Manchester United manager Marc Skinner says his side will be eager to take advantage of a “wounded” Arsenal this Sunday in the Women’s Super League.
The Red Devils are yet to taste defeat in the WSL season so far, closing out the first block of games with three wins and a draw. However, having seemingly turned a corner, United will face their biggest test yet in Arsenal.
The Gunners currently trail United by two points in the league standings after what has been a difficult start to the campaign for the north London club. Skinner, however, did not underplay Arsenal’s potential threat.
He said: “Arsenal have had a kind of turbulent time, but I’ve watched their performances, and there’s been some really good stuff in there. So it’s part and parcel of the job now, but they’re an excellent team and it will be a measuring stick of where we’re at as well.
“I think Renee [Slegers] has done a fantastic job. She knows she’s been there last year with Jonas [Eidevall] as well, so she knows that squad inside out. Until they find the manager that they want, they’re in fantastic hands with the coaching staff they’ve got.
“We’ve played and started the season fantastically well, but we’re going to face a team that could either be wounded, and really want to show that, or a team that we could hopefully try and take advantage of.”
Sunday’s game against the Gunners will mark Skinner’s 100 match in charge of the Red Devils, something he takes great pride in.
He added: “I’m really proud to represent Manchester United.
“Having kept those metrics, I feel there’s a lot of growth that happened in that time. There’s been lots of ups and downs, as you’d imagine. I’m really proud to represent the fans, the players, the club. It’s a great milestone, but I’ve got to try and win the game on Sunday.”
United took home their first piece of silverware in last season’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup, thrashing Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 in the final at Wembley Stadium. Skinner reflected on the pressure to add more trophies to the cabinet as he approaches the centurion milestone.
“It’s hugely important. It’s part and parcel of our DNA and what our club expect of us is to win our first WSL title. But we also have to understand that with the competition we’re against, that’s not a given.
“It has to be that you want to win. And you know, I’m sure Chelsea are saying the same, I’m sure Arsenal are saying the same, I’m sure Manchester City are equally. I’m sure Tottenham, Brighton, Villa, Liverpool are all chasing that. So for us, I’ve just got to make sure I maintain trying to stay focus in every single game, and then see where we go.”
A boost for Red Devils fans come Sunday will arrive in the form of Jayde Riviere and Melvine Malard, who Skinner says have been given the all-clear to face the Gunners this weekend.
“Both have been training, so they’ve trained with us this week. They have both been cleared to be involved in the squad. They’re both available.”
