‘This season is about learning from the things we didn’t like last term’, says Man United boss Marc Skinner
MARC SKINNER reckons the ‘metaphoric punch in the face’ of Manchester United’s fourth place finish last term is fuelling their title push.
The Red Devils are three points clear at the summit before their clash with Tottenham later having exceeded last season’s points total.
An FA Cup final clash with Chelsea awaits the WSL leaders next Sunday, with the team eyeing a first-ever major-trophy Double.
However, they face a serious challenge from Manchester City, Arsenal and the Blues, with Emma Hayes’ side just four points behind with two games in hand.
On what has spurred Man United’s push, boss Skinner said: “I think metaphorically being punched in the face last year and the year before.
“It hurts when you don’t win and it hurts when you let yourself down.
“This season it’s about learning from all the things that we didn’t like and how you don’t want to feel that way again.
“We’re all human and we all feel like that.
“What I believe about the squad this time is whether we win, lose or draw, as long as we’ve given everything then I think we can be proud of ourselves.”
Meanwhile Tottenham are set to host their first-ever WSL and Premier League double-header on May 20.
Vicky Jepson’s side face relegation-threatened rivals Reading in the WSL at 4.15pm,
The match will take place after Ryan Mason’s European hopefuls’ clash with Brentford earlier that day.
Mason said: “I think it’s great for women’s football.
“The national team have done this country very proud and they’ve helped grow the game.
“If we can help contribute to that as well, then it’s great.
“We want to do that because it’s important for this country and it’s important for women’s football.”
Spurs have also been given a fitness boost with midfielder Ramona Petzelberger’s return from injury.
And striker Bethany England is rested and recovered after feeling poorly ahead of their 2-2 draw against Brighton last time out.
Interim gaffer Jepson said: “Beth wasn’t feeling 100 per cent going into the Brighton game.
“After she scored that second goal, she said to me she felt a little bit sick, so health comes first.
“We got her off to rest and recover and made the changes that we had to. Beth’s in a good place.”