Despite already being knocked out of the competition due to results elsewhere, Manchester United’s final test of 2022 is an FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup clash with Barclays Women’s Championship side Sheffield United at the Leigh Sports Village.
With nothing to play for, the game will act as a perfect confidence booster for Marc Skinner’s side heading into the Christmas break and it allows more rotation, along with the chance to bring some youth players into the matchday squad.
When speaking in the pre-match press conference, Skinner provided some hints about his potential squad selection.
“We’ve rotated in this cup before and I may look at bringing some of the youth players in to birth them in our team and give them an opportunity,” Skinner said. “I’ve got a lot of players that are waiting to play anyway but that might be an option.
“Alyssa Aherne is one of those youth players that will definitely be in contention. She’s been very good all year and she had a little knock but has come back and trained with the first team and I thought she was excellent, so she’s definitely one that I’ll be looking at giving exposure to if we decide to do that.
“Jess Simpson as well; if she wasn’t injured she would’ve been one as well and Safia Middleton-Patel. Ella Kinzett has also been doing well and Keira Barry, so there’s a lot that have been doing well that are fitting that next mould that we will be looking at coming into the New Year.”
Despite this fixture ultimately being a dead rubber affair, for Skinner’s side, it’ll be a great indicator going into the New Year and also something for the Manchester United boss to reflect on during his short Christmas break.
He said “This is a big indicator for us. It’s a game that has no consequence in terms of qualification, but it has all the consequence in terms of attitude. Regardless of whether we can progress, for future success we have to put all our energy into putting on a really good performance and making sure we show professionalism in every moment we get on the field.
“For us, every game is a must-win and regardless of what Sheffield United have done, I don’t need to look at what they have or haven’t done when they come and play against us. I’m sure they will put their best efforts forward because they will want to finish the year on a high.”
Manchester United come into this game off the back of a 1-1 draw with rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last weekend and Skinner expects no difference in his side’s attitude and approach to their latest fixture.
“For us, it’s about our mentality, how we want to approach games and our choices,” Skinner said. “For us, in this game, we choose to put all our energy into it and give absolutely everything.
“These players, whether they’re fighting for three points or not, they’re fighting to try and get into a competitive team, so it’s really important that they put that out on the field and show us everything they’ve got so that it makes it really difficult for me to select the teams coming into the New Year.”
The FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup fixture between Manchester United and Sheffield United kicks-off at 12pm. Tickets remain available and can be purchased by clicking here.
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