Manchester United boss Marc Skinner expects ’emotionally charged’ match with Liverpool as he pays tribute to Matt Beard | OneFootball

Manchester United Women head coach Marc Skinner says his team are ready for an emotionally charged meeting with Liverpool in the Women’s Super League.

The fixture brings together two of English football’s most famous names in what is always a fiercely contested rivalry.

Skinner believes the best way to honour the memory of former Liverpool head coach Matt Beard is through a strong performance on the pitch and a show of respect from both sides.

What Marc Skinner said ahead of Manchester United’s trip to Liverpool

Liverpool have endured a difficult start to the season and return to WSL action following the devastating news of former head coach Matt Beard’s passing. Skinner expects the encounter at Merseyside to carry a heavy emotional weight for players, staff and supporters alike.

“I think it will be a game that’s charged with emotion,” he said. “It will be a difficult moment for all. I wasn’t at the game the other night but that was almost an interlude to this game and it’s always it’s Liverpool versus Manchester United so it’s a big game anyway but I think it’ll be highly charged with emotion but very respectful I think from both teams.

“I think there will be a respect for the great man and I think the best kind of tribute we can pay to someone like Matt knowing his character is to go and put a fantastic performance in and try and win the game. Because that’s what he always tried to do.

“He always tried to win the game. And regardless of how he did it how he adapted how he evolved he always tried to win the game. I think to pay him a tribute and credit we have to go and do the same.”

Red Devils boss expects Liverpool to turn results around

Skinner also spoke about Liverpool’s style of play under Gareth Taylor, who he has faced many times across Manchester derbies. He praised the structure of Liverpool’s game and the direction in which they are heading.

“They’ve started games really really well,” he said. “We played them pre-season and again they did the same. The way Gaz wants to play in terms of ball possession he prioritises that.

“I think they’ve shown really good signs. You can see some of the things they’re trying to build. Of course I think Gaz would like a few more windows in order to build the team that he wants. But I’ve been impressed with parts of their game.

“They’ve shown moments of fragility and I’d expect that with a team that’s trying something new. But all in all it won’t be long before they turn those results around into what I’m sure Gaz wants a little bit more.”

With emotions running high and both teams eager to show their best, Sunday’s clash promises to be one of the most intense matches of the Women’s Super League season so far.

Skinner hopes his players can channel the atmosphere into a performance that not only secures points but also honours the spirit of competition that Matt Beard embodied. The match offers a chance for Manchester United Women to reinforce their ambitions in the league and underline their growing stature in English football.