Skinner's team news for Villa test
Marc Skinner has provided a fresh team news update ahead of Manchester United’s first game of the Barclays’ Women’s Super League season this Sunday.
The Reds are heading to Villa Park to face Aston Villa, but will be without Emma Watson and Aoife Mannion due to injuries.
It was announced earlier in the week that Watson, who joined United during the summer transfer window, has an ACL injury and now Skinner has confirmed that Mannion will be out for ‘about eight weeks’ due to a tear.
‘EMMA’S MENTALITY IS BEYOND HER YEARS’
Speaking about Watson, Skinner said: "Emma is one of those unique characters. She is mature beyond her years.
"She is a 17-year-old but she is like 27 in her mentality and her professionalism. It’s devastating news for her and for us.
"She was doing so well in pre-season and would have featured during the season in a growing role.
"The outpouring of love from players has been amazing. People like Aoife Mannion who has been through it herself has been helping her.
"She has been walking her up and down on her crutches. She has been super supportive.
"She will be looked after by all of us.
"What I can promise is that we will look after her and she will come back even stronger."
‘JAYDE IS IN CONTENTION’
"When we played Bayern Munich, she blocked a shot and it kind-of adjusted her knee a little bit," Skinner said.
"Nothing too serious. She has been on a rehab phase to come back.
"Jayde will train this morning and she will be in contention for the game on Sunday.
"She is now clear to enter full training so hopefully no recurrence and she will be okay."
‘AOIFE IS ABOUT EIGHT WEEKS AWAY’
Skinner said: "Aoife will not make this game. Aoife has a quad issue where she is about eight to 10 weeks away.
"It’s a little tear in her quad. She should be absolutely fine after that.
"She is back on rehab and back around. I haven’t seen the report yet [from those coming back from international duty] but I think everyone else will be available."