‘My players were ready for the fight’ – Skinner proud of Man United after Arsenal draw

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner says he was proud with how his side performed after going down to ten-players as they held Arsenal to a goalless draw.

In the first match of WSL after the winter break, the Gunners failed to break down a stubborn United side, who were reduced to ten-players after Jayde Riviere’s second half sending off.

The draw leaves United in fourth, one point behind Renee Slegers’ Arsenal and eight points behind leaders Manchester City, having played a game more.

Whilst agreeing with the referee’s decision to send off Riviere, Skinner was happy with how his players conducted themselves afterwards to halt Arsenal countless attacks.

“Once we go down to 10 players it becomes a challenge and a fight, and my players were ready for the fight,” Skinner said.

“Can’t argue with the referee’s decision making, she [Jayde Riviere] put herself in the position where the referee can make a decision. Regardless of how hard or soft I thought it was, we can’t put ourselves in that position.

“You’ve got to be prepared that Arsenal want that counter-attack, you have to be aware. We had to be defensively solid, collective and then counter which is natural in that situation [with 10 players].

“We started the game really well, hit the bar and then let Arsenal get rhythm, we were the downfall of ourselves, and then second half we should have been more dominant, we made the changes and didn’t get the chance to use them.

“A point away at the Emirates is OK for this one, especially down to 10 players.”

United face Burnley in the Women’s FA Cup next weekend, before returning to WSL action against Aston Villa in two weeks time.