Manchester United boss Marc Skinner felt that his side missed an opportunity as they recorded a 1-1 draw with Everton at Walton Hall Park yesterday.
Skinner’s side had led early on in the encounter thanks to Ella Toone’s curling effort from the edge of the box but they were pulled back 14 minutes before the end after a defensive mishap at the back led to Simone Magill levelling for Everton.
Skinner was a frustrated figure at full-time and in his post-match press conference in which FAWSL Full-Time were present, he put it down to the sharpness of his side.
“I think we’re getting towards good performances but we need consistency about the performance to impact the result,” he said.
“It’s just little moments where we just lacked that edge, when you’re going into battle with another team you have to stay sharp in every moment, the goal we conceded we won’t be happy with.
“I want to see a fight, a commitment that I know my players have.”
Commenting further on Everton’s goal, Skinner believed that there was a case that the goal shouldn’t have been allowed and he made a call for VAR to be implemented in the women’s game.
He said “I absolutely think so (the goal should have been disallowed), for all the softer fouls that were happening in the game, there definitely was a case but we can’t let it get to that situation.
“I think it helps (VAR) to make sure games are not won or lost on things that are not legal in the game. It is a financial thing and a facility aspect that hopefully we can overcome in the future.”
Manchester United striker Martha Thomas got her first start of the season. She played her part by getting an assist for Toone’s goal. Skinner praised the work ethic of the Scottish international.
“It’s the first time we’ve really had her ready to do something,” Skinner said. “She gives us that presence in the box and is someone who reads the ball when it drops and gets in the right position, she’s seen it 100 times, that’s the experience of having a forward like Martha.”
England international forward Toone continued her good form against Everton with a goal. Skinner was delighted with her performance and promised that there’s more to come from her.
He said “She’s a great player and a great kid. I love her energy and the scary thing for Ella is there’s more to come.”
Manchester United are back in action on Wednesday evening when they host Manchester City in the FA Women’s Continental League Cup at the Leigh Sports Village.
By Matthew Ward
About The Author
