Skinner wants “famous night” on United women’s first trip to Anfield

United boss Marc Skinner told reporters his side want a “famous night” but expect a new challenge in their Barclays Women’s Super League trip to Anfield to face Liverpool.

The Red Devils are second in the table and eight points behind leaders Chelsea with a game in hand, while Liverpool sit sixth.

Skinner updated reporters on team news and what United expect from a Liverpool side under a new manager.

What did Marc Skinner say?

Since United and Liverpool last faced off in December, with United running out 4-0 winners, Liverpool have sacked manager Matt Beard. Under interim boss Amber Whiteley the Reds look like a more aggressive pressing side and it has paid off so far, beating Crystal Palace and pulling off an upset by knocking Arsenal out of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.

Skinner confirmed he expects a different game to United’s rout in December.

“I expect them to be full of confidence, even though it’s two games (Whiteley) has had they’ve won two.

“I’m sure knowing Amber and Scott (Rogers, assistant manager) that they will have a plan for Manchester united, but also they’ll do their own thing because they’ve won two games, and actually Liverpool’s performances have been very good. We have to do the same, we have to be ready. and I can’t stress enough – this game is about the spirit of the game, it’s not just about tactics.”

Skinner confirmed Jayde Riviere, Elisabeth Terland, and Lisa Naalsund are all in contention, though Simi Awujo is still rehabilitating an ankle injury picked up in last month’s international break. Geyse will not be involved, with details of a potential loan still being discussed.

United are the WSL’s form side, winning seven consecutive league games. It has been a significant turnaround from last season, where they finished fifth – their lowest-ever finish in the WSL. Talking through factors behind their resurgence, Skinner highlighted the team’s movement in midfield, consistency, and experience together as a squad. He also added: “Sometimes when you’ve maybe underperformed for our standards, sometimes you just wake up and you’re like ‘ we have to get back to who we are.'”

“It feels like two years ago, when we were trying to push for the title.”

Asked about aspirations for the season, including thoughts of the title, Skinner went on to say: “Of course we want to finish as high up as possible, try to make Champions League – if the opportunity comes to win the league, of course, we’d love that. But all we can do is focus on that game-by-game model.”

United travel to Anfield on Friday 14th March with kickoff at 19:15.