“There’s a bigger picture”: Skinner delivers “fair assessment” as United are held by Arsenal in first setback of season

Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner has insisted that he is proud of his players, even as the team suffered their first setback of the season in the goalless draw with Arsenal.

United held to draw by Arsenal

United dropped their first points of the season as they played out a stalemate with Arsenal at Leigh Sports Village.

The likes of Melvine Malard, Ella Toone and new signings Jess Park and Julia Zigiotti all had chances to score but they couldn’t quite find the back of the net.

Arsenal also tested Phallon Tullis-Joyce on a few occasions but the United goalkeeper had an answer for everything that was thrown at her.

Eventually, both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils. The result has left the Reds in second place in the WSL table, level on points with Arsenal but just ahead on goal difference.

After the final whistle, Skinner spoke to MUTV and gave his verdict on the team’s performance and the result.

Skinner assesses the game

He said, “We limited Arsenal to one shot on target, without being deep in the block. What people may not know is that today I’m having to manage minutes based on availability.”

“To get through that game with the way the players were, they deserve immense credit. We’re Man United and we want to win every game of football, but sometimes you have to understand there’s a bigger picture.”

“I think we maybe did enough to sneak it, but it’s one of those games, points shared. It’s probably the fair kind of assessment for it. But I just want to say how proud I am of the players and everybody involved here. It’s a really sad day for football, especially in the women’s game.”

“For the players to perform the way they did after a heavy week, it was a really really quality performance from us and I’m really proud of the growth, especially today.”

Asked about the team’s organisation against Arsenal, who had a full week to rest, Skinner answered, “Maybe a little bit credit-worthy, right?”

“I think when I look at it and assess the game back, it feels uncomfortable in moments, just because that’s what it is. But actually, I felt we game them a lot of problems and then again, if we were probably fresher and more availability for minutes on the bench, then maybe it would have been a different result on the day.”

“But, I’ll take it just because, as I said, they’re incredible. If you’re a United fan, you can be proud of how much this team gives to the club and to our fans. I thought they were incredible – set a record today (attendance record).”

“That’s what I’m talking about. It’s a special chemistry when we’re all together. It’s a special chemistry and we can defy the odds. If we continue to do that, then we can have a really bright season. We’ve made history already and we want to continue to do so.”

Skinner paid tribute to former Liverpool manager Matt Beard, who passed away on Saturday aged 47.

The United head coach remarked, “Incredible, I liken him to almost the impact that Emma Hayes has had in a different way.”

“He’s a legend of the women’s game. He’s done it all the way up in so many different ways. He’s someone I really enjoyed coaching against. I always felt his teams were incredibly hard to play against.”

“He’ll be remembered and he’ll reverberate around women’s football and we’ll always talk about him. The memories he left us will last a lifetime.”

Skinner delivered his condolences to Beard’s family and loved ones.

On the fans at Leigh Sports Village, Skinner said, “We needed you because we were tired. We’ve worked so hard and I love walking around here and just hearing our fans singing, ‘We’re going on a European tour.’ I want to keep creating history for this club and for our fans.”

“They were special for us today and hopefully we can have many more moments.”

United are back in action next Sunday when they take on Liverpool.

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