Skinner provides Galton fitness update

United face the Royals at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in the WSL on Sunday (14:00 GMT), and it is unknown as of yet whether Galton will be among the travelling party for the trip to Berkshire. 

The winger – who was the league’s Player of the Month for December – picked up an injury issue in the winter break which prevented her from being involved in last weekend’s 6-0 win over Liverpool. 

Ahead of the upcoming meeting with Reading, Skinner spoke about our no.11’s availability in his pre-match press conference.

“She’s progressing this week, it will be a late test going into this game,” Marc told reporters on Wednesday afternoon. “So we will see. If not, I’ll imagine she’ll back and ready for the Sunderland game.

“But she’s progressing nicely, so with something like this, we’re very careful and cautious. We can afford to be a little bit [cautious] with the depth we’ve got.

“If she’s available this weekend and passes that [test], we’ll look to put her into the squad. But if not, I’m sure by the time [of the] Sunderland [game], should she not have any setbacks, she’ll be ready to go.

“Apart from that, everybody else is fresh and available for selection [for the Reading match]."

United’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Liverpool upon the resumption of the WSL season last weekend saw Skinner's side move up to second in the table, three points behind leaders Chelsea with a game in hand. The Reds are ahead of third-placed Arsenal on goal difference and three above neighbours Manchester City, at the top of the tightly contested division.

Skinner’s side have enjoyed an impressive campaign so far, but the boss reiterated that we must continue the hard work into the second part of the season.

“We’re earning the right to [be near the top of the league and challenge for silverware]," he said ."We’re facing some excellent teams. 

“This, for me, is the most competitive league in Europe for sure. The Americans have different challenges so it’s a different type of competition, but here in Europe, for sure ours is the most competitive league. 

“There are loads of twists and turns, [and] I’m going to do everything in my power for us to be successful for many years to come here. But we’ve got to earn it.”