Skinner: The team showed resilience

The Reds were just minutes away from leaving the capital with a precious WSL win on Wednesday evening, following Ella Toone’s 54th-minute opener, but for a stoppage-time equaliser from the home side that ensured the contest would finish all square at 1-1.

In tricky conditions, a depleted United squad pulled together and put up a fight throughout against a strong test from a physical Hammers side, but unfortunately it wasn’t quite enough in the end for the win. 

“We had everything thrown at us, before the game, during the game and we acquitted ourselves well up until that last minute and we’ll be gutted about that,” Marc admitted to MUTV post-match. 

“West Ham are very physical and it’s a game that we had to dig in. 

“So, we’re gutted for not winning but there’s so much really good, resilient stuff from that group today.”

Skinner was without the services of seven of his senior players on the night through various injuries and illness but says that is no excuse for not securing the victory. 

With that in mind however, he’s pleased with how his team adapted and worked for each other from start to finish. 

“Most of the injuries we’ve got are unfortunate. But no excuses, we’ve got to defend that set piece better. 

“But I’m proud of what they’ve done because they’re showing resilience, they’re showing togetherness and all the things I’m asking. 

“Sometimes a result doesn’t go for you in that moment, but as a group, they’ve shown everything they can do, barring getting the result tonight.”

United can now use the next week or so before our next outing, against Everton at Old Trafford a week on Sunday (27 March), to regroup, recharge, and get ready for one last big push in the final few games of the season. 

Skinner has explained that the Reds can learn from the draw that will aid us going forward into that home clash with the Toffees and beyond. 

“We’ll always reflect, and we’ll park this game. We’ll use the energy from it, but we’ll park it,” Marc said.