We are back on the road on Sunday afternoon to face Manchester United (12.30pm UK, live on Sky Sports) in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
Marc Skinner’s side head into the encounter at Leigh Sports Village having won their opening two games of the WSL campaign against West Ham United (3-0) and Everton (1-0), while beating Liverpool in the first fixture of the Women's League Cup group phase.
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Ahead of our trip to Manchester this weekend, we had a chat with journalist Dan Pentland to get a lowdown on United…
How would you reflect on the start of the season after two wins out of two?
Dan: “It has been something of a routine start for United. Games at home to West Ham and away at Everton will have been fixtures that they will have expected to win. Two wins, four goals scored and none conceded represents a solid start for The Red Devils and they now have a base to grow from as the season gathers pace. Skinner’s side have converted almost half of their shots on target so far and that is something which will have pleased the United boss.
“There are no easy games in the WSL but United have some tough fixtures coming up. Games against Spurs, Brighton & Hove Albion, Arsenal and Aston Villa will be competitive and we are about to learn much more about their potential this season.”
Who are the key players to look out for this weekend?
Dan: “After making eight direct goal contributions in 20 Barclays Women’s Super League outings for Spurs last season, the club are only too aware of the danger that Grace Clinton poses wearing the red of United this weekend. Clinton has netted in both league matches for The Red Devils this season and she looks set for another impressive campaign.
“Attacker Ella Toone has also impressed in the opening weeks of the new campaign while club captain Maya Le Tissier has taken to her new leadership role well. There is a lot of excitement surrounding goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce with the American finally getting the opportunity to claim the number one jersey following former keeper Mary Earps’ summer departure.
“'Young and hungry’ is what boss Skinner has labelled his new-look side this season. With midfielder Clinton returning from her loan spell at Spurs and summer additions such as Anna Sandberg, Simi Awujo, Celin Bizet and Elisabeth Terland having been made, there is an exciting youthfulness about United this year.”
Since being appointed in July, 2021, how has Marc Skinner helped the development of Man Utd in the WSL?
Dan: “Skinner has divided opinion amongst the fanbase in recent times but the bottom line is that he has delivered the club’s first major domestic trophy in the form of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, has taken the club into Europe for the very first time and so nearly, guided them to an unexpected Barclays Women’s Super League title.
“The 41-year-old is one of the most passionate coaches in the game, he wears his heart on his sleeve and is hungry for more success for United. Skinner was the subject of some unfair criticism at times last season, he was almost a victim of his own success but nobody can question his intentions; he is determined to push the club on again this season whilst playing an attractive style of football.
“Skinner guided United to a fourth-place finish in the WSL in his first season with the club while they were unexpected runners-up the following year. Last season saw them slip to fifth place, but it was always going to be tough to replicate the successes of 2022/2023.
“The team has been in a bit of a transition period with long-serving players leaving and new blood coming in and that process takes time to progress. Skinner has got this side to overachieve before, there is no reason why he won’t do it again whilst delivering an attractive brand of attacking football.”
What are the expectations for this campaign?
Dan: “Given the club’s drop to fifth place in the WSL last season, there is an expectancy to challenge for European qualification again this term. That won’t be easy given the amount of investment and competition for places across the league. United arguably lost too many games last season and they need to turn some of those losses into draws and draws into wins.
“Some fans will want instant success from their new-look team, however, The Red Devils will need time. They’ve got a bit more depth this season, more young talent at their disposal but they may have to suffer one or two tough moments alongside their successes which is all part of the growth process.
“United don’t have a given right to finish in the top three but if they do achieve that goal, they will have had a wonderful season. Progression in both performances and results has to be the initial target and then see where that takes them. Further domestic cup success will also be a serious aim.”
Last time out against United
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