Marc Skinner remains bullish over Champions League qualification despite first leg loss to Brann | OneFootball

Marc Skinner is confident Manchester United will qualify for the Champions League proper despite defeat in qualifying

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner remains as confident as ever in his team despite losing to Brann in their Champions League qualifier first leg.

United return to Leigh Sports Village next week with a 1-0 deficit to overturn from the first leg in Norway.

Marc Skinner confident on qualification

Manchester United were below par against Brann on Thursday night and they now face an uphill battle in the Champions League after their surprise defeat.

However United boss Marc Skinner is confident in his team and he was quick to remind the opposition that there is still 90 minutes left to play.

“We were the better team but we didn’t win the game.” Skinner said. “We lose from a set-piece which is something we’ve got to be more aggressive [with] in the box, and attack.

“When we’ve created chances we’ve not been clinical enough but let’s be clear on this, it’s half-time. Brann are celebrating like they’ve already won the tie – so let’s see when they come back to Leigh.”

Despite their loss in the first leg, United remain marginal favourites to qualify according to betting sites.

Was loss to Brann only a minor setback?

United have been good to start this season and Brann’s goal was the first they have conceded in three games so far since domestic football returned.

Skinner has called on United fans to get behind the team now ahead of a crucial second leg next week.

“We need to fill it [Leigh Sports Village], let’s get this energy. We need to get our Manchester energy against an opponent in Europe because that’s going to be needed.

“We’ll have to be at our very best of course but come and fill the seats. Come and get right behind us and let’s get through to Europe together.”

In their last European qualifier at home United just edged past Hammarby 1-0.

Next Thursday the Red Devils will need more out of the game than just one goal but Skinner’s confidence in his team certainly isn’t misplaced.