Manchester United host local rivals City on Sunday at Old Trafford in the first Women’s Super League derby of the season.
While the fan base and media rustle up a big hoo-ha ahead of game day, United boss Marc Skinner said not much has changed in the dressing room. He said: “They [the players] understand the magnitude of the game but also what I love about this team is that now, it's not become a big moment.
“Two years ago for sure it would’ve been almost a distraction, actually at this point in time it's about focus and getting down to business, because they know if they don't go on that pitch and perform then it's not worth it for us. But actually, when we perform we can beat anybody. We know that, regardless of how good Manchester City are, we know we can beat anybody.
“It’s about maturity, and our players are mature and I'm happy to see it.”
For several players in Skinner’s squad, it’s their first taste of a top-tier derby on English soil, Skinner continued: “The players that we signed this year are used to big occasions, they thrive in those environments. And the bigger we make these environments the more players grow. And that's the difference now, we’re adding players that grow in difficult circumstances, there are also people born from resilience.
“I’m looking forward to seeing who rises on Sunday.”
Last season saw United get their first-ever win over City in the top tier in dramatic stoppage-time style that United know only too well. The game ended in a 2-1 victory at Leigh Sports Village courtesy of Hayley Ladd and Martha Thomas. However, this time round Skinner has an abundance of new players at his fingertips who look to be gelling well having netted 17 goals in six league games, compared to City’s goal tally of 10.
United are unbeaten in their 2023/24 campaign thus far and sit third in the league rankings, while City are sixth on 10 points, two behind rivals United and six behind league leaders Chelsea. City's Khiara Keating has the most clean sheets in the WSL so far, with three out of six games.
“There's pressure on Manchester City, there's pressure on Manchester United. We’ve got the home crowd and we’ve got pressure on ourselves. We want to win every game, whether it be against an excellent team like Manchester City or a team maybe not be in great form - it doesn't matter to us, we want to win.
“But there's a pressure cauldron for everyone and it’s about who's going to deal with it better on the day,” added Skinner.
Manchester United will host Manchester City at the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday, November 19 with a kick-off time of 4:30 pm available to watch via Sky Sports.
