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Manchester United Women lost their first game since before Christmas to Chelsea in the FA Cup.
In spite of a fine effort, they were beaten 2-1 by their old rivals.
Proud
Head coach Marc Skinner spoke to the club’s official website after the game and gave his thoughts on the performance.
Responding to how he felt after the game, he stated, “Proud. Proud. So proud of the players. So proud of all the commitment. We’ve just played back-to-back-to-back games — travel away, travel at home — and to put in that performance epitomises everything we are. It epitomises our fans’ energy, our players’ energy. There’s something special about us, about this team.”
He also claimed that the loss “hurt”, but everyone could see how much the game meant to his players.
Skinner also claimed that the defeat will be useful, as it “will feed us for the next games coming up.”
The manager also added that he feels his side should have had a penalty and that he is hoping his team will get more luck in the upcoming League Cup final against the same opponent.
Skinner also revealed that his team changed shape and strategy during the match to try and take the win, but once again reiterated that it was his team’s effort that pleased him the most.
He claimed his team, “showed real commitment when things are against you and you can still fight. That shows special character. And if you’re at a special team like ours, that’s what you have to build.”
New additions
Comparing both teams, Skinner added that United have had to build more slowly and methodically over the years than Chelsea, but that they are finally getting to a place where they can compete.
He added, “the players we brought in this year have epitomised and galvanised the group and pushed us on to stronger things. We’ll come back from this stronger. We haven’t tasted defeat in a while, so it’s a little shock — but it gives us fresh impetus going into the next games.”
Fans in full voice again
A common theme in recent games has been the size of support that United have brought along to away games, both at home and in Europe.
Speaking on this issue, Skinner explained, “they’re the life force behind us — the golden thread in everything we try to do. Honestly, they mean the world to us.”
Featured image Maja Hitij via Getty Images
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