Monday 27 January 2025 13:33
Marc Skinner highlighted his team’s pressing ability, after Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Leigh Sports Village.
The Reds moved second in the WSL table after claiming the three points, on a weekend where Arsenal were beaten by leaders Chelsea.
Skinner praised our focused and aggressive style when conducting his post-match interview with MUTV.
“We’ve made another team that likes to possess the ball change their style and that’s because of the aggressive nature of the press,” said Skinner. “Also the energy of the players, every single one of them.
“We said before the game, our pre-match talk was that there’s eleven 90 minutes left of the season. That’s it and when you put it like that, it really focuses you in on not giving a second away.”
The Reds took an early lead, with Elisabeth Terland’s hold-up play setting up Ella Toone’s goal, just two minutes into the fixture.
Skinner spoke about the partnership on the pitch between the two attackers.
“Terland’s hold-up play was excellent tonight. It is something we’ve asked her to work on as it’s not always going to be in behind and just her ability to hold and set the ball was excellent.
“Then Toone’s little connections and her space… those little details work.”
Our head coach also gave a special mention to Japan international midfielder Hinata Miyazawa after the win, revealing the squad has given her a new moniker.
“She’s getting the nickname internally ‘Hiniesta’ because she has shown this incredible ability to link forwards and backwards and really grown into the team.
“I’m really proud of her because you know it’s not been easy, she’s having to learn the language but what she does have is universal football language.
“Tonight I thought she was incredible.”
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It was Miyazawa who netted the second goal, doubling United’s lead after just 11 minutes.
With a trip to Tottenham up next, Skinner spoke about what he wants to see from the squad in the final 10 games of the season.
“I want to keep building these performances, keep building these connections,” he added.
“It’s remarkable for a team that have been put together at the start of the season, changed again, young energy. Let’s keep it on and keep moving with it.”
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Monday 27 January 2025 13:33
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