by Catherine MacKenzie (17/1/25)
Above: Grace Clinton for Manchester United. Photo: @RainbowDevils on X
Marc Skinner revealed that Grace Clinton is available and the squad is in “a good space” ahead of this weekend’s derby against Manchester City.
The Women’s Super League returns this weekend, and the biggest clash of the round is undoubtedly the Manchester derby, as Manchester City aim for a third consecutive win over their local neighbours. Speaking to media early this morning, Manchester United manager Marc Skinner revealed that Grace Clinton and Simi Awujo are both available after missing the FA Cup win over West Bromwich Albion. Midfielder Geyse Ferreira is the only new absence, due to personal reasons.
Asked extensively about the quality of Manchester City and the dangers he expects them to pose to his United team, Skinner said that the game will “come down to individual moments” on and off the ball and explained that he hopes his team will “make sure their decision-making processes are not impacted by the pressure they give you”. He also eluded to the team dynamics he expects, stating that “they (City) have grown in that team for a lot longer”, emphasising that United are a “younger” team with “less experience in these games”.
Asked about the atmosphere he expects at City’s Etihad stadium, Skinner said he has told his team not to “fear the environment you go in to”, adding that the team needs to be “mature, and try to accept the fact that we are in a game that is high pressure”.
Expanding on the qualities he hopes his team will show against the team currently second in the league, he added that his focus was on getting the balance right between defensive and attacking play; that he wants United to have “more time in the box, more touches, be more assertive on the ball and take every challenge head on”.
He emphasised that he wants his players to play with flair: “I want us to show energy, hunger, and commitment”. He spoke a lot about expression – hoping his team battle for “every header”, and “really express ourselves when we get the ball”.
Reflecting on last year’s matches against City, Skinner noted that his team “let ourselves down in one or two moments”, and that he hopes they have learned that “from minute one you need to be in it”.
He also spoke about playing Manchester City in back-to-back fixtures; first in the Women’s Super League, followed three days later by the League Cup. Asked about how he will approach the turnaround, he admitted that “you learn a lot from the first game”, and that he will aim to “keep it fresh” by rotating players during the two games.
Skinner was also asked about a number of individual players. On Ella Toone’s return to the squad after two months out with an injury, he noted that he has been impressed with her personal growth throughout a difficult period: “I’ve seen her grow on the field but also as a person off the field, her growth as a person is what I am most proud of”. On Maya Le Tissier’s role as captain this season, Skinner added that “Maya is a special person” who “thrives on these games”.
Lastly, he was asked about the psychological impact of facing such a tough opponent. Skinner asserted that “any psychological barrier is a choice”, but that “I don’t feel that from the group”, and “there is a hunger to try and win these games”.
Follow Impetus on social media –
Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball
Instagram: @impetusfootball
impetusfootball.org 