‘History makers’ Man Utd on next steps needed for Europe’s elite

Manchester United, who only reformed their women’s team in 2018, finished third in the Women’s Super League (WSL) last season to reach the Champions League qualifying stage, where they fell in 2023 with defeat by Paris St-Germain.

Their qualifying opponents this year – PSV, Hammarby and Brann – were considered easier opposition, but United still had to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg in the third qualifying round against Norwegian side Brann.

They join WSL champions Chelsea and European winners Arsenal in the main draw on Friday (11:00 BST) – but Skinner hopes nobody will want to face United.

“We won’t be seeded so if you’re the team playing against us, hopefully you think ‘hmm, that’s tricky for us’,” he added.

“I just think it was now or never [to get into the main draw]. We needed to do it. I felt we had the quality.

“It’s something I want to experience. I want to challenge in the European competition against the best teams.”

United have so far managed their busy schedule well, winning their two opening WSL games and progressing from four qualifying matches in Europe.

Skinner hopes his experience of travelling long distances while managing in the United States, and the addition of Sweden duo Fridolina Rolfo and Julia Zigiotti, will help them navigate the challenges of playing in the Champions League.

Rolfo, in particular, won two European titles with Barcelona and played in a further three Champions League finals before joining United in August.

But despite adding quality, Skinner insists United will need to shop again in January to go far in the competition.

“It’s a totally different challenge but one we’re looking forward to. We have the players who have that experience, as we added that,” said Skinner.

“We need a bigger squad, there is no doubt about that. But I can’t do anything about it now. The players are embracing it.

“I’m going to stress – in the winter window we need to strengthen the squad.”