Manchester United manager Marc Skinner has stressed the importance of investing in top-quality players and strengthening squad depth after his side secured Champions League qualification with a 2-2 draw against Manchester City.
United came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against City on Sunday afternoon. What made it even sweeter was that the result secured their Champions League spot at the expense of their cross-town rivals.
City raced into a 2-0 lead thanks to first-half goals from Laia Aleixandri and Rebecca Knaak. However, a bullet header from Grace Clinton and Melvine Malard’s cool finish ensured the spoils were shared at Old Trafford, despite the hosts going a man down after Aoife Mannion was given her marching orders in the 69th minute for two bookable offences.
After the final whistle, Skinner spoke to reporters and emphasised the need to reinforce the ranks in a bid to be competitive in the Champions League next term.
He said [as quoted by The Telegraph], “We have to recruit for the Champions League. We have to do that as a club.”
“We have to recruit well this summer. We have to set our target to qualify for the Champions League now which is going to require recruitment to the highest level.”
Skinner also credited the fans for helping the team get over the line.
“I felt that if we didn’t have [the fans], the last five minutes would probably have been a different story. The roar of the fans, I know it physically moved my team. I think they were the difference between us getting a point or not qualifying for the Champions League today.”
“Huge mention to them, incredible turnout and I want that continued growth because we’re the biggest club in the world from that perspective.”
Skinner gave an injury update on Jayde Riviere, who was forced off in the first half with an injury.
“She’s obviously crucial to us. I think she rolled her ankle in the tackle. I just saw her on the treatment bed getting it strapped, so there’s no [protective] boot or anything, and she was in great spirits talking about the Champions League.”
“Hopefully she’ll be okay, we’ll assess her this week and try and get her ready for either Arsenal or Chelsea.”
Skinner explained that Mannion’s red card should not take away from the fact that she was crucial in securing the draw.
“When a player gets sent off they might feel like they’ve let the team down. But I didn’t think she did at all. She was excellent and two yellow cards is because she was competitive in the game.”
The 42-year-old was also full of praise for Dominique Janssen, who capably filled in at right-back in the final stages of the game.
Skinner noted that Janssen willingly shouldered the responsibility of assuming a largely unfamiliar position to help her teammates.
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
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!
