Layla Drury, the latter marking her big day by completing the scoring with an excellent goal.

“It wasn’t flawless by any means,” Skinner told journalists in his post-match press conference. “We could have been more aggressive, but we were facing a block. It’s hard to beat a block, I thought Burnley did that really well, they were compact [and] made us work.

“We needed to iron out a little bit of detail, but it helps when Maya sets you up like that, because to hit one like that is fantastic. It’s great technique, and we know she has that. But there’s so many firsts today that I’m really proud of. Even Millie [Turner], it’s her first minutes back since her injury.”

The boss added: “Lots of positives and I’m happy that we’re progressing into the next round with a performance like that.”

‘SIMI COULD BE THE BEST’

The most advanced of the midfielders, Awujo set her stall out early and was determined to get forward to impact attacks. She was close a couple of times before finding the net, forcing a save out of Kirstie Levell on one occasion and making herself a presence in the six-yard box on another.

When she did find the net for that landmark first competitive United goal, Skinner, having revealed that Simi struck the post with a similar effort in training the day before, challenged her to repeat it, knowing the Canada international has the ability to be that player.

“It’s Simi’s chance to realise her potential,” he said. “She has fantastic attributes, but I want her to start realising [that]. [She’s got] a side where she picks the ball up and doesn’t think about anything other than, ‘I’m going to shoot’.

“I kid you not, in training yesterday, she did exactly the same, 30 yards out, hit a rocket that hit the outside of the post and flew [out]. No keeper would save it. Today, she’s done the same, [but] put it into the top corner.

“[Simi] could be the best, the best. I’m just going to keep challenging her to keep producing that. When she scored the goal, I went ‘do it again, do it again,’ because she's a unique player that can do that. But she needs to realise it’s on her. She’s got to take [the opportunity].”

‘WE’LL KEEP LAYLA AROUND’

Drury had been on the bench for the League Cup quarter-final against Spurs in December and the WSL trip to Arsenal earlier this month. But this game was her chance to get on the pitch for the first time, brought on for the final quarter.

Just 10 minutes later, the youngster had stroked home a composed finish that players many years her senior would have been proud of. “Layla was ready today. You saw that,” Skinner stated. “We select people that are ready for that moment.”

The boss explained that it was clear from the moment Drury walked through the first-team door for the first time during the summer she had something about her.

“When she was introduced to us, probably six months ago, we just looked her and thought, 'you’ve got high level,'” he said. “I think to be at an elite level, you have to have speed of thought or speed of movement. She has both of those. But she was ready and it’s her entry ticket to senior-level football.

“Look at the way she invades [space]. Just watch her goal, she waits, waits, times [the run] and goes. That's perfect. I was actually surprised by the finish, it was really nice. First time to take it, instinctive.

“She has a fearless nature. To give Layla [a chance], you hope they score, but she doesn’t care, she just wants to play. She said against Arsenal, ‘if I had got on, I’d have taken them on’ you know as kids [say]. But you need that at times because it stops you from overthinking.

“I was really pleased and I think she’s one that we need to keep around, because I think she can impact games.”