Skinner’s squad update for the Manchester derby

Manchester United Women manager Marc Skinner has provided an update on his squad ahead of this weekend’s derby against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

The much-anticipated WSL fixture kicks off at 18:45 GMT on Sunday and fans in the UK can watch it live on Sky Sports. Live radio commentary will also be available on MUTV via the club channel, ManUtd.com and the United App. 

Speaking in his press conference at Carrington, Skinner said: “Geyse has had a tragedy in her family and has been given some personal leave, so she won’t be involved this weekend. 

“Apart from that, Grace [Clinton] and Simi [Awujo] have been in training this week so they are in the squad to be selected. 

“Apart from that, there isn’t anybody right now – we have two more training sessions before the game – I am aware of, barring Evie Rabjohn, who is long term, and Lisa Naalsund.”

Sunday’s WSL match at City will be followed by an immediate rematch next Wednesday, in the League Cup at Leigh Sports Village, and Skinner admitted he will utilise his squad for the games.

“I think there will be some rotation in both games,” he told journalists. “I think there will be different strategies to bring people in at different times, and to keep the freshness. 

“We know how good Manchester City are as well, so to keep the freshness there will be adaptations for the game, for sure. I have no doubt about that.”

TOTAL ADMIRATION FOR TOONE

Skinner also heaped praise on Ella Toone following her goalscoring return to action last weekend, after missing several months of the season through injury. 

Our inspirational no.7 is also managing the pain of a family bereavement and Skinner is proud of the way she has handled an extremely difficult period.

“The experiences Tooney has had in the last few months are going to live with her forever so I think it is about continuous management, continuously speaking,” said Marc. 

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“And what I’ve been really impressed by with Ella – football, she will continue to grow in that arena, but more importantly I’ve been impressed by the growth she’s had as a person. 

“When we first came in, Ella was a young woman. I have seen her grow on the field from the experiences she’s had with England and Man United, but I’ve also seen her grow as a person off the field. So her conversations and the growth of her as a person is the thing I am most proud of. 

“Whether she goes on to become the very best footballer that has ever lived, the person is always the most important thing and she is well on the way to becoming the person we all know she will be.”

WHY WE SIGNED RENDELL

When asked about the signing of goalkeeper Kayla Rendell, Skinner explained just how much work has gone in to capturing such an exciting and promising young player.

“We’ve done a lot of work in the market,” he said. “We have worked for a long time in trying to recruit the right goalkeeper in the right area, to add to the fantastic qualities that Phallon has and Safia has. We identified Kayla a long time ago. 

“If you know my goalkeeping coach Ian [Willcock], he has his database, he keeps up to date with all of the goalkeepers around the world, so we have a focus on who would fit right for us. Kayla is one of those goalkeepers who can not only use their feet, but she has fantastic stature and still has a lot of growth. That is the most important thing. 

“You have seen our transfer model change. We are looking at young, hungry, talented players who can grow into the club for many years. She was a no-brainer for us. A quality, quality goalkeeper who we can get a lot more from.”

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