Marc Skinner: Manchester United can still secure European qualification despite loss in derby match.

MANCHESTER — Marc Skinner reiterated his conviction that Manchester United can still secure a position in European competitions following a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Women’s Super League [WSL] and emphasized that the “team is giving everything they can.”

United approached this pivotal match at Old Trafford after suffering a 3-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal.

Facing challenges due to limited squad depth, the home side had only five outfield substitutes available, three of whom were 18 years old or younger.

“I’m not disappointed with any of the players, I’m disappointed with the result,” he stated during a news conference after the match. “It’s a tough result, but the players are putting in maximum effort.”

“We’re constrained [in terms of squad availability] due to the number of games we’ve played. I believe the players are giving everything they have. We’re making typical mistakes as a result of mental fatigue.”

United are without eight key players — six due to injuries, Julia Zigiotti Olme was suspended, and Celin Bizet has been unavailable since the first half of the season due to pregnancy.

Skinner expressed hope that Elisabeth Terland would return for the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday as she is dealing with Achilles tendinopathy. He noted that the injuries affecting his squad stem from overuse due to the additional matches in European competition.

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“The more fatigued you are, the less likely you are to maintain the correct body shape to execute the right play, which can create the impression that they are hiding, but that’s not the case. They simply react a moment later, and suddenly you’re not spaced out enough to see the option to advance, and fatigue sets in,” he explained.

“The team is giving absolutely everything they can. It is evident to me that with the right investment in the appropriate areas, we can meet those expectations,” he added.

The outcome could result in Manchester United dropping from second to fourth if Arsenal and Chelsea secure victories in their matches. Having already exited the FA Cup and lost the League Cup final 2-0 to Chelsea, United’s chances of maintaining their European position may hinge on the final matchday when they face Chelsea.

“It’s a challenging finish. It is what it is. I’m never concerned,” he remarked regarding the possibility of finishing outside of European qualification.

“I know what this team is capable of. Even on Wednesday, I know what they will deliver. We just need to find the right strategies in the game to limit the opponents. We allowed them space in the box for headers. These are issues we need to address. With the closing matches, we must secure victories.”

Manchester City on verge of title

Opposing manager Andree Jeglertz was in a more positive mood following the comfortable victory.

“The weather wasn’t favorable, I must say,” he commented. “The first half — I can’t say it was the best half — but it was one of the best we’ve played this season.

“Just observing the players’ capabilities in this type of match, here and with that confidence, playing with such strong belief, is truly remarkable to witness and be part of. I definitely enjoyed that. It was a fantastic game,” he added.

City now holds an 11-point lead at the top of the table and could clinch their first WSL title in ten years in their next league match against Brighton (after the international break).

Despite their advantage, Jeglertz was cautious in his evaluation of the final three matches of the season and commended his team for managing the pressure of being potential champions.

“Anything can still happen in the remaining three games, and we need to continue performing, but I don’t foresee the pressure being overwhelming because we are very transparent about it,” he stated. “The players have been excellent at handling it.

“I have great faith in my group of players; regardless of the opponent, if we play with this confidence, many teams will find it difficult to compete against us.

“Winning a match is one thing, but winning in the manner we do — by making a statement, I believe — instills confidence.”