Key quotes: Skinner’s pre-Arsenal press conference

Key quotes: Skinner’s pre-Arsenal press conference

Marc Skinner is feeling “proud” ahead of his 100th game in charge of Manchester United Women.

The Reds are facing Arsenal this weekend in the Barclays Women’s Super League, with our players now back together following a busy international break.

12 Reds represented their countries during the October window but Skinner confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Friday morning that there are no fresh injury concerns going into the game.

The boss also spoke to the press about his pride of being United’s head coach, the test of Arsenal and what to expect from the game on Sunday. You can read those quotes and more below…

Press conference: United Women v Arsenal Video

Press conference: United Women v Arsenal

Press conference | Marc Skinner spoke to reporters on Friday morning, ahead of United Women’s WSL clash with Arsenal…

I AM REALLY PROUD

“It’s a strange one that my 100th game rolls around and it’s against Arsenal. I was told at the start of the week. I haven’t kept those metrics. I feel there’s a lot of growth happened in that time. There’s been lots of ups and downs, as you’d imagine, as a manager of 100 games. It’s the first club I’ve achieved 100 games for and I’m really proud of that. I’m really proud. I’m really proud to represent Manchester United.

“I‘m really proud to represent the fans, the players, obviously the club. It’s a big game and regardless it’s a great milestone. But I’ve got to try and win the game on Sunday. That’s what I’m here to do. I want to be successful. I want to be here for another 100 games and to do that we’ve got to win and we’ve got to win games of football and we’ve got to win, win trophies and and keep progressing this team. That’s what I’m here to do. So although it’s a fantastic milestone for me personally, it makes hungrier than I’ve ever been.”

WE’RE LOOKING TO TEST OURSELVES

“Arsenal I know have had a kind of a turbulent time but I’ve watched their performances and there’s been somereally good stuff in there. They’re an excellent team and it will be a measuring stick of where we’re at as well. There is no more [pressure] than usual. We play under pressure almost every game that we play because we want to win games.

“I think Renee Slegers has done a fantastic job. She was there last year with Jonas [Eidevall] as well so she knows that squad inside out. She’s got experience herself as a manager. They’re in good hands and, until they find the manager that they want, they’re in fantastic hands with the coaching staff they’ve got. Our players will want to go and try and win the game as I’m sure Arsenal’s players will as well so hopefully it’s a good game. We’re looking to test ourselves.”

WINNING TROPHIES IS IMPORTANT

“It is hugely important – it’s part and parcel of our DNA and what our club expect of us is to win our first title. We also have to understand the competition we’re against. Every action you make, it has to seep in that you want to win, but also there’s a challenge. I’m sure Chelsea is saying the same. I’m sure Arsenal’s saying the same. I’m sure Manchester City equally. I’m sure Tottenham, Brighton, Villa, Liverpool are all chasing that. So for us I’ve just got to make sure I maintain on trying to stay focused on every single game and then see where we go.”

GOOD OR BAD TIME TO FACE ARSENAL?

“Do you know what? I honestly can only answer that after Sunday. There are things that they’re doing really well. I’m sure you’ve seen it. I think they’re playing well. I’ve seen them play well and they’ve got some fantastic players. It’s a challenge for us. It’s a challenge we’ve got to rise to. I don’t think I’m going to deviate from that conversation until after Sunday. We’re going to try and give it our best to try and win the game and I’m sure Arsenal do the same. So let’s see where we’re at after Sunday. But I think it’ll be a good measuring stick for where we’re at. We’ve started the season fantastically well but we’re going to face a team that could either be wounded and really want to show that or a team that we could hopefully try and take advantage of.”

INJURY UPDATE

“The players are back in today from international duty so we’ll see how they lie. I saw a couple of them this morning, andthey seem in good spirits and it was a good window for usin terms of injury wise as well. Both Melvine Malard and Geyse have been training. They’ve trained with us this week, so both have been cleared to be involved in the squad. They’re both available.”

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