Marc Skinner lauds traveling support: “You need them in moments” | OneFootball

Manchester United beat Brighton 3-2 away at the Broadfield Stadium on Sunday afternoon. United head coach Marc Skinner reflected on the win, praising his side’s commitment whilst ruminating on defensive errors.

The thorough test against Brighton “huge” for United

Last season, Manchester United were known for having a defence that was difficult to best, as goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce shared the golden glove with Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton. The Red Devils have continued that trend this season, only conceding three goals in their opening seven games.

There was an uncharacteristic sloppiness at times against Brighton, with the occasional lapse in concentration or miscommunication at the back. The home side scored two goals against United, the first time they have conceded more than one goal in a competitive game since May’s FA Cup final.

“They scored two goals where I’m a little bit like – that’s a bit on us,” Skinner reflected, rationalising that there is always fatigue following an international break, which see players spend a lot of time traveling.

“The reality is, Phallon [Tullis-Joyce] landed Friday morning. So you know, they’ve been around the world, they’ve had different import tactically and we come bring them together, it’s going to be a bit bitty,” he said, surmising that: “I think it’s just after the international break, it becomes a little more difficult.”

Defensively sound, it has been rare for United to be tested so comprehensively – there were moments when it seemed like only a matter of time before Brighton got the equaliser. Skinner was pleased with the commitment his team showed to get the win, seeing out a tough game against a physical opponent: “It’s been quite plain sailing. I think to have that little test and come through it is important – it’s huge for us.”

The importance of rotation

Skinner added that his substitutions were an effort to protect his players following a punishing calendar: “I said to them before the match that I want to use five subs today. Nothing disrespectful – just because people have travelled a lot,” he said, adding that “Mel [Malard] looked a little bit tired, she played the last game against Germany. It was just freshness.”

England’s Ella Toone was also withdrawn relatively early, which Skinner explained was for similar reasons: “Tooney had a really busy international week, so I brought her off. It’s just part and parcel of being a really high-level player and Jess [Park] was fresher because she hadn’t gone away.”

The duo have been in electric form for United, combining well to create many of the side’s chances. According to their head coach, the magic to their link-up is in the details, saying of Park’s second-half goal: “Tooney turns and rolls it just so that Jess can run onto it and finish it.”

Blundell’s return “a really proud moment”

Hannah Blundell continued her return following maternity leave; Skinner highlighted her substitution as one of the brighter parts of the day. “Welcoming her back to the team after a long time out – she’s brought a wonderful life into the world and so it’s a really proud moment for her,” he said.

Another substitute – Norwegian Lisa Naalsund – scored United’s third goal, and Skinner made sure to recognise her impact: “A little credit to Lisa today because she’s been doing work on that type of finishing this week. So for her to run onto the ball and hit it cleanly, she has a great strike. I want a few more from her if we can get them.”

Skinner ended the conference by applauding the effort of United’s traveling fans who made the 230-mile trip down to Crawley for the game. “You saw the ends today, they were incredible,” he said, emphasising that “you need them in moments and I thought hey, that’s a game for them and for Hannah and her family today.”