Skinner praises Man Utd as they overcome controversial red card in Champions League | OneFootball

Manchester United Women manager Marc Skinner has praised his side after they overcame a controversial red card decision in the Champions League.

The Reds travelled to the Spanish capital to face Atletico Madrid in their second ever Women’s Champions League fixture.

United took the lead midway through the first half courtesy of a Fridolina Rolfo volley. However the Reds were forced to sit back after Dominique Janssen was harshly shown a straight red card shortly before half-time. Ella Toone, who assisted the opener, and striker Elisabeth Terland were sacrificed at the break, as Skinner reshuffled his side into a more defensive setup.

“We had to defend for our lives in the second half,” United’s boss admitted. “I felt we started the game really well and should have scored a couple of goals.”

The more shrewd approach paid off for the Reds. They hung on to their lead, recording their second 1-0 win from two matches in the Champions League. A late Atletico Madrid red card evened the sides and United continued their strong start on their debut campaign in the competition.

Skinner continued: “Overall, I think it showed tremendous character as a team to withstand Atleti’s attack in the second half. I’m really, really proud of the players.”

United are the only team in the competition that are yet to concede a goal. Skinner explained: “I think Atleti are a very good team, so in order to stop them, we need to be excellent at keeping clean sheets.

“We’re very, very good at defending. We knew it would be difficult for them, and we thought we could catch them on the counter.”

It was not a vintage win for the Reds who scored with their only shot on target of the contest. However a victory in the Champions League is always valuable, especially away from home.

“I really love it. I think today showed that the quality of the opponents is excellent. And now, winning games in every stage of the league is obviously great.”