Skinner delighted subs keep doing the business
Marc Skinner highlighted after Saturday’s WSL win over Leicester that Manchester United now lead the league for most goal involvements from substitutes, something the boss wants to keep carrying forward.
As many as of 10 of United’s 33 WSL goals this season have been either scored or assisted (or both) by players coming off the bench. Elisabeth Terland didn’t start at the King Power Stadium but was called upon just over an hour in and netted the goal that killed the game in our favour.
Now second in that list, Arsenal and Manchester City have managed nine such goals with direct substitute involvement.
“Some stats are flying about… most goal involvements from substitute appearances and also the away form that we’re finding,” Skinner noted in his post-match interview with Sky Sports, referencing that the Reds have taken 19 points from a possible 24 on the road in the WSL this season.
Post-match reaction from Phallon and Ziggi
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It speaks again to the growing depth in the United squad. January arrival Hanna Lundkvist made her first WSL start in this game, while Lea Schuller led the line from the beginning. Ellen Wangerheim was another to appear off the bench in the second half, as did Fridolina Rolfo, signed last summer.
Julia Zigiotti, who admitted her first-half goal was intended as a cross, started but is again still in her debut season, while Terland is only in her second.
“We signed players to give us depth for variation, for adaptation to games, and those players that came in today, and the players that didn’t come in today will give us that,” Skinner said.
“All in all, I can be really pleased be with the result, because that’s what we’re chasing. I want performances, but we need to be ready with those results and then keep pressure on at the top.”
TERI: I HAD TO SHOW WHAT I’M CAPABALE OF
The developing depth breeds competition that will ultimately push players on as they stake claims for places. Terland, who scored in three of her last four games as both a starter and substitute, also spoke after the final whistle to Sky Sports and mentioned the importance of taking her chance.
“I knew I didn’t have that much time on the pitch today. I just had to show what I’m capable of,” she said.
“I think we’ve brought in some quality, which obviously gives a bit of competition, but I think I’m a player that wants to show that I want to play as much as I think I should and I did that today. I do what I can control, but then I think the players do the job in the first half as well.”