1
Manchester United Women’s manager Marc Skinner spoke of his pride in representing the club as he prepares for his 100th game in charge.
United welcome Arsenal to the Leigh Sports Village on Sunday afternoon after an impressive start to the season.
Skinner’s side sit third in the league with three wins and a draw in their opening four league matches.
Arsenal have had a more mixed start to the campaign, collecting eight points from five games with only two wins to their name.
Speaking to the press before the match the 41 year old opened up on how proud he was to represent United for the 100th time in such a big game.
“It’s a strange one that my 100th game rolls around, and it’s against Arsenal. I feel there’s been a lot of growth that has happened in that time. There have been lots of ups and downs, as you’d imagine, as a manager of 100 games.”
“It’s the first club I’ve achieved 100 games for, and I’m really proud of that. I’m really proud. I’m really proud to represent Manchester United.”
Elaborating on the significance of the game further, he claimed, “It’s a big game, and regardless, it’s a great milestone. But I’ve got to try and win the game on Sunday. That’s what I’m here to do. I want to be successful. I want to be here for another 100 games, and to do that, we’ve got to win, and we’ve got to win games of football, and we’ve got to win, win trophies, and keep progressing this team.”
Skinner pointed out that Arsenal have had “a turbulent” start to the season but believes they still have an “excellent” team that is more than capable of hurting opponents.
“I’ve watched their performances, and there’s been some really good stuff in there. They’re an excellent team, and it will be a measuring stick of where we’re at as well.”
Despite being positive about the Gunners, he was unable to answer on what type of team he will face tomorrow or whether or not it was a good time to face them.
“We’ve 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.”
The United manager is not resting on his laurels, however, and realises that he will finally be judged on how ready his side is to win the Women’s Super League title.
“It is hugely important – it’s part and parcel of our DNA, and what our club expects of us is to win our first title. We also have to understand the competition we’re against.”
Finally, the 41-year-old provided a positive injury update when he stated that both Melvine Malard and Geyse have been training and have been cleared to be available for selection for Sunday’s crucial matchup.
