Skinner: Sandberg's going to be one of the very best
Marc Skinner shared his belief after Manchester United’s 2-1 win over West Ham in the Barclays Women’s Super League on Sunday that Anna Sandberg has the potential to become a world-leading left-back.
Sandberg was presented the Barclays Player of the Match trophy after the final whistle, having enjoyed another top performance up and down her flank.
The 22-year-old Sweden international set up United’s opening goal for Elisabeth Terland with a clever body swerve and pinpoint cross, while she also defended excellently to limit what West Ham could create in open play.
“She’s playing a really good forward in [Shekiera] Martinez and I felt that she got tight too tight to her once, and then she learned from that straightaway… and just her maturity,” Skinner reflected.
“The ability to play quickly the way that she does, honestly, I think she’s going to be one of the very best in the world. We’re happy the recruitment and that we made a decision early on Anna,” he added, referencing Sandberg’s arrival from BK Hacken shortly after turning 21.
She wasn’t a regular starter last season whilst bedding into a new team in a new country, but has made the left-back spot her own in the first few months of 2025/26.
“We waited a year where she was frustrated because she wants to play, but now we’re starting to see the real Anna,” Skinner continued.
“I think she’s an incredible footballer, but more importantly, a really strong human, with the tragedy of the mother [passing away] in the summer. For her to come the way that she has is testament to her and her family.”
MAYA’S ‘PROBABLY NOT HUMAN’
The game also marked a significant milestone for United captain Maya Le Tissier, who started her 100th consecutive game for the club, a sequence that began in 2022.
Skinner is running out of labels for our incredible on-field leader. “She’s just an incredible human… she’s actually probably not human,” the boss said. “She’s probably bionic, but she’s fantastic, great character.
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“Maya never gives you any sign or indication of being tired, so you play her and today I thought she was back to one of her very best [performances].
“She’s mixing her style up. I think you saw for England as well, she’s got the quality to start at centre-half, which is nice to see, and long may that continue,” Skinner added, noting the recent Lionneses appearances against China and Ghana.
“I’m really happy with Maya and she’s my right arm at this club, isn’t she? That’s why I made her the captain.
“She’s a fantastic human and someone I’m very, very fond of.”