Skinner’s summary of an ‘excellent’ performance
Marc Skinner says Manchester United Women were ruthless in attack and excellent at the back in Thursday’s impressive UEFA Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.
His side will take a 3-0 lead into next Thursday’s knockout play-off second leg against the Madrid club, after goals from Elisabeth Terland, Melvine Malard and Julia Zigiotti secured a statement victory in Spain on Thursday evening.
The boss started his post-match press conference at Centro Deportivo Wanda Alcala de Henares by praising the professionalism and quality his team showed in difficult conditions.
Skinner hails 'ruthless' display Video
Skinner hails 'ruthless' display
💬 INTERVIEW | Marc Skinner says United Women dealt with every difficult facet Atleti threw our way...
“I think it was [a professional win],” Marc said. “I think that's exactly how to summarise it.
“It was difficult for both teams on the pitch. We understand they've had storms here. But I did think it affected the football. I think we got to speed with that quicker.
“I thought we were ruthless. The three goals are fantastic, but it felt like the defending as a whole team was excellent. All in all, [it was] a really good performance.”
“It was difficult for both teams on the pitch. We understand they've had storms here. But I did think it affected the football. I think we got to speed with that quicker.
“I thought we were ruthless. The three goals are fantastic, but it felt like the defending as a whole team was excellent. All in all, [it was] a really good performance.”
French forward Malard was a star of the collective showing, scoring our second goal either side of assisting the strikes by Terland and Zigiotti.
She was awarded UEFA’s Player of the Match prize in recognition of her performance and Skinner paid tribute to his contributing striker in the media briefing.
“I'd say for Mel, she's had to fight hard,” the boss added, when asked about Melvine.
“She had to fight hard the first year [she was here]. Ever since she's understood the language, I think she understands what's expected of her. And even if you translate it, it doesn't have the same passion as when she understands it directly from your mouth.
“So I think she's come to fruition. She has the ability to play in any of those front three positions, which I think is really unique. And I think the quality of the finish today, we know Mel has that.
“She’s had to wait a while for that to happen again, but I'm really pleased with the contributions all around the field she has. She's ruthless in the penalty area as well.”
She was awarded UEFA’s Player of the Match prize in recognition of her performance and Skinner paid tribute to his contributing striker in the media briefing.
“I'd say for Mel, she's had to fight hard,” the boss added, when asked about Melvine.
“She had to fight hard the first year [she was here]. Ever since she's understood the language, I think she understands what's expected of her. And even if you translate it, it doesn't have the same passion as when she understands it directly from your mouth.
“So I think she's come to fruition. She has the ability to play in any of those front three positions, which I think is really unique. And I think the quality of the finish today, we know Mel has that.
“She’s had to wait a while for that to happen again, but I'm really pleased with the contributions all around the field she has. She's ruthless in the penalty area as well.”
On a night of positives, a worry did emerge around Anna Sandberg, who was seen limping off at half-time and was later substituted after going down in the second half.
Marc told journalists that the Sweden full-back, who was playing well before her withdrawal, has a calf issue that he hopes is not too serious.
“Yeah, she has something with a calf,” he revealed.
“I don't know if there's a bit of tightness in there, a little bit of pain. We don't know yet, of course. We'll assess tomorrow. But yeah, I have not heard anything sinister yet, so hopefully it's good.
“Hopefully it's just that we needed to take her off. She's in a little bit of pain though. The pitch was uneven, it put a lot of work on the calves, so we’ll look at it and obviously update you.”
Marc told journalists that the Sweden full-back, who was playing well before her withdrawal, has a calf issue that he hopes is not too serious.
“Yeah, she has something with a calf,” he revealed.
“I don't know if there's a bit of tightness in there, a little bit of pain. We don't know yet, of course. We'll assess tomorrow. But yeah, I have not heard anything sinister yet, so hopefully it's good.
“Hopefully it's just that we needed to take her off. She's in a little bit of pain though. The pitch was uneven, it put a lot of work on the calves, so we’ll look at it and obviously update you.”
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