It was arguably Manchester United’s biggest result on Sunday, a 1-0 victory over an Arsenal side who hadn’t dropped a point all season, which ultimately takes The Red Devils top of the table.
United’s 2-0 win over Manchester City last season in the FA Women’s Continental League Cup might have had more personal significance, but the result at the weekend could have a major influence upon the club’s place in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League food chain.
As usual, manager Casey Stoney was keen to keep both hers and team’s feet on the ground after the match, the United boss told FA Women’s Super League Full-Time “It’s a very long season and it’s one win. Yes, it’s a big win for us and obviously beating Arsenal is important in turning those margins round that we were victims to last year but it’s one game.
“Now it’s about recovering again for next weekend.”
Following the victory, United are now seen as genuine title contenders in the eyes of many but for Stoney the picture is still the same from the start of the season.
She went on to add “I think our aims haven’t changed in terms of trying to be in and around that top three and staying in there for as long as possible to give us a chance to qualify for the Champions League. That hasn’t changed just because we’ve won.”
One thing that has changed is certainly the result itself. Last season, Manchester United lost 1-0 against at The Leigh Sports Village but in this instance the roles have reversed. So, what does the manager credit with the change in fortune this time around?
“We took our chance” Stoney said bluntly. “We created quite a lot of chances today and I think our mentality has shifted.
“We went after Arsenal today, out of possession we pressed them, went after them.
“We tried to get our high press on, tried to stop their game getting rhythm and flowing.
“My players were outstanding today. They executed the game plan brilliantly.”
Much has been made of the big signings that United brought in over the summer, however, it was two of their founding players, Jess Sigsworth and Ella Toone, who linked up for the winning goal. Thus showing that, even away from their FIFA Women’s World Cup winners, United have players who can step up to the big occasion.
“Yes, we’ve sprinkled a little bit more quality, but we haven’t lost the heart of what we do” Stoney stated. “You think about Ella for instance, she came through the RTC so to be able to bring her back here, someone who knows the traditions, knows the values, knows what it means to play for Manchester United and then for her to be performing like she is, it’s really good for the club and it’s fantastic for her.”
Toone was on the fringes of the squad last season but now finds herself United’s joint-top scorer and virtually undroppable. Speaking about the player’s form, Stoney said “The only credit goes to her. Physically she struggled sometimes in games but she’s an intelligent player.
“She picks up spaces, she knows how to play the game but physically she was a little bit short.
“She used lockdown really well. She looks strong and she’s come back and given me no choice but to put her in week in, week out.”
Toone’s performances have helped United reach the dizzy heights of the top of the table and Stoney added “Obviously, it’s nice to be there but I’ve got to be honest, I don’t look at it at the moment.
I just look to the next game and how we can get three points because you want to be there in May, being there in November doesn’t really mean a lot.”
May is very much still a long way away and much could happen between now and then, so perhaps Stoney is correct to remain focused on the job in hand and not to get ahead of herself too early. However, if they claim all three points in the Manchester derby next Saturday, maybe even Stoney can afford to let herself dream, just a little.
About The Author
