Skinner wants “no regrets” as United prepare for City derby

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner told media he feels “hunger” from his side ahead of their key derby clash with Manchester City on Sunday.

The two sides will play at the Etihad in the Barclays Women’s Super League, where a win would see United leapfrog City in the table, before meeting again at Leigh Sports Village on Wednesday in the Subway Women’s League Cup quarterfinals.

Skinner’s side lost both league derbies 3-1 last campaign, but the manager told reporters the mood in the camp is “fantastic” before their first league game of 2025.

What did Marc Skinner say?

“The mood is fantastic – honestly the girls are in a great space, feeling really good, we’re happy to be back together after the break.
“It’s a game that we want to go in and enjoy and try and win the game, give our absolute everything in every duel, in every action”.

Victory on Sunday would see United, who are currently one point behind City, leapfrog them into the top three.

“I think in these games, we’ve all seen it, it all comes down to individual moments,” Skinner told the media. “What I’m expecting from our team is high energy, all in to defend as well as we’ve been defending, but actually then have that personality with the ball.”

United began 2025 with a 7-0 win over third-tier West Brom in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup but Skinner downplayed the idea that the game had given them momentum.

“It’s a totally different level of opponent – and that’s not to disrespect West Brom at all. I think what you get more importantly is (to help eradicate) some of the rustiness of not playing for a month.

“Of course you get momentum of scoring goals, you get momentum of creating chances, which was obviously good, but we know the opponent level is near the very best that you can play so we have to be at our best.

“Those chances will come few and far between and we have to make sure we’re in the zone to to score.”

United struggled in the WSL against top sides last season, taking one point from their games against City, Arsenal and Chelsea – including a 6-0 loss at home to Emma Hayes’ side on the last day of the season. This campaign has seen them draw 1-1 with Arsenal and hold Chelsea to one goal in a narrow defeat.

On whether the gap between United and the traditional top three is narrowing again, Skinner said: “I think it has. You know, there were factors leading into last season that (meant) we dipped off in performances – obviously made history for the club (winning the FA Cup) as well which I think is also easy to overlook.

“There was a physicality in midfield that we wanted this year that I don’t think we had in previous seasons which I think helps in these big games… What I want from these games is I want no regrets from the players.

“Don’t go in and fear it and then moan afterwards that you didn’t win – it’s about taking moments. You’re an elite footballer and an athlete for a reason so use it, use the moment, grow in the moment.

“You’ve got to start (the game) from minute one. You’ve got to be in it at half time, you’ve got to be in it after half time, you’ve got to focus, you’ve got to concentrate. With the players we have, we can score at any time …what I’ve been more impressed this year though is the coverage of ground, defending spaces, as a team, as a collective. So if we can do that – and you’re going have to do that against Manchester City – but then when we get it really express ourselves – we can cause any team problems.”

He added: “It’s high pressure and that’s why you’re at Manchester United and that’s why we exist in football. I don’t want excuses – in all honesty I want us to to go out there and express ourselves and try and win the game.”

Skinner confirmed that Grace Clinton and Simi Awujo have been training this week after missing last weekend’s cup game with minor injuries, but winger Geyse will be on personal leave after a tragedy in her family. Manchester City will be without Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp after knee injuries, but are boosted by the return of Vivianne Miedema.

City host United at the Etihad at 18:45 on Sunday.