Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner says that he is expecting a big reaction from Everton this afternoon.
The Red Devils travel to Walton Hall Park to contest their second match of the season. It was a very different opening day for both sides with Manchester United defeating West Ham United 3-0 at Old Trafford and Everton going down 4-0 at Brighton & Hove Albion.
When speaking in the pre-match press conference, Manchester United boss Skinner said that he expects a big reaction from Everton following the Merseyside club’s opening day defeat.
“I have always admired how Brian’s [Sørensen] teams build in the first phase because they try and draw you into traps to be able to spring those traps,” Skinner said when discussing Everton’s playing style. “It’s about when to jump those and when to be patient. It’s not always about having the ball in these games, it’s about utilising the space when you get it and how you use it.
“I’d expect a big reaction from Everton. When I watched the game [against Brighton], I actually felt that for large parts, they were in the game. They maybe could have had a penalty before Brighton got theirs. There were factors that affected them but I’d expect them to come out and give absolutely everything as they always do.
“Tough game, we need to prepare for their unique build styles but also, try and hurt them in the ways that we can.”
Manchester United will experience very different surroundings at Walton Hall Park compared to Old Trafford eight days’ ago. Skinner says that some minor adjustments will need to be made and that the fans can play a big part.
He said “You do have to adjust. When you have a tight ground like that, you have no vantage points. At Old Trafford, you can get your staff in vantage points and look at tactical innovation but when you’re at pitchside level, it’s more difficult to see. We have to find a strategy around that.
“What I love at Walton Hall Park is that the Manchester United end just seems to get bigger and bigger. The fans literally end up being around by the dugout and around the other side. I’m hoping that continues because that support is vital for us.
“Everton can make it a real fortress with it being that tight-knit ground. The pitch is beautiful as it always has been, so it should be good to play on.
“There are different challenges but the reality is as a professional footballer, you have to get them out of your brain and just play what is in-front of you. Use the pitch, use the fans and try and put our game on Everton as best we can.”
Former Everton defender Gabby George could feature for Manchester United. She missed most of last season with an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury but Skinner is now expecting the player to play a key role for his side this year.
He said “Gabby will be huge for us. She can play left side, centre-half, build with a three, play left wing-back or left-back. She will have a real key part this season and I’m pleased that she’s back. She’s a fantastic character and a real leader in the group.”
Manchester United’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture at Everton kicks-off at 2pm.
