Manchester United Women boss Marc Skinner credited his team’s aggressive pressing as the main reason behind their incredible 3-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday at Leigh Sports Village.
Ella Toone opened the scoring just two minutes in as she collected Elisabeth Terland’s through ball before sweeping it beyond Sophie Baggaley.
Hinata Miyazawa rifled home a second with her left foot nine minutes after Toone’s opener. Celin Bizet would go on to add a third in the second half, nutmegging Maisie Symonds and beating Baggaley from range.
The result saw United move up to second place in the WSL and seven points below table leaders Chelsea.
After the final whistle, Skinner spoke to MUTV and said, “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. 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.”
On the deadly partnership of Terland and Toone, Skinner replied, “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.”
He was also complimentary of Miyazawa, who produced a breathtaking performance.
“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.”
Skinned also stated about Toone, “[She’s] scoring goals and smiling, showing that love for the game. It’s good for football, and it’s good for Ella and Manchester United. She’s playing with freedom, but I want her to keep that – this is her pitch.”
“We got exactly what we wanted – three points and high energy. I wanted us to be a bit more ruthless first half with more goals, but I’m really happy.”
He added, “There were some standout individual performances, but as a collective really good too. We’re a team. We have high competition, and I want players who come in to make a real difference. I want us to keep in this real safe space but also try to push on.”
Skinner and his players are back in action on Sunday when they face Tottenham Hotspur.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
