Marc Skinner says Manchester United are playing the ‘best football they have ever played’ | OneFootball

(Photo credit: Jayde Chamberlain/SPP.

Marc Skinner believes his Manchester United side are playing better than ever before after an excellent start in the Women’s Super League.

The Red Devils sit just two points behind leaders Chelsea after their opening seven games of the campaign.

United have also made a perfect start to the League Phase of the Women’s Champions League, with victories over Valerenga and SK Brann.

There were concerns at the start of the season over United’s thin squad, after they did not have enough players to fill out the substitutes’ bench in numerous games.

However, Skinner believes his squad are playing at a level better than Manchester United Women has ever seen before.

What did Marc Skinner say about Manchester United’s season so far?

Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner offered a lot of praise to his squad ahead of their upcoming WSL clash with Aston Villa.

In an interview on the club’s YouTube channel, he said: “I think we’re playing better football than we’ve probably ever played.

“We are interacting fluidly, every player is coming in and doing their part. That’s really important, especially in these next two blocks of games, before the international break and afterwards, where everybody will play their part.

“I think I am going to ask them to show their responsibility to each other during those moments where it is their time to shine, go and take the limelight and do your job to the best of your ability.”

He added: “When it’s tough and it’s heavy, it can sometimes weigh on you. But the players are looking forward to each game.

“They are each playing their part in different games with their different skillsets. You can sense the excitement of what’s to come ahead.

“I think we are in a really good space and I’m going to keep asking them to show it. We have many great challenges coming up, starting with (Aston) Villa.

What do the WSL stats say about Manchester United?

Manchester United have been the most effective attacking team in the Women’s Super League, scoring more WSL goals than any other side (19).

Melvine Malard leads the Golden Boot race with five goals, just one more than teammate and summer signing Jess Park. Ella Toone, meanwhile, leads the assist charts with five, contributing to more WSL goals than any other player in the league with seven.

A major part of their success is how they have outperformed their expectations in front of the goal.

Melvine Malard has been ruthless in front of goal this season (Jayde Chamberlain/ SPP)

United’s 19 goals come from an xG of just 13.2, a difference of 5.8. This is better than the next-best overachieving teams, which are Everton (10 goals from an xG of 6.1) and Arsenal (17 goals from an xG of 13.4).

The Red Devils are also dominating games with an average possession of 56.3 per cent, behind Arsenal (60.8) and Chelsea (57.6)

United’s 17 points after seven games is their second-best start ever to a Women’s Super League campaign. The Red Devils took 18 points from their first seven games in 2022-23.

However, it should be noted that United are balancing the WSL with their first-ever season in the main phase of the Women’s Champions League. Skinner’s side have won their opening two games of the League Phase of the Champions League.

What’s next for Manchester United?

Manchester United have a tough run of fixtures between now and the international break, starting with their clash against Aston Villa on Saturday at midday.

The Red Devils then host Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday, before facing rivals Man City in the Manchester Derby on Saturday, November 15th.

United then face a further Champions League tie with VfL Wolfsburg on November 19th, before the international break.