‘Our aim is to challenge to try to win the WSL’, says Manchester United Women’s boss Marc Skinner
WHILE Manchester United have parted company with two senior men’s team bosses in the last three years, one Red Devils gaffer is set to reach a new milestone.
Today against Arsenal Marc Skinner will oversee his hundredth game at the helm of their Women’s Super League side.
It is the first time in a top-flight coaching career, that began at Birmingham City in 2015, that Skinner has reached this mark across all contests at one club.
And the head coach has another target in his sights - a first WSL title win for the club.
Skinner, 41, who was appointed in July 2021, said: "There's been lots of ups and downs as a manager reaching 100 games here.
"It’s the first club I've achieved this for and I'm really proud. I want to be successful and be here for another hundred games.
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"Regardless that it's a great milestone, we've got to try and win this game.
"We've got to win trophies and keep progressing this team and that's what I'm here to do.
"I've got to make sure I maintain focus on every single game and see where we go.
"Our aim is to be challenging to try and win the WSL.
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"But we also have to understand the competition we’re up against and that it’s not a give-me."
In May Man United made history under Skinner winning the Women’s FA Cup for the first time following a 4-0 defeat of Tottenham.
The Red Devils boss also faced criticism at times from some supporters following losses to Liverpool and Chelsea preceding a fifth-place finish last term.
This season his side have got off to a flying start and are currently third and three points off leaders Man City with a game in hand.
Along with Chelsea and the Cityzens, they are the only top-flight side yet to lose a league game this term.
So far they have been defensively solid, conceding just once in four WSL games this term with Phallon Tullis-Joyce impressing in goal.
However today’s game will see the American shot stopper come up against a side in the top five for the first time this term.
Skinner adds: “We're looking to test ourselves. It’s a big test on game five, so we'll see where we're at”.
Arsenal's visit comes after their return to winning ways before the international break under interim boss Renee Slegers.
One win from their first four WSL games was among the results that led to former boss Jonas Eidevall resigning on October 15.
However, Slegers, 35, has backed the Gunners to remain on track following their 2-0 win against West Ham last month.
Arsenal’s stand-in gaffer said: "I can imagine how you can look at it from the outside.
"We know what’s happening on the inside and we’ve seen a lot of positive things
"We’re very positive about what’s ahead of us, but we know a lot of hard work and ownership is going to be needed."
Despite their mixed results in the league Skinner believes Arsenal will be a threat
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He adds: “We’re going to face a team that could either be wounded and really want to show that or hopefully a team we can take advantage of.
“But they’re a fantastic team and one that will be difficult to play against.”