Skinner: We’re letting Park off the chain

Sunday 14 September 2025 15:33

Marc Skinner praised the impact that summer signing Jess Park had on her full WSL debut for Manchester United, scoring and assisting in Sunday’s 5-1 win over London City Lionesses.

Park arrived from Manchester City at the end of the transfer window and has quickly become a key component of Skinner’s ambitious team.

Having started Thursday’s Champions League first leg against Brann, the England international was named in the XI for the first time in a league match for our trip to south east London, shining as the Reds made it two wins from two to top the table.

Park lined up on the right wing once more and Skinner was impressed with her positioning and the consistency of the threat she offered.

“She gave their left-back a lot of headaches because of the pockets she picked up, and I felt that the goal was just an incredible quality that I think we can unlock in her,” Skinner told Sky Sports.

Park set up United’s third goal for Melvine Malard by driving towards the London City box and cleverly laying the ball off at the precise moment. Her own strike later on saw similar ball-carrying from midfield, before cutting inside and finding the top corner from the edge of the box.

Skinner is hopeful tapping into that can be a huge asset for United moving forward.

“I think that maybe sometimes she’s been a little bit on the chain and we’re letting her off it to be able to create moments,” he said.

Malard’s two goals, scored in quick succession early in the second half, killed the game in United’s favour and moved her onto four for the season – matching her WSL tally from 2024/25 already.

“She’s been in great form, really, really good,” Skinner reflected on our no.9’s performance. “More importantly, I think the now that she’s settled and we’ve got the best of her, she can be fluid across the front line, she’s a handful.

“I still think she could have been in position to score a hat-trick today, so I’m going to tell her about that,” the boss added with a cheeky smile. “But [I’m] really proud of the way she started the season.”

Skinner was not able to offer an update on Millie Turner, who left the pitch on a stretcher and was later seen with crutches at the end of the game.

“We’ll wait and see,” the boss said. “I don’t know what it is yet. Obviously, we’ll update people as we know, but Millie’s in the best hands, and we’ll make sure she’s looked after regardless.”